Ivana was a celebrated journalist in South Sudan – some people even named their daughters after her because she was the model of a strong woman. When she came to the United States, she was alone with her son and pregnant. They knew no one, and their first home was a shelter in New York.
It’s been a hard journey, especially during the pandemic. But Ivana recently connected to Upwardly Global and she’s determined to get back to the career she loves. This connection has rekindled her hope. At a time when some 5 million women have left the labor force, immigrant women and women of color across the board have experienced even higher unemployment and poverty rates. And they continue to break down barriers.