We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Susan Gobbo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Susan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’m originally from Brazil, and I relocated to the U.S.A. with my husband Mauricio and our daughter Laura, who was five years old at the time, due to my husband’s job. Back in Brazil, I had a successful career as a physical therapist, specializing in respiratory therapy, and spent over 15 years working in the ICU Department of a top hospital in São Paulo, focusing on cardiology. I even had the privilege of heading the department and contributing as an author to two widely recognized books used in Brazilian universities.
Our move to St. Louis in 2008 was initially intended to be temporary, but we quickly fell in love with the city and decided to make it our permanent home. While the move provided a unique opportunity for personal growth and family bonding, it also came with its challenges. Despite the joy of spending more time with my daughter and fully embracing motherhood, I deeply missed my career, routine, financial independence, and professional identity.
The transition to life in the U.S. was not easy. Adapting to a new culture, language, and professional environment was a daunting task. It took me some time to come to terms with the loss of my career and the impact it had on my confidence and self-esteem. However, through my journey as an expat spouse, I discovered the concept of culture shock and realized that many others were facing similar challenges.
This realization prompted me to start the International Spouses/Expat Women Group, a supportive community where women like myself could connect, share experiences, and navigate the complexities of expat life together. Through organized events and activities, we aim to provide a sense of belonging and support to expat spouses who may be struggling with the same feelings of isolation and loss of identity.
Finding solace and understanding within this community has been invaluable to my own journey of adaptation and rediscovery. I hope that by sharing my story and creating a space for others to do the same, we can help expat spouses find comfort, companionship, and a sense of home in their new surroundings.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Born and raised in Piraju, a vibrant multicultural town in São Paulo, Brazil, my upbringing was shaped by the rich blend of Italian and Portuguese heritage passed down from my parents. Surrounded by love, warmth, and a strong sense of family values instilled by my parents, Antonio and Mariinha, my childhood and adolescence were characterized by joyful memories and valuable life lessons.
At the age of 17, fueled by dreams and aspirations, I left the comfort of my family home to pursue higher education in Londrina, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Guided by the principles of honesty, respect, faith, and integrity instilled in me since childhood, I approached every challenge with determination and resilience, fueled by the spirit of my hometown, Piraju.
After completing my education, I ventured into the field of healthcare, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and later obtaining a postgraduate degree in Respiratory Therapy and Exercise Physiology in São Paulo city. For over 15 years, I dedicated myself to serving in the renowned ICU Department of São Paulo, where I assumed leadership roles and contributed as an author to two academic books, leaving a lasting impact in the field.
It was during my time in São Paulo that I crossed paths with Mauricio, my dear husband from Minas Gerais, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Our life in São Paulo was filled with love, laughter, and enriching experiences, culminating in the birth of our cherished daughter, Laura. However, our journey took a new turn when in 2008, we made the bold decision to relocate to St. Louis, USA, following my husband’s corporate relocation opportunity.
The move to St. Louis presented us with a fresh start and a myriad of opportunities for personal and professional growth. While initially intended as a short-term stay, we quickly fell in love with the city and decided to make it our permanent home. This transition not only allowed us to immerse ourselves in a new culture and language but also provided me with the precious opportunity to prioritize family and be more present in Laura’s life, a role I hold dear.
Reflecting on my journey from Piraju to St. Louis, I am grateful for the unwavering support of my loving family, the invaluable life lessons learned along the way, and the enduring power of love and resilience. As our story continues to unfold, I am excited for the adventures that lie ahead and the opportunities to make a positive impact in our community.
Inspired by both my personal journey as an expat spouse and the challenges faced by others in similar situations, I felt compelled to offer support to these women. Drawing from my own experiences and motivated by the desire to provide a sense of belonging and solidarity, I founded the International Spouses/Expat Women Group (IS/EW group) in 2016. The genesis of this group stemmed from the recognition of a need for a haven where women like myself, navigating the complexities of expatriation, could come together for mutual support and understanding. Beyond mere practicalities such as navigating local markets or transportation systems, our aim was to foster meaningful connections, share our diverse experiences, and offer unwavering support through the challenges of expat life.
