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Gina Muigai equips African immigrants to make it in the American workforce, helping them understand their worth as well as going for what they deserve.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, a research by the US Economic Policy Institute indicated that African-American workers make less money than other races, earning a median earning of Sh75,000 ($694) per week.

They also had the highest unemployment rate which stood at 6.5 per cent. But one Kenyan woman living in the US is trying to change these statistics and bring more African people to the economic table, particularly during this Covid-19 pandemic. 

“Africans (working in the US) are losing their jobs in jaw dropping big numbers.

A lot of them are laid off, furloughed and sent home. It’s a catastrophe. So this is why I am working day and night to help save as many people as I can,” shares Gina Muigai founder of AfriMentor.

The organisation provides coaching services to job seekers, business owners, and non-profits. It also links job seekers with employers.

By helping one person get a six figure salary, Gina is happy that at least he/she would bring home the bacon during this tough time. 

“I do that by providing three main services:  Career coaching (includes preparing resumes, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile together with interview training/coaching), business consulting, and non-profit consulting,” the business strategist and career coach explains.

“I’ve set this programme that will help people through the economic downturn,” she adds. 

She set up AfriMentor in 2017 and a year later began a talk show, the Gina Muigai Show on her online platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, to empower black people. 

A helping hand

 “The show has pushed many people from their career conform zones and more so, has helped thousands know of opportunities and jobs they never knew existed.

It has also assisted people know what careers to pursue in school and inspired many by helping them understand their value and go after what they deserve.

Seeing the many reviews from people whom I have impacted and helped just nourishes my spirit,” the career coach says.

The show has impacted hundreds of people who have gotten better jobs and quit working as nannies, cab drivers and assembly workers.

It has also assisted them transition with their foreign earned degrees and experiences, to the corporate scene. 

“I give them direct leads to companies that are hiring. I teach them on what is expected of them once they get the job. I equip them to make it in the American workforce,” Gina offers.

Gina recalls how after her secondary education in 2003, she had three choices: Pursue nursing in the US, go to a law school in India or go to a business school in the University of Mysore in India. 

She opted for the later and upon graduation she had passed so well that many schools in the US desired to admit her right away for her perfect Grade Point Average (GPA). 

“I wanted to help people through economic empowerment. I feel like business acumen is just part of me,” narrates Gina 

Rocky path

The mother of one came back to Kenya first in 2011 and tried to find a job, but sadly couldn’t find one.

This is when she opted to take the chance and go to the US in 2012. This is where she established herself by creating a business/ empowerment programme in the year 2017, pursuing her Master’s degree in Project Management at St Mary’s University of Minnesota and currently, and now her PhD in Business Administration. But things weren’t as easy in the first years. 

“You have to abide by laws to the core and competition is high. The professionalism is world class and, therefore one must put your ‘A’ game all the time.

While registering a business is not hard as it’s a 20-minute online process, running a successful business is a whole different story,” says Gina.

Now with her company and her talk show, Gina’s future plan is to ensure black professionals sit on decision making tables, board meeting, board of directors, CEOs and anything that can help their voice be heard.

Further, she hopes to equip, especially African imigrants with tools to compete at a global level and have huge representation of intellectual Africans who will make global decisions.