A-Day-in-the-Life-of-an-Immigrant-Entrepreneur-Story-Book

“...every aspectof the Americaneconomy hasprofited from thecontribution ofimmigrants.”- John F. Kennedy, A Nation of Immigrants

WE GLOBAL NETWORKA Day in the Lifeof an ImmigrantEntrepreneurSTORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

WEGlobalNetwork.orgWelcomingEconomiesNetwork@gmail.com@WENetworkGlobalfacebook.com/WENetworkThe views and opinions expressedin this document are those of theauthors and do not necessarilyreflect the views or opinions of theWE Global Network, New AmericaMedia, or any of the participatingorganizations.Copyright © 2015Some rights reserved.We encourage you to reproduce and distribute this bookor portions of it, both virtually and in print, widely, forthe purposes of supporting immigrants or immigration asan economic development tool, or for the promotion ofthe individuals included within and their businesses.No parts of this document, including text and images,may be edited or modified from the original version,including the individual stories included in pages 13-32of this book, without express permission from the authorof the content.

WE GLOBAL NETWORK 5America is a nationof immigrantsThis book is a collection of the stories of immigrants and thecontributions they are making to their families, friends, communities,and cities, from across the Midwest and Rust Belt.The WE Global Network and New America Media partnered to gatherand share these stories of immigrant entrepreneurs helping to rebuildAmerica. The contest, “A Day in the Life of an Immigrant Entrepreneur,”launched in October 2014 and asked for stories about immigrantentrepreneurs and their lives in an effort to spotlight the important rolethey play in our local economies.Individuals living in all participating metropolitan regions submittedstories about immigrants who have started businesses and arecontributing to the economic growth and prosperity of theircommunities. The stories submitted were written by the immigrantentrepreneurs themselves, or by others - family members, friends,colleagues, or customers – to celebrate the immigrant in their livesmaking a difference.The participating regions were determined based upon metros wherethe WE Global Network has active relationships with local organizationsthat were willing to spearhead local outreach efforts. Participatingregions include Chicago, Detroit, Lansing, Minneapolis-St. Paul, St. Louis,Buffalo, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.We hope you enjoy and are inspired by these stories, and we hope youwill share them far and wide.STORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

Contents9 Did You Know? Immigrant Entrepreneurs and the Economy13 The American DreamPRANAV S. RAMANATHAN | Chicago15 Sala Thai: A restaurant oasis and the man who built itARKOM “EDDIE” PRADITHAVANIJ | Detroit17 FearlessELESBAN GALLEGOS | Lansing19 English, education and employment: Cleaning the way for African ImmigrantsFRANK DOGBE | Minneapolis-St. Paul21 Entrepreneurialism and the Human TouchJULIO ZEGARRA-BALLON | St. Louis23 My Business I Dreamt OfZELALEM GEMMEDA | Buffalo25 Political Refugee Kyaw Swar Oo Opens the First Burmese Food Store in ClevelandKYAW SWAR OO | Cleveland27 The Road Map to Success as an EntrepreneurBOUNTHANH PHOMMASATHIT | Columbus29 Like Father, Like Son: Dr. Ayman Salem Brings Family Values to Aerospace ScienceAYMAN SALEM | Dayton31 A Busy Day, Worth Every MinuteKAYODE MALOMO | Pennsylvania33 Two Paths, One DreamLAVENDER WACHIRA AND MAY LEBO | Pittsburgh36 About Us38 Our Network

WE GLOBAL NETWORK 9Immigrant Entrepreneursand the EconomyDid you know? Immigrant-owned businesses make up28 PERCENT OF MAIN STREET BUSINESSES,including 58 percent of all dry cleaners, 53percent of all grocery stores, 45 percent of allnail salons, 38 percent of all restaurants, and32 percent of all clothing stores. Immigrants started 28 PERCENT of new smallbusinesses in 2011 Immigrant-owned business pay out$126 BILLION in payroll each year, employ4.7 MILLION WORKERS, and generate $800BILLION in sales 25 PERCENT OF AMERICAN HIGH-TECHSTART-UPS created between 1995-2005 werestarted by immigrants Every foreign STEM worker with an advanceddegree is estimated to create an additional2.62 AMERICAN JOBSAt the turn of the 20th Century, millions of immigrantsarrived in America and were at the source of Midwesternindustrial innovation that propelled America’s industrialgrowth. These laborers and entrepreneurs contributed tothe creation of Detroit automobiles, Pittsburgh steel, andother growth industries across America’s manufacturingbase, and they continue to be a significant part of theregions that serve as economic catalysts in today’s world.The decline of the industrial economy resulted inmetropolitan regions across the Rust Belt experiencingslow or declining population growth and economicstagnation. This is due in large part to the loss ofmanufacturing jobs and the aging and out-migration oflocal populations. Many of these regions struggle withthese issues still today.Over the last half-decade, a movement of localimmigrant-welcoming and immigrant-focused economicdevelopment initiatives has been created and isbeginning to define a regional character and narrativearound immigration that is distinct from the nationaldebate about immigration reform. These initiatives arerooted in the fact that immigrant communities expandeconomic opportunities and revitalize regions. TheRust Belt region is well positioned to take advantage ofimmigration to reinvigorate its communities – to infuselocal economies with new businesses and talent, toattract and retain newcomers, and to be competitive inthe global economy.STORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

10A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

Stories “I am ofimmigrant content.entrepreneursI helping live theto American rebuildAmerica. dream.”

12“I amcontent.I live theAmericandream.”A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

CHICAGOWE GLOBAL NETWORK 13The AmericanDreamPRANAV S. RAMANATHANCountry of Origin: IndiaCompany: Coacharya - Executive Coachingcoacharya.compranav@coacharya.comAlmost exactly 20 years ago, I began my journey toexplore the American Dream. Today, I am a citizen, anentrepreneur, and a family man – born abroad, bredin America.It began with one of many passage rites available foraspiring immigrants to ensure my place in the UnitedStates. Entry with a student visa was followed by awork permit, which later transitioned to residency andeventual citizenship.The technical immigration process took 17 years onpaper, whereas my social assimilation to the Americanculture, took perhaps a third of that time. This was madepossible by the educational and career resources at mydisposal, the endemic system of immigrant support, andthe kindness and camaraderie of my native-born familyand friends.My father, a business executive with a career spanning40 years over three continents, chose to fulfill his talentsby guiding others to fulfill their own. To formalize thisconcept, I agreed to partner with him, and our executivecoaching practice, Coacharya, was born.I am married to a fifth-generation American of Irish-German decent. I am a father to a U.S. born, multiethnic,11-month-old daughter who will inevitably useher smile to change the world. Our rescue Shar-pei(also of mixed origins), reminds me on a daily basis thatunconditional love and loyalty exist.I am content. I live the American dream.A version of this story originally appeared on IndustriousOffice - Chicago’s blog. @IndustriousHQ.During this time I managed to live in four states andseven cities. I attended two universities and earned abachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from each. Iworked for three startups, two corporations and onenon-profit.STORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

