Tell me a little bit about yourself and what it’s like being a parent today.
My name is Elsa, and I am originally from Burkina Faso, a small country in West Africa. I moved to the United States in 2015, and since then, I have been striving to educate myself and build a stable life in this new society. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters, aged five and almost three. Currently, I work as an IT technician for a company in New York City. Alongside my job, I am continuously working on advancing my skills by obtaining professional certifications. I already hold two certifications — CompTIA A+, which helped me secure my current job, and Network+. Now, I am independently studying to earn a cybersecurity certification.
Can you reflect on a time in your life when you experienced significant transformation, what sparked that change, and how it manifested for you?
In 2022, I was working as a babysitter, and at the time, I had very little knowledge about the job market in the U.S. I accepted what was offered to me without understanding my worth or the appropriate pay scale. When I joined LIFT, I started working with a coach who asked me about my earnings. When I shared my wage, she was shocked and told me I was being significantly underpaid for the amount of work I was doing. At that point, I realized how much I was sacrificing — working long hours with barely any time for my children, just to make ends meet.
As an immigrant, not knowing English well can feel isolating. I was hesitant to step out of my comfort zone due to the language barrier, fearing that my limited English skills would prevent me from finding a better job. Despite having a bachelor’s degree in engineering from my home country, pursuing further education in the U.S. seemed impossible because of the high costs and language challenges. I resorted to babysitting as a means to survive.
Eventually, I discovered free training programs and started self-learning. However, breaking into a new industry felt intimidating. My coach at LIFT continuously encouraged me, reminding me of my potential and pushing me to aim higher. She provided guidance on job searching and interview preparation, helping me gain confidence. When I finally secured my first IT job, I was in disbelief. I called my coach, excited to share the news, and she simply responded, “I’m not surprised.” But I was! It was a life-changing moment.
Just as things were falling into place, I faced another major challenge — I became severely ill. I had only been at my new job for three months when I was hospitalized for two weeks due to heart failure. It was a terrifying experience, and I worried about losing my job. Thankfully, my employers valued me, and they supported my recovery. On top of my health struggles, my daughter, who has sickle cell disease, was frequently sick, making it an incredibly tough period for my family. Everything — my new career, the cultural differences, and the medical challenges — felt overwhelming. But through faith and resilience, I made it through. Today, I stand stronger than ever.
What was it like coming out of that?
I was scared, but I refused to let fear hold me back. I had already made it this far, and going back was not an option. I reminded myself that I needed to push forward, not only for my daughters but also for my family and friends who believed in me. The thought of returning to a low-wage job in 2025 was something I could not accept. I had to keep moving forward.
What does community support look like for you?
For me, community support is about knowing there are people you can rely on, whether in times of struggle or joy. As an immigrant navigating a new country, having a supportive network is a huge relief. Organizations like LIFT have been a lifeline, providing valuable resources and connections. Through workshops, I have learned how to be a better parent and how to support my children’s education.
Attending live events brings me so much happiness because I get to meet other mothers, share experiences, and uplift one another. I always make an effort to be present, to share my story, and to encourage others who might be struggling with similar challenges. If my story can inspire even one person, then I know I am making a difference.
Do you think sharing your story and being present makes a difference?
Absolutely. I remember speaking to a mother at an event who had stopped working for two years after having her daughter. She was afraid to re-enter the workforce, despite speaking English fluently. I told her, “You have to do it. If I can do it, so can you.”
That’s what I love about the LIFT community — it is a place where we uplift each other. Just as other moms encouraged me, I now encourage others. When someone takes a step forward because they saw me do it, and then they inspire someone else, it creates a beautiful, continuous cycle of empowerment.
What dreams or hopes do you have for the next generation in this community?
My biggest dream is for our community to be built on love and respect. When I first arrived in the U.S., I tried joining other communities, but I did not feel accepted. What I found in LIFT was different — there is genuine love and respect among members. Even if you do not love someone, you can still respect them. With more love and respect, we can lift each other up and help those who are struggling find their way.
What keeps you motivated?
My children are my number one motivation. They inspire me to keep striving for better opportunities and a better future. My community is another driving force. Knowing that people look up to me and expect me to succeed keeps me pushing forward, even in difficult times.
In an ideal world, what would community support look like for you?
I wish for more opportunities and stronger community connections. In today’s fast-paced society, people are so busy with their own lives that they often forget to check on one another. This isolation can be extremely difficult for those who feel alone.
Additionally, I wish there were more accessible opportunities for immigrants. When I first arrived, my inability to speak English severely limited my job options. Even though I could have taught French or done other meaningful work, I felt stuck because of the language barrier. More opportunities and support for people in similar situations would make a huge difference.
Anything else you want to say?
The world needs more communities like LIFT. I cannot thank God enough for what LIFT has done for me. If I am here today, moving forward in my career and life, it is because of the support I received. Even being able to sit here and share my story is something I would not have been able to do before.
I always ask about expanding LIFT because I know many women from my country who are struggling and do not know where to turn for support. I dream of the day when more people can benefit from what LIFT has to offer. This community is truly amazing, and I hope it continues to grow and uplift even more lives.