Dr. Sausan Merali was born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and later migrated to the United States. She has long demonstrated a deep commitment to education, cultural engagement, and community development, with a particular focus on supporting migrant and underserved populations.She previously served with Cornerstone as part of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) service team, where she worked closely with newly resettled Swahili-speaking forced migrants. In her role as a Swahili Interventionist and Presenter, she provided culturally responsive programming, bridged linguistic gaps, and offered guidance on community resources to help families adjust to life in the United States and build confidence in their new environments.
Beyond her IRC work, Dr. Merali has volunteered extensively with Child Aid International, leading initiatives in volunteer recruitment, fundraising, and donor development to support orphans, widows, and families worldwide. She also contributes to education as a teacher skills trainer for Islamic school educators across North America and as a weekend Islamic school teacher.
At Cornerstone, Dr. Merali brings her years of experience working across cultures to create spaces of belonging and connection. As a Swahili Interventionist and Presenter, her focus is not only on providing information but also on fostering dignity, resilience, and emotional and relational wellness among Swahili-speaking refugees as they begin new chapters of their lives.