Welcome to Resilient Interview, an initiative by Resilient Immigrant where we document the full truth of the immigrant journey, not just the challenges, but the resilience, strategy, and impact. By sharing your story, you're helping shape how immigrants are seen, understood, and remembered. Your story has the power to inspire, empower, and shift narratives.

In this feature, we highlight Florence FASAN, a Functional Manager in Corporate America, entrepreneur, and the founder of the Miss Elegance Georgia Pageant. Below is her complete, unedited interview detailing her journey from Nigeria to the United States and her commitment to community leadership and legacy.

Where are you from, and what year did you immigrate?

"I immigrated from Nigeria to the United States in 2005 with a vision for a better future and a determination to create opportunities through hard work, education, and perseverance."

What do you do today, and how would you describe the contribution you are making?

"I am a Functional Manager in Corporate America with a strong background in business, technology, and stakeholder management. While I am passionate about my corporate career, I also believe in creating multiple streams of income and building generational wealth through entrepreneurship. My entrepreneurial journey allows me to combine leadership, innovation, and business ownership while pursuing opportunities that create impact, financial freedom, and personal fulfillment. I believe that professional success and entrepreneurship can work hand in hand, creating a balanced path toward growth, independence, and legacy."

What moment or experience tested you the most during your immigrant journey? (Share a specific situation rather than a general challenge.)

"One of the most challenging moments in my immigrant journey was arriving in the United States from Nigeria in 2005 and having to start over in many ways. Back home, I had a strong sense of identity, community, and familiarity. Suddenly, I found myself navigating a new culture, different expectations, and systems that were unfamiliar to me. A specific experience that tested me was balancing work, education, and family responsibilities while trying to establish myself professionally. There were times when I questioned whether all the sacrifices were worth it. I remember feeling exhausted from working long hours, studying, and trying to create opportunities for myself while still supporting family members and adjusting to life in a new country."

What did you do differently that allowed you to move forward? (Think in terms of a decision, a mindset shift, or a specific action.)

"I realized that I could not spend my energy focusing on what I had left behind in Nigeria or comparing my journey to others. Instead, I decided to focus on what I could control each day. I made a commitment to invest in myself through education, professional development, and building meaningful relationships. Rather than seeing obstacles as signs that I did not belong, I began to view them as opportunities to learn and grow. I stopped waiting for the perfect opportunity and started creating opportunities for myself."

What has your immigrant background given you that you would never trade? "Being an immigrant has also given me a unique perspective. I have experienced two cultures, which allows me to appreciate diversity, connect with people from different backgrounds, and see possibilities where others may see limitations. It has taught me to value hard work, education, family, and community. Most importantly, my immigrant journey has given me a deep sense of gratitude. Every achievement-whether in my corporate career, my entrepreneurial ventures, or through the Miss Elegance Georgia Pageant-carries a special meaning because I understand the sacrifices, risks, and determination it took to get here."

What is an achievement you are proud of that people don't fully understand the weight behind? What did it actually take to get there?

"One achievement I am especially proud of is founding and sustaining the Miss Elegance Georgia Pageant for the past 10 years. When I started the pageant, I had a vision of creating a platform where young women could develop confidence, public speaking skills, etiquette, leadership abilities, and self-worth. As an immigrant who came to the United States, I understood the importance of having opportunities that help people discover their potential. I wanted to create that opportunity for others. What people may not fully understand is the amount of sacrifice, persistence, and faith it took to keep going year after year. There were countless hours spent recruiting contestants, securing sponsors, raising funds, coordinating venues, building partnerships, creating training programs, and solving problems behind the scenes. There were moments of uncertainty, financial challenges, and times when it would have been easier to walk away. Yet every year, I reminded myself why I started. I was never simply organizing an event; I was building a community and creating a space where young women could grow in confidence and become the best version of themselves."

How are you actively shaping how immigrants are perceived through your work, leadership, or presence?

"I actively shape how immigrants are perceived by living as an example of what is possible when determination, hard work, and opportunity come together. Most importantly, I try to lead with integrity, excellence, and service. My goal is not simply to change perceptions through words, but through consistent actions that show immigrants can be leaders, entrepreneurs, mentors, and community builders. If my journey inspires even one person to see greater possibilities in themselves or in others, then I know I am making a meaningful impact."

What do immigrant professionals need to hear early that they are almost never told? (Be honest and direct.)

"I would tell immigrant professionals not to spend years trying to prove they belong. You belong the moment you arrive. Your accent, background, culture, and experiences are not disadvantages; they are strengths that bring a unique perspective to every room you enter. Finally, understand that success is rarely a straight line. There will be setbacks, rejections, and moments of doubt. Do not interpret those moments as signs that you are failing. Often, they are the very experiences that are preparing you for your next level of growth."

Describe your immigrant journey in one word. "Humility"

Complete this: "I am a Resilient Immigrant, and I belong where I...

"I am a resilient immigrant, and I belong wherever my purpose, values, and contributions can make a positive impact."

Florence's journey highlights what can be achieved when you stop waiting for the perfect opportunity and instead choose to build it yourself. Rooted in humility and driven by a commitment to legacy, she is actively redefining expectations in Corporate America and creating meaningful spaces where the next generation can grow in confidence.

The Resilient Interview series is a living archive of identity, strategy, and unfiltered truth. Read more stories or submit your own journey to help us document the impact of immigrant leaders across communities.