James’ journey from the Nairobi markets to a stable remote position

Growing up helping his parents sell used shoes and clothes in a village in Kenya, James always saw himself as an entrepreneur. After earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting and taking a year off to reflect, he secured a long-term accounting role with an U.S. company in Dallas through Work for Impact.

Working from 5 pm to 2 am Kenya time gives him daytime flexibility and still enough rest. Daily work and social chats keep him connected to the U.S. team despite the distance. James appreciates that WfI provided this opportunity - one, he says, is rare in Kenya, where remote roles are often short term and poorly paid.

His three-year contract offers him security and peace of mind, allowing him to plan for the future and continue developing his skills.

Creating a new future: How Cesar transformed his life and career through WfI

Cesar, a Mechatronics Engineer from Cali, Colombia, built his foundation studying both in Colombia and Australia where he completed a course in Business Administration. After researching ethical outsourcing options, he discovered Work for Impact and took the opportunity to register himself on the platform. 

Today, he works 20 hours per week for a Sydney-based digital consulting company.

He appreciates the flexibility of this role. Being able to spend afternoons outdoors near Lago Calima and enjoy quality time with daughter, all while actively contributing to innovative projects in the digital space, makes his life a lot more meaningful. His earnings far exceed what he once made in a 12-hour daily call-center shift. Most importantly, with his stable income, he is now able to invest in his daughter’s future.

In his job, Cesar is able to apply his engineering background to real-world projects, learns new technologies every day and feels valued by his co-workers.

Through Work for Impact, he’s creating a life where personal and professional growth, family, and positive community impact go hand-in-hand.

Leticia’s success story: Thriving with flexibility and fair pay thanks to WfI

Leticia, an experienced project manager from São Paulo, Brazil, has built an inspiring career through Work for Impact. 

After earning a business management degree and an MBA in digital transformation and innovation - alongside spending 1½-year in New York mastering English - she found a role where she could use both her English and Spanish skills.

She first came across WfI through an Instagram post and quickly landed her first position with younity. Over the course of a year, she advanced from customer experience specialist to project manager. In April 2021, Leticia transitioned to Outdoorsy as “Wheelbase Software Expert” where she’s now been working for over four years.

The current 30-hours-work-week gives Leticia flexibility and stability at the same time. The salary well above local norms allows her to support her family and invest in experiences she loves. The remote setup grants her the freedom to work from home or travel, significantly enhancing her quality of life. Her operational expertise has equipped her to lead teams effectively, helping colleagues grow and succeed in their roles.

Thanks to Work for Impact’s transparent, trustworthy platform, Leticia has found stability, growth, and the chance to make a real difference - both for her family and in her professional community.

Myrel’s story of building stability and opportunity through WfI

Myrel, a mother of two from the Philippines, spent years as a virtual assistant before a recruiter from Work for Impact connected her to a role at Outdoorsy. Today, she manages listings, oversees messages, and checks reviews - work she enjoys doing. The above average payment allows her to save money for her upcoming wedding and care for her young children that need special treatments.

The remote, flexible schedule allows her to balance motherhood and career, giving her peace of mind and newfound confidence. WfI not only matched Myrel with a valuable long-term contract but also empowered her to achieve financial stability and thrive on her own terms.

Dennis’s transformation from instability to a secure, impactful career 

Dennis, 33, from the Philippines had a wedding photography business, worked in web design, and call-center jobs before he joined Work for Impact. His previous jobs never provided enough to support for his family. 

On Facebook, he saw a post from Work for Impact and quickly found a job with RACQ Solar Power and Batteries. As their Lead Coordinator, he handles client inquiries, provides tech support, and even fills in as receptionist.

When he started nearly a year ago, Dennis didn’t expect much. Now he’s the first offshore team member on a continuous, hourly-paid contract. He’s witnessed company sales double - and knows his work is part of that success. Beyond the paycheck, Dennis has gained industry knowledge, new technical skills, and the sense of belonging he’d wished for.

With WfI’s transparent process and the now steady income, Dennis’s quality of life has improved: he’s emotionally balanced, able to set healthy work boundaries, and confident in supporting his family. Looking ahead, he aims to move into a supervisory role by age 40. One day, he wants to return to his passion: photography - goals that feel within reach thanks to WfI’s support.

Growing remotely - Omar’s WFI success story and future dreams

Omar, 29, from Tunisia holds a Master’s in English and Crosscultural Studies. When he saw a Work for Impact ad on Instagram, he applied - and the smooth process changed his life.

Today, Omar works 16 hours a week for the French company Cuure. Being able to earn in U.S. dollars gave him much needed stability that other, local freelance roles had lacked. At Cuure, he started in customer support (email and chat) and now serves as customer experience and social media manager - gaining new skills and contributing meaningfully to a company he truly likes. Working from home eliminates long commutes and lets him focus on family, studies and future goals.

Omar dreams of transitioning to full-time role at Cuure. In the near future he wants to open a fast-food kiosk in a close-by neighborhood, and someday directing his own short films - he’s even written scripts already. Thanks to WfI’s transparent, reliable platform, he not only improved his quality of life but also found the freedom to pursue big ambitions.

