about us
Our mission is to transform traditional disaster relief by providing support for community-based organizations (CBO's) and front line workers through an innovation in processes and services to aid those in need directly.
about us
Our mission is to transform traditional disaster relief by providing support for community-based organizations (CBO's) and front line workers through an innovation in processes and services to aid those in need directly.
about us
Our mission is to transform traditional disaster relief by providing support for community-based organizations (CBO's) and front line workers through an innovation in processes and services to aid those in need directly.
Who we are
Who we are
Meet our team.
Dana Glenn
Seattle, WA
Special Projects Lead
Dana Glenn brings his visionary, philosophical and systems thinking to bear, co-creating solutions which serve humanity when times are hardest. His calm approach to disasters has allowed him to manage a site evacuation in rough seas during an expedition to Antarctica. He approaches the world with curiosity, open mindedness and thirst for knowledge and experience. This way of life has led him to live in many places and to develop a host of diverse skills in the maker and management spaces. He holds a BA in International Studies from RMIT University and an MA in Project Management from Monash University.
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Dana Glenn
Seattle, WA
Special Projects Lead
Dana Glenn brings his visionary, philosophical and systems thinking to bear, co-creating solutions which serve humanity when times are hardest. His calm approach to disasters has allowed him to manage a site evacuation in rough seas during an expedition to Antarctica. He approaches the world with curiosity, open mindedness and thirst for knowledge and experience. This way of life has led him to live in many places and to develop a host of diverse skills in the maker and management spaces. He holds a BA in International Studies from RMIT University and an MA in Project Management from Monash University.
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Deva Temple
Ojai, CA
Research & Publication Manager
Deva Temple is a futurist researcher and author with a passion for designing sustainable human systems. She holds an MA in Global Leadership & Sustainable Development and a graduate certificate in Ecological Economics & Environmental Policy. She has been working with various non-profit organizations to create sustainable solutions in response to environmental and social challenges since 2004. She lives in Ojai, California with her family.
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Deva Temple
Ojai, CA
Research & Publication Manager
Deva Temple is a futurist researcher and author with a passion for designing sustainable human systems. She holds an MA in Global Leadership & Sustainable Development and a graduate certificate in Ecological Economics & Environmental Policy. She has been working with various non-profit organizations to create sustainable solutions in response to environmental and social challenges since 2004. She lives in Ojai, California with her family.
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Elisse LaRoche
Tacoma, WA
Project Administration / Climate Lead
Elisse LaRoche holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Chicago, where she won an award for her research in analytical chemistry. She is a Renaissance woman who keeps things running smoothly for all teams while maintaining fierce wit and a sense of humor. A world traveler, animal lover and voracious reader, she is a recent transplant to Tacoma, Washington where she lives with her husband and occasional foster cats. She envisions a world where everyone’s needs are met, both sustainably and equitably.
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Elisse LaRoche
Tacoma, WA
Project Administration / Climate Lead
Elisse LaRoche holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Chicago, where she won an award for her research in analytical chemistry. She is a Renaissance woman who keeps things running smoothly for all teams while maintaining fierce wit and a sense of humor. A world traveler, animal lover and voracious reader, she is a recent transplant to Tacoma, Washington where she lives with her husband and occasional foster cats. She envisions a world where everyone’s needs are met, both sustainably and equitably.
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Irene Pak
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Manager of Information Technology
Irene Pak is a meticulous systems enthusiast with a diverse background spanning filmmaking, event operations, logistics, disaster response, and systems administration. A UC Berkeley graduate in environmental science, she leverages her adaptable skills to improve people's lives. Irene has volunteered with Team Rubicon in post-disaster deployments and is passionate about the role that clear information management can play in disaster response.
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Irene Pak
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Manager of Information Technology
Irene Pak is a meticulous systems enthusiast with a diverse background spanning filmmaking, event operations, logistics, disaster response, and systems administration. A UC Berkeley graduate in environmental science, she leverages her adaptable skills to improve people's lives. Irene has volunteered with Team Rubicon in post-disaster deployments and is passionate about the role that clear information management can play in disaster response.
More
Irene Pak
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Manager of Information Technology
Irene Pak is a meticulous systems enthusiast with a diverse background spanning filmmaking, event operations, logistics, disaster response, and systems administration. A UC Berkeley graduate in environmental science, she leverages her adaptable skills to improve people's lives. Irene has volunteered with Team Rubicon in post-disaster deployments and is passionate about the role that clear information management can play in disaster response.
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Judas Walsh
His location is a mystery
Project Coordinator
Judas Walsh applies a diverse skillset towards making sure the team operations run smoothly. He spent 10 years working in management as a paralegal for several law firms. His background in organizational, non-profit and political campaign management, speech and debate coaching, deep listening and conflict resolution allows him to predict and meet shifting organizational needs. When he’s not working he enjoys attending concerts, following his favorite hockey team, or spending time hiking.