14“I havebeen moresuccessfulhere thanI everdreamed.”A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

DETROITWE GLOBAL NETWORK 15Sala Thai: A RestaurantOasis and the ManWho Built ItARKOM “EDDIE” PRADITHAVANIJCountry of Origin: ThailandCompany: Sala Thai Restaurantssalathai.usEmployees: 20Years in business: 29Arkom “Eddie” Pradithavanij was just a young man in histwenties, living in his native Thailand, when he made amomentous decision: although his father, a governmentemployee, had sent him to college to become a teacher,Eddie decided he would put those plans on the backburner (literally, it would turn out) and follow hisgirlfriend to the United States.Like most young immigrants, Eddie’s first step was toget a job. He held a number of them over the years,taking whatever was available to him, from working at agas station to food deliveries and restaurant work. Helearned the inner workings of the restaurant industry,and in the early 1990’s he opened Sala Thai Restaurant inLafayette Park, Detroit. Several years later he moved tohis present location, on Russell Street in Detroit’sEastern Market.Eddie says the restaurant business is always risky, andas he has opened other Sala Thai locations around theregion, he has found, as others have, that for unclearreasons some did much better than others. For now, hehas settled on three locations in Detroit, Sterling Heights,and Shelby Township. With that number Eddie found hecould maintain the finest quality food and highest levelof service.The phrase “sala thai” means “an oasis,” or, “a placeof rest,” and this Thai concept is what Eddie wants toprovide for both Thai and American people in searchof excellent Thai food. He says, “Busy people wantsomeplace they can rest their weary feet, eat good food,and quench their thirst. That is what they will get in mySala Thai restaurants! We serve good, low-fat, healthyfood, cooked quickly at high temperatures, always freshlymade and very tasty.” He adds, “Thai people believe thespices help improve blood circulation!”STORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

16“But I believe that if you workhard and treat people right,you can make it anywhere.”Eddie has about twenty employees in his threeestablishments, not just family and friends, but alsoother immigrants from Southeast Asia, including someHmong people, and a number of Americans as well.When asked if he might have been just as successful anddone just as well if he had stayed in Thailand, he answersemphatically, “No, there are greater opportunities inthe U.S. I have been more successful here than I everdreamed. But I believe that if you work hard and treatpeople right, you can make it anywhere.”Eddie Pradithavanij is a leading figure in Michigan’s Thaiand Southeast Asian community, and a past officer andactive member in the Thai-American Association ofMichigan (TAAM). TAAM is a not-for-profit organizationdedicated to helping Thai communities across the state,educating people about Thai culture, and assistingboth Thai and American enterprises doing businessin Thailand and Michigan. Eddie merges his personaland professional life in pursuing these goals. He hasnever turned away anyone who asked him for help, andgoes beyond just giving advice to providing whatever isneeded. Over the years, the young man who arrived herewith his career plans on hold, knowing only his girlfriend,has become a successful, well-respected businessman,mentor, and father figure to other immigrants trying toget a foothold on success in America.Does Eddie have any plans to retire? “Yes, some day I willcertainly retire. And then I will open just a small carryoutplace…”Written by Dr. Su McKeithen-PolishA DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

LANSINGWE GLOBAL NETWORK 17FearlessELESBAN GALLEGOShe was able to observe a different world, and it was thisrole that propelled him to move to the next phase of hispath. Again, grateful for the opportunities that he wasgiven, but ready for something more, Elesban, now 25years old, set his sites on the United States. He crossedthe United States and Mexico border at Brownsville, Texasin 1968.Country of Origin: MexicoCompany: GM & Sons, Inc.gmandsons.com6784 Whitmore Lake Road,Whitmore Lake, Michigan 48189(734) 929-1259Employees: 82Years in business: 23Elesban Gallegos spent Thanksgiving Day watching theDetroit Lions win, surrounded by his family, waiting forthe turkey to cook to perfection. Reflecting on one’sblessings during the holiday season is nothing new.Elesban, born in 1943, grew up one of eight children ofsubsistence farmers in Senguio, Michoacan, Mexico.Michoacan certainly has much to offer in terms of naturalbeauty, culture, and history; it doesn’t offer, however,much with regard to opportunities. This is true today,but was far more the case when Elesban was a youngman. While he had a deep love for his family and for hispueblo, he understood early that a life lived attemptingto make a living from the land was not for him. With thatknowledge and with a blessing from his parents, Elesbanleft his pueblo at the age of 14 and made his way toMexico City to seek out better prospects.Upon his arrival in Mexico City, literally carryingnothing but a few clothes, Elesban found a position asa dishwasher. He initially survived by eating morsels ofleftovers from the plates that he washed, but quickly,he showed his worth and versatility. He moved up: froma dishwasher, to a busboy, to a cook, to a waiter, andfinally he became a bartender. It was in this role thatMaking his way from Texas, to Chicago, to Eau Claire,Michigan to Lansing, Michigan, Elesban again foundhimself constantly in motion and constantly experiencingchange. He worked in restaurants in Texas and Chicago,and in a poultry processing plant in Eau Claire. Imaginenavigating all of this change while understanding andspeaking very little English!It was in Lansing that Elesban felt he found a home andhad a chance at success. In 1972, he began work at theMotor Wheel factory. While this job meant 10, 12, and 14hours a day away from his wife and two children, he wassatisfied because the wages were fair, the factory wasunionized, it provided health benefits for his family, andit was steady work. Elesban purchased a small home nearhis workplace and settled in, planning to work for hisemployer until retirement, but in 1987, Elesban was laidoff from Motor Wheel shortly before the company closedpermanently. A man in his forties, with a new wife andtwo more small children, Elesban was now faced with therealities of the U.S. economy.With no formal education, seeking employment inthe late eighties was very different than at any timebefore. In the past, the willingness to work long andhard were credential enough to at least provide thechance at employment. With the rise of globalization,the manufacturing sector in the U.S. was beginning itsdecline. It was no longer as easy to secure a well-paidmanufacturing position that would enable a breadwinnerto care for his family. Elesban attempted to secure newemployment with no success. Dented but not undaunted,Elesban reached for the three things that he could counton: his fearlessness, his willingness to work long andhard, and his network.STORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

