If you are a journalist, producer, editor, or member of the media seeking an interview, statement, background information, or other press materials, please contact JRS/USA Media Relations Officer Syeda Abbas.

JRS/USA is the U.S. office of Jesuit Refugee Service, an international organization serving refugees and other forcibly displaced people. In 2024, Jesuit Refugee Service served 1,154,535 people in 58 countries, including through education, mental health and psychosocial support, emergency assistance, livelihoods, reconciliation, and advocacy.

Media Contact

Syeda Abbas
Media Relations Officer
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA
Email: syeda.abbas@jrsusa.org
Phone: (202) 629-5949

Main office
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA
1627 K Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
Main office phone: (202) 462-5200

Please note: This contact information is intended for journalists and media professionals seeking interviews, statements, or other press-related materials. JRS/USA is unable to respond to solicitation, general inquiries, or non-media requests through this channel.

About JRS/USA

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA accompanies, serves, and advocates for refugees and other forcibly displaced people. As the U.S. office of Jesuit Refugee Service, JRS/USA supports a global mission that responds to displacement through humanitarian assistance, education, mental health and psychosocial support, livelihoods, reconciliation, and policy advocacy. JRS works in more than 55 countries, and JRS/USA helps mobilize support, raise awareness, and advance policies that protect the rights and dignity of displaced people.

What Reporters Can Contact Us About

• Interview requests
• On-the-record statements
• Background on refugee and forced displacement issues
• Commentary on migration, humanitarian response, and refugee policy
• Information about JRS/USA programs and priorities
• Requests for photos, videos, organizational background, and recent coverage

Areas of Expertise

• Refugees and forced displacement
• Humanitarian response in crisis settings
• Education for displaced communities
• Mental health and psychosocial support
• Emergency assistance
• Livelihoods and long-term recovery
• Reconciliation and peacebuilding
• U.S. and global refugee policy
• Faith-based response to migration and displacement

Spokespeople and Leadership

For many media requests, JRS/USA can coordinate interviews or background conversations with organizational leadership and subject-matter experts, including leaders in advocacy, international and domestic programs, and marketing and communications.

• Kelly Ryan, President of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA
• Bridget Cusick, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
• Hilary Chester, Vice President of International and Domestic Programs
• Don Kerwin, Vice President of Advocacy, Research, and Partnerships
• Fr. Leo J. O’Donovan, S.J., Senior Director of Mission

Recent News and Media Coverage

Visit the News section for recent JRS/USA updates, media highlights, statements, and press-related content.

Learn More About JRS/USA

• Our Work
• Where We Work
• Stories
• Resources
• Our Team
• Contact Us
• Advocacy

About Jesuit Refugee Service/USA

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA is the U.S. office of Jesuit Refugee Service, an international Catholic organization with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees and other forcibly displaced people. JRS responds to displacement through education, mental health and psychosocial support, emergency assistance, livelihoods, reconciliation, and advocacy. In 2024, Jesuit Refugee Service served 1,154,535 people in 58 countries.

Media Inquiries FAQ

Who should journalists contact at JRS/USA?

Journalists and media professionals should contact Syeda Abbas, Media Relations Officer, for interview requests, statements, and press-related materials.

What is JRS/USA?

JRS/USA is the U.S. office of Jesuit Refugee Service, an international organization that accompanies, serves, and advocates for refugees and other forcibly displaced people.

What issues does JRS/USA speak to?

JRS/USA provides insight on refugees, forced displacement, humanitarian response, migration, refugee policy, education, mental health and psychosocial support, emergency assistance, livelihoods, and reconciliation.

Where is JRS/USA located?

JRS/USA is based at 1627 K Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20006.