Restoring Dignity Staff
Hannah Vlach, Founder and Executive Director
Hannah Vlach is a native of Omaha, and graduated from the Social Work program at Creighton University (BSW ’09) and obtained her Master of Arts in Communication at Johns Hopkins University (MA, ’25). Hannah began volunteering within Omaha’s refugee community while in high school at the age of 16. In 2012, Hannah started the non-profit Restoring Dignity as a volunteer-run charity, with a mission of bringing household items and furniture to refugee families in significant need. In 2018, Restoring Dignity incorporated as a non-profit and received official IRS 501(c)3 status a few months later, and Hannah became the organization’s first Executive Director. Since 2018, she has expanded the organization in all directions, taking it from a charity that did occasional home-makeovers, to an organization that provides quality supportive services to Omaha’s refugee community. Since becoming Executive Director, Restoring Dignity has served over 33,000 refugees in the Omaha area.
In her 16 total years of working with the refugee community in Omaha, Hannah has witnessed many families living in deplorable and inhumane housing conditions. In 2019, Hannah was part of a group of housing advocates who fought against substandard housing. Through this effort, mandatory rental inspections were successfully passed via Omaha’s City Council. Since the passage of that ordinance, over 90,000 rental units have been registered with the city and inspections have started as of this year. These inspections ensure that tenants are not living with dangerous gas leaks or life threatening electrical issues, among other serious concerns. Hannah also regularly testifies at the Nebraska State Legislature in support of housing justice bills.
At the beginning of 2022, Hannah and the Restoring Dignity team were tasked with building Omaha’s first furniture bank, in partnership with The Furniture Project. Over the course of nine months, she led her team to build out the infrastructure that is now a fully functioning 18,000 square foot furniture bank. This key piece of infrastructure is a critical need in Omaha, and it has been the honor of her life being involved in building this resource that will continue to support families in need for decades. In the next phase of her life, her focus is on improving housing conditions, particularly for the refugee community. Hannah believes that as a community we must stand up and create affordable housing solutions that also respect the inherent dignity of the people living there. Outside of Restoring Dignity, Hannah’s hobbies include playing guitar, piano and writing songs (album dropping soon!), taking care of houseplants, walking and running while listening to music and bike riding with her fiancé and teenage children. To read more about how Restoring Dignity got started, click here.
“We are able to tackle real problems and find tangible solutions that lessen unnecessary suffering among resettled families.”
-Hannah Vlach
Paw Bway Htoo, Welcome Home Program Director
Born in a refugee camp in Thailand and resettled to the United States at the age of fourteen, Paw Bway Htoo has transformed her lived experience into a powerful career of service and leadership. She is the co-founding architect of Restoring Dignity’s Welcome Home Program, which she has grown from its beginnings in 2019 into one of the largest refugee-centered housing education programs in the country. Under her leadership, the program has delivered more than 7,000 in-home classes, reaching over 15,000 individuals and distributing more than 80,000 essential safety and maintenance items to refugee families: including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, cleaning products, and home maintenance kits.
Paw Bway manages a team of 10 part-time educators and regularly represents Restoring Dignity through public speaking, advocacy, and community partnerships. A respected leader in the Karen community in Omaha, she has been recognized for her extraordinary contributions, including being named one of the Extraordinary and Powerful Women of 2022 by the Karen Society of Nebraska.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master’s in Public Health from Concordia University. Her proudest accomplishments include being the first in her family to graduate from college, earning her graduate degree while working full-time, and raising her daughters. Paw Bway brings vision, resilience, and cultural leadership to her work, helping thousands of refugee families establish safe, dignified homes in Omaha.
“This organization has a heart for refugees. Everyone on the team genuinely cares about refugees and wants them to be respected and treated with dignity, even if they don’t speak English or don’t know their rights here. Everyone tries to provide refugees with a quality of life by providing education and resources.”
-Paw Bway Htoo
Sumiran Diyali Kochari, Nepali Speaking Family Educator
Sumiran Diyali Kochari was born in Bhutan and later moved and studied in both Nepal and India. She received her Bachelor’s in Humanities in 2009. While in India, she worked as a missionary and headmistresses at a school for three years. Sumiran was resettled to the USA in 2017. She speaks six languages, including English: Nepali, Hindi, Assamese, Nagamese and Bengali. Sumiran loves music and is an internationally famous singer in the Nepali community (check out her amazing music on YouTube!). Her greatest accomplishments are: starting a restaurant, obtaining a good, full-time job, and recording an international music video!
“I am able to help the community in many ways, and get to know many people. I like being recognized by people as a person who can help them in some way”
-Sumiran Diyali Kochari
Chit Thel Oo, Karen/Burmese Speaking Family Educator
Chit Thel Oo was born in Burma and was resettled to the USA in 2011. She speaks fluent English, Karen and Burmese. Chit Thel Oo is currently pursuing a general education degree in human services at Metropolitan Community College, and is working towards obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Previously, she worked at the Omaha Public Schools TAC building as a Family Literacy Parent Liaison and also worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Chit Thel Oo’s greatest accomplishment is being a first generation college student! Her hobbies include: spending time outdoors with family, friends and her dog. She also enjoys cooking for her family.
