Board Members

Josiah Shafroth

Josiah Shafroth grew up in Boulder, Colorado. After high school, he began working in a variety of different fields which allowed him to interact and form connections with coworkers from around the world.

This inspired him to go back to school, escape the Boulder bubble, and to learn more about the world. He earned a bachelor's and subsequently a master's degree in international crime and justice from John Jay College in New York City.

When Josiah moved back to Colorado, he began working as a case manager with refugee families, first at Lutheran Family Services and then with Jewish Family Service. He speaks Spanish and French. 

Ikoba Lino Lokononei

Ikoba Lino Lokononei,   born in 1968 in what South Sudan is now, exemplifies resilience and determination. He began his educational journey at a local village school, where he developed essential literacy skills and ultimately completed high school. Seeking greater opportunities, Lino relocated to the United States in 1992, motivated by the hope of providing a better future for his family.

As a father of six—four boys and two girls, Lino has demonstrated a commendable commitment to his family by engaging in various employment opportunities to ensure their welfare. His steadfast dedication underscores the qualities of a diligent and responsible caregiver.

Beyond his familial obligations, Lino has taken on the role of a community leader and advocate for refugees and immigrants, concentrating on health-related issues and the importance of equitable representation. His efforts in organizing community initiatives reflect a deep understanding of the challenges faced by diverse populations, fostering collaboration and support among both newcomers and longstanding residents.

Lino's dedication to community service and leadership has made a significant impact, contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious environment. His journey illustrates the potential for one individual to influence their community positively, reinforcing the importance of cooperation and mutual support in building a better future for all. 

Deacon Margaret Beneya

Deacon Margaret Beneya is a dedicated leader whose commitment to faith, community service, and social work has profoundly impacted many lives. She actively manages church services, works with Goodwill, supports mental health education, and contributes to the healthcare and sports sectors. Her unwavering dedication to serving others has made her a pillar of strength in her community.

As a deacon, she is crucial in organizing church services, coordinating programs, and ensuring the congregation's spiritual needs are met. Beyond the church, she works with Goodwill to empower individuals through job training and employment programs, helping them achieve financial stability and resilience. Her efforts extend to mental health education and marriage counseling, where she provides crucial guidance and support to individuals and families facing challenges.

Margaret Beneya also serves in the healthcare sector as a housekeeping professional at the University and Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Denver, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff. Additionally, she contributes to sports management as a baseball catering coordinator, handling logistics and hospitality to enhance the experience for teams and spectators.

Her diverse contributions reflect her compassion, leadership, and resilience. Whether leading church services, assisting those in need, advocating for mental health, or organizing community programs, Deacon Margaret Beneya continues to inspire many through her tireless dedication to service. 

Rev. Robert Lobung

Rev. Robert Lobung is a remarkable man of God who has devoted over 20-plus years to serving His people in Denver, Colorado. With a profound commitment to advocacy, he champions senior health equity, ensuring that the elderly receive the care and respect they deserve.

His experience includes several years with the Boulder Valley School District's Transport Department, where he prioritized the student safety and well-being of all the staff. Rev. Lobung’s leadership transcends traditional boundaries, incorporating ministry work, spiritual guidance, and counseling. He leaves a transformative impact on everyone he encounters.

He is passionate about empowering women and nurturing youth leadership within the church, and instilling hope and strength in the next generation.



His community advocacy is deeply rooted in Christian values, reflecting the essence of service and love for others. With unwavering faith and dedication, Rev. Lobung stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, lighting the path for countless individuals in his community. 

Jennipher Kateregga

Jennipher Kateregga is a vibrant personality known for her warmth and positivity, which she brings into every environment she enters. Her professional journey is marked by significant involvement and contributions across various organizations and communities.

As a professional realtor based in Colorado, Jennipher specializes in serving African communities, holding certifications in At Home with Diversity, Short Sale Foreclosure, Accredited Buyer’s Representative, and Seller Representative Specialist. Her dedication to her craft is underscored by her active membership in several esteemed associations including the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, United Alliance for African Communities in the USA, United Ugandans association of Colorado, South Metro Denver Association, Black Realtors Association in Colorado, and African Support for Rocky Mountain Region.

Beyond her real estate expertise, Jennipher Kateregga is committed to personal growth and leadership, evident from her Leadership Certification from the Entre Institute, she volunteers with Global refugee solutions as a community coordinator and extends her influence and support to the community through her renowned home buyer seminars, which she has been conducting for over two and a half years.

Jennipher's multifaceted involvement in professional associations and bilingual expertise, coupled with her commitment to community service and leadership, underscores her role as a beacon of positivity and a dedicated advocate for her clients and community alike. 

Fr. Patrick C. Taban

Taban Patrick Consantino, S.J, who was born in the shadows of war, spent almost two decades in a refugee settlement in Uganda. His first name, “Taban”, summarizes his life story because  in Arabic ‘Taban’ means suffering or fatigue. That was the constant context of his life as a teenager. He was born into a grim situation in Sudan, now called the Republic of South Sudan after secession on July 9, 2011, during a period of civil war. His parents had to face the reality. When it became unbearable (in 1989, after he had been weaned) they fled to the Magburu Refugee Settlement in northern Uganda. They lived in this challenging environment for nineteen years. After they returned to Sudan in 2008, his parents and siblings were again displaced to northern Uganda by the 2016 conflict. They are now refugees again.

He was motivated toward his Jesuit vocation by the Jesuit priests working for the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in refugee settlements. He was deeply impressed by their pastoral services and humanitarian interventions. As one of the JRS beneficiaries, he volunteered to work with them. It was then that he discovered his passion for social justice. He told himself that, if he wanted to make a difference for people, he should become a Jesuit. In 2010, he entered the novitiate in Arusha, Tanzania. He completed his philosophy studies in India, and did a residency in Ethiopia, his first theological studies in Kenya, and a Licentiate in Social Sciences (specializing in Social Communication) in Rome, Italy. His first mission was in Juba, South Sudan, where he worked for one year.

He is currently pursuing a Master's in Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. His experiences as a refugee, a volunteer with JRS, an administrative council member for JRS International, and as a Jesuit priest prepared him to advocate for social justice and to become a voice for the marginalized. Studying film and television allowed him to produce documentaries and features, films that relate to the real stories of those whose stories would otherwise remain hidden or never told.

He received the Excellence in Directing Non-Fiction award at Loyola Marymount University at the School of Film and Television master’s in Fine Arts Specialization 2025 for a fourteen-minute documentary film titled “One Day” that traces the life of a former inmate who was facing a life sentence but who was later released. He is currently working on a minute documentary film titled “Shadows and Light: A Refugee’s Journey.” The film is based on his own story regarding the South Sudanese refugees (his family) living in Uganda. His vision is to work for social justice by providing education and advocating for the

marginalized, placing peace first as a beacon of hope for the hopeless.