As Executive Director of the GDC-Baltimore Region, Barfonce brings to bear fifteen years of executive level experience in the non-profit sector. At Tahirih, she leads the development and execution of strategy and implementation of Tahirih’s immigration, family law, and social services in the Greater DC-Baltimore Region. Barfonce ensures the delivery of high-quality legal and social services case management by engaging regional stakeholders, and overseeing the local office’s financial and operational integrity by nurturing and leading exceptional teams. From her previous roles in leading Tahirih’s development and fundraising across the region, she has built collaborative relationships with donors and funders to accomplish the critical work locally.

Prior to joining Tahirih, Barfonce served as Executive Director of the Capitol Hill Group Ministry (CHGM), a nonprofit that provides holistic support to individuals and families facing homelessness in Washington, DC. Prior to CHGM, she served as Senior Director and Chief Administration Officer of Central Union Mission, the oldest non-profit organization in Washington that provides safe shelter and transformative, compassionate care to individuals and families who live on the margin. Barfonce has a demonstrated passion and commitment for the work of Tahirih, having been one of Tahirih’s first supporters from its inception.  Her strategic vision, strong leadership and exceptional management, and commitment to Tahirih’s work will allow the Greater DC office to improve efficiencies and increase its response to the urgent needs of immigrant women and girls in the region.

“I am inspired by Tahirih’s unique and unmatched ability to elevate, enable and empower immigrant women and girls press toward transformation and a higher quality of life with dignity and in safety.”

Education: Central Michigan University, MSA

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

Deepa Bijpuria joined Tahirih in 2012. As a Supervising Attorney for the Baltimore office, Deepa represents immigrant women and girls fleeing violence and serves as a liaison to the Baltimore Pro Bono Network. Prior to joining Tahirih, Deepa was the Project Director for the Women’s Law Center of Maryland’s Multi-Ethnic Domestic Violence Project where she represented Maryland victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in immigration cases for over five years. Deepa began her career at The Women’s Law Center of Maryland as a staff attorney representing domestic violence victims in protective order proceedings in Maryland Circuit Courts. While in law school, Deepa served on the staff of The Business Lawyer and litigated cases involving political asylum and involuntary servitude as a student lawyer. Deepa is a former board member of the Maryland Immigrant Rights Coalition.

I came to Tahirih so that I could expand my practice to new areas in immigration law and represent more women and girls who are demanding a life free from violence. They deserve the same freedom that I take for granted every day.

Education: University of Maryland School of Law, BA; Northwestern University, JD

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Languages: Conversational Spanish

Ashley DiIonno joined Tahirih in 2014. As Social Services Program Manager in Baltimore, she provides support for our clients with basic needs, including housing, counseling, and medical services. Ashley helps them connect to the services they need to be able to rebuild their lives and attain self-sufficiency. Prior to joining Tahirih, she was a Client Services Coordinator at House of Ruth working primarily with immigrant survivors of domestic violence. Before that, she was an assessment specialist and teacher in the Anne Arundel Community College EBS program. Ashley’s education included six months living and studying in Buenos Aires. She is a licensed graduate Social Worker and holds a masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland.

“I am inspired by Tahirih’s commitment to empowering immigrant women and girls and to fighting for the justice they deserve.”

Education: University of Maryland School of Social Work, MSW; Villanova University, BA

Languages: Spanish

Hometown: Annapolis, MD

Amelia joined Tahirih in 2020. As a Legal Advocate in the Baltimore office, Amelia is responsible for supporting the interdisciplinary legal team through advocating for clients and providing support and assistance to attorneys representing clients. Prior to joining Tahirih, Amelia worked 17 months at Europe’s southern border collaborating on projects supporting women and children of Moroccan descent in the Spanish city of Melilla (located within Morocco) in navigating the city’s administrative, health, and judicial systems. She previously worked in Washington, DC at Human Rights Watch as the Business and Human Rights Associate.

“I am inspired by the courage of Tahirih’s clients in navigating the legal and social systems, and by the resilience of the team in accompanying them.”

Education: Mount Holyke College, BA

Languages: Spanish, French

Edith Zarco joined Tahirih in 2017. As Social Service Case Worker at the Baltimore office, she provides case management for Tahirih’s clients, including assistance with support and advocacy to secure mental health care and counseling, among other services and resources. Additionally, she trains and coordinate volunteers to provide needed services for clients. Prior to Tahirih, Edith worked at the Elgin Community Crisis Center in Illinois, providing court advocacy to domestic violence survivors. While attending the University of Illinois at Chicago, Edith also worked as a research assistant for a longitudinal study of female sexual assault survivors and was a circulation desk assistant for the Library of the Health and Sciences.

Education: University of Illinois at Chicago, BA

Languages: Spanish

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois