In this compelling episode of Voices of Resilience, host Clay Lowe sits down with Daniela Alba, an advocacy and communications specialist at Jesuit Refugee Service in Rome. Daniela shares her powerful personal story as a Mestizo woman from Colombia who experienced forced displacement as a child and has since dedicated her career to fighting for the rights of forcibly displaced people worldwide.

Together, they unpack the evolving landscape of labor rights in the digital economy, the increasing exploitation of vulnerable workers, and the systemic challenges facing forcibly displaced individuals. Daniela provides insight into the post-pandemic shift in labor policies, the lack of protection for climate migrants, and the grassroots advocacy efforts driving change.

In this episode, host Clay Lowe speaks with Giselle Gonzalez, Founder and CEO of EqualReach, and Susan Achiech, Founder of Tech-Femme Algorithms and a full-stack developer from Kakuma refugee camp. Together, they explore how transitioning from traditional freelancing to team-based project work can create meaningful opportunities for displaced talent. Giselle shares how EqualReach connects skilled refugee talent with global businesses through streamlined processes, while Susan discusses her journey as a South Sudanese leading Tech-Femme Algorithms, a platform training refugees in tech skills.

The two guests delve into the challenges refugees face in freelancing, including steep competition and limited visibility, and highlight how team-based models foster shared learning, collaboration, and better outcomes.

Susan also reflects on her mentorship experience with Giselle through Na’amal, gaining critical skills in client management and confidence. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of building trust, addressing systemic barriers such as platform access and payment systems, and fostering collaboration across sectors to unlock the digital economy for marginalized communities.

With actionable insights for businesses, displaced talent, and the broader ecosystem, this episode is a powerful reminder of the potential for resilience and transformation. Don’t miss Giselle’s and Susan’s inspiring takeaways: “Trust is our most valuable currency,” and “There is no shame in not knowing; that’s the only way you can learn.”

In this episode of Voices of Resilience, we explore the transformative potential of Jobtech in fostering inclusivity for refugees. Guests Brenda from the Jobtech Alliance and Simon from the African Youth Action Network, share their expertise, highlighting innovative approaches to reducing barriers, empowering displaced individuals, and integrating them into the digital economy. Key topics include scaling tech-enabled skilling platforms, bridging gaps in digital literacy and advanced training, and addressing systemic challenges like asset access and ecosystem fragmentation. They also discuss the importance of mentorship, mindset shifts, and collaboration between private and humanitarian sectors. Tune in to discover how job tech is reshaping the future of work for refugees and creating sustainable pathways to economic resilience.