18Over the years, as Elesban moved from one pueblo toanother, one country to another, and one job to another,he never forgot those who counted on him, or those whobefriended him. Because of this, he built up and was apart of a cohesive enclave in both Lansing and Mexicowhom he could reach out to for assistance. Havingfound no success in the job market, Elesban and afriend reached into their networks and began a cementconstruction business in 1990, and in 1992 it becameGM & Sons, Inc. What began as a handful of men witha requirement to care for their families and with adriving desire to be successful has now grown into amulti-million dollar company with over 80 employees.Without a doubt, one of the key factors in the successof GM & Sons, Inc. is the large network that Elesban hascreated. Within this network is an understanding ofthe work ethic that is expected, coupled with Elesban’sreputation as honest, fair, and willing to work with thosewho are willing to take a chance on him as well.“Elesban reached for thethree things that he couldcount on: his fearlessness,his willingness to work longand hard, and his network.”There are so many lessons to be learned from this lifestory. Fearlessness. Forward-motion. Tenacity. But aboveall is an awareness and acceptance that no one cansucceed alone. In every annual company meeting withhis employees, and in his many conversations with hiswife and children, Elesban humbly states that all successis due to everyone working towards it together. And thisis true. But what Elesban does not fully take credit for isthat it sometimes takes one person to step out, to take achance, to provide a vision that others can believe in; thisis what leaders and visionaries do. As he reflects upon hislife in Lansing, it is hoped that he takes a bit of credit for allof the families that he has helped to sustain and grow overthese last many years. It is hoped that he takes a momentto breathe in, and to embrace the true measure of the welllivedlife that he has so fearlessly lived.Authors: Angelica Gallegos, Ricky Gallegos, Hugo Gallegos,and Marisol GallegosA DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

MINNEAPOLISWE GLOBAL NETWORK 19English,education andemployment:Cleaning theway for AfricanImmigrantsFRANK DOGBECountry of Origin: TogoCompany: SOS Building Services –Commercial Cleaningsosinc1.comOffice: (612) 886-1383Cell: (612) 203-1812frank@sosinc1.com1422 West Lake Street Suite 202,Minneapolis, MN 55408Years in business: 10Employees: 24Frank Dogbe gives most of his new employees fromWest Africa a one-year promise.Dogbe, founder and owner of SOS Building Services, abusiness that cleans commercial and office buildings,hires immigrants fresh from Africa and gives themone year to show him that they’re well on their wayto learning English or that they’re working towardtheir GED.“I want them to be inspired by my journey,” Dogbe said.“I say to them: ‘I started out like you when I came to thiscountry, even worse. I didn’t have someone who spokemy language and was there to push me.’”Dogbe is from Togo, a long, narrow country on thebottom side of Western Africa. There are far fewerTogolese than Somalis or Ethiopians who have settledin Minnesota, but those who have, surely have heard ofDogbe. In addition to hiring and mentoring new arrivals,he is the president of the Togolese Communityof Minnesota.Dogbe arrived in the U.S. with a Green Card and a ferventdesire to stay. His first job was on the cleaning team atthe St. Louis Park Target in 1999. He knew hard work,an education, and English fluency were the best placesto start on that goal. He joined the local chapter ofToastmasters International, where he learned to speakin front of people and get feedback on his grammar andsyntax. Later, he got his Bachelor’s degree in accountingfrom Metro State University.“I had a goal,” he said. “I wanted to own my business.”In the actual running of a business, things are rarelysimple. Dogbe started SOS in 2009. Five years later,business was booming, but some of the new accountswere huge buildings – more than 100,000 square feet,and he needed to get a loan for bigger, more powerfulequipment to keep up. Dogbe approached his local U.S.STORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

20Bank, but his poor credit rating made a loan impossible.Though their hands were tied, the banker knew Dogbewas a credible candidate and so made a call to theNeighborhood Development Center’s Director ofLending, Brian Singer.In partnership with the Black Chamber of Commerce,NDC was able to offer Dogbe a loan to purchaseequipment, and later another loan for working capitaland payroll. His NDC loan officer Perla Mayo says he’sahead of schedule on his payments, and his credit scorehas improved considerably.Dogbe and SOS Building Services were the perfectcandidates to receive assistance from NDC’s newlylaunched Business Expansion Program— an initiative toexpand its business assistance services, including loancapital offerings to better meet the particular needs ofexisting businesses poised for growth.Business has been very good. Working mostly inMinneapolis’ Uptown area, glowing word-of-mouthreferences have kept him busy and allowed him to hiremore employees. NDC’s Business Lab is in the process ofproviding him with a new logo and website and advice onhow to attract and manage more business opportunities.Sitting behind his desk, monitoring three computers athis home in North Minneapolis, Dogbe manages the SOSpayroll, pays invoices and oversees his 24 employees. Butwhen a hire is just starting out, or there’s a new buildingto clean, Dogbe is there— collecting trash, vacuuming,cleaning toilets— alongside his staff, and speaking English.“I work to motivate them,” he said. “By working hard anddoing it right, we have a job. If we don’t do it right, we don’twork. It’s simple.”A version of this story was previously published by theNeighborhood Development Center.Written by Emily Blodgett, Director of ExternalCommunicationsA DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

ST. LOUISWE GLOBAL NETWORK 21Entrepreneurialismand the Human TouchJULIO ZEGARRA-BALLONCountry of Origin: PeruCompany: Zee Bee Market LLC – World Marketzeebeemarket.com3211 South Grand Blvd.,St. Louis, MO 63118Employees: 3Years in business: 3was volunteering, selling their products and involved withFair Trade at the local and national level.Earlier this month, I had an incredible experience.It showed me how lucky I am and why I love living inAmerica. I’ve called St. Louis my home for the last 17years, and this is where I opened the doors to Zee BeeMarket, in one of my favorite neighborhoods, SouthGrand. My store offers beautifully hand-crafted and FairTrade products from around the world. My business givesthe artisans behind these products a better life.I first came to the U.S. from Peru in 1990. The U.S. istruly the land of opportunity. Had I lived in Peru aftergraduating from college, I would not have been affordedthe same resources and possibilities to continue to learnand grow as I found here in this country.In 1998 I moved to St. Louis after a promotion at workand I love this city! In 2009 I connected with Partners forJust Trade, a local organization that connects artisansliving in extreme poverty and consumers in NorthAmerica. Many of these artisans are from Peru. Soon, IFair Trade is a producer-centered supply chain model.It provides workers a fair wage and guarantees healthy,positive and safe work environments. Through Fair Trade,I’m able to provide opportunity to many talented artisansby opening markets for their products here in St. Louis.I built a career in retail and gained invaluable experiencein buying, merchandise planning, and marketing. I alsocompleted an MBA at the University of Missouri St. Louis,and my entrepreneurial spirit rose to a new level whichhelped me launch my business.The support of my family has been incredible. My wifewas born in the U.S., but we met and got married inPeru. She’s been a friend, an advisor, and my biggest fan,from giving feedback on the logo selection to choosingpaint colors for the store. Both our daughters inspire meto pursue my goals. Our oldest, Marcela, has said “I am soinspired by how driven you are Papa, seeing you pursueyour own dreams makes me feel like it’s possible forme to also follow mine no matter the circumstances.” Itwarms my heart to see my children appreciate hard workas an important factor in making their dreams a reality.STORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

