ABOUT US

RICEMA is an arts and education center that preserves, shares, and celebrates refugee and immigrant cultures. Through arts, education, and civic engagement, we create welcoming spaces where people connect, heal, develop skills, and build a strong sense of belonging and purpose within the wider community. Because Culture is not just preserved — it is lived, shared, and used to build healthy communities.

The team at RICEMA are passionate educators and dedicated to bringing cultural art to the community. Our team has over a decade of nonprofit experience helping children and families in Worcester, and are here to create a meaningful Impact. We believe diversity makes us stronger and appreciation for one another holds us together. We strive to build opportunity, preserve cultures, and enrich lives. 

Meet the Team

Aisha Yusuf 

Projects Coordinator

aisha@ricema.org

Austin Brooks

Creative Director, Multimedia & Social Platforms

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Miqueas Rodriguez

Kathy Chau

Crystal Nguyen

ADVISORS

Anh Vu Sawyer

Hieu Phan

Melba Picardo-Herskovits

Kim Lam

Austin Brooks

Phat Nguyen