About Us
The Clarkston Community Center is a vibrant hub of diversity, collaboration, and growth. Located in one of Georgia’s most culturally rich communities, we are dedicated to offering valuable services, empowering educational opportunities, and engaging events that support individuals and families. Whether you’re seeking learning programs, wellness resources, or a welcoming space to connect, you’ll find your home here.
From arts and cultural classes to job assistance and youth programs, we provide tools and experiences that foster a stronger, more united future.
Founded in 1994, the Clarkston Community Center Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit, multicultural organization serving the Metro-Atlanta area. Our mission is to bridge traditional U.S. citizens, newly arrived residents, and foreign-born individuals through unique programs and resources that celebrate cultural diversity while strengthening community bonds.
In the early 1990s, Clarkston was designated as a refugee resettlement city. As the city’s population grew and its demographics evolved, so did the needs of its residents. In response, community members came together to repurpose the former Clarkston High School into a dynamic facility designed to meet the educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the area.
Today, the Clarkston Community Center serves approximately 60,000 people in the Metro-Atlanta region, continuing its mission to empower and connect a diverse community.
Meet Our Staff
Sami Originally from Iraq, Sami has been in the U.S. since 2011, contributing significantly to the Clarkston Community Center. He began his career at the Ministry of Culture in Baghdad, representing Iraq globally. Now serving as the Executive Director, Sami is pivotal in fostering inclusivity and vibrancy within the center. As a principal advisor to the Board, he shapes organizational goals and leads the executive team. Through interactive programs, he builds bridges between diverse communities, strengthening cultural connections.
Marjan Nadir An Atlanta-based professional, Marjan is known for her passion, determination, and commitment to excellence. A proactive leader and collaborator, she blends creativity, strategic thinking, and attention to detail to create a lasting impact. Beyond her work, she enjoys exploring Atlanta’s culture, building connections, and supporting community initiatives that foster creativity and growth. Marjan is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in every space she engages with.
As a proud DeKalb County native, Natalie brings years of experience in Accounting and IT. With a strong passion for numbers and problem-solving, she excels in financial management and analytical work while also thriving in creative spaces. Her diverse skill set allows her to navigate complex financial structures and leverage technology for efficiency. Whether working with data or innovative solutions, Natalie is dedicated to delivering results with precision and creativity.
Musa Originally from Afghanistan, Musa worked with ATC (Afghan Technical Consultant) clearing landmines to protect civilians. He later joined UNWFP (United Nations World Food Program) to distribute food to families in need. As an Admin Assistant in transportation, he managed over 1,000 armored vehicles and 80 chauffeurs. Musa speaks Dari, Pashto, Hindi, Persian, and Urdu, bringing a wealth of experience and cultural knowledge to his role at Clarkston Community Center.
Krista Durant A Massachusetts native, Krista has called Clarkston home for the past four years. As a graduate of the Parent Advocacy Training program, she is committed to community service. She served two terms as PTA president at Idlewood Elementary and is a notary public and an advocate for justice in the Silver Oak Community. Now the Advocacy Coordinator at Clarkston Community Center, Krista is dedicated to empowering the community and making a positive impact.
Hikmatullah is a photographer and multimedia artist dedicated to storytelling and visual advocacy. As an APF alumni, he has collaborated with the World Bank project and advocacy organizations. His work highlights cultural narratives, amplifies diverse voices, and fosters community connections. Through documentary photography, Hikmatullah captures stories that inspire dialogue, bridge cultural gaps, and promote social awareness, strengthening bonds through visual storytelling.
Heavyn Johnson A Buffalo, New York native, Heavyn is dedicated to community service and youth development. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Kennesaw State University and an Associate's degree from Georgia Perimeter College. With over five years of tutoring experience, she has worked at Kumon and Atlanta Glow. As the Youth OST Coordinator, she manages the After-School QuietZone 2.0 program, creating an inclusive environment that empowers students and fosters their growth.
Deon Hauser Deon is a dedicated ESL educator specializing in Level 1 English and civics for immigrant and refugee communities. She earned her Master’s degree and TESOL certification in Thailand, teaching in Thailand, South Korea, and South America. Drawing from her global experience, Deon focuses on practical language application in an inclusive classroom. Beyond teaching, she engages in community outreach and volunteer coordination, supporting underserved populations and fostering meaningful connections.