22In June of 2012, I started my small business as a mobileretail operation. I attended farmers markets, events andfestivals around St. Louis. A few months later, I launchedmy online store. Immediately, people from all over towngravitated to Zee Bee Market and started asking fora storefront.The nature of handmade products typically preventspeople from ordering online because they know theirpurchase won’t match the product photo exactly.We carry beautiful products that sell best when theconsumer can touch and feel what they are getting. Thisfueled my desire to open a brick-and-mortar store.After doing some research, I concluded the thrivingSouth Grand commercial area would be a good homefor my store. Retail spaces are not readily available so Ienlisted the help of the local Community DevelopmentAgency. I found the place, and it needed quite a bit ofwork, but I knew I could make it into the beautiful andwelcoming store it is today.South Grand is already an international restaurantdestination, a testament to St. Louis welcoming peoplefrom around the world and being a stronger communityfor it. Immigrant business owners make this possible;their entrepreneurial spirit prevails despite the languageand cultural barriers. St. Louisans appreciate and valueproducts and services that transport them to foreignplaces without ever leaving home. I’m proud to be animmigrant business owner that connects people in thiscity with unique, handcrafted products from aroundthe world.I’m extending the Fair Trade philosophy to my employees,too. If I support Fair supply chain practices that protectartisans, I should pay a fair wage to my employees. Ibelieve this creates trust and develops commitment tothe employer. I would love to have sales associates whowant to stay with Zee Bee Market for years and can sharemy passion for socially conscious shopping.Initially, I am hiring two or three part-time employees.If sales exceed expectations, I would like to hire a storemanager and then have two part-time sales associates.To me, being an entrepreneur is about having the powerto build a business that makes a difference and aboutdoing something unexpected. Zee Bee Market doesthat. Most of the things we buy are mass-produced,and customers don’t get any say in how they weremanufactured or how the people that made them weretreated. Fair Trade items are hand-made, and they standfor equality. They stand for dignity. They stand for beauty.In my business, a website isn’t enough. I don’t have adigital product at the core of my business. That standsout as the world gets more dependent on computers,harvesting big data and automation. I’m investing inpeople all over the world, their talent, and an experiencerooted in the human touch.The new store means so much to me. It’s not just aboutmaking more sales. I have the ability to bring moreFair Trade to more people in St. Louis. I printed outbeautiful posters that explain the Fair Trade principlesso customers can see the impact their purchases makein the lives of countless producers. It’s about creating abetter world. It’s about giving talented artists a chancefor a better life. With this new store, I can work withmore artisans and have a bigger impact on the economiesaround the world and right here in St. Louis.A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

BUFFALOWE GLOBAL NETWORK 23My BusinessI Dreamt OfZELALEM GEMMEDACountry of Origin: EthiopiaCompany: Ethiopian Abyssinia Cuisine atWest Side Bazaarwestsidebazaar.com/bazaar_kitchen(716) 563-6602Years in Business: 3Refugees aren’t born to be refugees. There are so manycauses that make a person flee from their country,including wars, social economics, and more. Like many ofthem, I became a refugee from Ethiopia because of thedeath of my parents - especially my father’s, and otherrelated reasons. The major change in my way of life, andmy unmet desire for higher education left me depressed,and I had no choice but to leave my home to find relieffrom the painful memory of losing my family. I wanted tostart a new life. I wanted to live anonymously with newpeople, and have a new lifestyle. At the time, I thoughta new life was the only solution that enabled me to livewithout the constant, painful memory of the death of mymother, father, and only brother.My first trip to Yemen as a refugee did not bring me reliefof my painful grief, and it was a challenge to face a newway of life. In the refugee camp I met my husband, alsoan Ethiopian refugee forced to flee because of politicalreasons. One and a half years later we officially startedour life together with a move to Sana’a, the capital city ofYemen, with a house and a bed for us to sleep in - whichI never thought we would have again. I thought that livingin the camp was going to be my role for the rest ofmy life.In Sana’a we faced struggles finding jobs, especially asnew citizens. Soon enough, however, my husband got arestaurant job, and I stayed home to raise our child forone year because childcare was not available to me atthat time, before going to work in the same restaurantas my husband.A year later, I got the chance to attend a computerclass while being sponsored by the United NationsHigh Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) for six months.Two years later, the International Corporation forDevelopment (ICD) hired me as a data clerk, and I workedthere for three years.Shortly before this job ended, the restaurant my husbandand I were working in was closing, and we were ableto acquire the space through an auction and open ourEthiopian Restaurant. I hired four employees to help runSTORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

24My choice to own a restaurant wasn’t simple: the highcosts and many requirements to maintain a kitchen tohealth and safety standards left me believing I wouldnever get the chance to own a restaurant in America.I gave first priority to my children’s future, and theexpenses of supporting a family and paying for educationdidn’t leave enough money for the business I dreamed of.I’d been living in America eight years when one day Idecided to visit the West Side Bazaar. It was a small store,and I met a lady working there, and I asked her if theyhave programs that could help me open my restaurant.She said she didn’t think so, but she knew that they werelooking to expand their business with more vendors.I gave her my information, and three months later Ireceived a call asking if I was still interesting in running arestaurant. I was so excited, and I told him, “Yes!”the business, and assisted in management, customerservice, and as a cashier.Our Ethiopian Restaurant was expensive: rent was threetimes that of similar businesses in the area becauseof the auction bid, and four employees’ salaries andinventory expenses kept me busy. It wasn’t an easy jobfor me to manage our business; it required hard work,various marketing strategies, and strong customerservice skills to draw in more guests to not only coverour expenses, but also achieve a profit. We worked hardtowards becoming the best local Ethiopian restaurant.After nine months filled with looking at places to rentand completing the licensing process, I finally openedmy Ethiopian Abyssinia Cuisine at West Side Bazaar. Ireceived much support and am grateful to WestminsterEconomic Development Initiatives for helping me.After all of those years of struggle, my family and I havebecome successful in life. My husband now works in theBuffalo Marriott Hotel and Adam’s Mark Hotel as a cook.My business is picking up, and it is becoming famous intown for having some of the best Ethiopian cultural food.My oldest son is in his senior year at Colgate University,and my younger daughter is a sophomore at The ParkSchool of Buffalo.After running the restaurant for five years, my familyreceived a resettlement opportunity to move to America.The first thing I wanted to do: pursue an education. Iattended Erie Community College and graduated withan associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Science as anhonor student. I initially continued for a Registered Nursedegree, but after one year decided to redirect and finda way to provide for my children’s education and tackleother living expenses.A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

