The WES Mariam Assefa Fund has emerged as a powerful philanthropic initiative focused on advancing economic and social inclusion for immigrants and refugees. If you’re a member of the media—whether you’re a journalist, editor, producer, blogger, or documentary filmmaker—chances are you’ve heard about this fund and its transformative work in workforce development, immigrant integration, and systems change.
If you’re looking to get in touch for interviews, data, press releases, or comment on a related story, you’re likely wondering:
“How can I contact someone about the WES Mariam Assefa Fund?”
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what the Fund is, why media outlets are interested in it, who the right contacts are, how to request interviews, and how to ensure your inquiry is seen, heard, and responded to efficiently—without relying on links or external websites.
🌍 What Is the WES Mariam Assefa Fund?
The WES Mariam Assefa Fund is a philanthropic arm focused on transforming systems to better serve immigrants and refugees. It operates with a bold vision of inclusive economies, where all people—regardless of origin—have access to dignified work, upward mobility, and social equity.
Named after Mariam Assefa, the long-serving former leader of WES and a champion for immigrant inclusion, the fund supports initiatives that:
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Expand economic opportunity
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Promote inclusive workforce systems
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Address systemic barriers to employment
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Foster innovation in education and credential recognition
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Empower immigrant and refugee leaders
Through grantmaking, partnerships, and policy engagement, the Fund acts as a catalyst for structural change across the U.S. and Canada.
🎥 Why Media Professionals Are Interested in the Fund
As newsrooms and media outlets expand their focus on equity, immigration, labor rights, and social justice, the WES Mariam Assefa Fund presents rich storytelling opportunities, including:
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Case studies of immigrant workers building new careers
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Profiles of community-based organizations receiving grants
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Reports on inclusive hiring and credential recognition reform
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Commentary on immigrant entrepreneurship and workforce policy
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Partnerships that connect philanthropic investment with systemic outcomes
Whether you’re working on a long-form feature, a podcast, a digital video, or a written report, the Fund’s initiatives offer both human interest and policy relevance.
✍️ When Should You Reach Out?
As a media professional, here are a few situations where you might want to contact the Fund’s team:
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To request an interview with a spokesperson, grantee, or subject matter expert
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To verify facts or obtain background information for a developing news story
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To gather insights on trends in workforce development or immigrant integration
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To request a media kit, photos, or quotes for a print or broadcast segment
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To collaborate on a feature or investigative project focusing on labor inclusion or migration
📬 How to Contact the WES Mariam Assefa Fund
While no direct link or web form is provided here, media professionals can reach the Fund through standard and effective media contact methods. Follow these steps to ensure your inquiry gets to the right person:
✅ 1. Craft a Media-Specific Email Request
Media teams appreciate clarity and relevance. Structure your message like this:
Subject Line: Media Request – Interview with [Spokesperson/Expert] Regarding WES Mariam Assefa Fund
Body:
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Your full name and role (e.g., journalist at The Times, producer at XYZ News)
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Name of your outlet and platform (digital, print, TV, podcast)
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Topic or angle of your story
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What you’re requesting (interview, quote, background, data)
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Deadline (be realistic and courteous)
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Contact details for reply (phone/email/availability)
Use a professional tone and avoid generic pitches. The more tailored and precise your request, the more likely it will be prioritized.
✅ 2. Identify the Right Department
While the WES Mariam Assefa Fund may be housed within a larger institutional structure, most organizations designate a media relations or communications department for handling press queries. Address your request to:
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Media Relations Manager
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Communications Director
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Public Affairs or Policy Lead (if it’s a policy-related story)
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Partnerships or Grants Coordinator (if your story involves grantees or impact measurement)
If you know a specific staff member by name, address them directly for quicker response.
✅ 3. Use Professional Channels of Communication
While social media platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn may help flag attention, the best way to secure formal comment or interviews is via:
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Email to the organization’s media contact address
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A phone call to the media hotline or general line with a press request
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Submission through a press inquiry form if one exists
Avoid using general inboxes for urgent media inquiries—unless that’s the only contact available.
✅ 4. Be Ready to Provide Credentials
Especially for sensitive topics, the Fund’s team may request verification of your role or outlet. Be prepared to share:
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A portfolio link or sample bylines
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Employer credentials
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A letter of assignment (if freelance)
This helps ensure that inquiries are vetted and prioritized accordingly.
🛠️ What to Expect After Reaching Out
Once you send your request, here’s what typically happens:
⏱️ Response Time
Media teams usually aim to reply within 1–3 business days, especially if your request is time-sensitive and well-written.
🗓️ Interview Scheduling
If approved, an interview with a Fund representative or expert may be arranged via Zoom, phone, or email Q&A.
🗃️ Background Materials
You may receive:
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Fact sheets
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Press kits
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Program impact summaries
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Grantee contact information (if relevant and permitted)
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Approved images or logos for publication
🔄 Coordination with Grantee Organizations
If your story includes community organizations funded by the Mariam Assefa Fund, the communications team may facilitate introductions, joint statements, or site visits.
🧩 Media Stories You Can Explore
If you’re looking for angles or ideas, consider the following story themes:
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How immigrant nurses and engineers are reentering their fields through credential support
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The role of philanthropic capital in transforming hiring systems
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Stories of refugee entrepreneurship supported by local grantees
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Breaking the “survival job” cycle: pathways to mobility for immigrants
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Case studies on how localized investments have systemic impact
The Fund’s initiatives are deeply tied to real-world outcomes—making them ideal for storytelling that blends human emotion, data, and public interest.
🤝 How FACTS Transcripts Can Help Media Professionals Too
While the WES Mariam Assefa Fund works at the philanthropic and systems-change level, FACTS Transcripts operates at the ground level—helping real students, professionals, and immigrants collect and submit the academic records needed to build new lives abroad.
Media professionals working on stories about:
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Credential recognition
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Barriers in international hiring
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Immigrant struggles with documentation
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Higher education access for foreign-trained professionals
…can contact FACTS Transcripts for background, case studies, and data-driven commentary.
FACTS can help you connect with real-life subjects facing documentation barriers, navigating international systems, or rebuilding careers overseas.
📝 Final Thoughts: Building Bridges Through Informed Media
As a journalist or media professional, your work shapes public opinion, policy discourse, and institutional accountability. Connecting with the WES Mariam Assefa Fund allows you to shed light on the hidden barriers and untapped potential of immigrant communities—while showcasing scalable, systemic solutions.
Whether you’re crafting a feature story, exploring a grant recipient’s journey, or contextualizing the role of inclusive philanthropy, your first step is simply this: reach out professionally, clearly, and purposefully.
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