The CulturalConnect is a non-profit founded in 2019 by Shirene Khandpur to help support the growing number of refugees in Seattle. In 2020, however, the non-profit's mission expanded to create a welcoming space and support system that fosters cultural integration, language development, and community empowerment for refugees, the homeless, immigrants, and underprivileged individuals in the Greater Seattle Area. It has since spread its wings and has been helping the marginalized members of society across different cities and countries through its various local chapters with the help of its dedicated volunteers. During the recent pandemic, the divide had become more comprehensive, with unemployment and homelessness on the rise. The Cultural Connect created this unique vision of contributing to communities by setting up an online resource center for displaced families, local or migrants; language tutoring and support; digital training for elderly and non-tech users; and assigning volunteer mentors for refugees as one-point contact. These goals align with the United Nations Sustainability 17 Goals 2030- to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and make cities and human settlements inclusive and safe. The Cultural Connect team of 15+ high school and middle school volunteers across the U.S., India, and Australia organizes fundraisers and volunteers their skills and time with outreach activities and workshops.
