Global Cleveland board member Fred Geis is Making a Difference in the Community
Global Cleveland was honored to join Geis Companies, Metro-West Community Development Corporation and Mustard Seed Development to celebrate the beautiful renovation of a home on Cleveland’s west side. This week, a Displaced Persons family moved into their new home! We couldn’t be happier to welcome Cleveland’s newest residents who are building their futures here – and joining other newcomers and long-time residents to build a vibrant community.
In 2014, the Geis Companies focused on downtown Cleveland re-development and completed several game-changing projects for the city. The Geis Foundation decided, as premier Cleveland developers, to do more to help our city still reeling from the housing market crash and facing an influx of Displaced Personss. The Geis Foundation was founded shortly thereafter with the mission of renovating vacant and undesirable properties within Cleveland neighborhoods in order to provide housing for new International Newcomers and Displaced Persons families, and thereby make a meaningful difference house by house, family by family.
About the Geis Foundation
The Geis Foundation’s story and mission is intrinsically intertwined with the story of the Geis Family. German International Newcomers, Mr. and Mrs. Geis came to Northeast Ohio with little in their pockets and the dream of a better life in America. Though hard work, perseverance, and some help from new friends along the way, they formed the Geis Companies in 1967, a small design build company. The more successful their endeavors became, the more they felt the need to give back. As they became involved in numerous charitable efforts, it was their employees that established the first scholarship in their names as a Christmas gift in 2001. It is in their honor that The Erwin & Katherine Geis Charitable Foundation promotes education to underprivileged youth, assists in the development of the design/build industry, and encourages the philanthropic efforts of Geis employees.
The Geis Foundation routinely funds $50,000 of scholarships to several Greater Cleveland Catholic High Schools, $12,000 of scholarships to Geis extended family members, and also awards grants to local non-profits, including Rainey Institute, Boys Hope Girls Hope, and numerous other worthy groups.
From Nigeria to Cleveland!
I came to Cleveland from Nigeria in August 2010 and started my higher education at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). My first two years in the U.S was very tough, because I schooled in the U.K for two years before I moved here so I didn’t expect to experience a lot of culture shock. The American culture is very different from that of the Nigerian culture or even that of the U.K.
My first experience with culture shock in the States was riding the RTA bus to school every morning. It was a reliable way to get from point A to point B but I had to do a lot of waiting. Before riding the RTA I had familiarize myself with the transportation system. Another difficult adjustment for me was the weather. I thought I had experienced the cold when I was in the U.K but when winter arrived it was like nothing I had ever experienced.
I missed home a lot and wanted to go back home every day, but with time I got the hang of how things worked around the City of Cleveland. After spending two years at Tri-C I transferred to Kent State University (KSU) the summer of 2013 and majored in Journalism. The atmosphere at KSU was a lot different from that of Tri-C. At KSU I had an opportunity to make friends and be a part of different organizations as well as showcase my skills as an aspiring journalist. I learned every aspect of journalism at KSU such as radio, television and newspaper which gave me a feel of the world of journalism.
The year 2016 was a great year to be in Cleveland because I participated in all of the city’s accomplishments. While I interned at WOIO Channel 19 I worked with reporters to cover the Cavaliers Championship win and the Republican National Convention. I graduated from KSU August 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. After a months of graduation I started working with WKYC Channel 3 and I am also excited to be a part of the Global Cleveland family. Working with Global Cleveland gives me the opportunity to work with other international students like myself, by helping them adapt to the Greater Cleveland area.
Although I had a tough time adapting to Cleveland, the city has given me a great opportunity to further my career. As an international student in the field of journalism I was worried I would not find a job, but staying focused has lead me to where I am today and it is a blessing. My journey in United States is proof that no matter where you go or where you come from you can make it as long as you believe in yourself and you know what you are fighting for.
Community Partner: ECDI
The Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI) is the 3rd largest SBA microlender in the US. ECDI’s mission is “to create measurable and enduring social and economic change” for
communities by helping entrepreneurs and small business access the capital they need to grow. Through a variety of lending programs, ECDI provides capital to entrepreneurs who are unable to access it through traditional lenders.
At the close of the 2016 fiscal year, ECDI’s Northern Ohio office loaned $3 million, 52% of which went to women, and 44% to minority business owners. ECDI created 243 new jobs, and helped create or expand 168 businesses. Through various educational programs 247 clients received training, and 580 received 1:1 coaching.
