Working to eliminate employment barriers for skilled immigrants and refugees in the US

Upwardly Global-Jane is working to eliminate employment barriers for skilled immigrants and refugees and integrate them into the professional U.S. workforce. UpGlo clients pay a small lifetime membership fee to join a network of individuals - mostly refugees and asylum seekers from developing countries - who seek appropriate, career-track employment. Each client is assigned a mentor in his field and completes a 3-month program that includes job search workshops, online career resources and direct placement at employers in UpGlo’s network. Volunteer coaches (who are American professionals) help jobseekers understand local employment practices.

There are about 2 million immigrants and refugees currently in the U.S. who have college degrees from their home countries but are unemployed or working far below their skill level.

Jane’s strategy is to convince hiring managers at leading companies - Fortune 1000 companies - that immigrants professionals will help their companies compete in a global marketplace. With this she creates demand for immigrant professionals and set the pace for other employers. In 2019 Jane placed 2000 people into professional jobs, earning on average $58,000/year. She has had adoption of her program model by the State of Michigan. Currently she is scaling her online resources to increase access and impact.
 

So great to be able to support Social Entrepreneur working exactly in my area of expertise and share IKEA People experience.