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Judas Walsh
His location is a mystery
Project Coordinator
Judas Walsh applies a diverse skillset towards making sure the team operations run smoothly. He spent 10 years working in management as a paralegal for several law firms. His background in organizational, non-profit and political campaign management, speech and debate coaching, deep listening and conflict resolution allows him to predict and meet shifting organizational needs. When he’s not working he enjoys attending concerts, following his favorite hockey team, or spending time hiking.
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Mike Zuckerman
Global
CO-Founder - Community Engagment
Mike Zuckerman champions refugee-led designs and operations in camps, viewing these as potential future cities where innovative urban planning, such as his project in a Ugandan refugee camp inspired by ancient Greek architecture. He is dedicated to reimagining the creation of physical spaces, pushing for a more distributed systems approach to address the shortcomings of the current humanitarian aid system. He has initiated a global network of [freespaces], and designed public spaces in refugee camps and slums globally, including a prototype refugee camp in Greece renowned for its dignified living conditions, challenging traditional aid models.
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Mike Zuckerman
Global
CO-Founder - Community Engagment
Mike Zuckerman champions refugee-led designs and operations in camps, viewing these as potential future cities where innovative urban planning, such as his project in a Ugandan refugee camp inspired by ancient Greek architecture. He is dedicated to reimagining the creation of physical spaces, pushing for a more distributed systems approach to address the shortcomings of the current humanitarian aid system. He has initiated a global network of [freespaces], and designed public spaces in refugee camps and slums globally, including a prototype refugee camp in Greece renowned for its dignified living conditions, challenging traditional aid models.
More
Elisse LaRoche
Tacoma, WA
Project Administration / Climate Lead
Elisse LaRoche holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Chicago, where she won an award for her research in analytical chemistry. She is a Renaissance woman who keeps things running smoothly for all teams while maintaining fierce wit and a sense of humor. A world traveler, animal lover and voracious reader, she is a recent transplant to Tacoma, WA where she lives with her husband and occasional foster cats. She envisions a world where everyone’s needs are met, both sustainably and equitably.
More
Judas Walsh
His location is a mystery
Project Coordinator
Judas Walsh applies a diverse skillset towards making sure the team operations run smoothly. He spent 10 years working in management as a paralegal for several law firms. His background in organizational, non-profit and political campaign management, speech and debate coaching, deep listening and conflict resolution allows him to predict and meet shifting organizational needs. When he’s not working he enjoys attending concerts, following his favorite hockey team or spending time hiking.
More
Mike Zuckerman
Global
CO-Founder - Community Engagment
Mike Zuckerman champions refugee-led designs and operations in camps, viewing these as potential future cities where innovative urban planning, such as his project in a Ugandan refugee camp inspired by ancient Greek architecture. He is dedicated to reimagining the creation of physical spaces, pushing for a more distributed systems approach to address the shortcomings of the current humanitarian aid system. He has initiated a global network of [freespaces], and designed public spaces in refugee camps and slums globally, including a prototype refugee camp in Greece renowned for its dignified living conditions, challenging traditional aid models.
More
Board of Directors
Isabella Garcia
Austin, TX
Co-Founder / Community + Inter-Agency Coordination
Isabella Garcia excels in management, program development, project management, and logistics, with a focus on humanitarian response and recovery efforts. Isabella has managed support for a network of 30+ community service organizations, providing crucial humanitarian assistance in front-line areas of Ukraine. She guides UR’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) assistance, and capacity building for these groups. In addition she writes project proposals for private donors to ensure direct distribution of aid to local responders, advocating for locally led initiatives in collaboration with the United Nations and international organizations.
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Isabella Garcia
Austin, TX
Co-Founder / Community + Inter-Agency Coordination
Isabella Garcia excels in management, program development, project management, and logistics, with a focus on humanitarian response and recovery efforts. Isabella has managed support for a network of 30+ community service organizations, providing crucial humanitarian assistance in front-line areas of Ukraine. She guides UR’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) assistance, and capacity building for these groups. In addition she writes project proposals for private donors to ensure direct distribution of aid to local responders, advocating for locally led initiatives in collaboration with the United Nations and international organizations.
More
Julia Russotti
Chicago, IL
CFO / Co-Founder
Julia Russotti United Refuge CFO and co-founder, is a seasoned professional with expertise in operations, financial management and human relations. As a Co-founder of RenegadeBio, a COVID-driven startup, she guided the the growth of a multi million dollar organization to profitability in its first year and fully repaid investors by year two. Julia excels in strategic planning, creative direction, and logistics, and has successfully managed large-scale projects and teams.
