On November 15, people across the state streamed into Chez Rama the Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s first-ever Family Reunion. It was a chance to be together in person, at the end of a difficult year.

Video highlights will be posted soon. For now, check out a photo recap.

Shining the spotlight on some elected officials who will be continuing office, or assuming new roles, in 2026.

Anisa Liban was elected to the Westerville School Board, retaining a seat to which she was appointed. Anisa is the first Black Muslim and Somali woman elected to serve on a school board in Ohio! OIA proudly worked with Anisa, United Bantu of Ohio, Zamzam Women & Family Center, State Rep. Munira Abdullahi, and CAIR-Ohio’s Columbus and Cincinnati Office to draw attention to the horrific hate crime against a Columbus mom earlier this year. The Columbus Police had failed to take action against the assailants, whose crime was caught on video, and we turned to the media to attempt to bring “Faith” the accountability and justice she deserved.   

Austin Davis was elected to represent Ward 7 on the Cleveland City Council. Austin represented one of our heroes from the #ReuniteUS campaign in a lawsuit against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CoreCivic. This man and his legal team achieved a settlement in a medical neglect case that allowed him to obtain surgery so he can walk again. Austin also represented Cleveland Heights resident and OIA friend Jonas Nsongi Mbonga in his immigration case before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Nadia Rasoul, a U.S citizen of Palestinian heritage, became the first Muslim woman elected to Hilliard City Council and Ajmeri Hoque became the first Bangladeshi, Muslim, and naturalized citizen to be elected judge in Franklin County. Hoque was honored with the Spirit of Justice Award at CAIR-Ohio’s banquet in Columbus earlier this year.

Are there other officials you think we should highlight? Comment on social media to tell us who and why. 

There’s a new way to support the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, and spread the message that migration is a basic act of being human! Head over to our new Bonfire Store and pick up a t-shirt, belt bag, or sling bag for yourself and everyone on your gift list.

Ohio Immigrant Alliance is proud to announce its new website and partnership with Apogee Travel, the only hotel booking website that rewards travelers while supporting the causes they care about. The new website — ohioimmigrant.org — was designed by Honey Creative.

OIA supporters can now give back to the Ohio Immigrant Alliance mission, just by booking a hotel stay through a dedicated link on Apogee’s website, without spending a penny more. 

With Apogee Travel, travelers book the same hotels at the same prices found on major travel sites. But what sets Apogee apart is its triple benefit model. Travelers continue to earn hotel brand loyalty points, get cash back through Apogee Bucks ^TM, and support Ohio Immigrant Alliance at no added cost.