CLEVELANDWE GLOBAL NETWORK 25Political RefugeeKyaw Swar OoOpens the FirstBurmese FoodStore in ClevelandKYAW SWAR OOCountry of origin: BurmaCompany: Burmese Asian Market13439 Detroit avenue, Lakewood OH 44107(216) 912-8477burmeseasianmarket@gmail.comYears in business: 1Kyaw Swar Oo, a Burmese refugee who arrived in theUnited States in 2004, is a man living his dream. InOctober 2013, he opened his own business, the BurmeseAsian Market, the first Burmese store in Cleveland. Today,Oo is still growing his initiative and not quite able tosupport himself entirely. He continues to work daily as asushi chef from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., after which hevisits the Burmese Asian Market for an hour, where hiswife works as the shopkeeper. He then spends the rest ofhis day as an Uber driver until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m., whichgives him an opportunity to meet interesting people, andto tell them about his store. He spends his only day off,Saturday, with his wife and two-year-old daughter.After obtaining political asylum in 2004 for his activistwork for democracy and against the military junta inBurma, Oo lived and worked in sushi bars in New York,Los Angeles, and San Diego. He moved to Clevelandin 2011, where he became a franchisee for AFC Sushilocated in a Giant Eagle, a supermarket chain.Though earning well, Oo dreamt of opening his ownbusiness. He was determined to fulfill the timeline thathe had set out for himself: he would be an employee inhis 20s in order to acquire the knowledge, skills, andvision needed to be an entrepreneur; he would open hisown business in his early 30s, and grow it and make itsuccessful in his mid- and late 30s. He tirelessly workedto make his dream come true.Soon after moving to Cleveland, he sold his AFC Sushifranchisee’ share in order to open the Burmese AsianMarket in Lakewood, a Cleveland neighborhood with alarge Burmese community. According to Eileen Wilsonfrom Building Hope in the City, an organization whichwelcomes and partners with refugees and immigrants,there are currently around 1,500 Burmese in Cleveland,80 percent living in Lakewood.Building the business wasn’t an easy process for Oo. Ittook him a full year, between finding his space to rentand opening the store in October 2013, mostly due tothe need to obtain multiple City Hall Permits. He hadto learn everything from scratch: from architecturalplanning, and purchasing and installing adequate shelves,to buying equipment, designing the store’s logo, andmarketing it. He was rejected multiple times for thelicenses that he applied for, but while many people wouldbe discouraged, Oo was not. He had a plan and he wasdetermined to succeed, no matter the obstacles.The Burmese entrepreneur had a limited budget for hisproject, generated primarily through selling his AFC Sushishares. Because of the startup nature of his business,Oo couldn’t get any loans to help him in the process.Instead, to sustain himself and his project, he workedas a chief at a sushi bar, and remained a franchisee at asushi stand.Oo was creative in his acquisition of the equipment andfood supplies he needed. He purchased the freezersand coolers on Craigslist, and found used shelvesfrom a department store. Initially, he got food from aSTORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

26Burmese market in Akron, a city near Cleveland with aconsiderable Burmese population, and a Chinese market.These options were extremely expensive, however, and hequickly reached his already restricted budgetary limits.Oo identified two affordable options to purchase thefood, the Chicago Burmese and Chinese Warehouses,but was ineligible for a bank loan, and unsure of whatto do next.It was a fortuitous moment for Oo to encountera representative from the Economic CommunityDevelopment Institute (ECDI), a Columbus-basedorganization that provides financial literacy andmicroenterprise development training courses andmicrocredit to local and immigrant business owners. TheECDI representative was impressed with Oo’s initiativeand, after connecting him with Neighborhood HousingServices to address some unresolved credit issues anddevelop a solid financial plan, provided him a muchneeded loan.With the loan, Oo was able to purchase food suppliesfrom the abovementioned Chicago Warehouses, as wellas import them from Thailand where they were evenless expensive. His store carries traditional Burmeseand Asian food and clothing, as well as U.S. products toappeal to a broader customer base.While the Market was originally opened with the Burmesecommunity in mind, the many American customers havepleasantly surprised Oo. The latter must be drawn by apreexisting interest in Asian culture and cuisine, visitingthe website - which is promoted on the Lakewoodneighborhood’s webpage, or by sheer curiosity to explorewhile passing by.The Burmese entrepreneur’s current goals are to makethe Market flourish and to open the first Burmeserestaurant in Cleveland. His biggest life objective,however, is to earn enough money to be able to offer hisdaughter a good life and access to quality education, sothat she can pursue any profession she chooses.Oo feels fully integrated in U.S. society and embracesits core values. He mostly appreciates the respectfor the rule of law, and the fact that everyone has theopportunity to be successful through hard work.Written by Raluca Besliu“He had a plan and he wasdetermined to succeed, nomatter the obstacles.”A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

DAYTONWE GLOBAL NETWORK 27Like Father, Like Son:Dr. Ayman SalemBrings Family Valuesto Aerospace ScienceDR. AYMAN SALEMCountry of Origin: EgyptCompany: Materials Resources LLCICMRL.netfacebook.com/ICMRLEmployees: 5Years in business: 5Every day starts with a reminder: my 6,000-mile leapfrom Giza, Egypt to Dayton, Ohio is thanks in large partto the many giants on whose shoulders I stood to reachmy dreams.The biggest giant of all was my father. As a blue-collarworker and a dedicated family man, he had three jobs tomake ends meet while pursuing a Bachelor’s of Sciencein civil engineering at the age of 43. His biggest influenceon me, however, was what he did to send me to America.My long immigration process almost came to a halt justtwo nights before my Master’s thesis defense at CairoUniversity in 1998.Dad was hospitalized with permanent kidney failure.I spent the night on the floor of his hospital room. I triedto hide my worries, reflect courage, and extend hope tothe giant who taught me the meaning of strength. Withone week left before my flight to America for a researchassistantship, and just a few hours before my thesisdefense, I made up my mind to cancel my trip. Dad alwaysput family first, and I wanted to be like him.The following day, I felt like I was sleepwalking through myentire thesis presentation. Afterwards, however, I racedto his hospital bed to say, “Dad, you and I succeeded!My degree was only possible by your support.” His proudsmile and bear hug made my day.Afterwards, the doctor asked to speak privately withme. I learned that my father refused to receive furthertreatment until I traveled to America for my Ph.D. Forcingme to pursue my dream at such a time couldn’t havebeen easy, but Dad always put his family first. These days,I apply the same “family first” value with my employees.Worrying about their next paycheck, their mental state atSTORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

