From Resettlement to Employment: Bridging Barriers and Empowering Refugee Women Through Workforce Training in Tampa Bay

Approximately 12,425 refugees aged 18-60, resettled in Hillsborough County in fiscal year 2023, highlighting a need for targeted programs supporting refugees in building career skills and gaining confidence in navigating the job market. Refugee women face unique challenges as they integrate into the U.S. workforce, including communication barriers, limited work history, and adapting to workplace norms. A workforce readiness program tailored to refugee women in Tampa Bay provides essential career development tools, fostering economic independence and integration through culturally sensitive training methods. Over a two-day program, a structured curriculum was implemented to accommodate varying educational backgrounds and English proficiency levels. Participants engaged in discussions and trainings on U.S. workplace culture, employee rights, education pathways, role-playing conflict resolution, resume-building, and mock interviews to reinforce key concepts. Pre- and Post-tests were conducted with observational research using Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs to conduct an impact evaluation using thematic analysis. Six women participated in the program, totaling 54.5 hours. The program directly impacted 21 family members. Participants were from three different countries, supported by 12 staff members who contributed a total of 326.5 hours. There was a 26% improvement in pre-and post-test scores. Thematic analysis highlighted recurring barriers, including economic, cultural, educational, and confidence-related challenges, and identified the strategies of community networks, expanding education, and empowerment. The program fosters leadership, community engagement, and economic resilience, helping refugee women successfully integrate into the U.S. workforce. Participants develop confidence, enhance advocacy skills, and improve job market proficiency, facilitating their integration into the Tampa Bay area.