Breaking Barriers: How One Student Turned Adversity into Advocacy
Experiencing racial discrimination in the workplace was a defining moment for a UEI College West Covina student and finalist in the 2024 Be the Change Scholarship, Janerose Ngiri. This pivotal experience highlighted the persistent biases that often overshadow talent and hard work, shaping her perspective on the urgent need for equality and justice in professional and societal spaces.
Janerose’s journey began with challenges that could have broken anyone’s spirit. From leaving her home country due to tribal victimization to enduring over 20 years of immigration delays, she faced adversity at every turn. She used these struggles as a foundation for her resilience.
“Adversity became my stepping stone rather than a barrier,” she shared. “I’ve learned to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.”
Her workplace experiences were a wake-up call. Despite excelling at her job, Janerose encountered colleagues and managers who judged her race rather than her abilities. One manager was shocked to discover that she was not European, despite her impressive résumé.
The unspoken assumption was clear to Janerose: her skills and professional demeanor did not align with the biased expectations of someone from her background. These moments of injustice ignited her commitment to challenge systemic biases and foster equitable opportunities for all. “I’ve met individuals who saw my potential instead of my race,” she reflected. “Their humility and fairness inspired me to emulate that in my own life.”
Returning to school at UEI College in Medical Billing & Insurance Coding program has been transformative, offering her the skills she needs to succeed in medical billing and coding and the tools to advocate for change. She views her education as a platform to create tangible impact.
“In healthcare, I can push for equitable patient care and inclusive workplace practices,” Janerose explained. “Systemic biases should never affect the quality of services provided.”
The Be the Change Scholarship, which celebrates students advocating for racial equality, has amplified her voice. Through writing, public speaking, and community engagement, she aspires to inspire others to challenge stereotypes and create a fairer society. She was selected as a finalist for the 2024 scholarship.
“We are incredibly proud of Janerose and happy that she was selected as a finalist. She is an inspiration to all us in West Covina,” said Campus President Gregory Falcon.
“Sharing my story is a powerful way to encourage open dialogue about inequality,” she said. “I want to empower others to rise above their circumstances.”
Her vision for reducing workplace discrimination is both systemic and actionable. From bias training and diverse hiring panels to mentorship programs and data-driven monitoring, she advocates for clear, transparent measures to ensure equity. “Change starts with individuals who refuse to accept the status quo,” she emphasized.
As Janerose continues her education and advocacy, she paves the way for a world where fairness and equality prevail.
