Thank You and Farewell, Alexandra

At Asylos, we are privileged to work alongside individuals whose commitment to justice and human rights inspires us every day. Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alexandra Dufresne, whose remarkable contributions as a trustee have left a permanent mark on our organisation. As Alexandra steps back from Asylos to focus all her resources on advancing refugee protection in the United States, we want to take a moment to celebrate her tremendous legacy and the impact she has had on Asylos and the broader cause of asylum and refugee rights.

From championing innovative approaches to access to justice, to strengthening our mission with her unwavering dedication, Alexandra has been an integral part of our journey. Her leadership, vision, and positivity have guided us through pivotal moments, ensuring that asylum seekers around the world receive the support they need to navigate complex systems and present their cases with confidence.
As Phil Arnold, our Vice Chair so aptly puts it, “You can tell the strength and values of a team in the warmth of its welcome and the time it takes to wish people on in the next chapter of their lives. By this rationale, Alexandra is amongst the strongest and most valuable team players any organisation can wish to have. Alexandra’s unending warmth, commitment, and passion shine through from board meetings to reaching out across our wonderful network. I cherish our times working together, Alexandra, and feel better knowing you are keeping the flame alive in all you do.”

Stephanie Huber, trustee, echoes this sentiment, reflecting on Alexandra’s steadfast support for Asylos: “From the start, you have believed in the invaluable contribution Asylos can make to the refugee status determination process. You have continuously supported its work, the expansion of work streams, and its members of staff. Thank you for all the work you put into it and for providing me with such a warm welcome when you invited me to join the Board. It was an absolute pleasure sharing the Board with you, and I have learned a lot from you. You will be dearly missed. I wish you the necessary strength for the months and years to come to continue your fight for justice, freedom, and the right to seek asylum.”

We first met Alexandra in different capacities, but her impact on each of us has been profound. Julia Vonk, trustee, recalls meeting her at a coordinators’ meeting in Brussels: “I remember you vividly encouraging the coordinators to engage our personal networks with the work of Asylos. Your inspiring, approachable, and warm presence has been very much valued by the Network throughout the different roles you fulfilled. It was a pleasure working with you on the Board as well; I learned a lot from your insights and approach. I wish you the very best in your valuable work ahead.”

Katharina Natter, Chair of the Board of Trustees, reflects on the tangible, lasting contributions Alexandra has made: “It is difficult to enumerate Alexandra’s contributions to Asylos over the years, but her work around setting up Asylos’ emergency repositories, ensuring the financial sustainability of Asylos, as well as establishing safeguarding principles for Asylos’ staff, volunteers, and the people we work with were certainly highlights with a lasting impact on our organisation. For me, Alexandra has been a role model in terms of strong female leadership; her energy, kindness, and positivity have always impressed me and leave a lasting impact on Asylos as well as me personally. I very much hope Alexandra will stay close to the Asylos’ community and wish her all the best for the future!”

Dick Oosting, trustee, sums it up beautifully: “With you stepping down, Alexandra, we lose a lot, but we can be thankful for having travelled together these past years at Asylos and for what you have given us. The depths of your knowledge and experience, and of your commitment to the cause, have been amazing. But more than anything, you have been so much fun to work with! That is what I will miss most, as I’m pretty sure the whole board does.”

Diamantoula Vlantoni and Liz Williams, trustees, share in this deep appreciation, with Diamantoula expressing, “Thank you, Alexandra, for your hard work and, speaking for myself, for all the learning opportunities! Your dedication and your insights have been truly inspiring! And as Dick rightly said, you represent what is right and wonderful about America, I couldn’t agree more! Good luck and keep shining!” Liz adds, “We are so grateful to you, Alexandra, for everything you have shared with Asylos and the support you have provided to the organisation and its people. We have learned so much from your leadership, and you have left such a deep and lasting impression, which we will continue to channel as we go onwards. Wishing you all the best for the future.”

While we will deeply miss Alexandra’s presence on our Board, we are excited to see the incredible work she will continue to do in the United States. Refugee protection knows no borders, and we are confident that her passion and expertise will drive meaningful change in this next chapter of her advocacy.

Thank you, Alexandra, for everything. You will always be a part of the Asylos family.