Rachel M. Catanese

Rachel M. Catanese, Esq., MSW, is a dedicated legal professional with extensive experience in refugee and immigrant services. Currently serving as a Staff Attorney at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants since November 2022, Rachel previously held the same position at IRIS from October 2021 to April 2022. Rachel's legal background includes roles as a Law Clerk at the University of Connecticut School of Law and a Legal Intern at various organizations, including the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. Additionally, Rachel has experience in social work, demonstrated through internships at organizations such as Hartford Public Library and Sanctuary for Families. Rachel holds a Doctor of Law (JD) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor’s Degree in International and Area Studies from Washington University in St. Louis, complemented by study at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.