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Julia Russotti
Chicago, IL
CFO / Co-Founder
Julia Russotti United Refuge CFO and co-founder, is a seasoned professional with expertise in operations, financial management and human relations. As a Co-founder of RenegadeBio, a COVID-driven startup, she guided the the growth of a multi million dollar organization to profitability in its first year and fully repaid investors by year two. Julia excels in strategic planning, creative direction, and logistics, and has successfully managed large-scale projects and teams.
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Kevin Rowell
San Francisco, CA
Co-Founder / Shelter + Settlement Coordinator
Kevin Rowell, with over 17 years of experience in construction technology, disaster recovery, and humanitarian logistics, has made substantial contributions to enhancing resilience and improving lives worldwide, both in the non-profit and private sectors. His recent work has involved consulting for various government and international NGO projects, focusing on developing housing solutions for displaced Ukrainians in Europe, the Rohingya in Bangladesh, and Afghans evacuated to camps in the US. Renowned for promoting teamwork and innovation. He is a licensed building contractor and certified emergency and contingency planner.
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Kevin Rowell
San Francisco, CA
Co-Founder / Shelter + Settlement Coordinator
Kevin Rowell, with over 17 years of experience in construction technology, disaster recovery, and humanitarian logistics, has made substantial contributions to enhancing resilience and improving lives worldwide, both in the non-profit and private sectors. His recent work has involved consulting for various government and international NGO projects, focusing on developing housing solutions for displaced Ukrainians in Europe, the Rohingya in Bangladesh, and Afghans evacuated to camps in the US. Renowned for promoting teamwork and innovation. He is a licensed building contractor and certified emergency and contingency planner.
More
Kevin Rowell
San Francisco, CA
Co-Founder / Shelter + Settlement Coordinator
Kevin Rowell, with over 17 years of experience in construction technology, disaster recovery, and humanitarian logistics, has made substantial contributions to enhancing resilience and improving lives worldwide, both in the non-profit and private sectors. His recent work has involved consulting for various government and international NGO projects, focusing on developing housing solutions for displaced Ukrainians in Europe, the Rohingya in Bangladesh, and Afghans evacuated to camps in the US. Renowned for promoting teamwork and innovation. He is a licensed building contractor and certified emergency and contingency planner.
More
Laura Wasserson
San Francisco, CA
Co-Founder
Laura Wasserson is an expert in strategy, operations, international supply chains, and innovative design. Currently, she dedicates her efforts to tackling the challenges posed by the climate crisis and human displacement. Leveraging her early achievements in the luxury fashion sector, Laura swiftly expanded a pandemic response enterprise to generate $180 million in revenue within its first year. Laura contributed to relief operations in Ukraine following the Russian invasion by aiding in evacuations, refugee placements, and the provision of assistance.
More
Laura Wasserson
San Francisco, CA
Co-Founder
Laura Wasserson is an expert in strategy, operations, international supply chains, and innovative design. Currently, she dedicates her efforts to tackling the challenges posed by the climate crisis and human displacement. Leveraging her early achievements in the luxury fashion sector, Laura swiftly expanded a pandemic response enterprise to generate $180 million in revenue within its first year. Laura contributed to relief operations in Ukraine following the Russian invasion by aiding in evacuations, refugee placements, and the provision of assistance.
More
Laura Wasserson
San Francisco, CA
Co-Founder
Laura Wasserson is an expert in strategy, operations, international supply chains, and innovative design. Currently, she dedicates her efforts to tackling the challenges posed by the climate crisis and human displacement. Leveraging her early achievements in the luxury fashion sector, Laura swiftly expanded a pandemic response enterprise to generate $180 million in revenue within its first year. Laura contributed to relief operations in Ukraine following the Russian invasion by aiding in evacuations, refugee placements, and the provision of assistance.
More
Tyler Hanson
Reno, NV
Co-Founder
Tyler Hanson, has actively supported communities in crisis, from Standing Rock to wildfire-affected areas in Chico, California, and Talent, Oregon, focusing on resilience and sustainable rebuilding. Tyler's efforts in United Refuge focus on empowering those who respond to disasters, enhancing the impact of heroes in crisis-stricken communities. He is a storyteller and cultural engineer with two decades of global project experience, he has made significant impacts in the art world and real estate.
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Tyler Hanson
Reno, NV
Co-Founder
Tyler Hanson, has actively supported communities in crisis, from Standing Rock to wildfire-affected areas in Chico, California, and Talent, Oregon, focusing on resilience and sustainable rebuilding. Tyler's efforts in United Refuge focus on empowering those who respond to disasters, enhancing the impact of heroes in crisis-stricken communities. He is a storyteller and cultural engineer with two decades of global project experience, he has made significant impacts in the art world and real estate.
