The gift of sharing your story

In 2015, Naila Siradji and her family left their home in the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to safety concerns. They moved to Uganda, hoping for a better life, including more educational opportunities. Then, in 2023, the family moved to Colorado, and Naila was excited to build the future she had always imagined. 

Naila recently finished high school. She is curious and loves to learn, especially through reading and writing. Naila also cares about helping others and wants to work in healthcare. One day, she hopes to publish a collection of her own poems and have a career in medicine. Right now, she is in a pre-nursing program and working toward her goal of becoming a doctor. 

“Naila’s family settled in Colorado with the support of JFS’s Refugee Resettlement program and received help finding employment through our Refugee Career Services program,” shared JFS’s Lead Refugee Employment Specialist, April Fautsch. “Naila is such an inspiration. It has been a joy to see her and her family’s warmth and openness, to share their culture and talents with those around them, and to see their eagerness to pursue opportunities. Naila has so much ahead of her, and I am excited to see all the ways she will contribute to the strength of our community.” 

Whether participating in JFS’s Take Your Child to Work Day to share her experiences or speaking at the Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau, Naila embodies the spirit of overcoming obstacles, embracing new opportunities, and following your dreams. She believes in giving back, and we are grateful for her generosity.