Today’s guest is Solveiga Jaskunas. She is an HR consultant and career coach. Today, she shares her journey as an immigrant from Lithuania to the United States. We discuss her childhood under Soviet rule, the challenges she faced adjusting to life in America, and her passion for helping other immigrants professionally.
Solveiga shares how growing up in Soviet-controlled Lithuania shaped her resilience. Despite the hardships, her journey taught her to embrace hope and adaptability, which ultimately helped her succeed in both her personal and professional life in the U.S.
She also stresses the significance of building a support system and not being afraid to seek help. Solveiga highlights how leveraging her network allowed her to overcome the challenges she faced as an immigrant, particularly in finding her first professional job.
As a career coach and HR consultant, Solveiga advocates for diversity in organizations. She believes that immigrants bring unique strengths and perspectives and encourages companies to create more inclusive environments that embrace diverse talents rather than focusing solely on traditional qualifications.
Childhood in Lithuania
Solveiga shares her early life in Lithuania, then part of the Soviet Union. As a child, she was sheltered from the harsh realities of Soviet oppression. It wasn’t until Lithuania gained independence that she began learning about her family’s struggles under the regime. This experience of growing up in silence while holding onto hope shaped her belief in the power of freedom and community.
Moving to The United States
Solveiga’s journey to the United States came after marrying her American husband. Although her initial idea was to “check out” the U.S., she quickly realized that being an immigrant was far more challenging than she expected. From cultural shocks to language barriers, her resilience allowed her to not only adapt but thrive. Her experience in overcoming adversity has since driven her passion for helping others navigate the complex immigrant experience.
Becoming an HR Consultant for Immigrants
Currently, Solveiga is dedicated to making a difference for immigrants at both individual and organizational levels. Through HR consulting, career coaching, and diversity training, she strives to break down stereotypes that hinder immigrants from finding opportunities. Her goal is to shift conversations within companies to create more inclusive environments where diverse talent is recognized and embraced.
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