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Local Heroes Honoree: Meymuna Hussein-Cattan, Empowering Refugees, Immigrants and Communities In Need

A woman with long black hair in curls, wearing a bright blue blouse with a hot-pink pineapple print, smiles a toothy grin at the camera as she stands against a plain, light-pink background
Meymuna Hussein-Cattan is a 2023 Local Heroes honoree for her work in uplifting refugee, immigrant, and marginalized communities through the non-profit she founded, Tiyya Foundation, and its culinary offshoot, Flavors from Afar.
By PBS SoCal Staff
November 15, 2023
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Honoree Name: Meymuna Hussein-Cattan
Title: CEO/Founder 
Organization/Business: The Tiyya Foundation/Flavors from Afar
Websites: https://www.tiyya.org/, https://www.flavorsfromafar.co/

Meymuna, herself a refugee, founded with her mother this nonprofit that helps, supports and aids refugees and asylum seekers. At a time when helping this vulnerable community was difficult, Meymuna kept diligently working. She was also one of the only nonprofits in SoCal helping refugees from Syria and Afghanistan. Through this nonprofit. she has also created the Flavors from Afar, a catering service with refugee chefs. It was just named as one of the 101 places to eat by the LA Times.
Marium Mohiuddin, nominator

About Meymuna Hussein-Cattan

Meymuna Hussein-Cattan: Local Heroes Honoree, Empowering Refugees and Communities in Need.

Meymuna Hussein-Cattan is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering refugees, immigrants and marginalized communities. Born in a refugee camp, her personal journey inspires her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes.

As the CEO and founder of the Tiyya Foundation since 2010, Meymuna has pioneered innovative strategies, expanding the foundation's reach to thousands of families. Her exceptional dedication earned her recognition as one of the "Top 10 CNN Heroes" in 2022 and the "Outstanding Founder" by National Philanthropy Day Orange County in 2021.

In 2018, Meymuna ventured into culinary entrepreneurship, founding the Flavors from Afar restaurant, a social enterprise of the foundation. Her unique concept, combining diverse cuisines with social responsibility, earned two Michelin Bib Gourmands and consecutive "Top 101 Restaurant" awards in Los Angeles.

Meymuna's journey, from a refugee camp to award-winning leader and entrepreneur, reflects her commitment to positive change and empowerment.

Meymuna Hussein-Cattan was also a 2019 Local Heroes nominee.

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