Refugee Success Spotlight: Giving Back

Getro Compere was a director of business development for a microfinance bank back in Haiti, managing a loan portfolio of 2.5 million USD. Getro was an active volunteer for a scholarship program and assisted with establishing a school in rural Haiti.  “However, in 2008, I started facing problems and decided it was time to leave Haiti.” States Getro  “Coming to the U.S. was not easy because I had to leave my wife and daughter behind.”  

Getro waited four years before his asylum case was approved and shortly after, in March 2012 he came to the IRC in Miami office to enroll in the Matching Grant Employment Program.   He worked intensely with the IRC employment team, attending orientations, created a resume and went to interviews with various employers.  His main goal was to get a job, improve his English and be able to bring his family to the U.S.  

Within one month of his enrollment, Getro interviewed with various employers but nothing transpired.  IRC Employment Specialist Tatiana Guest continued to pursue employment leads for Getro and on May 8th, received a call from Opa Locka Community Service Center asking to interview Getro.  His enthusiasm and fluency of Creole, French and English was the perfect match for the Center and Getro was hired on May 21st.    He has since been an indispensable team member, manning the web room and assisting other Haitians when applying for benefits.  Getro enjoys giving back to his community and understanding firsthand their struggles and what is necessary for making a new life in the U.S.