28work, and their career growth keeps me awakemany nights.So, in 1998, I arrived at Drexel University in Philadelphiamotivated to learn, succeed, and honor my family. Whilefinishing my Ph.D., I was in constant contact with myfamily in Giza, and I shared every little accomplishmentwith my father. His work ethic inspired me to seekexcellence in my own research. He always said, “Yourwork is a gift for God, and He sees everything.” Perhapsthat is why he always insisted on using high quality woodin the hidden areas of his handmade furniture.This work ethic paid off: a world-renowned titaniumscientist offered me a job with a research team in Dayton,Ohio. Shortly thereafter in 2002, I earned my Ph.D.Hearing my Dad’s proud voice on the phone was myreal reward.I never missed a week without hearing his voice. Duringone phone call in 2003, my Dad barely managed to say,“Come home, son.” Without hesitation, I was on thefirst plane to Cairo. Dad was fighting for his life after adoctor’s mistake during surgery. When I rushed to hisbed, he whispered to my stepmom, “I told you hewould come.”Then he fell into a coma with a smile on his face.That experience taught me how a family’s emotionalconnection can provide so much strength, and I use itevery day with my employees. I try to sympathize withtheir personal fights and provide my support wheneverI can.Eventually, the doctors discovered that Dad had too manyfluids in his system. After two dialysis treatments, he wassitting up in bed, smiling. He gave me a big bear hug andwhispered that I should get back to work, and not let hisillness distract me from success. Joyful with his recovery,I continued my work in America.Another phone call years later brought me back to myfather’s hospital bedside. This time, things were worse:Dad could only move his head slightly when he heard mydaughter’s voice. But the look on his face gave us peace.He taught me that reflecting peace allows the rest of thefamily to act rationally. I try to set the same example tomy employees as they navigate challenges.I received a phone call from my lawyer while I was waitingon my father. I had earned permanent residency inAmerica as an outstanding scientist. I spoke the goodnews in Dad’s ear, hoping he would open his eyes.I returned to America to secure my immigration,intending to fly back to Giza to stay with my dad as longas needed. But my plans were shattered with a 3:00 a.m.phone call that brought me to my knees. I missed sayinggoodbye to my father—my best friend, my coworker, andmy hero.Every day, I try to live up to my father’s legacy and provethat his sacrifices paid off. The echo of my dad’s voicemotivated me to start a company in 2009. I startedMaterials Resources in my living room, and then movedto a small room in my house. With the hire of my firstfull time employees, I moved to an office space that wasshared with other companies.After two years of talking to customers about thevalue of Materials Informatics, I got my first breakfrom a jet engine manufacturer. I leased a state-oftheart microscope. I moved to a bigger space in anentrepreneurship incubator, hired more employees,and set up a metals characterization laboratory. Today,Materials Resources has several patents pending andmore than 800 citations of my scientific articles.Now, it is my turn to offer my shoulders to my daughter,my employees, and every person striving for their dreamsby demonstrating the importance of education and hardwork in all that I do.Just before I close my eyes every day, I whisper to theimmigrant at heart who never made it to America, “I hopeI made you proud, Papa!”A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

PHILADELPHIAWE GLOBAL NETWORK 29A Busy Day, WorthEvery MinuteKAYODE MALOMOCountry of Origin: NigeriaCompany: Atlas Communications Inc.atlasbroadnet.netkayode.malomo@gmail.comMy Monday typically starts at 5am with a shortmeditation, 20 minutes exercise on the treadmill, and awarm bath. I go over my “To Do List,” check my emails,and respond quickly to pressing issues, as I sip on hotcoffee and moin-moin (African bean cake) made by mydarling wife.From my Philadelphia home, I call my colleagues inSierra-Leone (five hours ahead) via Skype at AtlasCommunications, a telecommucations company I cofoundedabout seven years ago. I go over quarterlysales goals with our marketing team. Impressive! Ouraggressive marketing, radio commercials and successfulproduct launch has resulted in a 25 percent customerEmployees: 30Years in business: 7For a second, I stare at my desk, looking at the pictureof President Bill Clinton and I earlier this month atthe 2030 Clinton Global Initiative. CGI addresses thechallenges of the next generation and prepares businessand government leaders and industry innovators for rolesas global leaders of tomorrow. I remember PresidentClinton’s words 14 years ago during his trip to Nigeria,which I watched on my black and white TV set in Nigeriaas a college student. He said, “For a nation to be great,it must be greater than the sum of its individual parts.”I was deeply motivated by these words. 14 years later,I shared these same words that inspired me with him.As he patted me on the back, he said, “Wow, you stillremember that? You know, the same is still true today fornations, for businesses, and for individuals.”After completing my MBA at Temple’s Fox School ofBusiness in 2012, I decided to dedicate my life to helpingbusinesses and individuals succeed and maximize theirpotential. I’ve had an amazing journey as an immigrant inthe U.S. since I relocated to Philadelphia to further myeducation about a decade ago.STORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

