Editor’s note: “My Story” is where business executives share their personal and professional backgrounds and journeys that have made them who they are, in their own candid words, from the challenges of confronting stereotypes to the glory in overcoming them. Amid calls for racial justice, we can only make real change with greater awareness and understanding — and the ability to learn from each other’s experiences.
When I arrived in the United States 18 years ago, I knew it would be a very tough road to success. Born and raised in Mali, I couldn’t put two English words together. I had my mind set on the American Dream, but I could tell as soon as I made it to New York City, people judged my knowledge and abilities based on my ability to communicate. I needed to learn English — fast! But first, I needed to make some money. My uncle was living in D.C. and offered me a job as a street vendor, selling flowers at one of his shops.
With little understanding of the English language,…
Read the full story from the Washington Business Journal.
