From local festival and market events where we pull up with our VW Refutees Van to enjoying music and theater performances, live events are at the heart of who we are and the magic that we love. The event industry really needs all of our support right now. 

This is a shirt collaboration between Refutees and Rational Unicorn Legal Services in support of the Live Events Industry of Oregon (LEIO). Its purpose is to help live event producers, entertainers, small venues, caterers, and everyone in between. 

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” (a quote most often attributed to Aristotle), describes this amazing industry and how so many pieces come together to create an overall experience full of moments we forever cherish. 

I came to the United States in 1994 from a Refugee Camp in Saudi Arabia; which is in-itself a true miracle. My parents, six siblings, and I left the regime of Saddam in 1991 for a desert refugee camp in Saudi Arabia, that we spent the next three and a half years enduring. This unforgettable experience became the fuel to my desire to take advantage of every positive opportunity I can.

After college, there was an even more exciting journey that awaited me.  I was in a period of my life that was both humbling and life-changing.  As I struggled with inconsistent employment during the '08 economic downturn, I used that time to create my own path; the result is that I now have a multi-press printing operation in Hillsboro Oregon. 

My story of woven threads from heritage to a refugee camp, art, business and purpose of starting Refutees.

During this talk the audience will gain a new inspired out look, create opportunities, and seek more self improvement.