Meet Aneri Desai | Career Coach for Immigrant Women

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aneri Desai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aneri, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
In 2010, I bought a one way ticket to USA to pursue my “American Dream”. With hopes and dreams I began my MBA as an international student. My personal life took a detour. I walked out on a toxic arrange marriage and ended up at the airport with my life packed in a suitcase. I felt dependent and hopeless. That day I decided that no other immigrant woman should ever feel financially dependent on others. I decided that I would not only become financially independent but also help other women do the same.

Navigating job search as an immigrant needing visa sponsorship is challenging. After 273 rejections, I landed my dream role in corporate America and started climbing ladders. After 8 years in my 9-5, I retired from corporate America to start my business of empowering immigrant women to become financially independent by landing their dream job or by re-starting their career in a foreign land. I am career coach for immigrant women living in US and Canada.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My company’s mission is to empower immigrant women become financially independent by landing their first job/re-starting their career/ getting promoted. I am excited about immigrants going places. In one year, my mentees have collectively received job offers worth of $15 Million.

The decision to leave my stable 9-5 job was not easy but I felt that my mission was bigger than steady paychecks so I finally resigned. Encouraging women to seek help in their job search was the biggest challenge. Some may feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness.

My brand story: We, immigrants have a lot to offer. We are smart, fierce and risk takers.

I picked up the lemons life threw at me and not only made a lemonade but also built an empire selling that lemonade. Now I am teaching others how to own their story and stand out in their job search. 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Historic town of Savannah, Sunset at Charleston, and cozy mountain cabin in Smokey Mountains!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my husband Dr. Sagar Patel who encouraged me to turn my wounds into wisdom. Navigating life as an immigrant was challenging. Sagar encouraged me to share my lessons and learnings with other immigrant women. Mentoring requires empathy and dedication. It is hard to serve others when our glass is full. Sagar takes care of our 3 years old and does house chores so I can empower other women become financially independent . I could have not built this business without his love, encouragement and support.

Cheers to our cheerleaders who believe in us and celebrates us 🙂

Website: https://www.aneridesai.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aneridesaipatel/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneridesai2/

Image Credits
Ariel Enid