Our International Spouses/Expat Women (IS/EW) group serves as a vibrant community for foreign-born women who have recently relocated to the St. Louis area, whether accompanying a spouse or partner or as expat individuals. Our mission is to provide a supportive platform for members to connect, offer mutual support, and continue personal and professional growth. Through engaging presentations, volunteer opportunities, language practice in a welcoming environment, and exploratory outings, we strive to foster a sense of camaraderie and empowerment among our diverse members.
Our group has evolved from humble beginnings into a thriving community of over 800 members representing 90 countries, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. United by our shared interest in embracing cultural diversity, many of us hold academic degrees and have enjoyed successful careers in our home countries. The group’s co-organizer, Ines Kim, along with volunteer Cultural Ambassadors and dedicated moms, play integral roles in organizing events and welcoming newcomers.
One of our notable initiatives is the International Mentoring Program, co-founded by myself and Annie Schlafly, a St. Louis native deeply passionate about fostering connections between international and local women. Through structured programs and social events, we aim to facilitate integration into the community while raising awareness of international cultures and experiences.
My involvement with the St. Louis Mosaic Project, aimed at enhancing regional prosperity through immigration and innovation, has been longstanding. Since 2014, I’ve volunteered at their events and promoted their programs, with the IS/EW group featured on their website. Additionally, I co-founded the Immigrant Professional Women Network Group in 2022, furthering our mission to empower immigrant women in the St. Louis region.
My journey as an expat spouse in the USA, marked by personal and professional challenges, has inspired my involvement in these initiatives. Alongside contributing to American resources and motivational books, I actively advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within various groups and organizations, serving on boards and committees.
Through our collective efforts, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community that empowers expat women to thrive in their new environment and make meaningful contributions to the St. Louis community.
I’ve also collaborated in founding the Immigrant Professional Women Network Group in 2022, alongside three other accomplished foreign-born professionals. Our goal with this initiative is to empower and educate immigrant women professionals, facilitating their integration and success within the St. Louis community. My own experiences as an expat spouse in the USA, navigating numerous personal and professional hurdles, have served as a catalyst for my involvement in these endeavors.
Additionally, I’ve contributed to American resources and motivational literature, particularly aimed at individuals born abroad. I actively engage with various groups and organizations, serving on boards and committees, where I advocate passionately for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
At the outset, I embarked on my journey as an expat spouse like many others – filled with a blend of excitement and apprehension. Navigating through unfamiliar cultural nuances and language barriers, I soon realized that being an expat entailed more than just adapting to new customs and cuisines. Beneath the surface lay a realm of emotional and psychological challenges, often overlooked.
In the United States, I encountered numerous hurdles in both my personal and professional life. I sorely missed my job, daily routine, financial independence, and the professional recognition I once had. A career encompasses more than mere employment; it shapes our identity, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. The inability to pursue my profession in the U.S. felt like losing a part of myself, erasing my entire career and accomplishments. This loss deeply affected my confidence and self-esteem, making it arduous to regain my footing.
Initially grappling with a sense of personal fault, I later realized that I was undergoing culture shock – a concept I had been unfamiliar with. My experiences, ranging from moments of profound loneliness to feeling utterly out of place, propelled me into exploring the realm of cultural shock and expatriation. The more I delved into the subject, the clearer it became that my experiences were not isolated. Many others faced similar struggles, grappling with questions and yearning for a community where they felt understood in navigating new professional environments.
This process of adaptation is universal for those relocating abroad, impacting individuals in diverse ways, each experiencing cultural shock with varying intensity and duration. Expatriate spouses, in particular, often pause their careers to facilitate their family’s transition and support their children. While children may initially encounter challenges in school but eventually adapt, and working partners undergo a learning curve in their new professional environments, spouses experience a profound transformation, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and renewal.
