Sarah Hartman and team in Nairobi
Dear Alight Community,
Today, I’m reflecting back to a moment a few years ago, sitting in a room with refugee leaders of community-based organizations here in Nairobi. We were talking about what mattered in life, what was most important. And what they talked about more than anything else was the importance of love.
On this World Refugee Day, we recognize the abundance, depth, and resilience of people journeying through the lived experience of displacement.
Somaliland
In a world that is seeing the highest numbers of displacement on record—120 million people around the world driven from their homes—we can get lost in the overwhelming statistics. But each one of those numbers represents a story, a journey, a life worthy of dignity and love. Each one deserves to be truly seen. Right now, the world is experiencing crushing pain and scarcity. We hold that truth and carry that weight together, not alone. And in the same breath, we choose to see and honor the depth of abundance each of those people hold, and the abundance within each of us.
Today, I’m thinking of our colleagues and friends in Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Horn of Africa, who are confronted with the daily realities of conflict yet still shining their light. I’m thinking of the woman bravely beginning something new to bring opportunity to her children. I’m thinking of the family unsure of their next step, finding moments for smiles, laughter, and dance. I’m thinking of those of you who find yourselves on this long, arduous journey of displacement.
Thailand
I invite you to lean into the complexity and vulnerability on this World Refugee Day—to acknowledge the difficult, and to embrace the abundance each refugee carries with them. Let’s ask ourselves:
How might we recognize and honor someone’s past, present, and future?
How might we bring more empathy and dignity into our work?
How might we truly see someone today?
Thank you for holding space for refugees today and every day.
Sarah Hartman
Chief Operating & Experience Officer
Sarah Hartman, Alight Chief Operating and Experience Officer, is based in Nairobi, Kenya and responsible for Alight’s global programs serving displaced people. 'Be Human-Centered' is the Alight value Sarah holds most dear… and why she relocated her role from the U.S. to Africa and nearer the majority of Alight’s 4 million customers.
Rwanda
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