At Upwardly Global, we believe in the power of people to change lives, and there’s no better example of that than our incredible community of volunteers. This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re proud to celebrate the individuals who dedicate their time, skills, and experience to helping immigrant and refugee professionals rebuild their careers and thrive in the U.S.
Each year, over 500 volunteers step into meaningful roles as mentors, mock interviewers, resume reviewers, and networking allies for our job seekers nationwide. For job seekers navigating a new country, culture, and job market, the support of a volunteer can be the difference between feeling isolated and feeling empowered.
Whether it’s offering insights on how to tailor a resume or providing interview prep that boosts a job seeker’s confidence, our volunteers are on the frontlines of breaking workforce barriers. These one-on-one connections are more than just assistance; they’re human bridges that foster belonging, community, and hope.
Volunteers come to Upwardly Global from a wide range of industries, including tech, healthcare, finance, and education. What they share is a belief that talent transcends borders.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our job seekers and volunteers have to say:
“My mentorship experience with Jane has been incredibly valuable. We meet weekly, and she has been a fantastic source of support, guidance, and encouragement. She has helped me refine my elevator pitch, improve my resume, and expand my professional network by connecting me with recruiters and HR professionals. As a result, I have two job interviews just this week! Additionally, Jane has been instrumental in helping me prepare for these interviews, offering insightful advice and feedback. Her mentorship is truly empowering, and I am grateful for the experience.”
— Kristina H., Ukraine (Job seeker)
“For the past 11 years, I’ve served Upwardly Global’s talented group of international professionals in several ways. I started out as a volunteer, providing resume and career advice. I then assisted another group of Upwardly Global’s professionals as an English coach. This year, I provided interviewing and job search advice for professionals from Chad, Germany, and Ukraine. Upwardly Global provides a modernized platform for these professionals to launch their careers in the U.S. It’s truly exciting to see them advance into the U.S. workforce!”
— Jennifer Alexander (Volunteer since 2014)
“Mentoring with Alisa was a life-changing experience that accelerated my career transformation in ways I never imagined. When I arrived in the U.S., overwhelmed by a crowded and competitive job market, she helped me uncover the power of my unique story and shape it into a bold, authentic personal brand.
With strategic precision and deep insight, Alisa equipped me with tools that expanded my network, refined my pitch, and gave me the confidence to approach top-tier companies. Her guidance didn’t just fast-track my progress — it completely redefined how I see myself as a professional and a leader. She empowered me to build a new professional identity and chart a meaningful path forward — not just to land a job, but to design a career aligned with my values. Alisa is a true force of clarity, empowerment, and transformation, and working with her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
— Margarita K., Russia (Job seeker)
“Volunteering with Upwardly Global has been an incredibly rewarding journey. As someone who has benefited from opportunities in the U.S., it’s been a privilege to mentor talented professionals and be a small part of their success stories. Seeing candidates thrive and achieve their dreams brings immense joy and fulfillment. Thank you, Upwardly Global, for empowering newcomers and giving me the opportunity to give back!”
— Prasad Joshi (Volunteer since 2023)
To our volunteers, thank you. Your impact is profound.
Your generosity, compassion, and commitment make it possible for newcomers to turn the page to a new chapter in their professional journeys. You are creating lasting change — one resume, one conversation, one job seeker at a time.
The need for global talent is greater than ever. So is the opportunity to be part of the change. As we aim to support 25,000 job seekers in 2025, volunteers will continue to be the heart of this work, playing a vital role in breaking down barriers to employment.
Interested in joining our volunteer community? Learn more and sign up at www.upwardlyglobal.org/volunteer.