Charity Rysak Appointed as Commissioner for New African Immigrants Commission

The 39-year-old refugee and U.S. citizen aims to enhance community integration and elevate African immigrant voices in Ohio.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Charity Rysak, a 39-year-old refugee from Angola who relocated to Canton, Ohio in 2017 and became a U.S. citizen in 2022, has been appointed as the state commissioner for the New African Immigrants Commission. In her new role, Rysak is focused on improving community integration, expanding access to essential services, and empowering African immigrant communities across Ohio.

Why it matters

Rysak's appointment highlights the growing diversity of Ohio's population and the state's efforts to support new immigrant communities. As a former refugee with firsthand experience of the challenges faced by displaced people, Rysak brings a unique perspective to her role, which aims to address the needs of African immigrants and promote their civic engagement and representation.

The details

Prior to her current position, Rysak spent over 10 years residing in the Meheba Refugee Settlement in Zambia with her family after the Angolan civil war. She later repatriated to Angola in 2005 with the assistance of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Rysak relocated to Canton, Ohio in 2017 and became a U.S. citizen in 2022. In her new role as commissioner, Rysak is focused on enhancing community integration, broadening access to essential services, elevating African immigrant voices in policy discussions, and leading community empowerment initiatives.

  • Rysak was appointed to the position by Gov. Mike DeWine in 2026.
  • Rysak's late husband, Leon Rysak, passed away on March 28, 2025 after a lengthy health battle.
  • Rysak ran for Stark County commissioner in 2024 and Canton City Council in 2025, gaining valuable experience in public service and advocacy.

The players

Charity Rysak

A 39-year-old refugee from Angola who relocated to Canton, Ohio in 2017 and became a U.S. citizen in 2022. She was appointed as the state commissioner for the New African Immigrants Commission.

Mike DeWine

The governor of Ohio who appointed Rysak to the New African Immigrants Commission.

Leon Rysak

Charity Rysak's late husband, who passed away in 2025 after a lengthy health battle.

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What they’re saying

“Prior to repatriating to Angola in 2005 with the assistance of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, following the Angolan civil war, I spent over 10 years residing in the Meheba Refugee Settlement in Zambia with my family. My experience as a refugee provided firsthand insight into the challenges faced by displaced people.”

— Charity Rysak, State Commissioner, New African Immigrants Commission (cantonrep.com)

“My late husband, Leon Rysak, was my partner for 17 years until his passing on March 28, 2025, following a lengthy health battle. Leon was a dedicated husband and father, and a source of inspiration and support for me and our children.”

— Charity Rysak, State Commissioner, New African Immigrants Commission (cantonrep.com)

What’s next

Rysak plans to transition into senior leadership positions where she can oversee extensive programs, secure sustainable funding, and build statewide partnerships to further support Ohio's new African immigrant communities.

The takeaway

Charity Rysak's appointment as commissioner for the New African Immigrants Commission underscores Ohio's commitment to supporting its growing immigrant population and elevating the voices of underrepresented communities. Her personal experience as a refugee and her dedication to public service make her well-suited to advocate for the needs of African immigrants and promote their integration and empowerment across the state.