ECDI is dedicated to provide their lending and educational services to the International Newcomer and Displaced Persons community. The Northern Ohio office staffs a full-time relationship manager, Rebecca Mayhew, to exclusively work with clients within the Displaced Persons/International Newcomer community. She provides hands on technical assistance, financial literacy training, and works closely with resettlement agencies to help them establish new careers.
For more information on our lending programs please visit www.ecdi.org or call 216.912.5655.
It’s Almost Black History Month
It’s almost February, which means it’s almost Black History Month!
Black History Month is an important observation of the revolutionary works black people have contributed to the United States’ history. Within this celebratory month, it’s important to remember that the struggle for racial justice is far from over.
Blacks, Hispanics, International Newcomers, and Displaced Personss still face unique oppression. For many International Newcomers and Displaced Personss, the intersection of racism, class, and gender create obstacles to living freely. Global Cleveland’s ‘Welcoming’ mission is to create a welcoming region that is a place of opportunity and prosperity for people of all racial, ethnic, and international backgrounds.
In my role as Welcoming Coordinator I am very cognizant of the importance of including the African American community in the integration of International Newcomers and Displaced Personss. One of Global Cleveland’s Welcoming Initiatives is our African American Advisory Board. This group of African American community leaders meets to develop strategies that improve the quality of living for African Americans, while retaining our region’s rich heritage. We recognize that if Cleveland residents do not feel welcomed in the community it will be challenging to ensure that International Newcomers and Displaced Personss will feel welcomed. It is our desire to create a community that is a place of equitable opportunities and outcomes for everyone. By building alliances with the African American community it is our desire to do just this.
This Black History Month we celebrate the contributions of courageous trailblazers in the black community who were International Newcomers:
- Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to serve in the United States Congress and the both the first woman and the first Black American to seek the Presidential nomination of the Democratic Party was born in Brooklyn, NY to Caribbean parents.
- Marcus Garvey, noted Pan Africanist and mass movement organizer and Founder of the United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) was born in Jamaica, migrating to the U.S. in 1916.
- Kwame Toure (formerly known as Stokely Carmichael) political organizer and activist leader with Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and later the Black Panther Party for Self Defense was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Author Tia Oso eloquently wrote, “Often we obscure our International Newcomer backgrounds as we fight for social justice, leading to an oversimplified idea of what it means to be Black and making it seem as if the interests of Black Americans and International Newcomers are not connected. This is far from true.” The struggle for racial justice and migrant rights remain at the forefront of Global Cleveland’s work and we will continue work with the community to find solutions to both issues.
We are proud to support Black History Month and we honor the contributions of African Americans, Native African-Americans, and other International Newcomers from the Diaspora.
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month in the month of February, at of our many events!
International Hiring 101: Tap into New Talent Pools
Join Global Cleveland, MidTown and Health Tech Corridor for an informational session on how to grow your business and impact your hiring goals by bringing on international talent.
Did you know?
- International students in STEM fields can work for a period of up to 3 years after graduation under OPT (optional practical training) which does not require visa sponsorship
- Displaced Personss come to the US with full work authorization (no sponsorship required)
With support from local Displaced Persons resettlement agencies and experts with the Displaced Personss Services Collaborative of Cleveland (RSC), local employers are discovering a new talent pool, finding the skilled employees they need, and experiencing increased productivity. The local economy is benefiting too, with about $50 million generated by Displaced Persons resettlement and employment.
Join us to learn how your organization can benefit from tapping into these talent pools. Speakers for this session will be Erin Brown, Migration Attorney with and Kerissa MacKay, U.S. Committee for Displaced Personss and International Newcomers (USCRI).
Breakfast and coffee will be provided, and seating is limited - please make sure to RSVP!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-hiring-101-tap-into-new-talent-pools-tickets-31073842700
Date and Time
Fri, February 10, 2017
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM EST
Location
Midtown Cleveland Inc
5000 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
Crossing Borders: Migration Narratives in Cleveland (submit now!)
