Board of Directors

Dr. Ryan Kuehner

President | Board Chair

Confronted with his own blindness to the plight of the immigrant in 2014, Dr. Kuehner was forever changed. Unable to continue to look away, he began learning about the significant disadvantages besetting refugees, asylees, and immigrants. Dr. Kuehner was grateful for the multiple immigrants who (reluctantly and humbly) took the time to share their story, educate him as to the realities of coming to America with almost no support, and gently show him his misperceptions. Dr. Kuehner, a Lancaster native, finally began to understand the experiences of the foreigners who have become our neighbors. He continued informal support of immigrants in need and dreamed of finding ways to serve and partner with nonprofits who do it well. Recently, Dr. Kuehner and colleagues identified a gap that needed filling in Lancaster County regarding underemployment and the impact of cultural disruption. Due to the support of gifted thinkers around him, Dr. Kuehner was able to found Immigreat Lancaster, Inc. in order to collaborate with the Lancaster County community to support this underserved population.

“A child of the 80’s, there was one TV commercial that deviated from the consumeristic marketing machine and touched something deep in my soul; James Earl Jones’ commanding tag line, ‘Because a Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste.’ Over the decades, visceral exposure to many examples of this truism kept this stone in my shoe and with the support of many gifted colleagues allowed the birth of Immigreat Lancaster, Inc.”

– Dr. Ryan Kuehner | Board Chair

Dr. Praveen Rudra

Secretary

Dr. Rudra is an educator, a licensed professional counselor, and a clinical supervisor. He also teaches graduate and undergraduate courses, with a specific interest in topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Rudra earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering; an MA in Biblical Counseling, an MA in Mental Health Counseling; and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. Being an immigrant in the United States for over ten years, he has gone through a cultural transition, providing him with a first-hand experience of culture shock and transitional struggles in a new culture. These experiences have motivated Dr. Rudra to take an intentional approach to understanding the needs of diverse populations and ways to advocate for them. He continues to work with international students on college campuses and immigrant populations by supporting them during their transitional phase, guiding them to resources, and advocating for their needs.

Dr. Praveen Rudra

Secretary

Praveen Rudra is an educator, licensed professional counselor, and clinical supervisor. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses, and his field of interest includes topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has an undergraduate degree in Mechanical engineering, MA in Biblical Counseling, and MA in Mental Health Counseling. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. Being an immigrant in the United States for over ten years, Praveen has gone through a cultural transition, providing him with a first-hand experience of culture shock and transitional struggles in a new culture. These experiences have motivated him to take an intentional approach to understanding the needs of diverse populations and ways to advocate for them. He continues to work with International Students on college campuses and immigrant populations by supporting them during their transitional phase, guiding them to the resource, and advocating for their needs.

Ms. Maureen Ravuri

Treasurer

Maureen Ravuri is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience providing counseling services to diverse populations. She has worked with different age groups and diverse cultural backgrounds to assist clients with acclimating themselves to a new culture and understanding their socio-emotional and mental health needs. Maureen was born and raised in India and moved to Lancaster to pursue her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Raised to care for the marginalized around the globe, as a child she had the joy and privilege of traveling throughout India and residing in other parts of the world with her parents as they carried out this mission. These experiences afforded Maureen familiarity with acculturation adjustment from a young age and as an international student for five years. She continues to have a passion to walk with families from diverse backgrounds and has worked in the field as a behavior specialist, with children and families with autism and developmental delays. Presently, Maureen's professional time is devoted to outpatient therapy at Reading Hospital.

"As a ‘Third Culture Kid,’ finding a sense of belonging can be challenging. The people of Lancaster provided me with a supportive community where I felt welcomed and valued. Their kindness, generosity, and unwavering support has helped me overcome challenges and achieve my goals. I'm grateful for the lasting friendships and connections I've made here. I serve on the Board to pass on this profound impact to others."

- Ms. Maureen Ravuri | Board Treasurer

Mr. Amer Al Fayadh

Amer Al Fayadh is the Founder and CEO of Communication Essentials LLC where he leads the consultations and oversees other services. After resettling in the United States in 2010, Amer worked for a nonprofit where he engaged with people from over 30 countries. He listened to their stories, learned about their challenges and witnessed the impact a community can make when we invest in one another. Amer believes that our differences are our strengths when we discover the ways to utilize our unique sets of skills and engage in open conversations throughout the community.

“As an educated immigrant with an extensive professional experience, I struggled to find meaningful employment when I first arrived in the United States. That impacted me mentally, socially, and financially, but with the help and advice of individuals in the community, I was able to rebuild my life in the US. I am thankful for all the people that stood by me, and it is now my turn to serve.”

– Mr. Amer Al Fayadh | Board Member

Mr. Amer Al Fayadh

Mr. Bruno D. Cervera

Bruno D. Cervera is a bilingual writer, consultant, and translator. Born and raised in Mexico, he moved to the United States with his wife in 2014. Bruno's diverse career spans roles as an author, linguist, consultant, academic researcher, journalist, and educator. Throughout these varied endeavors, the common thread is his dedication to language and transculturation. He passionately works with the migrant and refugee community and advocates for those whose voices are often overlooked.

“Lancaster is my home —where I got married, found opportunity, and discovered purpose. It’s where I truly found a place to belong. Though the journey hasn’t always been easy, I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported me when I felt voiceless. Now, my mission is to pay it forward —uplifting voices of those who feel unheard, so that we can strive to build a better home for all.”

- Mr. Bruno D. Cervera, Board Member