Tigist

Tigist’s journey to nurse and entrepreneur

In this inspiring video story, you’ll meet Tigist, a registered nurse and entrepreneur who moved to Minnesota from Ethiopia to pursue her dreams of working in medicine and helping others.

Tigist arrived not speaking English, but knew she had the determination, grit and character to achieve her goals. She began classes while working two jobs, pulling grueling, 16-hour days that barely paid her bills. Despite challenges, Tigist did not give up. She learned English, earned a diploma as a licensed professional nurse (LPN) and began a new job working at a long-term care facility for veterans.

With support from the International Institute of Minnesota’s Medical Career Advancement program, Tigist went back to school to become a registered nurse (RN) – while also mothering her three children and continuing to work. After becoming a RN, Tigist worked at an assisted living facility and eventually opened her own business – a small, assisted living facility where she now offers seniors individualized care.

From arriving as an immigrant who spoke no English, to becoming a fluent English speaker, a nurse, an entrepreneur and a business owner, Tigist exemplifies the kind of outcomes we see at the Institute every day when New Americans are given the resources needed to succeed and give back to their new communities.

Thank you to Storyboard Films for capturing Tigist’s story!