More
Laura Wasserson
San Francisco, CA
Co-Founder
Laura Wasserson is an expert in strategy, operations, international supply chains, and innovative design. Currently, she dedicates her efforts to tackling the challenges posed by the climate crisis and human displacement. Leveraging her early achievements in the luxury fashion sector, Laura swiftly expanded a pandemic response enterprise to generate $180 million in revenue within its first year. Laura contributed to relief operations in Ukraine following the Russian invasion by aiding in evacuations, refugee placements, and the provision of assistance.
More
Tyler Hanson
Reno, NV
Co-Founder
Tyler Hanson, has actively supported communities in crisis, from Standing Rock to wildfire-affected areas in Chico, California, and Talent, Oregon, focusing on resilience and sustainable rebuilding. Tyler's efforts in United Refuge focus on empowering those who respond to disasters, enhancing the impact of heroes in crisis-stricken communities. He is a storyteller and cultural engineer with two decades of global project experience, he has made significant impacts in the art world and real estate.
More
Our values
Dedicated to building a better world.
We connect social entrepreneurs to vital resources, tools, and support to grow their initiatives. Our project leaders come from around the world with powerful ideas to transform their local communities. Projects are selected for fiscal sponsorship based on their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our values
Dedicated to building a better world.
We connect social entrepreneurs to vital resources, tools, and support to grow their initiatives. Our project leaders come from around the world with powerful ideas to transform their local communities. Projects are selected for fiscal sponsorship based on their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Empowerment
We envision a world in which communities are empowered to respond effectively, efficiently and powerfully to disasters as they arise.
Empowerment
We envision a world in which communities are empowered to respond effectively, efficiently and powerfully to disasters as they arise.
Empowerment
We envision a world in which communities are empowered to respond effectively, efficiently and powerfully to disasters as they arise.
Equality
We believe in the fundamental equality of all human beings.
Equality
We believe in the fundamental equality of all human beings.
Equality
We believe in the fundamental equality of all human beings.
Inclusivity
We support organizations and communities that are inclusive.
Evidence Based
We believe that climate change is real.
Evidence Based
We believe that climate change is real.
Evidence Based
We believe that climate change is real.
Our Process
Think | Do Approach
Upon engagement, our expert team undertakes meticulous desk research and conducts pivotal interviews with key stakeholders. This thorough analysis culminates in a comprehensive mapping of ongoing efforts and the challenges encountered at every echelon of response. Identifying these critical junctures enables us to pinpoint leverage points within the system, unlocking unparalleled opportunities for the seamless flow of aid and support.
Our Process
Think | Do Approach
Upon engagement, our expert team undertakes meticulous desk research and conducts pivotal interviews with key stakeholders. This thorough analysis culminates in a comprehensive mapping of ongoing efforts and the challenges encountered at every echelon of response. Identifying these critical junctures enables us to pinpoint leverage points within the system, unlocking unparalleled opportunities for the seamless flow of aid and support.
Commitment to Progress
We are dedicated to bringing innovation by introducing new products and services targeted at "At-Risk" communities.
Commitment to Progress
We are dedicated to bringing innovation by introducing new products and services targeted at "At-Risk" communities.
Prepared For Anything
We provide technical, logistical, and administrative support to existing actors.
Prepared For Anything
We provide technical, logistical, and administrative support to existing actors.
Our Fiscal Duty
We will identify the funds that will be used to support the work of frontline responders.
Our Fiscal Duty
We will identify the funds that will be used to support the work of frontline responders.
Prepared For Anything
Prepared For Anything
We provide technical, logistical, and administrative support to existing actors.
We provide technical, logistical, and administrative support to existing actors.
Our Fiscal Duty
Our Fiscal Duty
We will identify the funds that will be used to support the work of frontline responders.
We will identify the funds that will be used to support the work of frontline responders.
Accountability
On the ground, our focus shifts to elevating local community-based organizations (CBOs), enhancing their professional capabilities, and reinforcing regional support networks. This deliberate approach not only champions the regionalization of global responses but also ensures that empowerment and decision-making remain rooted within the community itself.
Accountability
On the ground, our focus shifts to elevating local community-based organizations (CBOs), enhancing their professional capabilities, and reinforcing regional support networks. This deliberate approach not only champions the regionalization of global responses but also ensures that empowerment and decision-making remain rooted within the community itself.
Accountability
On the ground, our focus shifts to elevating local community-based organizations (CBOs), enhancing their professional capabilities, and reinforcing regional support networks. This deliberate approach not only champions the regionalization of global responses but also ensures that empowerment and decision-making remain rooted within the community itself.