Bitania Endalkachew joined Tahirih in 2022. As the Legal Assistant, Bitania provides critical administrative support to the Afghan Asylum Project by screening survivors, maintaining project case databases, preparing documents, and supporting the project’s contract attorneys. Prior to joining Tahirih, Bitania served as a Program Associate on the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund housed in the National Women’s Law Center. Bitania has worked abroad in Morocco on public health issues at Organisation Pan-Africaine De Lutte Contre Le Sida.

“I am inspired by Tahirih’s interdisciplinary model of service and quick response to people’s needs, as demonstrated by the Afghan Asylum project.”

Education: Vanderbilt University, BA

Languages: English, Amharic

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

Brenda Melgar joined Tahirih in 2019. As the Immigration and Family Law Paralegal in the Greater DC office, Brenda supports our attorneys with important legal tasks like preparing immigration forms and filings; client related work like scheduling and meeting with clients. Brenda comes to Tahirih with fifteen years of paralegal experience. Prior to Tahirih, Brenda was a Senior Paralegal at a private practice, immigration firm, where she gained her passion for helping her immigrant community.

“I am inspired by Tahirih’s commitment to serving courageous immigrant women and girls.”

Education: George Mason University, Paralegal Certificate

Languages: Spanish

Hometown: Woodbridge, Virginia

Piper joined Tahirih in 2025 as an Immigration Staff Attorney. As an Immigration Staff Attorney, Piper represents individuals in their cases before USCIS and EOIR. She enjoys supporting her clients as they navigate the immigration system. Prior to joining Tahirih, Piper served as an attorney at Amica Center for Immigrant Rights and CARECEN SF. Piper spent three summers with an exchange program in Latin America, in both Mexico and Nicaragua. She worked with the Department of Health in Oaxaca, Mexico.

“I am inspired by the power and light I see in my clients as they face the immigration system.”

Education: UC Law SF, JD; UCLA, BA

Languages: Spanish