Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alliance Samuragwa. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Alliance thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
When I first arrived in this country, I was helpless and extremely vulnerable. My initial goal was simply to survive and perhaps find a way to make a decent living for myself. However, I was profoundly moved when I encountered the kindness of those around me who willingly offered help without expecting anything in return. My story is about grace, yes, but it’s also about people—about the selfless act of serving others.
This cause touched my heart deeply, prompting me to dedicate my life to it. The journey began humbly, and the future initially seemed uncertain. Yet, with the right mindset, dedication, and resilience, I believe that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome, much like David defeating Goliath.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Leaving my home in Burundi in 2014 just before the 2015 election, seeking asylum in the USA. My journey reflects the challenges faced by asylum seekers during resettlement. In Tennessee, upon arriving without a job, resources, or English proficiency, I encountered fear, uncertainty, and hunger. Despite these obstacles, I am grateful for the support I received along the way.
Initially dependent on word-of-mouth assistance from friends and relatives for food, housing, and essentials, I eventually found crucial support through organizations like American Gateways. They provided legal assistance for my asylum application, a process that can take up to two years.
In 2015, I began attending Gateway Church, where I volunteered my time to help refugees and asylum seekers. Recognizing my commitment, the church offered me an internship in 2019, which led to a full-time position overseeing a ministry dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Partnering with other churches and organizations in the city, we provided essential items like household goods, clothing, furniture, and meals, alongside moral support through family visits.
Today, I remain dedicated to inspiring and uniting others around this cause. I have a dream to bring our city together to serve refugees and asylum seekers through More Than Welcome, a initiative aimed at helping them successfully integrate into our community.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
I was invited to speak about my journey at this church, where I met my co-founder. We quickly became friends and I began sharing my vision. Together, we dreamed about how we could bring Morethanwelcome to life.
it was a meeting of destiny for me.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
To really focusing to create an amazing environment for Team to flourish mentally, emotionally and Spiritually.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrFDl002o1mrgQAm7tXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1721782069/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fmorethanwelcome.org%2f/RK=2/RS=fxQxBwwTTf45qH3YW25nEh7GYLQ-
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanwelcomeinc/
Image Credits
Kevin Reickle
Amy Reiesterer