30growth and increased sales. I go over next quarter targetswith the team and recommend bonuses for ourtop performers.At 7 am, I have my weekly one-hour project managementcall with my team currently working in Maryland. Theassignment is a multi-million dollar logistics managementproject for a big telecom company that has saved theclient almost $150 million nationwide. I receive an emailfrom Accenture explaining that my team attained thefastest deployment nationwide for a second time. When Iinform my team, everyone is very excited and motivated. Ilet them know dinner is on me after work.Its 8:15 am now, and I quickly drop off my four and fiveyear old children at school. We chat about their artprojects along the way.At 9 am, I arrive at the office of the healthcare companyI consult for in Fairmont Park, where I oversee a programthat helps people with disabilities become gainfullyemployed. It is very rewarding and challenging at thesame time. I meet with a potential employer to advocatefor an individual in the program. With one more jobsecured this morning, we are at 90 percent success rateof matching our intakes with the right employers.It’s 12 noon now, and I feel hungry, so I drive down toKilimanjaro Restaurant in West Philly for lunch. I ordermy favorite lamb special which really tastes good. Overlunch, I chat with a friend who is starting a new business,go over his two-page executive summary, and make somerecommendations on accessing citywide resources.At 1 pm I return back to the office responding to emailsfrom clients. At 2:15 pm, I receive a call from an unknownnumber on my cell phone, which I pick up anyway. It’s aclient whom I helped complete his grant application forthe merchant fund a while back. He calls to say thank youas the grant has been approved for $10,000.and addresses preventive health issues in Africa and theUnited States. We approve four scholarships for youth atfour different schools in Philadelphia and decide to makethe donations at the schools next Tuesday. I also give aprogress report on a new community water system andschool building WiN has just helped rebuild in EasternNigeria that accommodates 100 students.I look up, and it’s 5:30 pm. I quickly drive down toCourage Center in Overbrook Park where I teach an artclass to help children develop their creative abilities,understand money management and entrepreneurship.Today I am teaching about 20 students (ages four totwelve) how to make collage paintings and t-shirts. We allvote on the best shirt, which earns a $20 gift card fromme. The kids are really excited, and it’s a high point ofmy day even though I am tired. After an hour painting,we come together as a group and make one big piecethemed “Peace, Love and Happiness.” The kids love it andrecommend we hang it in the hallway, which we do.By now, its 7:30 pm. I drive home with my two boys andwife, who have been part of the art class as well. Overdinner we crack jokes and recap each person’s day.After this, I take a quick shower and get a little rest whilewatching my son’s favorite program, “Octonauts” on theDisney Channel.It’s 9 pm, and I am dozing off a little, ready to retire forthe night. Suddenly, a thank you text hits my phone froma happy client, which simply says, “Thank you for all yourhelp. The bank has approved our financing.” It made myday. The signature line of the text is Aristotle’s quote:“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is notan act, but a habit.” I fully agree. My life is about givingback. A busy day, but worth every minute.It’s 4 pm now, and I go to the conference room to meetwith my team at When in Need (WiN) Foundation, aPhiladelphia based non-profit where I volunteer. WiNawards educational scholarships to disadvantaged youthsA DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

PITTSBURGHWE GLOBAL NETWORK 31Two Paths One DreamLAVENDER WACHIRA AND MAY LEBOCountry of Origin: KenyaCompany: MayLav Elite Cleaningmaylav-cleaners.squarespace.comNumber of employees: 5Years in business: 2We are May Lebo & Lavender Wachira, and we arethe faces behind MayLav Elite Cleaning, a residential,commercial, post-construction and party/eventcleaning company.May was raised in a small farm town called Kitale, alsoknown as the granary of Kenya because of the largescalemaize/corn farming they do. Lavender was raisedin Nairobi, Kenya’s Capital -we like to describe it as miniNew York.May left Kenya in 2004 to pursue a degree incommunications at Point Park University in Pittsburgh PA.She enjoyed the experience that a new city brought andwas happy to start a new life here. Lavender was workingin Kenya for a few years after her undergraduate degreeand decided to pursue an MBA to further her career, andincidentally picked Point Park University.We met on campus in 2009, and a friendship sparkedinstantly. May had also decided to pursue her master’sdegree, and we continued to forge our friendship in class.After graduating we sought employment in order toexperience working in corporate America. We workedfor two years and that gave us the experience, capital andconfidence needed to start our own business.We live in two different parts of Pittsburgh, Lavenderin the West End and May the East End, which is goodbecause it has allowed us to understand and anticipatethe needs in the neighborhoods we reside in.The Day...A typical MayLav Day would probably start at 5 a.m. withus messaging each other back and forth over ideas thatwe may have. We brainstorm over them, knock some ofthem off but keep the ones that are more feasible. Wethen discuss jobs, walk-through appointments, pick-uptimes, or meet-up times, and which crew member isavailable. Then probably complain about the cold. See,we grew up in a country with only two seasons: rainy anddry season. Several years of being in Pittsburgh and weare yet to get used to the chill.STORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

32The Job…At the job site, the first thing we do is carry theequipment and supplies in and then assign floors orrooms if necessary. For the next three to four hours ourinteraction is minimal, as everyone is busy, except ofcourse, for the occasional approval or disapproval of asong choice. We like to play music as we work. Somethingabout music, the right tempo and energy gives us driveand keeps our spirits up as we work. When we are donecleaning, we do a final walk-through and make sureeverything is sparkling and that we haven’t left anythingout of place.After the Job…We head home, change out of our uniform into businesscasual attire, and visit a potential client at their sitefor a prescheduled walk-through to establish a quote.A walk-through is usually our first in-person contactwith the client, and as such we aspire to make thebest first impression. The walk-through lasts about 15to 30 minutes. One thing we hope our client can takeaway from meeting us is our authenticity, which is seenthrough our personalities and references. During thewalk-through we take the opportunity to learn about theclient’s needs and tailor the quote to suit their budgetand expectations.Small Business Support…In order to support small businesses we make aconscious effort to hold our after-walk-through meetingat a startup or small business coffee shop or restaurant.We then draft a formal cleaning proposal that is sent tothe client.Happy hour…In the evenings we either meet up with a mentor orattend a networking event. We have learned that ourbusiness is very personal and word of mouth is the mainavenue for attaining new business. We try to attend manyevents, meet other business owners in our field, and havememberships in different networking groups.We have noticed that our accents act as a perfecticebreaker, and this gives those we interact with anopportunity to get to know us better. “Do I hear anaccent?” or “Where are you from originally?” or “WhyPittsburgh?” are common questions posed to us. Wewelcome these questions, as they give us a chance to tellour story, and this helps build a better rapport betweenthe client and us.We take pride in our work because we are building whatwe like to call “our empire,” and our mission is to provideexcellent products and services while inspiring others.We want to live our lives by example, and that’s why wework side-by-side with our employees and are open tosuggestions they may have to improve our services.We attribute our hard work and desire to deliver thebest in what we do to our upbringing. Our parents,through example, instilled in us diligence, honesty,and accountability, which have proved invaluable whilerunning a business.A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

WE GLOBAL NETWORK 33LAVENDER WACHIRA AND MAY LEBOSTORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

34EDDIE AND KANCHANIJ PRADITHAVANIJA DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

