Refugee Education Center Welcomes New Executive Director, Meg Derrer

After a three-month search by the board of directors and with the leadership team's support, the Refugee Education Center is pleased to welcome Meg Derrer as its new executive director. Meg served as interim executive director in March while the organization searched for a permanent hire.

Meg comes to the organization with 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience in West Michigan, including serving as executive director of the Hope Network Foundation and other director roles for several nonprofits throughout her career. Additionally, Meg has served our state on the Michigan Women’s Commission through two different administrations and was the co-chair of the Anti-Bias Committee. Meg was a founding member of the Kent County Human Trafficking Task Force and was a recipient of the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential Women Award.

With Meg’s hands-on leadership approach and entrepreneurial experience, the Refugee Education Center team is excited for the center’s future. Meg also brings a thorough understanding of community impact and fellowship to her new role, along with experience in corporate social responsibility, executive level leadership, values and culture strategy, team building, internal and external communication, community collaboration, fundraising, public speaking, and strategic partnerships. 

“It is an honor to join an organization dedicated to the educational achievement of new American kids. I am grateful to become part of a fantastic team that works tirelessly to support refugee families in their journey to becoming fully participating members of West Michigan. By deploying our three pillars – education, family stability, and culture + belonging – we get to witness the incredible agency that comes when a child is able to pursue a better future successfully.” - Meg Derrer, Executive Director

Over the last 16 years, the Refugee Education Center's programs and services have expanded to address additional family needs, serving thousands of refugees along the way.

“The need for supporting the education of refugee children in West Michigan is at an all-time high,” says Blerta Bushati, Refugee Education Center Board Chair. “We’re confident in the future of this organization and the impact Meg’s leadership will have on all of us.”

To learn more about Meg Derrer, visit her LinkedIn profile here.