Egyptian professional reclaims her career as an auditor at the New York State Department of Labor
“I had a job that most people dream of,” Amal reflects, having spent over two decades building a life and career in Egypt. “I was proud of what I achieved.”
Amal earned a degree in accounting and finance, then spent over a decade working for Egypt’s Ministry of Telecommunications, even collaborating on a project with the First Lady of Egypt.
“My family would joke, ‘We know someone important,’” she says. Her career had brought her a sense of pride and purpose, something few women in her family, or her country, could relate to.
Fleeing to the U.S. with only $400 in her pocket
But in 2019, everything changed. As Egypt’s regime shifted, Amal was targeted for her government role, accused of not being loyal to the new leadership. Despite her father’s service as a veteran, Amal became a “threat” in her own country and was forced to leave behind her career, family, and the life she had worked so hard to build.
“Look at me,” Amal laughs. “Do I look like a threat?” Yet, there she was, seeking asylum in the U.S. with nothing more than $400 to her name and the determination to survive.
Survival, however, was no small task. Amal took any job she could find — from working at a tourism company to being a home care aid for seniors — while applying for hundreds of positions that matched her skills. Each rejection chipped away at her confidence.
“At best, I would get an interview. At worst, I would hear nothing,” she remembers. “I heard a lot of nothing.”
A chance meeting with Upwardly Global
Three months passed before Amal discovered Upwardly Global, a nonprofit that supports immigrants in reclaiming their careers in the U.S. It was a chance connection, but it became a turning point in her journey. Through the guidance of her career coach Esmerelda, Amal learned to navigate the complexities of the U.S. job market.
“Esmerelda helped me condense my four-page resume to one, showed me how to use AI to search for jobs, and most importantly, helped me believe I could reclaim my career here,” Amal says. “Upwardly Global saw me. They took my hand and gave me hope when I had none.”
Reclaiming her career with the New York State Department of Labor
Upwardly Global’s support and coaching paved the way for Amal to secure a role as an Auditor at the New York State Department of Labor and marked a new chapter in her life. It’s a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, the right support can make all the difference.
Today, Amal has embraced the U.S. as her home, and with her professional career back on track, she can see a future full of possibilities.
As she proudly says now, “I am still here.”