A lifelong Georgian and proud Scottdale native, Donnie has been a valued member of our team for many years. After graduating high school in 1969, he trained as a plumber in the late 1970s and explored a variety of careers, including owning a record store. During the 1980s, he dedicated himself to construction work and managed roles at an appliance business in Buckhead. Known for his creativity, strong work ethic, and problem-solving skills, Donnie is always ready to tackle any repair task with precision and care.
Meet our partners, sponsors and friends
The Board of Directors meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at the CCC.
Meeting minutes available upon request.
- Chair: Dr. Henry (Chip) Carey
- Affiliation: Department of Political Science, Georgia State University
- Vice-Chair: Lesley Dixon
- Affiliation: Ph.D. Education Candidate, University of Georgia
- Treasurer: Shirley Zambrano
- Affiliation: Zambrano & Ruiz
- Secretary: Dr. Ashli Owen-Smith
- Affiliation: School of Public Health, Georgia State University
- Member: Alma Nieto
- Affiliation: CDC
- Member: Farah Dharamshi
- Affiliation: Public Health, Emory University
AEC Trust Foundation
Agnes Scott College
AID Atlanta
AmeriCorps
Art Forward
Arthur M. Blank Foundation
ArtReach Foundation
Atlanta Braves Foundation
Atlanta Falcon Youth Foundation
Atlanta Food Bank
Atlanta Hawks Foundation
Bank of America Foundation
BB&T Bank
Brain Foundation (Frances Hollis)
Branan Foundation – Wells Fargo Admin Fdns.
Brockett Pub
CDF: A Collective Action Initiative
Center for Pan-Asian Community Service
Center for Victims of Torture
Cigna
City of Clarkston
Clarkston United Methodist Church
Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies (CRSA)
Community Foundation - Get Out the Vote
Core Dance
Decatur Rotary Club
Dekalb County Human and Community Development Department
Dekalb County Human Services Department
DeKalb County Juvenile Court
Dekalb County Youth Services Department
Diabetes Association of Atlanta
Dollar General Foundation
Drew Fincher State Farm Agency
Electro Bike Georgia
Emory University Department Office of Community and University Partnership
Emory University Medical School
E-Z Agape Foundation
Fincher Services
FoodWell Alliance
Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, Inc
Friends of Refugees
Georgia 2020
Georgia Council for the Arts
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
Georgia Department of Human Services – Office of Refugee Resettlement
Georgia Piedmont College
Georgia Power
Georgia State University
Great Day Family Connections
Hands On Atlanta
Headstart
Healthcare Georgia-Health Promoters Program
Home Depot Foundation
Ida Alice Ryan Charitable Trust
Imlay Foundation
Injury2Wellness
Insure Georgia
International Night Market
International Rescue Coalition
John and Mary Franklin Foundation
John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Charitable Foundation
Kaiser Permanente Foundation
Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners
Literacy for All
Lubo Foundation
Lutheran Services of Georgia
Mary Ryan and Henry G. Kuhrt Foundation
Mason Fine Arts
Musulyn Home Cooking Catering Service
National Association of Asian American Professionals
National Endowment for the Arts
New American Pathways
Northlake Veterinary Surgery
Partitions Construction
Pipeline Foundation
Price Gilbert Jr. Charitable Fund
Prima
R. Howard Dobbs Foundation
Refugee Family Services
Robert W. Woodruff Foundation
Ryan Foundation
Sabrosa Catering
Sam’s Club Foundation
Scott Hudgens Family Foundation
Soccer In The Streets
Something New
Southern New Hampshire University
Stop & Save Group LLC
TechBridge
Thanks Mom and Dad Foundation
The David, Helen, and Miriam Woodward Foundation
The Katherine John Murphy Foundation
The Tull Foundation
The Turner Foundation
The Coca Cola Foundation
Théâtre du Rêve
Three Taverns Craft Beer
Thriftown
UNICEF
United Way- Opportunity Zone
US State Department
Vision Factory
VSA
Wachovia Foundation
Welcoming Georgia
Wells Fargo Foundation
Woodys Nursery
Workmans Circle
City of Clarkston
CDF: A Collective Action Initiative
Center for Pan-Asian Community Service
Core Dance
Electro Bike Georgia
Emory University Department Office of Community and University Partnership
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
Georgia State University
Hands On Atlanta
Lutheran Services of Georgia
Mason Fine Arts
New American Pathways
Refugee Family Services
Soccer In The Streets
Something New
Théâtre du Rêve
UNICEF
VSA
Vision Factory