About the non-profit

Bright Move Network (BMN) is a community organization located in and serving Waterloo/Cedar Falls metro area in Iowa. BMN works on assisting refugee and immigrant populations (newcomers) adjust to a new and vastly different Midwestern American culture. BMN serves as the cultural bridge amongst the newcomers, community residents and community organizations. BMN premise is that deliberate programming that promotes immediate integration into the community will foster greater understanding and awareness for both the newcomers and the community.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

As executive director, I am responsible for all the management and programs, fundraising, hiring and supervising staff, working with the board, supervising interns, budgeting, creating programs and sustaining them, and community outreach.

Most notable milestones

I am so thankful to be able to have a family.

What's the niche?

Bright Move has developed a unique way of integrating immigrants and refugees in the community. We use a one-on-one approach, and we also use community based approach to facilitate integration.

What's the biggest challenge?

Funding is our biggest challenge, we have so many things that we like to accomplish, but sometimes we have to limit what we can do because of the funding. .

What's in store for the future?

I pray and trust God for the bright future. Although I know that I can not know the future, I know that decisions and actions I take today will determine my future. Therefore, I take a day at the time and pray to God for wisdom to make wise decisions keeping in mind that my decisions will not only impact me alone.

Best way to keep a competitive edge

Stay focused, positive; know that everything has to start somewhere, and learn how to be patient and persevere. When you become successful, please keep a humble spirit, there might be people looking at you as an example, do not turn them away.

Guiding principle in life

Mine is this: there is power above all, please stay focused not only on the everyday demands of life, but also take a deep look at the inner spirit, since happiness comes from within.

Yardstick of success

Look at where you came from, where you are now, and where you are heading. Success measures cannot be the same for everyone, so what I can succeed at might not be a success to someone else, or theirs might not be mine.

Goal yet to be achieved

To be comfortable driving in winter!

Best practical advice

There is time for everything.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

Never give up!

Mentor?

My mother and father because of their dedication love, and faith despite the challenges that life pressed on them.

What motivated you to get started?

A passion I have for those who are going through what I went through.

Like best about what you do?

To give hope someone when they need it the most, be a part of making their day pleasant.

Like least about what you do?

It does not feel good when we are not able to assist some people with their needs. We try our very best, but sometimes, we are not able to solve certain things.

What have your experiences been like as a leader compared to your previous experience?

I have always had a wonderful work experience any where I worked, ranging from doing dishes in the kitchen on campus dinning centers to the position I have now as an executive director. I have found each position to be rewarding in its own way. I have learned several lessons not only when I was learning the new job, but also now when I am the one in the supervisory position.

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a pastor and medical doctor with the hope to minister to the sick not only physically, but also spiritually.

What was your first job?

I was a teacher.

Biggest pastime outside of work

I spend time with family and friends. I love to cook and chat with people. People are inspiring when you spend the time with the right crowd.

Person most interested in meeting?

I am interested in anyone who can inspire me, lift me up or anyone who I can inspire and lift up.

Leader in business most interested in meeting?

I’m interested in any leader that I can learn from and who impacts the lives of others in a positive way.

Three interesting facts about yourself

1. Humble
2. Social
3. I am always thankful to those who are kind, no matter how small the action is.

Three characteristics that describe you

1. Hard working
2. Caring
3. I love to learn.

Three greatest passions

1. To be wise.
2. To live a healthy life.
3. To be a blessing to those I love and who love me.

Favorite book

The Bible

Favorite cause

Doing good

Is there anything else you!d like to add?

Many thanks to God who gives me life, and enables me to do what I do.

Special thanks to my loving family and friends who do not cease to inspire me and bring joy to my soul.

Special thanks to the Echoing Green fellowship that has given me the unforgettable opportunity to do the work I am doing now. Check them out at www.echoinggreen.org.

Also, special thanks to the New Voices Fellowship for the amazing opportunity that prepared me to take on the role of founding a non-profit organization. Check them out at http://newvoices.aed.org/

Special thanks to all the supporters and team members of the Bright Move Network.

Who would you like to be contacted by?

Anyone who is interested in refugee/immigrant health, African life, hearing my testimony, needs encouragement or providing one and of course everyone who wants to support my work in any way.