Irene migrated to the United States in 2019. She left behind a thriving career back home in Nigeria, and like most migrants, she had to start from scratch. She took certifications and training that enabled her to break into the Tech space in the U.S. However, her journey was not without difficulties; with unwavering resilience and determination, she scaled the hurdles and not only thrived in her chosen career but embraced her entrepreneurial spirit. Now, she guides immigrants through their journeys with purpose and zeal, encouraging them to thrive. Read her full story below.
My name is Irene Reese, and I’ve been living in the United States since 2019. Originally from Delta State, Nigeria, my journey has been anything but easy. Before relocating, I earned my Bachelor’s in Microbiology from Delta State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Lagos Business School in 2010. I built a successful career as a Corporate Strategy Consultant, working across industries like healthcare, retail, and e-commerce. However, migrating to the U.S. with two young children alone brought challenges I never anticipated.
The culture shock was intense—not just for me, but also for my boys. Navigating life in a new country while ensuring their well-being and finding work was overwhelming. Like many immigrants, I started with survival jobs as a caregiver for elderly patients. It was physically exhausting, emotionally draining, and far removed from the career I had worked hard to build back in Nigeria. But I told myself that this phase was temporary. I had a bigger goal—to break into corporate America! And it was my resilience, my refusal to give up, that kept me going.
While caregiving, I began researching career paths that would align with my background in corporate strategy. With the encouragement of friends, I focused on I.T. roles, particularly in Product Management, so I took courses, became a certified Scrum Master and Product Owner, and spent countless nights applying for positions after putting my clients to bed. It was one of the most challenging periods of my life, but I refused to give up.
Eventually, my persistence paid off. I eventually secured a breakthrough role at Cigna, where I led integration projects to enhance the organization’s in-house platforms, enabling real-time data replication across multiple systems. This expanded my expertise in scalable enterprise solutions. I then joined CVS Health as a Product Owner, where I improved customer service systems by integrating robotics and RBC technologies. Today, I work as an I.T. Business Consultant at MassMutual; I focus on implementing Agile practices, rolling out cutting-edge technologies, and making informed decisions about employee-related licenses, tools, and A.I. products. I’m also responsible for driving product technology strategy, ensuring our teams have the best tools and practices to work efficiently. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to lead high-impact projects and contribute to the growth and success of my organization.
But my journey didn’t end there. Along the way, I discovered a passion for helping other immigrants navigate the U.S., Canada & European job market. I saw so many talented people stuck in survival jobs without a clear path forward, and I didn’t want them to go through the same struggles I did. In 2022, I founded Agile Business School to provide immigrants with the skills, certifications, and confidence they need to secure high-paying I.T. jobs. I’ve trained over 250 people, with over 150 securing jobs at Fortune 500 companies, Big Four consulting firms, and industry leaders worldwide. Every one of my students has gained certification and excelled in their roles.
However, my success wasn’t without its battles. I struggled with imposter syndrome—a constant fear that I wasn’t good enough for the roles I was getting. The pressure to prove myself was immense, and there were days I doubted whether I truly belonged in those spaces. To manage this fear, I constantly reminded myself of where I came from and the obstacles I had already overcome. I had to believe I had it in me—that I was intelligent, capable, and could achieve whatever I wanted. That mindset was crucial to pushing through the doubt and growing in my career.
If I could do anything differently, I would have embraced my entrepreneurial spirit sooner. I didn’t realize how much of an impact I could make on other people’s lives until much later. Today, I run a thriving Community of Practice, a network where my students, now turned I.T. professionals, exchange knowledge, stay updated on industry trends, and grow together. It’s a global community spanning Nigeria, Canada, the U.S., and Europe, and it continues to inspire me every day. This entrepreneurial journey has not only transformed my life but also empowered others to thrive in their careers.
For people of colour migrating to the Western world, here’s my advice: Never give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. There will be moments when the odds feel overwhelmingly against you, but those are the moments that will define your success. Take every opportunity to learn, grow, and push beyond your comfort zone. Surround yourself with a supportive community, and always remember that your background, your story, is your strength. This community will not only provide you with the necessary support but also make you feel understood and connected.
As a mother, a business leader, and an immigrant, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance family, work, and personal aspirations. But I also know that anything is possible with determination, resilience, and the right support system. Today, I continue to raise my children, manage my career, and help others achieve their dreams. And for me, there’s no greater joy than watching someone transform their life from merely surviving to thriving.
Irene tells her story from Connecticut, United States
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