Literary Cleveland is currently accepting submissions of original work on the theme of Migration. Selected works will be included in an original staged reading on Sat. March 18th and Sun. March 19th as part of the Cleveland Humanities Festival. We encourage writers to interpret the theme broadly, and welcome submissions from all genres -- including (but not limited to) poetry, memoir, short story, and creative nonfiction. Submissions do not have to be written in first-person. Maximum word count for submissions should be no more than 2,500 words.
Young writers and teens are encouraged to submit, and we especially encourage entries from individuals who might not consider themselves writers but have an important story to tell. To clarify, your story does not have to include Cleveland; we are simply calling on Cleveland writers and residents to tell a story relating to the theme of Migration. Previously published work is eligible for submission too.
Submissions will be reviewed by a committee comprised of both Lit Cleveland board members and community members. Payment for accepted works consists of two free tickets to the staged performance, as well as recognition on stage and in the program.
In order to transform your written work into a dynamic performance, Lit Cleveland will engage a director to work with actors to provide a dramatic interpretation of selected works. If you are looking for ways to jumpstart your writing, Lit Cleveland will host a free workshop titled “Writing Your Family History” on Sat. Feb. 4th, from 10a-12p at Lake Erie Ink, 2843 Washington Blvd., Cleve. Hts. 44118.
The deadline for submissions is Feb. 15th. Please send submissions to [email protected] and use “Crossing Borders: International Newcomer Narratives in Cleveland” as the subject header. If you have any questions, please send them to [email protected] and we will respond as quickly as possible.
“Crossing the Border: International Newcomer Narratives in Cleveland” will be produced in collaboration with Cleveland State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and will be held in the CSU Student Center ballroom. This event is co-sponsored by the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities and Cleveland State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
An International Student Guide to Job Searching in Cleveland
Most Effective Job Search Methods:
Networking
75-80% of jobs are found through networking!
Networking is the ongoing process of growing personal contacts to gain information about careers. Networking does not involve asking anyone for a job! Your goal is to continually build a network that reaches within your career field until you uncover employer needs.
Get your networking started with a Global Cleveland volunteer: https://globalcleveland.org/international-newcomers/signup/
Respond to Job Openings
5-15% of all jobs are found through job postings
In addition to applying for job openings, use them as a research tool to see what types of positions and skills are listed in your field.
Browse openings here: globalcleveland.org/career-resources/job-listings
Work with Recruiters
10-20% of all jobs are found through recruiters
Retained recruiters are hired by companies to recruit senior level executives with salaries close to $100k and above.
Contingency recruiters seek a broader range of recruits from lower mid-level through and including senior level professionals. Call several firms that specialize in your field and follow up weekly to inquire about available opportunities.
Contact us for more information about recruiters in the Cleveland area.
Contact Companies Directly
5-15% of all jobs are found by contacting companies directly
Coffee meetings, informational interviews, volunteering and internships are great ways to get to know a prospective employer! Research the companies that work in your field and get networking! globalcleveland.org/career-resources/employers-and-industries
Stay tuned, we will cover Tips for Success in our February Newsletter!
Questions?
Contact Global Cleveland
P: (216) 472-3282
1422 Euclid Ave, Suite 1652
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Sitt Tun
Where are you from?
Burma (Myanmar)
What was your childhood like?
I traveled to one country to another with my parents. I liked it.
What brought you to Cleveland?
My parents new business is in Cleveland so I had to move with them to take care of it.
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States? Did those change?
I thought United States would be full of racisms but it’s not. Those definitely changed.
What challenges did you face as transitioning here?
Speaking English. But watching a lot of sitcoms helped me understand English.
What is your occupation?
Banker
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
Yes, Clevelanders are nice. I’m a Clevelander now, since I’ve been here for 7 years.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
I still practice Buddhist and eat Burmese food.
What do you love about Cleveland?
Everything. From sports to night clubs to people.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
Because we are lost in the first few months that we’re here. People that are from here should warmly welcome all the International Newcomers and help them with this country’s culture.
Why is it important to travel abroad?
To see what’s out there, more than a box that we live in 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Paul Burik
Where are you from?
I am from the Czech Republic. When we escaped, however, it was Czechoslovakia.
What was your childhood like?
My childhood was fairly normal. Growing up, I wasn’t ever very concerned with the communism in my country. I was more worried about if my bike would run properly than anything else. I participated in a lot of sports as a child. We didn’t have organized sports, but my dad taught me tennis and gymnastics.