WE GLOBAL NETWORK 35DR. AYMAN SALEM AND HIS DAUGHTER SARASTORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

36About UsWE GLOBAL NETWORKThe WE Global Network is a regional Network ofimmigrant economic development organizations workingin cities and regions across the Midwest. The Network isdesigned to strengthen the work, maximize the impact,and sustain the efforts of individual local initiativesacross the region that welcome, retain, and empowerimmigrant communities as valued contributors to localeconomies. The Network, a project of WelcomingAmerica in partnership with Global Detroit, is comprisedof over a dozen regional economic developmentinitiatives from across the Midwest working to tap intothe economic development opportunities createdby immigrants.The mission of the WE Global Network is to strengthenthe work, maximize the impact, and sustain the efforts oflocal economic and community development initiativesacross the region that welcome, retain, and empowerimmigrant communities as valued contributors to theregion’s shared prosperity.WE Global Network, aproject of WelcomingAmerica in partnership withGlobal Detroit, is comprisedof over a dozen regionaleconomic developmentinitiatives from across theMidwest working to tap intothe economic developmentopportunities createdby immigrants.The Network is made up of local organizations thatoperate in a 10-state region including: Illinois, Indiana,Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio,Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.Local organizations participating in the Network benefitfrom peer-to-peer learning exchanges, increasedpublicity, policy and research tools developed forimmigrant economic development organizations, accessto technical assistance, and other capacitybuildingresources.weglobalnetwork.orgA DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

WE GLOBAL NETWORK 37NEW AMERICA MEDIANew America Media (NAM) is the country’s first andlargest national collaboration and advocate of more than3,000 ethnic news organizations. Over 57 million ethnicadults connect to each other, to home countries and toAmerica through 3,000+ ethnic media outlets, the fastestgrowing sector of American journalism.Founded by the nonprofit Pacific News Service in 1996,NAM is headquartered in California with offices inNew York and Washington D.C., and partnerships withjournalism schools to grow local associations ofethnic media.NAM is dedicated to bringing the voices of themarginalized - ethnic minorities, immigrants, youngpeople, members of LGBT communities, and elderlypeople - into the national discourse. The communitiesof the New America will then be better informed,better connected to one another, and better able toinfluence policy-makers. NAM produces, aggregatesand disseminates multimedia content and services forand from the youth and ethnic media sectors. NAM hasdeveloped these pathways to achieve our goals: Grow a collective presence for the more than 3,000ethnic news outlets nationwide and professionalizethe sector through jawards and expos, journalismschool partnerships, press briefings, seminarsand workshops for professional developmentand newsletters. Bring the voices of otherwise invisible communitiesinto national and regional focus through multi-lingualand cell phone polls. Enhance youth development programs that producepeer-to-peer youth media and inter-generationaldialogue through ethnic and mainstream media. Develop and promote social marketing and corporatemessaging campaigns that expand the sector’s accessto advertising.newamericamedia.orgSTORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

38Our NetworkWE Global Network asked local organizationsacross the region to assist in promoting thecontest to their local networks, collectingthe entries, and choosing the winners.These organizations are listed here:ILLINOISChicago Council on Global AffairsThe Chicago Council on Global Affairs is anindependent, non-partisan organizationcommitted to educating the public—andinfluencing the public discourse—on globalissues of the day. The Council providesa forum in Chicago for world leaders,policymakers, and other experts to speak toits members and the public on these issues.thechicagocouncil.orgMICHIGANGlobal DetroitGlobal Detroit is an effort to revitalize MetroDetroit’s economy by pursuing strategies thatstrengthen Detroit’s connections to the worldby making the region more attractive andwelcoming to immigrants, internationals, andforeign trade and investment.globaldetroit.comGlobal LansingGlobal Lansing is a group of individuals in thegreater Lansing region working to educate,engage and empower the community toconnect, support and leverage more than7,000 international students currentlyattending Michigan State University, aswell as the refugees living in the area andthe foreign-born entrepreneurs looking tobecome business owners.globallansing.comMINNESOTANeighborhood Development CenterMinneapolis-St. PaulFor 21 years, in eight ethnic communitiesand 25 low-income neighborhoods aroundthe Twin Cities, Neighborhood DevelopmentCenter has been providing business training,loans, technical assistance and incubators toimmigrant and minority entrepreneurs drivento improve their lives.ndc-mn.orgMISSOURISt. Louis Mosaic ProjectThe Mosaic Project is a regional initiativewith the goal to transform St. Louis intothe fastest growing metropolitan area forimmigration by 2020 and promote regionalprosperity through immigrationand innovation.stlmosaicproject.orgA DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR

WE GLOBAL NETWORK 39NEW YORKInternational Institute of BuffaloThe International Institute of Buffalois dedicated to assisting refugees andimmigrants overcome language andcultural barriers so that they can becomeself-sufficient, productive members ofthe community, as well as promotingglobal education and internationalconnections in Western New York.iibuff.orgOHIOGlobal ClevelandThe mission of Global Cleveland is toattract and connect newcomers to GreaterCleveland’s opportunities, resources andservices and to cultivate a welcoming placefor all in order to increase the population ofthe Cleveland Metropolitan Statistical Area.globalcleveland.orgNew American Initiative ColumbusMayor Michael B. Coleman’s New AmericanInitiative was created to give all immigrantsand refugees living in Columbus access tocity services and programs to help improvetheir lives. This initiative gives equalopportunity to all refugees and immigrantsand allows them to become responsible,productive residents of Columbus.columbus.gov/Templates/Detail.aspx?id=65002Welcome DaytonThe Welcome Dayton Plan – written bythe community and endorsed by the CityCommission – provides a broad policyframework for creating a more welcomingand inclusive environment for immigrants.Welcome Dayton connects projects alreadyunderway, while also promoting newinitiatives, creating a community-fueled,collaborative agenda to transform Daytoninto an immigrant-friendly city.welcomedayton.orgPENNSYLVANIAWelcoming Center for New PennsylvaniansPhiladelphiaThe Welcoming Center for NewPennsylvanians connects newly arrivedindividuals from around the world with theeconomic opportunities that they need tosucceed in our region.welcomingcenter.orgGlobalPittsburghGlobalPittsburgh brings together globallymindedpeople in the Pittsburgh regionthrough membership activities andhosting programs. It helps universities andEnglish Language programs attract moreinternational students, and coordinates visitsfor international delegations through theU.S. Department of State.globalpittsburgh.orgSTORIES FROM AMERICA’S RUST BELT

Our SponsorsA Day in the Life of an Immigrant Entrepreneur:Stories from America’s Rust Belt has been made possiblethrough the generous support of our donors.

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