“Restoring Dignity has made it possible for me to contribute as a productive member of the community. I admire Restoring Dignity’s belief that through empowerment, education, and advocacy partnerships, something can and should be done to satisfy the needs of Omaha’s refugee population”
-Chit Thel Oo
Jaceta Pu Meh, Karenni Speaking Family Educator
Jaceta Pu Meh was born in Thailand at Karenni refugee camp #8. Her family was resettled as refugees to the USA in March of 2009. Jaceta Pu Meh speaks Karenni ad English Fluently. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Jaceta Pu Meh’s greatest accomplishment was getting a full ride scholarship to the university that she wanted to attend! Her hobbies are cooking, playing badminton and hiking.
“We are fully committed to helping restore the dignity of all refugees to ensure their safety and well-being in their homes, as well as educatig them to gain more knowledge and experience in which they might not have been taught“
– Jaceta Pu Meh
Bridget Perry, Director of Systems & Organizational Development
Bridget is honored to continue her journey with Restoring Dignity, stepping into the role of Director of Systems & Organizational Development after serving as Volunteer and Project Coordinator. Over the past two years, she has been a driving force behind volunteer engagement, large-scale home makeover projects, community outreach initiatives, and the organization’s annual gala. Her ability to translate vision into action has strengthened Restoring Dignity’s impact with Omaha’s refugee community.
Bridget brings a strong professional background in supply chain management, procurement, and subcontract administration, including leadership roles at two national companies where she managed multimillion-dollar contracts. With more than a decade of experience in supplier negotiations, compliance oversight, data analysis, and project management, she is skilled at building efficient systems and ensuring accountability at scale. These strengths make her well-suited to guide Restoring Dignity’s organizational growth and systems development.
She holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an MBA from Saint Louis University. In addition to her professional work, Bridget has taught yoga for over 10 years, bringing a thoughtful, grounded presence to everything she does. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, practicing yoga, running, reading, baking, and gardening.
“I love that Restoring Dignity continues to grow by adding new classes, programs and services to continue improving lives in our community”
-Bridget Perry
Melody Beethan, Karen/Burmese Speaking Family Educator
Melody Beethan was born in Pe Ta Kah, Burma and was placed into a camp in Thailand at 11 years old. She speaks Karen and Burmese. In 2007, she came to the United States and then graduated from Omaha South High School. Melody also took classes at Metro Community College for business management. Her greatest accomplishment is being a mom to her son and buying her first home! Melody enjoys going for evening walks by the lake with family and playig tennis with her nieces.
“I love that I get the opportunity to give back to my community“
– Melody Beethan
Hamida Sahak, Dari and Pashto Speaking Family Educator
Hamida Sahak was born in Afghanistan. lShe graduated from the Department of Education at Baghlan University and has 20 years experience of teaching high school students. Hamida came to the US in 2017. She plays an active role in the Afghan community, helping newcomers to learn essential life skills. Hamida is fluent in Pashto, Dari, and English. Hamida loves plants, growing flowers, reading books, and watching movies based on true events.
“Helping and empowering are the most beautiful words in the life of humanity, I found both in Restoring Dignity. I am proud to be a part of such a great mission“
– Hamida Sahak
Sarah Al-Heahom, Arabic Speaking Family Educator
Sarah Al-Heahom was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and arrived in the United States in 2019. Sarah is fluent in English and Arabic. She has a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Her greatest accomplishment was moving to the United States since many people from Iraq did not have the same opportunity. Sarah enjoys exercising, cooking, and reading self-improvement books.
“I love being able to help those who share the same circumstances as I did before. I especially love how committed this community is to helping people who need support, specifically refugees who do not speak English. Everyone deserves to know how to care for their home and maintain its safety”
– Sarah Al-Heahom
Elizabeth Ajongo, Housing Advocate & Community Organizer
Elizabeth Benjamin Ajongo is from South Sudan but was born in Nyala, Darfur. She speaks Sudanese Arabic and Dinka. Her father was an English teacher and high school principal, which allowed her family to live throughout Sudan. Through the ongoing conflict and instability in Sudan, Elizabeth was able to graduate high school and attend university. Shortly after getting married in Khartoum, Sudan, she and her husband escaped the civil war and fled to Cairo, Egypt. Through the United Nations office in Egypt, Elizabeth, her husband, and their toddler were able to complete the refugee process to come to the United States in June 2001.
After being resettled in Omaha, Elizabeth received an Associate’s degree and certificate of Chemical Dependency at Metro Community College, her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Coaching through the Business College at Bellevue University. She also received a certificate in medical interpretation and the arts and theories of interpretation at the College of St. Mary. Elizabeth is now the mother of three children: two adult sons and a 14-year-old daughter. Elizabeth’s greatest accomplishments are being married for 26 years and a homeowner for 22 years. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys cooking, reading, and researching. She also likes to volunteer and share her knowledge and experiences with people in need.
