Staff Spotlight | Puspa Dhimal

Puspa Dhimal is an employment counselor and administrative assistant for CRIS’ Employment Program.

There is a moment from Puspa Dhimal’s first job in the United States that comes back to him over and over again, even though it happened nearly 15 years ago. 

He was 21 years old. He and his family had just been resettled to Charlotte, North Carolina, from a refugee camp in Eastern Nepal where Puspa had lived since he was a toddler. His first job in Charlotte was at a warehouse. His co-workers were a diverse group, including an older gentleman who was also of Bhutanese descent. In their culture, it is common for elders to pat youth on the shoulder as a simple greeting. As he and his co-workers walked into work one morning, the older man patted each man on the shoulder to say good morning. Later that week, a colleague filed a complaint with their supervisor about how he’d been patted on the shoulder. The older man was fired from the job.

Still learning to navigate the nuances of the language and culture, Puspa was shocked but did not know what to say or do other than put his head down and continue his work. He now wishes he could go back and lead a conversation among his colleagues and their supervisor to provide context and clarity.  

After two years of living and working in Charlotte, Puspa and his family relocated to Columbus. Puspa knew that greater opportunities would be available if he continued his education, he enrolled in college courses and began an internship at CRIS. A few months later, he was hired part-time with CRIS Employment Program. He was then hired in a full-time capacity as an employment counselor and administrative assistant, and has been in the same position ever since–over twelve years now.

“I remember what it was like as a new refugee in the U.S. I lacked confidence in my English skills and I struggled to navigate the educational system. Through my own experience as a refugee and my work at CRIS with hundreds of others, I understand well the journey that we walk. I can truly say to those we serve, ‘I have walked in your shoes.’ I want to serve as a guide and source of encouragement to others as they walk this path.”