The struggle extends beyond adapting to a new culture; it encompasses identity loss and the significant stress of losing one’s professional identity and career. We find ourselves searching for our place in a new country, feeling as though our contributions to the family have diminished compared to our roles back home. The loss of confidence exacerbates the situation, as our professional backgrounds seem to fade, and our experiences appear irrelevant. Overcoming these barriers involves navigating the complexities of credential recognition and language barriers, representing shared experiences among expat spouses.
Research indicates that up to 40% of international assignments fail, with the challenges of adaptation faced by spouses being a significant factor. I have witnessed this firsthand; when spouses struggle to adapt, there is a high likelihood of the family returning to their home country. This statistic underscores the importance for companies to provide comprehensive preparation and ongoing support to expatriate employees and their families. Support should extend beyond arrival in the host country, particularly for expat spouses, to address practical challenges and foster a sense of connection with their home environment.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I take great pride in confronting and overcoming the obstacles and barriers that confronted me when I first arrived in the U.S.A. Through these experiences, I’ve gained invaluable insights and had the privilege of connecting with numerous individuals facing similar challenges. Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to assist others in overcoming their own barriers, both professionally and socially. Witnessing individuals rediscover their purpose, forge new friendships, and establish meaningful connections fills me with immense joy. The expressions of gratitude from the women I serve and their partners are truly heartwarming and serve as a reminder of the profound impact we can have on each other’s lives. It’s an honor to be part of their journey.
I’ve come to realize that the challenges I encountered as an expat spouse were not setbacks but rather catalysts for growth. They motivated me to delve into research, deepen my understanding, and ultimately, build a supportive community for expat women. The recognition I’ve received from our community for my efforts has been deeply humbling. While I’ve been honored with several awards along this journey, it’s the opportunity to continue supporting and empowering the international community in our St. Louis region that truly fuels my passion and drive.
I have been honored with several awards along this journey, which serve as sources of inspiration, motivating me to persist in my mission of supporting the international community in our St. Louis region.
2017 – St. Louis Mosaic Ambassador Award: Recognized for outstanding dedication to fostering growth and diversity in the St. Louis region.
2020 – Women of Achievement Multicultural Enrichment Award: Honored for contributions to multicultural enrichment and community empowerment.
2021 – Contributor to the Book “Owning Your G.R.I.T. – Rebuilding Myself” by Jennifer Bardot: Recognized as an expert contributor for valuable insights and experiences.
2021 – Expert Contributor to the Book “Welcome to the U.S.A.: You Are Hired” by Betsy Cohen: Acknowledged for expertise and contributions to support newcomers in navigating the U.S. job market.
2022 – Mary T. Hall Honoree Diversity Award: United Nations Association of the United States of America: Acknowledged for efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the region, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
2023 – International Institute’s Community Advocacy Award: Recognized for exceptional dedication and impactful advocacy efforts on behalf of the immigrant and refugee population.
These accomplishments are deeply indebted to the unwavering support of my beloved husband, Mauricio. His steadfast presence has been the cornerstone of my journey, enabling me to dedicate myself to community work, a passion close to my heart. Mauricio’s faith in my abilities has served as a beacon, guiding me toward my achievements.
Likewise, my heart brims with gratitude for my dear daughter, whose love and understanding have been instrumental in my growth as a mother. Through her, I have embarked on the most transformative journey of all — the journey of motherhood. Her steadfast support has molded me into a better person, teaching me the virtues of patience, love, and compassion.
Gratitude defines my sentiments toward my cherished husband and daughter. Their unwavering love and support provide the wings for my aspirations to soar, and within their nurturing embrace, I find the fortitude to reach new heights. They are the unsung heroes of my every success, the silent strength in every endeavor, and the source of joy in every triumph. Their roles in my life are immeasurable, and my accomplishments stand as a testament to their enduring love and belief in me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itspouses.org
- Instagram: stlitspouses
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/internationalspousesmeetup
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/69384717/admin/feed/posts/
- Twitter: STLitspouses