Advancing Inclusion Through Policy and Advocacy
Upwardly Global’s policy and advocacy efforts focused on removing barriers to employment, supporting workforce legislation, and empowering immigrant communities to promote economic inclusion and mobility.
Breaking Barriers to Employment:
The Childcare Crisis and
Immigrant Families
Access to affordable childcare remains a significant barrier to workforce participation, especially for immigrant women. In 2023, 43.5% of Upwardly Global’s female job seekers left our Career Coaching Program due to childcare challenges. Immigrant families face higher financial strain, with 40% of U.S. parents going into debt for childcare. Upwardly Global called for strategic federal investment in childcare infrastructure to improve economic mobility and strengthen workforce participation. Click here to read more.
Tapping into Global Talent:
Healthcare Workforce Legislation
Upwardly Global commended the “Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act,” introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine. This legislation helps internationally trained healthcare professionals reenter the workforce. With projected shortages of 124,000 physicians by 2033 and 200,000 nurses annually, this legislation is a game-changer for bridging workforce gaps and improving healthcare outcomes. Click here to read more.
Unlocking Economic Power
for Immigrant Women
In 2024, Upwardly Global launched the Economic Power Initiative (EPI) to break down barriers for immigrant women seeking thriving-wage jobs. Through gender-sensitive training, scholarships, and networking, EPI helps women increase their annual income by over $55,000. With 55% of job seekers identifying as women, this initiative fosters greater economic inclusion. Click here to read more.
Job Seeker Spotlight
Marjila, a former Afghan journalist and social worker, fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover, leaving behind her dream of running an NGO for orphaned children. After resettling in the U.S. in 2022, she faced isolation and worked part-time as a cashier to survive.
Through Upwardly Global’s support and her job coach, Shoaib, she secured an internship with Lutheran Social Services. Her dedication led to rapid promotions, and she now serves as a Resettlement Program Manager, helping refugees rebuild their lives
It wasn’t easy at all coming to the United States. In my mind, it’s a land of opportunities, but when you first come here, you’re lost, you’re nowhere, and you don’t have any family members here to guide you, to show you the way. Upwardly Global was the best thing that could’ve happened to me.”
