You are loved, welcomed, and exactly where you’re supposed to be.

OIA Organizing Director Maryam Sy and her family represented the organization at the WTF Is Happening Community Event in Kent on September 21, 2025. (In this instance, WTF stands for Wellness, Transformation, Freedom.) It was a space focused on art, healing, and action, featuring live music, hands-on creation, wellness offerings, and opportunities to connect with other organizations doing meaningful work. Maryam was warmly welcomed by the community, and also got reaffirming messages that Ohioans indeed want immigrants to feel at home. 

Read more about the event, view a photo gallery, and read messages of welcome participants wrote to immigrants on the Ohio Immigrant Alliance website.