Balancing two worlds: How Muhammad manages both local and remote work successfully 

Muhammad spent 6–7 years freelancing through platforms like Upwork and Fiverr before finding Work for Impact through a Google search. Today, he balances two jobs - 8 hours a day at a local company and 4 hours off-shore for a Portuguese IT company. 

This combination of local and international remote work provides Muhammad with the stability to support his family and advance his career. In the Portuguese company’s international team, he’s welcomed by a collaborative and professional environment that continually expands his IT skills. Thanks to WfI, Muhammad’s quality of life has greatly improved, allowing him to thrive both personally and professionally.

Empowering Family and Future: Kelvin’s Journey with WfI

Kelvin, a 31-year-old computer science graduate from Kenya, transitioned from a local tech role to supporting a U.S.-based real estate application through Work for Impact. Since September 2024, he’s been working full-time hours - overnight Kenya time - on a cloud platform that helps investors predict financial returns.

The remote setup has transformed Kelvin’s life: no commute means better mental health, more time to study, and twice the salary he earned previously. With his increased income, he supports his grandmother and covers his older brother’s children’s school fees. Despite occasional loneliness, visits to nearby relatives keep him connected.

Through WfI, Kelvin experienced an encouraging interview process and joined a team where he’s valued, respected, and constantly learning new skills. Looking ahead, he plans to move into information security, driven by his passion for protecting others’ data. Work for Impact didn’t just change Kelvin’s job; it reshaped his future, empowering him to support his family and pursue meaningful growth.

Aina’s story: Finding both flexibility and growth with WfI

At 25 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, Aina began working remotely in 2022, gaining the flexibility she wanted. After creating a Work for Impact profile last year, she completed online courses, updated her CV and LinkedIn, and successfully interviewed with Geoff and Carla from WFI, and her future sales manager. 

Today, she works part-time as a Social Media Content Creator for a Portuguese company, collaborating with sales and product design in a small team of three.

This remote role - earning in U.S. dollars - has transformed her life: she enjoys a healthy work–life balance, can support her family, and plan for the future despite local inflation. Working part-time still pays her more than many full-time positions in Nigeria, while giving her time to study French and consider higher education. She feels valued, connected to her team, and inspired by her company’s mission.

Thanks to WfI, Aina found stability, skill development, and a sense of purpose. She looks forward to a full-time role in marketing, where she can continue making a meaningful impact.

Building skills and stability: Victor’s success story with WfI

Victor, based in Mexico, has built a four-year career with Outdoorsy, an US-based outdoor company; first in customer service and now as a newly appointed senior agent, training and supervising new team members. 

He and his wife both discovered Work for Impact through a family referral and now enjoy the freedom to work from home or even on family vacations.

Thanks to this job, Victor has acquired valuable leadership skills and earns enough to send his two children to school and sports activities, providing peace of mind for his entire family. Remote flexibility allows him to balance both work and personal life.

Looking ahead, Victor dreams of opening a small clothing shop, designing and selling his own T-shirts. As he continues learning new skills through his current role, he gains confidence and stability - knowing that his current success lays the foundation for future entrepreneurship.

Licia’s story: Balancing remote work and a passion for teaching pilates

Licia has spent the past four years working remotely for a Swiss company, handling translations and customer support while also teaching Pilates part-time in Porto, where she lives. After discovering Work for Impact while searching for remote opportunities, she secured a 20-hour-per-week role that offers both stability and a comfortable salary.

The flexibility of this position has transformed her quality of life - letting her live on her own terms and continually learn new skills. Looking ahead, she aims to transition into a full-time online career. Grateful for WfI’s support, she appreciates the chance to grow professionally without sacrificing her passion for teaching Pilates.

Unlocking potential through education: Melissa’s Pathway Journey.

At 22, Melissa works as a freelance writer in Cape Town while pursuing her degree in communication. She discovered the Pathways Program on LinkedIn, and it truly transformed her path by providing access to education she couldn’t afford otherwise. She enrolled in a cybersecurity certificate program and was so engaged that she finished two months early. Fascinated by the field, she continues studying, constantly acquiring new skills and knowledge.

Currently, she’s doing a remote internship with a tech firm in Zambia, where she applies what she’s learned and further builds her confidence and expertise for her future goals. She still plans to complete her communication degree but dreams of enrolling in computer science as soon as possible.

“Education is so powerful,” she says. “It opens doors and can completely change our lives. With each credential comes both the opportunity and the responsibility to shape our own future - and the possibility to inspire others to do the same.”

For Melissa, the Pathways Program was more than just access to education, it opened doors she never knew existed. She’s deeply grateful and excited about the future: one day, she wants to build an organisation that empowers young people from disadvantaged areas to get into tech.

From the streets of Narok into Finance - The inspiring story of Joshua

At 28, Joshua stands as a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of education combined with willpower and trust. 

After earning his finance degree in 2020, he spent three years building a career at a bank. But his journey wasn't easy. 

