Eugénie Iseman, Child Refugee Initiative's co-director and co-founder, received her B.A. in History from Yale (‘14) and her J.D. from Stanford Law School (‘19). Between college and law school, Eugénie was a full-time volunteer in the Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, where she screened patients and assisted with inpatient therapy groups focused on substance abuse and trauma. Eugénie also helped lead an attachment-based group for mothers and babies in Bellevue's clinic. During law school, Eugénie was deeply committed to various pro bono activities, including serving as co-president of StreetLaw, a project dedicated to teaching incarcerated and at-risk youth about their legal rights and the legal system. Eugénie spent one year in private practice and now clerks for the federal judiciary.
Willa Frej, co-director and co-founder, is a communications and marketing manager who has been active in immigration-related efforts for the last 15 years. She worked as a pro-bono legal translator for francophile asylum seekers who had fled persecution mainly in West Africa and were awaiting legal residency in the United States. The translation work consisted of accurately recounting their stories, as well as assisting in all matters of life as newcomer, including job applications and apartment searches. Willa has also volunteered with Syrian refugees resettled in the tri-state area, helping them acclimate and get connected to local networks and resources. Willa received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, with a focus on International Affairs, from Yale University.
Scott LaStaiti is a film and television producer, and works with CRI to help injured Yazidi children receive medical care in the United States. After spending time in Iraq documenting the plight of the Yazidi people in 2016/2017, he created a partnership with Shriners Hospitals for Children (located in Minneapolis, Boston and Philadelphia) to offer treatment to those most in need thanks to a small network of donors. So far, five children have successfully undergone treatment and returned home to Iraq. One more is still being treated.