Creating Strength Through Collaboration
Kevin Groman, Executive Director at Welcome to America Project, likes to build muscle — not by pumping iron, but through uplifting partnerships, especially during times when resources are becoming limited. He said:
“We are transitioning and pivoting our organization significantly due to the circumstances that we’re dealing with [with new] policy changes. During economic downturns, it’s very easy to hunker down. We build muscle by partnering with other organizations. Upwardly Global is important to us because I feel as if you are enabling us to scale.”
A Mission Born from 9/11
Welcome To America Project (WTAP) began as a silver lining resulting from the terror attacks of 9/11. Phil and Carolyn Manning started the organization to honor the memory of Phil’s brother Terrance, who died that tragic day, by welcoming refugees who have recently relocated to Arizona.
Since its inception, WTAP has welcomed over 25,000 refugees from over 50 countries, and in 2024, the organization welcomed and served over 4,000 newcomers primarily from Afghanistan, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Honduras, Iraq, Myanmar (Burma), and Guatemala.
By welcoming their new neighbors with essential household goods, compassion, and community, they provide dignity and hope to people seeking to rebuild their lives and dreams in the U.S.
“We feel we are sort of a lighthouse in a storm,” he said, “and we just need to continue being visible leaders and making an impact on refugees because our true measure of success is how refugees are thriving here in Arizona.”
Bridging Dreams and Careers Through Strategic Partnership
Along with offering hope and essential items to get started, WTAP also assists refugees in helping them find skill-aligned work through their Career Bridging program. Enter Upwardly Global.
WTAP and Upwardly Global’s partnership has supported nearly 100 job seekers, providing them with full access to the Upwardly Global Learning platform and critical tools to navigate the U.S. job market.
Currently, 20 job seekers are actively enrolled in Upwardly Global’s certification programs across a wide range of high-demand fields, including leadership, engineering, healthcare, accounting, and IT.
Omar Idris is the Career Bridging Manager at WTAP, where he supports newly arrived refugee families by identifying job placement opportunities and helping them pursue certifications to improve their employment prospects. Idris shared:
“We strive to place our clients in fields that align with their prior experience and education from their home countries, rather than relegating them to minimum wage labor positions due to their new status in the U.S.”
Eliminating Barriers, Empowering Dreams
Refugees need to become self-sufficient as fast as possible, and that drives WTAP to provide them the tools to do so. Upwardly Global’s learning platform is offered at no cost to the community members supported by the organization. Through this strategic partnership, refugees in Arizona have had significant financial barriers removed to learning and upskilling, which leads to better career advancement, upward mobility, and stronger, more resilient communities.
“Clients appreciate the upskilling aspect of the program and often share their experiences with family and friends, encouraging them to benefit as well,” Idris said. “This serves as a strong indicator of the program’s effectiveness, particularly the certifications offered by eCornell, which frequently assist in job acquisition.”
Upwardly Global’s learning platform also provides full-circle moments for WTAP, such as an Afghan woman who arrived in the U.S. with a dream of continuing her career as a hairstylist.
When she was first welcomed by the organization, she received a laptop. At the time, she was facing housing insecurity and struggling to find stable work. She eventually secured a salon attendant job, but through policy advocacy and licensing support, she earned her hairstylist license and landed a role at one of Tucson’s top salons.
Her journey didn’t stop there. Through Upwardly Global’s learning platform, she completed a Coursera course from MoMA, began painting, and even sold her first piece of art. She also earned a leadership certificate through eCornell and now volunteers as an interpreter for WTAP. Through this partnership, this amazing talent can explore her creativity in new and meaningful ways.
For Groman, the partnership with Upwardly Global appears to be the “best of both worlds.” He shared:
“You guys are experts at what you do. We have the connections and we’re really good at what we do, and together we are making a huge impact. That’s the part that is most exciting for me.”
Together, WTAP and Upwardly Global are building the kind of muscle that endures — community strength rooted in trust, opportunity, and shared purpose. As more refugees arrive in Arizona, this partnership ensures they are not just welcomed but truly empowered to thrive. In a world full of uncertainty, collaboration like this is what keeps our nation strong.
Let’s Build a More Inclusive Workforce Together
Inspired by this story? Join the growing number of organizations unlocking global talent and helping immigrants reclaim their careers in the U.S. Whether you’re ready to explore partnership opportunities, request a demo, or just learn more — our team is here to help you take the next step. Connect with us today and discover what’s possible!