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Irla Atanda, Executive ASSISTANT

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Irla Atanda is the executive assistant to the president of Refugees International. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame in May 2020 with a bachelor of arts in American studies, as well as a minor in international development studies. Her academic career focused on understanding the complexity of global issues such as climate change, political instability, migration, and sustainable development. She spent her senior year writing a thesis on the history of U.S. involvement in Latin America in the 20th century, with a specific focus on the current Venezuelan humanitarian crisis. During her time in college, Irla studied abroad at the University of Cape Town as a Gilman Scholar and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. She is fluent in Spanish.

Blogs
#ChooseToChallenge the Status Quo: Displaced Women Share Their Hopes for the Future
#ChooseToChallenge the Status Quo: Displaced Women Share Their Hopes for the Future

This week, we are celebrating International Women’s Day. We have seen that women and girls demonstrate perseverance and a sense of optimism that not only helps them survive, but also uplifts their families and communities. We highlight the hopes displaced women—especially young women—have shared with us as they aspire for brighter futures.

Working Outside the Box to Help Displaced Venezuelans
Working Outside the Box to Help Displaced Venezuelans

Sebastian Leal is a displaced Venezuelan living in Colombia. Irla Atanda profiles him and his work helping other Venezuelan migrants through his organization Afuera de la Caja.