Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth is university graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and experience as a secondary school teacher. She’s a mom of four who always worked hard to raise and provide for her children.   When Elizabeth’s marriage ended unexpectedly, she was left to navigate life's challenges alone. Struggling to pay her bills, she found a job as a security guard to make ends meet but continued to look and hope for better opportunities— both for herself and her children. When she heard about a job opportunity to teach English in China, she was interested. This was her opportunity to work abroad to be able to send funds back to her children.

Without a formal network, she worked as a private tutor inside the home of a family. When her visa expired and she lacked the proper permits, she was thrown out of the house. Homeless in a foreign country where she didn’t speak the language, she was scared and alone. She was exploited and lost hope of ever returning home.

Thankfully, she met a case worker from Red Oak and returned home to Uganda. Recovering from the trauma, Elizabeth entered a shelter program and then started classes, where she pursued business studies. Upon graduation, she was provided with the initial capital to launch her own enterprise. With her children's scholarship fees covered, she first focused on agriculture, growing fresh fruits and vegetables. Recognizing the seasonal nature of this work, she later transitioned into the fashion and design industry. With support in acquiring equipment and managing her finances, Elizabeth's clothing business flourished.

Today, she is a successful entrepreneur, providing for her children's education and even employing seven individuals in her growing business. She is a leader and a friend to so many, and her testimony encourages everyone she meets to dream big and work hard to pursue their dreams.