After an extensive search, Upwardly Global is thrilled to introduce Jina Krause-Vilmar as its new Chief Executive Officer. Jina joins Upwardly Global after over a decade in leading non-profits for refugee economic advancement. Her most recent role is Director of Economic Inclusion and Gender for HIAS, a refugee agency working in the U.S. and abroad. She brings 15 years of experience and has held senior leadership positions at the Near East Foundation and Women’s Refugee Commission.
Jina has advised United Nations’ agencies, donor governments, and the U.S. government on investments for refugees’ economic inclusion. She is also a committed spokesperson on issues relating to refugees’ and women’s rights. Jina co-chaired, alongside UN Women, an international network of agencies to empower women and girls.
As the child of immigrants who came to the U.S. from India, Jina has a personal connection to UpGlo’s mission. She grew up in Houston, Texas, and now lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children.
She earned a master’s degree in comparative politics at the London School of Economics and a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin.
UpGlo’s CEO Search Committee of the board focused on identifying a candidate who would lead the organization into a new era–and towards a future that ensures that wherever an immigrant or refugee settles in this country, they have the access and opportunity to build a sustainable, fulfilling career and to truly become part of the fabric of American life.
In Jina we have found a leader who shares our commitment to the economic integration of immigrants and refugees, with a demonstrated track record of bringing a vision to life. She succeeds our former CEO, Nikki Cicerani, who currently serves on our Board.
We are excited for UpGlo’s next chapter, and thank you for being part of our community.