Name: Joel Ntando
Profession/Industry: Education
Current U.S. Position and Company Name: Refugee Speakers Bureau Coordinator, Idaho Office for Refugees
Education: Bachelor in French & Media Studies (2013), master’s in French Studies (2015), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Country of Origin: Congo (DRC)
First Job in the U.S.: Refugee Speakers Bureau Coordinator, Idaho Office for Refugees
Story Author: Global Talent, Career Advisor Zahraa Naser, Communications and Events Intern Leah Engle
After 8 years of patiently enduring the resettlement process, Joel finally made his way to the
United States. He was just 18 years old when his security was in jeopardy, and he was forced to
leave behind the Democratic Republic of the Congo and his sister. At this time, Joel knew little
of the United States, and had never heard of a place called Idaho. Nevertheless, today he has
become an integral part of the Boise community.
United States. He was just 18 years old when his security was in jeopardy, and he was forced to
leave behind the Democratic Republic of the Congo and his sister. At this time, Joel knew little
of the United States, and had never heard of a place called Idaho. Nevertheless, today he has
become an integral part of the Boise community.
Back in his homeland, Joel was a highly educated individual who after receiving a bachelor’s
degree in French and Media Studies and a Masters in French went on to become a teaching
assistant at University of Cape Town. Now, nearly 8,000 miles away, he is able to use his
expertise as the Coordinator for the IOR Refugee Speakers Bureau. Joel loves his work, stating
that “I was lonely before, but this job gave me an opportunity to interact and make friends”. This
job presented Joel with the opportunity to amplify the voices of other displaced individuals and
be an inspiration to his colleagues.
degree in French and Media Studies and a Masters in French went on to become a teaching
assistant at University of Cape Town. Now, nearly 8,000 miles away, he is able to use his
expertise as the Coordinator for the IOR Refugee Speakers Bureau. Joel loves his work, stating
that “I was lonely before, but this job gave me an opportunity to interact and make friends”. This
job presented Joel with the opportunity to amplify the voices of other displaced individuals and
be an inspiration to his colleagues.
Arriving in Idaho with no established connections, limited knowledge of the city, and without
immediate work authorization, he felt discouraged. The job search process in the U.S. was
unfamiliar—he struggled with where to look for jobs, how to tailor applications, and the
differences between British and American English in professional communication.
However, Joel’s determination led him to Global Talent, an organization that became
instrumental in his transition. Through their support, he learned how to craft American style
resumes and cover letters, and gained confidence through mock interviews that helped boost
his confidence and ability to communicate despite his foreign accent.
His journey from uncertainty to stability is a testament to the resilience and talent of many
refugees. “People who are coming to Global Talent are already talented people,” he says. With
the right support and opportunities, they too can rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully
to their new communities—just as he has.
immediate work authorization, he felt discouraged. The job search process in the U.S. was
unfamiliar—he struggled with where to look for jobs, how to tailor applications, and the
differences between British and American English in professional communication.
However, Joel’s determination led him to Global Talent, an organization that became
instrumental in his transition. Through their support, he learned how to craft American style
resumes and cover letters, and gained confidence through mock interviews that helped boost
his confidence and ability to communicate despite his foreign accent.
His journey from uncertainty to stability is a testament to the resilience and talent of many
refugees. “People who are coming to Global Talent are already talented people,” he says. With
the right support and opportunities, they too can rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully
to their new communities—just as he has.
Looking to his future, Joel hopes “to go through the process of getting a residence permit and
gaining permanent employment and finding a family and live peacefully”. Joel Ntando’s success
is not just his own; it is an inspiration to others navigating similar paths, proving that with
resilience, adaptation, and the right resources, new beginnings can lead to bright futures.
gaining permanent employment and finding a family and live peacefully”. Joel Ntando’s success
is not just his own; it is an inspiration to others navigating similar paths, proving that with
resilience, adaptation, and the right resources, new beginnings can lead to bright futures.
