Ophelia’s Place Multicultural Program Coordinator Receives Top 100 Leaders In Education Award

EUGENE, Ore. – Salsi Alzubaidi, the multicultural program coordinator at Ophelia’s Place, received the prestigious “Top 100 Leaders in Education” award for her contributions in the education field during the Global Forum for Education & Learning at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in June.

Before joining Ophelia’s Place in April, Alzubaidi earned her Master’s degree in Transformational Leadership from Seattle University, and served as an education program coordinator in Jordan. She helped to create an alternative education system in Jordan to serve a number of refugee youth, and to help them build their sense of belonging and resiliency. In 2016, she also worked with Ottawa parliament in Canada to establish funds for the global health and support of refugees.

The Global Forum for Education & Learning provides a platform for networking and learning amongst educational experts to discuss solutions for complex issues related to sharing education globally.

The award recognizes educators all around the world for their significant contributions to the field of education based on overall reach, industry impact, the spirit of innovation, future readiness, and market demand.

During the conference, Alzubaidi was invited to join panel discussions about education for youth.

“I feel like it’s my mission to bring refugees to the table when discussing education,” she said. “Refugees have the same right to education like other kids, so it’s important that they are represented in discussions of learning, education, and support.”

Alzubaidi joined Ophelia’s Place in April as the multicultural program coordinator. The position is designed to give each of Ophelia’s Place’s services the tools, guidance and ongoing plans to ensure inclusivity and representation are a part of the youth empowerment work Ophelia’s Place completes.

“We’re in awe of Salsi’s dedication to helping traditionally under-served youth,” said Ophelia’s Place Executive Director Verna Wise Matthews. “Her expertise fits our goal of serving girls throughout Oregon and beyond.”

Ophelia’s Place is a prevention-based nonprofit dedicated to helping girls ages 10-18 prepare for emotionally healthy lives. It does that through after-school activities, in-school presentations to all youth, therapy, and training for youth-serving providers.

For more information about Ophelia’s Place, visit OpheliasPlace.net.