“I like everything about Restoring Dignity. Overall, I like the name itself. To me, Restoring Dignity restores the dignity of newcomers and refugees in Omaha. People leave their country of origin, become displaced, and seek refuge because their dignity was undermined, ignored, or insulted by their own government or authority figures. All in all, Restoring Dignity rocks!”
– Elizabeth Ajongo
Shrijana Rasaily, Nepali Speaking Family Educator
Shrijana Rasaily was born in Nepal and speaks Nepali, Hindi, and English. She arrived in the United States in 2013 and graduated from Benson High School. She plans to study Human Services. Shrijana’s greatest accomplishment is getting to live in a country of opportunities. She enjoys dancing, playing drums, and writing in her free time.
“I love that Restoring Dignity helps communities in different ways. I enjoy helping people and giving back to the community“
– Shrijana Rasaily
Isabelle Bamogo, French Speaking Family Educator
Isabelle Bamogo was born in Ivory Coast and arrived in the United States in 2014. She speaks French, Mooré, and English. Isabelle received a Nurse Midwife certificate in her home country and plans to study social work in Omaha. She enjoys listening to music, writing songs, and cooking in her free time.
“I am very happy to work with Restoring Dignity because it is an organization that helps people and where I can build relationships”
– Isabelle Bamogo
Habibo Abdille, Somali Speaking Family Educator
Habibo Abdille was born in Somalia and speaks Somali and English. She lived in Kenya, received a Nutrition Diploma, and was a teacher before arriving in the United States in 2016. Habibo has three children and loves the peace that Omaha provides. Outside of her work with Restoring Dignity, she also is employed at the Development Disability Center of Nebraska and works as a freelance Somali translator and interpreter. Her hobbies are cleaning and spending time with loved ones.
“I love what Restoring Dignity does for the community”
– Habibo Abdille
Thierry Mazimpaka, Kiswahili, Kirundi, & Kinyarwanda Speaking Family Educator
Thierry Mazimpaka was born in Kigali City, Rwanda, and speaks English, Kiswahili, Kinyarwanda and Kirundi. He moved to Kenya in 2017, then in 2018 he moved to the Philippines, before moving to the United States in 2023. Thierry likes Omaha for its calmness and friendly people and would like Omaha to expand its food variety. Thierry holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and has worked for IBM as an HR Process Delivery Specialist. He hopes to be a key reference in the Human Resources career field. His greatest accomplishment is building a two-story home before turning 25 years old. Thierry enjoys hanging out with friends, watching Netflix, cooking, and learning about other cultures in his free time.
“I love that Restoring Dignity helps and empowers refugee families“
– Thierry Mazimpaka
Emily Klug, Office & Administrative Specialist
Born and raised as a military child, Emily had the opportunity to live in many places before putting down roots in Omaha after high school. She is married with two children, and her family loves spending time outdoors, especially gardening and swimming.
Emily brings over 20 years of professional experience in administration, bookkeeping, and compliance management. Her career spans roles in the insurance industry, corporate travel, education, and bookkeeping for local businesses. She has managed payroll, tax filings, student accounts, and financial reconciliations across multiple organizations, and is highly skilled in a variety of systems. Her background in compliance equips her with a strong eye for detail and accountability.
Her commitment to community runs deep. Emily spent a decade coordinating large-scale school volunteer efforts and fundraisers, which strengthened her passion for engagement and service. She says her most rewarding years were spent volunteering at her children’s school, where she combined her organizational skills with her heart for community.
When not at work, Emily enjoys researching new topics, exploring with her family, and pursuing simple joys like gardening, swimming, and spending time outdoors.
“My father is an immigrant, so I feel a personal connection to the challenges that newcomers face. That’s one of the reasons I’m proud to work with an organization that supports refugees and helps families build stable, dignified lives in a new country“
– Emily Klug
Cydnee Mosley, Restore & Repair Program Manager
Cydnee is a lifelong Omahan and mother of four who brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her role as Restoring Dignity’s Restore and Repair Program Manager (generously funded by HUD). With over 11 years in the insurance industry, she developed extensive skills in compliance monitoring, regulatory oversight, and risk management, ensuring programs and policies consistently met state and federal standards. Her ability to navigate complex requirements and implement systems of accountability directly strengthens Restoring Dignity’s capacity to deliver federally funded programs with accuracy and integrity.
In addition to her professional background, Cydnee has personal experience with homelessness, giving her a unique perspective on the importance of safe, stable housing. She also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, assisting with home builds and supporting their ReStore operations. Outside of work, she enjoys researching new topics, gardening, sewing, exploring museums and the zoo, and performing on her harp, Leyah, with a recital planned in Lincoln this November.
“I chose Restoring Dignity as I am passionate about housing and ensuring that people are able to keep their homes“
– Cydnee Mosley