Meet Solange Solange has an inspiring story. Years ago, Solange lost her whole family during the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite being a young girl, small in size, she learned how to survive on her own through perseverance and her own personal strength. Over time, Solange made her way to the Gem State from DRC via Read More »
Caring for Children Wherever She is
Angel is a joy to be around. She has a friendly personality and a beautiful smile. She is always taking care of others, especially children. Angel has been through a lot in her life, and through it all she has proven she is a survivor and a blessing to all those around her. Enjoying life in Boise Angel, a single Read More »
Driven to Find a Better/New Life in America
Luka Stankovic from Bosnia has always been driven. Since 1987, his drive to succeed pushed him to do just that — drive. He started a cab business that year and has been in the business ever since. Not long after that, fighting in Bosnia started in 1992 and Luka had a daughter that same year. As the conflict there kept Read More »
Amiri Osman – A Life Filled With Art
On the canvas of life, each experience paints a different stroke. No one knows this better than Amiri Osman from Democratic of Congo (DRC). He’s a talented artist who came to Boise in 2016 and has been adding to the city’s arts and culture scene ever since. Amiri was just 12 when his parents passed away. He found a refuge Read More »
Meet John Nahimana from Burundi
Since he was a teenager, John has always known he was good at cutting hair. He got his start helping his brother trim hair at a salon in Malawi when he was very young. Now, 17 years later, John is achieving his dream of opening his own full-service salon here in America. Called He & She Salon, John’s shop is Read More »
The Ingredients to Start a New Life and Restaurant
Meet Salam Bunyan from Baghdad Salam Bunyan is an expert chef. He grew up in Iraq experimenting with different flavors and combining ingredients. He lived and worked around food in Iraq — including serving as a chef at a five-star restaurant in Baghdad — until 2006, when war forced him to leave his native country. In the early ‘90s, Salam Read More »
Hana is Fulfilling Her Dream
Hana grew up in Baghdad, where food, groceries, and bakeries were always a family affair for her. Both her grandmother and mother owned stores there, and she and her brothers have fond memories of helping and playing in those stores when they were small children in Iraq. Today Hana is fulfilling her dream of having her own store. She recently Read More »
Meet Laylo from Somalia
Laylo was born in Somalia but grew up in Kenya. She came to Idaho in 2009 and loves it here. “Boise feels like a second home,” she says. “People are so helpful and welcoming, and we’ve made lots of friends.” Laylo experienced many ups and downs before coming to the United States, having spent 18 years in refugee camps. But Read More »
Meet Scholastique from Democratic Republic of Congo
Scholastique enrolled in EO’s Childcare Business Development Project because she loves kids and wanted to help support her family. She now runs a successful, licensed, in-home child care. She is proud to be a U.S. citizen and a business owner. “I am busy all the time taking care of two babies and four other young children,” she says. “I never Read More »
Meet Jaafar Jaafar from Iraq
Jaafar’s store, Al Ahmed Market, is a family business. Not only are important business matters discussed with the entire family, his store is the continuation of a dream started by his father. His dad had a similar business in Iraq, and Jaafar is continuing this tradition in the United States. His store is located at 4324 W. Overland Road in Read More »