Refugee Success Stories

Al Goldstein, who came to America as a refugee at 8 years old, is co-founder and CEO of Avant. This personal loan platform recently achieved profitability and received numerous awards.

The United States has a long tradition of offering refuge to those fleeing persecution and war. Meet some of the well-known artists, ambassadors, and other luminaries who were once refugees.

Former refugee Ismail Ahmed, who founded the business WorldRemit, is making it easier to send money home. The company now has 600 employees and handles 1.1 million payments per month.

The owners of Kem’s Fashion, Marlyse Tchuigoua and Thierry Kouembi, say Syrian newcomers bring the skills they need to make high-quality garments and grow their business.

Manyang Reath Kher, founder of 747 Coffee, is driving self-efficiency for hundreds of local Sudanese refugees through his Virginia-based fair trade coffee company.

After escaping war in Syria, a refugee has used her initiative – and local milk – to make halloumi in northern England, creating jobs and winning awards along the way.

Despite significant hardships, refugees are pushing the limits of what most people recognize as the general entrepreneur spirit.