Against unimaginable odds, refugees around the world continue to rise, rebuild, and remind us all of the extraordinary strength of the human spirit.
Established by the United Nations in 2001, World Refugee Day recognizes the millions of people who have been forced to flee their home countries due to war, persecution, and conflict — and to reaffirm our collective commitment to supporting their right to reconstruct their lives with dignity and opportunity. This day calls on us to not only stand in solidarity but to take action in creating more inclusive communities where refugees can thrive.
Stories of Resilience and Reinvention
Every newcomer deserves the chance to reclaim their career and rebuild a prosperous future. We are proud to stand alongside refugee professionals as they turn adversity into achievement and reconstruct lives filled with purpose, dignity, and hope.
Below are three powerful examples of refugees who have transformed deferred dreams into successful realities. These stories prove what is possible when refugee professionals are welcomed, empowered, and allowed to contribute their skills and talents in the careers they love. Their journeys are not just individual triumphs; they are testimonies.
Fleeing Civil War, Finding Peace: Berhan’s Career Rebirth in the U.S.
After fleeing civil war and persecution in Ethiopia, Berhan arrived in the U.S. with no network, no job prospects, and a lifetime of professional accomplishments left behind. With strength and perseverance — and support from Upwardly Global — she went from working as a nanny to landing a thriving-wage role as a Senior Category Analyst at Giant Food. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and rediscovered ambition on new soil.
Read more about Berhan’s inspiring journey.
From Kabul to Pittsburgh: Jalal’s Journey to Stability in the Public Health Sector
After fleeing Afghanistan with his family in the chaos of the Taliban takeover, Jalal arrived in the U.S. with nothing but determination and a background in public health. With support from Upwardly Global, he transformed uncertainty into opportunity — landing a meaningful role at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in just three months. His inspiring journey from refugee camps to a career in Pittsburgh shows what’s possible when talent and perseverance meet support and opportunity.
Read more about Jalal’s powerful transition.
From Construction Sites to the Operating Room: Vanessa’s Return to the Profession She Loves
When Vanessa arrived in New York with just $100, she thought she had left her medical career behind. An anesthesiologist from Venezuela, she took construction jobs and sold arepas to make ends meet. But five years later, thanks to Upwardly Global’s career coaching and a breakthrough opportunity at NewYork-Presbyterian, Vanessa is back in the operating room as a Senior Anesthesia Technician — proving that passion and perseverance can lead to powerful new beginnings.
Read more about Vanessa’s inspiring return to medicine.
Your Help Makes These Stories Possible
When we invest in refugee talent, we unlock not only individual potential but the collective progress of shaping the nation we want to see — a more perfect union where everyone is valued and can soar to reach their loftiest dreams. On this World Refugee Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building an inclusive workforce that values lived experience and welcomes global talent. You can help refugee professionals rebuild their careers. Volunteer with Upwardly Global and make a meaningful impact — one resume, one interview, one life at a time.