WALK TOWARD THE RISING SUN FOUNDATION
Who We Are
More About The Team
— GER DUANY
Author, actor, speaker, and a Goodwill Ambassador to UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR. A child soldier and refugee, resettled to the United States at 15 Duany has used his life experiences to advocate for other refugees.
— CHRIS FRIESEN
Internationally recognized for over 30 years of leadership in refugee and immigrant service sector, Chris serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Immigrant Services Society of BC. Some past and current work includes founding a student refugee sponsorship program, providing national leadership during major humanitarian resettlement movements, leading the creation of an innovative refugee service building, and co‑founding an NGO addressing HIV/AIDS in Africa. He received the 2024 National Metropolis Service Provider Award of Excellence and the 2025 King Charles Coronation Medal for his service to newcomers.
— KUETH DUANY
Philanthropist, Refugee, and Captain OF THE 2003 SYRACUSE NCAA National Championship team. Kueth is CEO of Gold Leaf MINING; a mineral exploration company with a focus on metals that are critical to society’s zero-carbon future.
— DOUGLAS HESKE
Founder & CEO OF Newday Financial Technologies. A game changing and awards winning business leader in fintech and philanthropy. He brings more than 25 years of investment management, Impact, and leadership experience.
— NHIAL TUTLAM
Assistant Professor at Brown School, his research centers on the intersection of mental health impact of war trauma and risk of health outcomes. Currently leading a study in refugee settlements in Uganda conducted through the International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD).
Our Approach
Walk Toward the Rising Sun Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to community empowerment.
Our mission is to provide high quality educational opportunities and facilitate access to mental health services that empower individuals and promote overall well-being. We envision resilient communities where education, leadership, and sustainable economic opportunities enable individuals to thrive and create a lasting positive impact.
Founded on the belief that strong communities require access to knowledge and well-being resources, the Foundation focuses on:
- Education & Mental Health: Expanding educational access and facilitating essential mental health services.
- Community Development: Supporting public spaces that encourage leadership, engagement, and connection.
- Economic Empowerment: Promoting entrepreneurship and community-driven initiatives to foster self-sufficiency.
Through strategic partnerships and responsible resource stewardship, we welcome grants and support innovative programs aligned with our commitment to the public good. We are dedicated to helping communities rise toward brighter, stronger futures.
— Our Mission
To provide quality educational opportunities and facilitate access to mental health services that empower individuals and communities while promoting overall well-being.
— Our Vision
To build empowered, resilient communities where education, mental health support, leadership, and sustainable economic opportunities enable individuals to thrive and create lasting positive impact.
— Our Story
Walk Toward the Rising Sun Foundation was founded on the belief that strong communities are built through access to education, mental health support, and sustainable opportunities. Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to empower individuals, foster leadership, and create lasting, community-driven impact.