PBN Diversity Equity & Inclusion 2024 Awards
DIVERSITY CHAMPION: Justin D. Bibee, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island
THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER, Justin D. Bibee has advanced human rights around the world.
His professional journey began in 2013 as a graduate student studying refugee assistance, conducting research around conflict and peacebuilding, and focusing on what happens when populations are forced to uproot and move far from home.
Bibee’s resume underscores his passion: the time he spent in Morocco aiding young people, his assignment by the United Nations in Tanzania helping Burundian and Congolese refugees living in camps, his experience building a school in Pakistan, as well as working with residents of the South Pacific who’d been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
“My commitment to human rights was unwavering,” Bibee said.
In 2021, Bibee came home to Rhode Island and joined Providence-based social services nonprofit Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island as the assistant director for the Refugee Resettlement Department.
It proved to be a good fit.
Leveraging his extensive background in supporting refugees from diverse regions, Bibee plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the successful resettlement of the displaced in Rhode Island.
Dorcas helps individuals and families, especially immigrants, refugees and the underserved, become self-sufficient members of the community. That path includes innovative programs and advocacy work promoting education, training and cultural understanding. Services range from language learning, job training and immigration legal services to the basics, such as providing clothing and groceries.
In the last five years, Dorcas has reunited 48 unaccompanied young people from El Salvador, Ghana, Venezuela, Guatemala and elsewhere with their U.S. sponsors. The organization has also helped resettle more than 250 Afghans, 78 Ukrainians and 245 refugees from countries in upheaval in all corners of the world.
It’s a full agenda for Bibee and his team of refugee resettlement case managers, who are the initial point of contact for these immigrants.
“His heart is open to anyone, from coworkers and staff to refugees,” said Mustafa Shaker, a refugee settlement case worker who works for Bibee. “Families feel comfortable with Justin and they’ll come to him for advice, or help, or advocacy. His door is open to everyone. He’s a good listener. He’s a brother and a friend, and my boss when I want him to be.”
At a time when some organizations and businesses are backtracking on their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Bibee has doubled down by promoting such principles within the organization, as well as emphasizing their importance in the community. His goal is to foster a workplace culture that respects and values diversity by implementing ongoing training for all staffers, he says.
“I aim to set a standard that resonates throughout the organization, inspiring my team and others to approach every individual with empathy and dignity,” he said.
Staff training covers topics such as trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity and understanding implicit bias. The end result is ensuring that each team member, regardless of their role, serves everyone with respect.
With a client base that represents 47 languages, good communication is paramount. Bibee and his team have established a network of interpreters and bilingual staff members who not only bridge language barriers but also ease cultural transitions for clients. This language support extends to the nonprofit’s engagement with the community, ensuring that everyone can participate in Dorcas’ programs and feel a sense of belonging.
Case in point: a recent multicultural celebration the nonprofit hosted in collaboration with local organizations and community leaders, which included traditional music, food and storytelling from countries represented by their clients.
Along with leading the largest refugee resettlement program in Rhode Island, Bibee points out he’s the only white American on his team, all with their own lived experiences. It’s a unique dynamic that enriches their work.
“As the only team member who does not share the direct experience of being an immigrant or refugee,” he said, “I make it a point to remain humble, listen actively and seek out insights from my colleagues to continuously grow in my role.”
