I am from Nigeria. I have had many difficult times in my life, but God has been faithful. There were three girls and four boys in my family, but all my siblings died. My sister Felicia and I were sick at the same time. I was nine and she was 12. We had a kind of flu. They took her to the hospital but mine could take care of itself and I am still living. The three boys died as adults.
I came here in 1987 to join my husband who was a student and working at Washington Hospital Center. After 10-12 years of marriage, he walked out on us. When he left, I didn’t have a job, no papers, with three children (the youngest was three months). We moved to different places. Then we moved into DC Public Housing in Southeast. The children were going to school there but the projects were bad, and the schools. I got a car and started driving them to Backus Middle School in Northeast.

We stayed in DC Public Housing for two years, and then there was a shooting. A boy was just killed right in front of us. I wasn’t making enough for rent where we lived but I had to get out. I had to get out. Now we live in Jetu Apartments. It’s a very nice environment! The lady couldn’t wait to have me live there. I always maintain my rent. I am never a problem.

How did you find out about Jubilee Jobs? I was on the bus and I met a girl who was coming to Jubilee Jobs. She gave me the number so I can call. She was used by God.

How would your supervisor describe you?
In my store I am a supervisor, but my supervisor would say I am a strong woman. I want to be an inspiration to other women who have similar situations like me. That’s the way I learned. I learned to supervise and encourage everyone who is trying to make it.

Who trained you to be supervisor?
A girl called Gala was my trainer/ supervisor. Will Crawford, he is my mentor. He is my role model because he was there for me. He listened. He put my family first. I was at my job for six months and I asked to visit Nigeria and no manager would allow it, but he did. He is one of the best. I want him to know how much I appreciate him.

What is the best part of your job?
The customers walking in my store and getting what they pay for; seeing them happy and they keep coming. I have three or four awards and commendations from customers who have called Starbucks and gave recommendations. What I love is that customers are happy and making sure people working around me are happy.

What is the hardest part of my job?
When there is no communication. Communication is the best key for everything. No job is perfect. There is always something, but I try to listen to problems and find a way to resolve it instead of letting it escalate.

What is your goal?
My goal is to continue what I am doing and go to the higher level. I would like to have my own store and to advance in education. I finished high school in Nigeria. I would like to attend college and maybe later save money. I also want to get a house.

What advice would you give a new applicant?
I would advise to be strong in every job, meaning you do everything to keep that job because if you have patience, it will pay off later. Don’t quit. Jubilee Jobs will be there for you as it was for me. That is the way there is future for me.