“I have three words: be resilient, be patient, and reach out to Upwardly Global.”
“As a naturalized Iranian-American and a scientist, I feel extremely fortunate to call America, today’s great beacon of science and culture, my home. I came to the United States in 1971 to attend graduate school. I received my Ph.D. in 1975 and went back to Iran eager to serve my country in the field of food science and nutrition. But all of my efforts to advance this research came to a halt due to the political turmoil that engulfed the country. Married only two months, my wife and I left Iran for good in July 1979.
Because of my experience as a newcomer to the U.S., I know that diversity and inclusion are not just corporate phrases, but values that must be integrated into the daily life of an organization. McCormick & Company has 10,000 employees in 25 countries, and this global perspective drives the best ideas, insights, and solutions to meet changing needs. Global talent and diversity are the catalysts for our innovation, and we strive to take a broad view on talent acquisition and to create an inclusive environment where all employees have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
An organization such as Upwardly Global could have made our integration journey much easier. I greatly appreciate the efforts of UpGlo and similar organizations in helping a new generation of immigrants to fulfill their dreams and aspirations in their adopted country.