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 one of 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, a conflict that has claimed the lives of as many as 1 million people. Arriving in San Diego in 1999 with her 6-month-old baby, Muna faced the daunting challenge of starting anew in a foreign land, knowing no one and having to knock on doors to find work as a babysitter.
For the next four years, Muna worked tirelessly in 20 different households as a nanny and housekeeper, often sleeping on the floor. Despite the hardships, she persevered, driven by the desire to provide a better life for her daughter. “Everything is hard,” Muna reflected. “Nothing is easy to become an American and get your papers.”
Initially earning a meager wage of $6.45 per hour, Muna faced numerous challenges in her early years. She recounted instances of her daughter being mistreated by other children in the homes where she worked. “I didn’t mind—but when they started hitting my daughter, it was too much,” she said, highlighting the difficult circumstances she endured.
Despite these challenges, Muna managed to carve out some time for herself, working at a nearby store. Her determination paid off as she saved enough money to rent an apartment and transitioned into a full-time retail job, eventually becoming a store manager. Along the way, she met and married a U.S. citizen, had a second daughter, and became a naturalized citizen in 2023.
In 2018, ready to start her own venture, Muna opened a small daycare center in her home, licensed to care for eight children at a time. Her business quickly flourished, with afternoon slots consistently full. “I have to turn people away,” she said, expressing her ambition to expand by purchasing a larger house to accommodate more children. Her daughter assists her in the daycare, further strengthening their bond.
As the owner-operator of her daycare, Muna takes on a variety of responsibilities, from caring for infants to driving children to and from school, organizing trips to the park and library, and helping 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, assisting new refugees in their transition to life in the U.S.
For the first time since arriving in America, Muna now 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 story exemplifies the resilience and perseverance that many immigrants demonstrate as they navigate the complexities of life in a new country. Her journey from babysitter to business owner not only highlights her personal achievements but also underscores the critical role immigrant women play in caring for America’s children.
According to a recent interview, Muna’s experience reflects the broader narrative of immigrant resilience and the contributions they make to society.