Muna’s journey from a struggling babysitter to a successful business owner highlights the resilience of immigrants and the vital role they play in American society.
Muna is among the many Somalis who have found refuge in the United States through Temporary Protected Status (TPS) since the onset of civil war in Somalia in 1991. This conflict has claimed the lives of as many as 1 million people, forcing countless others to flee their homeland, often ending up in refugee camps for years.
Arriving in San Diego in 1999 with her 6-month-old baby and no connections, Muna began her American journey by knocking on doors, seeking families in need of a babysitter. Over the next four years, she worked in 20 different households as a nanny and housekeeper, sometimes even sleeping on the floor. Despite the hardships, Muna persevered, and in 2018, she took the bold step of starting her own childcare business, which has since flourished.
“It’s a lot of kids to run,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s worth it.”
Muna’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination often found among immigrants, particularly women who frequently assume caregiving roles in American families. “Everything is hard,” she reflected. “Nothing is easy to become an American and get your papers.”
In her early years in the U.S., Muna faced numerous challenges. She began her work at a starting wage of $6.45 per hour, often enduring difficult living conditions. “When people see you don’t have nothing, they can do anything,” she recalled. The struggles intensified when her daughter faced bullying from boys in the households where they lived.
“I didn’t mind—but when they started hitting my daughter, it was too much,” Muna said, emphasizing the emotional toll of her situation.
Despite these challenges, Muna managed to carve out some time for herself, working at a nearby store. Her determination allowed her to save enough money to rent an apartment, transitioning to a full-time retail position where she eventually became a store manager. Along the way, she met and married a U.S. citizen, welcomed a second daughter, and became a naturalized citizen in 2023.
When Muna decided to start her own business, she chose childcare, opening a small daycare center in her home that is licensed to care for eight children at a time. Her afternoon slots are consistently full, and she often has to turn families away. Muna is now saving to purchase a larger home to accommodate more children, with her daughter assisting her in the business.
As the owner-operator of her daycare, Muna’s responsibilities include caring for infants, transporting children to and from school, taking them to the park and library, and assisting with homework. In addition to her business, she serves on the board of Global Village, a housing project currently under development, and volunteers with the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, where she supports newly arrived refugees.
For the first time since moving to the United States, Muna enjoys weekends off. “In the seven years, I know what the Saturday-Sunday thing is,” she said, laughing. “It’s so nice, so nice.”
Muna’s journey reflects not only her personal resilience but also the broader narrative of immigrant contributions to American society. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the transformative power of determination and hard work.
According to American Immigration Council, Muna’s experience underscores the vital role that immigrant women play in the caregiving landscape of the United States.