She spent eight months working with the Darfuri people of Brooklyn, accompanying them to their weddings, homes and rallies in and around New York. Issie was impressed with their hopefulness and their willingness to welcome her into their cultural family, despite the pain and disappointment she saw them face. She has previously written about victims of political exile for Inc.com and has also been published in Philadelphia and BlackBook. She now works for the New York Daily News.