Jane Leu started Upwardly Global in 2000. She was frustrated placing skilled immigrants in low-skill jobs. It wasn’t working for her. So she decided to do something about it! Thank goodness for people like Jane! Today, Upwardly Global is led by Nikki Cicerani, Executive Director. The organization continues to grow its partnerships with corporations and social investors who recognize the need to harness the potential of underutilized foreign-born professionals. I was honored to talk to Nikki, Upwardly Global staff and alumni on Making a Difference radio. You can listen to the podcast here.

Upwardly Global helps highly skilled immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers reclaim their careers in the United States and helps American employers discover and understand this hidden talent pool. What a great program, especially given the current conversation about immigrant rights.

Did you know there are more than 1.3 million bilingual workers with degrees and professional experience in every white-collar profession? Imagine the skills, experience, diversity and languages they could bring to your volunteer program?

Upwardly Global has offices in New York, San Francisco and Chicago and serves more than 600 job seekers per year. Since 2006, they have helped place 400 people with 300 employers including Google, Genetech, the Gap, Safeway and the Fresh Air Fund.

To read success stories of Upwardly Global clients, click here. To make a contribution, volunteer or learn more, please visit their website. You can also follow them on Twitter at @upwardlyglobal.