As an immigrant navigating a new country, the feeling of "this isn't for me" is all too familiar. When I first arrived in the U.S., I felt out of place and unsure if I belonged in professional spaces where diversity can sometimes feel like an afterthought. But over time, I learned to challenge that mindset, asking myself, "Why not for me?" That shift in perspective opened doors for me, not only in terms of career growth but also in starting conversations about international employees experience—conversations that are often missing from many fields, including HR. This session will resonate with many attendees, especially those who understand the value of diversity in strengthening teams and improving outcomes. Together, we can challenge stereotypes, nurture cross-cultural understanding, and ensure that international employees voices are heard—not just for the sake of inclusion, but because a diverse workforce brings vital skills and perspectives to the table.
Learning Outcome 1: The unique barriers international workers face, both external and internal, and how these barriers prevent them from reaching their full potential.
Learning Outcome 2: Explain why these obstacles are detrimental not only to international employees, but also to employers.
Learning Outcome 3: Practical strategies organizations can implement to foster a more inclusive environment where immigrant workers can thrive and contribute fully to their teams.
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Solveiga Jaskunas
International Keynote Speaker I Connector I Mentor I Career Coach I HR Consultant
Immigrant Voice in HR
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Solveiga Jaskunas is a seasoned HR professional and career coach with over fifteen years of experience in nonprofit and for-profit organizations. She holds dual master’s degrees, in Industrial Psychology and Human Resources Management, as well as PHR and SHRM-CP certifications. As an immigrant to the United States, she overcame language barriers and numerous rejections before climbing the HR ladder to senior leadership roles. Her journey motivated her to mentor fellow immigrants and to start her own consultancy, which focuses on HR consulting, career coaching, training, speaking, and network referral services for organizations and individuals. A graduate of DC SHRM's Senior Leadership program, Solveiga's passion lies in coaching immigrant professionals and in helping employers to make their workplaces more inclusive. She has also dedicated her time to aiding refugees, homeless children, and at-risk youth. Her story has reached a broader audience through speaking engagements domestically and internationally, in which she has shared her personal journey, offering hope and encouragement to other immigrant professionals. Her recent speaking event at the Expat Women Event and the Global HR Summit reached participants from more than 50 countries. She has spoken at national and international events as The Expat Women Summit March and October 2024, HR Global Summit, HR Week in Lithuania, SHRM, ILVW, HR Inside Track, APCDA, and more). Solveiga was recently featured in Security Magazine, as one of three leaders with distinct LinkedIn communication styles. For more information about Solveiga, visit her profile at (https://www.linkedin.com/in/solveigajaskunas/) or her website(https://www.immigrantvoiceinhr.com/)