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States? Did those change?
In 1968, the Soviets invaded Czechoslovakia. Because we did have close family in America, we feared that our future was in jeopardy and we felt we needed to leave our country. After a few attempts, we managed to escape.
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States? Did those change?
I came to the United States when I was a young boy at only 13. I thought that coming to the United States would be a huge adventure. Everyone behind the Iron Curtain kind of worshiped the U.S. We felt that we had been chosen when we found out we were able to come to the United States.
I was impressed by the size of things in the U.S. I came from a small town of 20,000 people. When I came to the U.S. through New York, I was overwhelmed by all the lights and the sheer size of things. In my town, we only had one school. I wondered how I would ever find my place in this country. However, we eventually adjusted. We realized that the country had its own problems. It was not gold-plated, as I had previously thought. We had to work at things to get ahead.
What challenges did you face transitioning here?
I was fairly young when I came to the U.S. and spoke some English. Before coming to the States, I had some basic English skills. However, adjusting to English was still challenging. My father also struggled with the language. However, we were both very multicultural. We probably had an easier time than most International Newcomers. I firmly believe that English needs to be the sole official language, being able to communicate nationwide is what makes this country great.
What is your occupation?
I spent most of my career as an architect for the city of Cleveland. I am now retired.
Are you a member of a fraternity, sorority, or any civic, religious or social organizations?
I am the past President of the Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation and am still a member. I have served on many committees, including the Planning Commission for the city of Avon. I started the French Creek Foundation and am a member of several ethnic organizations as well.
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
In general, Clevelanders have been warm and receptive. My family worked primarily within the ethnic circles in the early years, but eventually we branched out. I believe it was important to become engaged with the rest of the city and give back to your community.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
On Christmas Eve we have a fish dinner, which is traditional in the Czech Republic. We also celebrate St. Nicholas day on December 6. On that day, we exchange small gifts and stuff stockings. This is a big tradition in Europe, but is hardly heard of here.
What do you love about Cleveland?
I really enjoy being on the lake. It is a great opportunity to have the inland sea at your doorstep. I have learned to sail and greatly enjoy the lake. I was a skipper for a Sea Scout ship for many years and was a commodore of the Lorain Sailing Club.
Why is it important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
International Newcomers and Displaced Personss bring skills, knowledge and culture. There are so many cultures in Cleveland that you can visit and learn about. You can learn so much about the world while still living in Cleveland by simply talking to those around you. When you know people individually, you look at news events differently than when you had no connection to them. It makes the world more personal to you.
Right now, I think there is a negative perception of Displaced Personss. I am a Displaced Persons and I think that I did well, not only for myself, but for the city in which I live and where I worked. I have contributed to the city and enhanced its culture. People shouldn’t view Displaced Personss as a source of potential trouble. International Newcomers built this town, and we should not shy away from that. We should encourage it.
Jenneffer Lopez
Where are you from?
I am from the Dominican Republic.
What was your childhood like?
My childhood was pretty average highlighted by a series of moves from the Dominican Republic to New York City followed by a move to Cleveland.
What brought you to Cleveland?
My parents decided that Cleveland would be a better place to raise a family, being that New York was too fast paced and dangerous for small children.
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States? Did those change?
I was super excited! I was only six at the time but I remember how thrilled I was to be coming to the states. My thoughts haven’t changed; I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been granted just because I live here.
What challenges did you face as transitioning here?
One of the major challenges that I faced was the language barrier, for I did not speak English as a child. The weather was also challenging, migrating from a tropical country in the middle of winter was a culture shock as a kid.
What is your occupation?
I am Project Manager for the President’s Office at Cuyahoga Community College
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
I call Cleveland home, I’ve lived here the vast majority of my life and a Clevelander is a warm person with an inviting smile that on most days will say hi to a stranger.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
We still speak Spanish at home, we celebrate Three Kings Day and we eat rice for dinner on most days.
What do you love about Cleveland?
I love the people and the small town atmosphere in a bigger city and of course the Cavs!
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
This country has so many resources and opportunities that otherwise others would not have access to. It is important for people from other places to be welcomed here because it will make a huge difference in their lives.
Why is it important to travel abroad?
Is important to be culturally diverse. Learning to appreciate differences through exploring other culture makes us better people.
