Skilled Immigrant Certification Program
Program Overview
ABN’s Skilled Immigrant Certification Program supports work-authorized skilled immigrants who are ready to continue their careers in Massachusetts. Our program verifies your English proficiency, education, work history, and professional skills while preparing you with the tools and training employers expect.
Support Received
Confirm work authorization and degree equivalency.
Strengthen English, digital skills, and project management skills.
Create US-ready resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
Practice interviewing and build confidence with career advisors.
Attend job fairs and networking events from our employer partners.
Program Stages
Apply & Join a Cohort: Get matched with a supportive peer group.
Language Assessment: Get support for meeting a professional English standard.
Verify Credentials: ABN confirms work authorization, degree equivalency, and work history.
Build Skills: Strengthen English, digital skills, and workplace essential skills.
Learn Project Management: Complete a project management course and capstone project with real projects from our employer partners.
Career Readiness: Tailor resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles, and practice interviews, with support from experienced advisors.
Earn Certification: Receive the ABN Certification Report, proving to employers that you are ready and qualified to succeed in the US workplace.
Program Eligibility
The Skilled Immigrant Certification Program is designed for skilled immigrants who are ready to take the next step in their US career journey.
You are eligible if you:
How To Apply
This program is here to help you prove your qualifications, strengthen your skills, and connect with employers who value your talent. Apply now to join this program. Questions can be directed to Krithi Vachaspati, Program Manager, at krithi@africanbn.org.
Our Career Advisors
Our team is made up of volunteer career advisors committed to supporting the skilled immigrant population in Massachusetts.
Idizinho Vaz has more than seven years of experience in the financial services industry. Currently, he’s a Partner at New York Life. He believes that volunteering with African Bridge Network has not only allowed him to give back but has also enriched his understanding of the importance of collective efforts in creating lasting change. Together, we’re building bridges to a brighter, more inclusive future.
Nesly Peña is a skilled researcher and analyst with a focus on workforce development, education, and the advancement of equitable systems. With a background in economics and public and social policy, she has a strong foundation in mixed-methods research, program evaluation, and survey analysis. Her work is guided by a commitment to inclusion and systems-level change, particularly around the integration of immigrant communities into education and the labor market.
Imane Laamlaoui Roussel is a well-versed program director with a demonstrated history in the finance industry. Imane worked 17 years in international and fast paced environments where she helped organizations build sustainable business along with diverse, cohesive, and performing teams. Passionate about empowering people and committed to achieving global goals, she harnesses her expertise to act for positive impact and contribute to meaningful organization’s missions.
Marcus Anum is a Product Manager and Data Analyst with a track record of driving success in the fin-tech, consulting, and oil & energy industries. He is enthusiastic about integrating cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies into product development. Expertise includes market research, user-centric design, agile methodologies, and cross-functional team leadership, ensuring seamless collaboration between development, marketing, and sales teams for delivering customer-centric products.
Omotoyosi (Toyosi) Saint-Cyr is a Project Manager with over eight years of experience leading successful social impact initiatives in public health, education, and workforce development across the US and internationally. Passionate about leveraging data to create sustainable solutions, she holds a Master’s in Sustainable International Development and enjoys traveling. Toyosi is also a licensed Realtor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, helping individuals and families navigate their real estate journeys with confidence.
As a career advisor with a Master’s in Food Science and a Diploma in Business Management, Olga Faraniuk brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and extensive professional experience in business management, accounting, and bookkeeping. She is passionate about helping professionals—especially immigrants and international graduates—navigate the complexities of the US job market.
Bharghavi Amuru has a Master’s degree in both Food Science and Health Management and Leadership from Northeastern University. As an immigrant, Bharhhavi understands the challenges skilled immigrants face when navigating a new country, breaking into the job market, and restarting their careers. She is honored to contribute her time to ABN’s noble cause, supporting skilled immigrants on their journey.
Alexandra Parker has worked with refugees and immigrants in workforce development for over 15 years as a Career Coach, Vocational ESOL teacher, and Case Manager. A native of MA, Alex is passionate about preparing newcomers for successful careers in the U.S. She has a BA in International Relations and an MA in International Education.
Pingsheng Chen, M.Ed., MLS is a former educator, professional librarian, and Division Head of Public Services at the Worcester Public Library, as well as the executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester, a nonprofit organization. With over 30 years of experience, she has supported workforce development, career advancement, and adult education, particularly in lifelong learning programs and ESOL.
Ping has helped many job seekers—especially immigrants and adult learners—with career exploration, résumé development, and job search strategies. As a Career Advisor with the African Bridge Network, she mentors professionals navigating career growth and the U.S. job market.
Elizabeth Tadesse is a marketing and communications leader with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations build strong brands and deliver meaningful impact through strategic marketing. Her career spans corporate, nonprofit, and global organizations, where she has led integrated marketing programs, digital transformation initiatives, and performance-driven campaigns.
Beyond her professional work, Elizabeth is deeply committed to mentoring and leadership development. She serves as a mentor and leadership contributor in several community and professional programs, helping emerging professionals grow their careers and expand their impact.
Born and raised in France, Caroline Nunez Brooks has lived in the United States for the past 20 years. She is a French-American CPA who built her career in accounting and finance, starting in CPA and consulting firms in Paris and New York, and later working in the finance departments of small to medium-sized companies in the tech industry across San Francisco, London, and France.
Having personally experienced the challenges of adapting to a new country and professional culture, Caroline is particularly passionate about supporting international professionals and members of diverse communities. She was fortunate to receive guidance when she first arrived in the U.S., and she is grateful for the opportunity to now give back and help others move forward with confidence.
Linet Onkoba holds a master’s degree in project planning and management with over ten years of experience leading successful programs within the banking sector. Her dedication to delivering excellent customer service has been a driving force throughout her career. Currently, Linet is building her career path as a patient experience specialist at MGB.
As an alumna of the 2024 ABN Professional Fellowship, Linet is eager to give back to the organization. She understands firsthand the challenges skilled immigrants face when navigating a new country and restarting their careers. Linet is excited to contribute her time to ABN’s noble cause, supporting skilled immigrants on their journey.
Enock’s work sits at the intersection of technology, public policy, and social impact, with a focus on ensuring that advances in AI are inclusive, practical, and aligned with the state’s long‑term workforce and economic development goals.
Rahil Naik is a corporate strategist focused on driving enterprise-wide transformational change within the insurance industry. He recently earned a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan. Raised in the U.S. with roots in Zimbabwe, Rahil is committed to supporting African immigrants as they build successful careers. He is particularly passionate about empowering early-career individuals pursuing business-related roles.
We envision a day when the skills of immigrant professionals are highly valued and they can use their past experiences to build their careers, support their families, and make meaningful contributions to our society.
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