Founded in 2022 in response to the urgent humanitarian crisis caused by war and displacement, TraNa Relief Association is a New York City-based nonprofit organization committed to supporting lawful Ukrainian refugees and individuals from the former USSR who have sought safety and a new beginning in the United States.

In early 2023, due to the stark rise in Ukrainian refugees arriving in Central Florida needing emergency assistance, Sheena Khan was brought onboard as a consultant Program Manager to assist TraNa Relief’s Executive Director in operating a branch of the organization in Central Florida, which included creating an operational plan, streamlining organizational operations, volunteer recruitment and oversight, and assisting Ukrainian refugees in crisis.

Through legal aid, housing support, employment guidance, cultural programs, and emotional wellness resources, TraNa Relief Association has assisted hundreds of families in navigating the challenges of resettlement and in beginning to rebuild their lives.

During her contract as Program Manager for TraNa Relief Association, Sheena Khan oversaw the planning, execution, and evaluation of programs that supported the organization’s mission.

1. Program Planning & Strategy

  • Developed program goals, objectives, and timelines.

  • Designed program activities based on community needs and organizational mission.

  • Helped create budgets and allocated resources appropriately.

2. Program Execution & Oversight

  • Managed day-to-day operations of programs.

  • Coordinated volunteers and partners to ensure smooth delivery of services.

  • Ensured activities met funding requirements and organizational standards.

3. Monitoring & Evaluation

  • Tracked progress using metrics and reporting tools.

  • Collected data and feedback to assess the program’s effectiveness.

  • Wrote reports for leadership, funders, or grantors showing impact and outcomes.

4. Stakeholder & Community Engagement

  • Built relationships with community partners, participants, funders, and stakeholders.

  • Represented the program at meetings, events, and outreach activities.

  • Sent press releases to local media and reached out to local politicians to elicit support.

5. Team Leadership

  • Supervised program interns and volunteers.

  • Provided training, support, and performance evaluations.

6. Continuous Improvement

  • Identified opportunities to strengthen program quality and expand impact going forward.

  • Adjusted strategies based on data, feedback, and evolving community needs.

Conclusion:

Watching individuals and families arrive in moments of crisis and leaving with safety, stability, and hope was the most fulfilling part of my role. Every time an individual or family found housing, received emergency support, or reunited with loved ones, it reaffirmed why the work mattered. It was also fulfilling to see communities, organizations, and volunteers come together with genuine compassion to support the Ukrainian refugees. Coordinating these partnerships and watching them transform into meaningful support networks was one of the highlights of my career.

Spectrum News 13 in Orlando, FL. covered a heart-warming story on one of the Ukrainian refugees assisted by Sheena Khan and the team at Tranarelief Association in Central Florida.

Click on the image to view the video and access the full article

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Ukrainian Refugee Story Orlando - Trana Relief Association