After a sad loss at an early age, Joshua was forced to live in the streets of Narok. 

He first met Geoff, who helped him on his journey, at an Orphanage Program. With his guidance on CV, Cover Letter and interview preparation he found his way into the formal job market. 

In 2021-2022 Joshua joined the Pathways Program, choosing courses that ignited his passion and unlocked new skills. The community gave him a much needed sense of belonging and helped him improve his self-esteem. 

While working at a bank in Nairobi, he’s pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration and Finance. 

Joshua credits his resilience to lessons from his mother - writing down dreams, and praying for them to materialize. He believes in the power of imagination and manifestation: “What we believe in, we create.” Looking ahead, Joshua aims for a consulting role at a Big Five firm, higher earning potential, and the chance to inspire his community. He encourages young people to seize opportunities, take responsibility for their lives, and trust that “everything happens for a reason.” Through WfI, Joshua found not just education, but the confidence to turn a childhood prayer into reality.

Get inspired by Chetanya - the girl with the power to turn her passion and vision into reality

Nineteen-year-old Chetanya calls New Delhi home - drawn by its surprising greenery. Currently, she’s part of Work for Impact’s women-only Pathways cohort. 

She appreciates the mentorship, LinkedIn coaching, and the peer exchange the program provides and already earned a certificate in Google Data Analytics. 

As part of the student consultants at 180 Degrees Consulting she’s tackling projects from maximizing an NGO’s impact on street dogs to advising a London-based crowd-fintech platform (with the streetdog project being her favorite). At the same time, she’s doing an internship in Immigration Policy at the International Institute of SDGs and Public Policy Research, where she champions a human-rights-first approach.

Passionate about public policy, Chetanya dreams of joining UNDP’s Policy and Research team - analyzing economic, education, and poverty policies. Driven by her own background and life’s struggles, she wants to ensure children with disabilities gain equal access to education. 

Always curious, she believes hard work and gratitude open doors: “No matter the situation, keep smiling and keep a positive attitude.” Now, she’s seeking her next internship to further improve her data analytics skills and turn her vision of global impact into reality.

Arba joined our Kosovo cohort in her senior year of high school. She has already made her mark on the world as a dedicated volunteer, dedicating her spare time to youth education and development. Arba brings the same passion for positive impact into her fascination with IT. Intrigued by its problem-solving capabilities, she is keen to master programming languages, software development, and database management. Although Arba holds a keen interest in economics and finance, it's clear that her heart and ambition are set on a transformative career as a software engineer. “I’ve enhanced my English language proficiency, mastered IT skills, and acquired an array of other valuable competencies. Pathways has been the catalyst for this transformation.” 

Joshua overcame profound adversity after losing his mother at a young age, an event that led him to leave school and face homelessness. Driven by a deep commitment to education, he resiliently worked his way back and managed to complete his schooling against all odds. Having overcome significant challenges, Joshua was disheartened but not defeated by the scarcity of opportunities available to him. He turned to Pathways, where he not only rekindled his motivation but also gained invaluable skills to navigate the online job market. Today, Joshua stands as a testament to perseverance, holding a long-term position at a major commercial bank in Africa while pursuing an MBA in his spare time. “My dream is to become a financial analyst. With that job, I’ll be able to help my community and family as well. Through Pathways, I’ve enrolled in a Digital IT course, which is helping me learn how to use the online job market.” 

Bir, known by most as BBC, comes from Tincchanga, a small village in Nepal. After finishing university in Kathmandu, BBC worked as an immigration counselor and administrative assistant but dreamed of a career in IT. When he first started Pathways, BBC said he was hoping to pay the experience forward by making the world a better place for people in need. Fast forward two years and he’s truly living up to that aspiration – BBC is now one of the team at Work for Impact and earning a stable salary that allows him to provide for nine family members. “I wanted to pursue IT, but my financial situation wasn’t great. One day, I came across Pathways and here I am taking the program at the moment. I believe Pathways is going to be the cornerstone of my future career in IT.” 

Thaissa's quest for learning, kindled in a bustling family and through the public schools of Rio, saw her conquer challenges with tenacity. Today, she's an IT Management graduate of Unicesumar University, with impressive technical and leadership prowess. In 2022, Thaissa dedicated herself to the Pathways program, enhancing her skillset in tech innovation while mastering career essentials. Committed to personal growth and social equality, she advocates for a world free from racial and gender inequality. "I attribute my increased access to opportunities in the technology sector and a newfound confidence in my journey to the invaluable support I received through the Pathways program." 

Era’s curiosity for digital platforms was ignited by her participation in her school’s online magazine. After finishing high school, she joined Pathways, eager to hone her expertise in digital marketing. As a volunteer for youth mental health programs and an avid advocate for the growth of Kosovo, Era wants to use her burgeoning skills to become a catalyst for positive change. “The Pathways education program has allowed me to expand my knowledge in digital marketing and the team has been very supportive along the process. I want to use these skills not only to grow professionally but also to help in the development of Kosovo.”