Thank you to all who were able to join us for the Beyond Borders panel! And thank you to our amazing speakers — we left so inspired, and we hope you did, too. Here are just a few inspiring things that the speakers shared with us. We’d love to hear how you were inspired by the panelists. Please share your thoughts and favorite learnings on the Rise Up Impact Team.

Here are 6 Inspirational Gems from our Panelists!

On how to work with refugee entrepreneurs

Alejandra: Everything is new to them. Be supportive and encouraging to them. You may need to explain something a few times as you help them along the journey.

Abraham: Start without assumptions and stereotypes of what you think a refugee is. Many refugees start out working at a restaurant in a kitchen. That's where I started because I didn't know the opportunities that I had when I first came here. It took me 6 years to realize that! 

Laura: Refugees come to this country with a high degree of skills, talent and experience. It's important to meet people where they are and support them.

Parting Words of Wisdom

Gloire: I am a man of faith and believe it's up to God. He provides me with a blank table of possibilities, and it's up to me to work hard to create a life for me and my family.

Alejandra: Focus on the vision and doing one thing at a time. Otherwise you will get overwhelmed.

Abraham: Surround yourself with a community of positive people, and don't be afraid to ask for help. See your vision and walk your path. Give it your full 100% effort. 

Let’s collaborate and lift each other up!

We are so excited to launch the Rise Up program, an initiative to prepare refugee entrepreneurs to start, scaffold and scale 100+ businesses. And you're invited to be a part of it! We created the Rise Up Impact Team for all of us to collaborate, support, share resources and inspire each other. Let’s collaborate and lift each other up. Join the Rise Up Impact Team now!