Leadership Lessons in Inclusion & Belonging from a First-Generation Immigrant

When I arrived in the United States in 1989 on a student visa, I was filled with anticipation. I had left behind a life in Sierra Leone where I had already completed technical college, worked professionally, and even owned my own business. My goal was to further my education and embrace new opportunities, but nothing prepared me for the complex reality of being a first-generation immigrant in America. I enrolled at a small, predominantly white private college in central Pennsylvania, where I quickly realized that I looked different, talked differently, spelled differently, and thought differently. For the first time in my life, I was a racial minority, and I didn’t know what to expect.

My journey was complicated from the start. Due to delays in transferring my transcripts, I found myself starting college as a 24-year-old first-year student, sitting in classes with 17- and 18-year-olds. This was a stark contrast to my experience in Sierra Leone, where I was always the youngest in my class. Now, I had to navigate the unfamiliar territory of being the oldest student in the room, with life experiences that set me apart from my classmates in every possible way.

I faced an array of challenges—cultural, social, and personal. My accent, once a marker of my identity, became an obstacle. I struggled with American slang, cultural references, and even the simplest interactions. I felt self-conscious about the way I spelled words like “favour” and “colour,” and my ideas often felt out of sync with those of my peers. I was navigating a new cultural landscape where I was visibly and audibly different, and the weight of that difference was a constant reminder of how far I was from home.

Socially, I felt isolated. My classmates were younger, more carefree, and often unsure of how to engage with me. I missed the vibrant, familiar culture of Sierra Leone—where my role as a business owner and student was respected and understood. Here, I was a stranger trying to find my footing, both academically and personally. I had to adjust to the reality of being perceived through the lens of my race, accent, and age—labels that often overshadowed my true self.

Despite these challenges, my experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of embracing my differences. For leaders today, there are powerful lessons in stories like mine that can help create inclusive spaces and foster belonging in the workplace.

Lessons for Leaders: Creating Inclusive Spaces in the Workplace

1. Recognize the Complexity of Individual Journeys: Every employee brings a unique story shaped by experiences, culture, and personal challenges. Understanding these complexities helps create an environment where people feel seen and valued.
2. Foster Intergenerational Understanding: Just as I found myself out of place as an older student, workplaces often have generational divides. Leaders can bridge these gaps by encouraging mentorship and learning across age groups, valuing the perspectives of both younger and more experienced employees.
3. Address Visible and Invisible Differences: Leaders should go beyond surface-level inclusion efforts and recognize that differences in language, appearance, and background can profoundly impact an individual’s sense of belonging. Sensitivity to these nuances can make a world of difference.
4. Create Safe Spaces for Dialogue and Expression: My struggles with feeling misunderstood highlight the need for open communication in the workplace. Leaders should encourage employees to share their stories and experiences without fear of judgment, fostering a culture of mutual respect.
5. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptation: My journey required constant adaptation, from academic delays to social adjustments. Leaders can support diverse employees by being flexible with policies, listening to individual needs, and adapting to create a more inclusive environment.

By learning from the experiences of first-generation immigrants, leaders can better understand the importance of creating workplaces that go beyond mere diversity and truly foster a sense of belonging for everyone.