KPA has bought me a new sense of pride not only in being a Cape Verdean American but most importantly being a Cape Verdean American Woman in the working world. It’s nice to see our women being praised not just for our beauty but also for our brains and seeing more women that look like me accomplishing excellence in the corporate world alongside me. I also admire the opportunity to help the younger generation accomplish their career goals with greater opportunities than I was given. The best part of KPA is the events are not welcoming to just Cape Verdean women but to all women looking to help women, and if there is something, we need more of its diverse women coming together to accomplish greatness.

Maura Goncalves, Director of Training for Hospitality Industry 

As a KPA member, I learned a very important lesson “I am not alone.” I had recently moved back to Massachusetts after completing my bachelor’s degree in China. I was having a hard time fitting in and adjusting. I then came across KPA, a sisterhood and an organization filled with empowering women that made me feel like a wonder woman. They not only showed me that I am not alone but helped me realize my potential and overcome my fears. Today I am happy to have been a part of this wonderful organization and connect with these amazing sisters, people that today I know when I need, they are only a phone call away. Thank you to my KPA sisterhood for the best experience of my life.

Lara Correia, Registration Specialist for Brockton Public Schools

Before joining KPA, I doubted my skills in the work field and my overall capabilities. KPA has helped me use my voice by giving me opportunities to attend events that have contributed to my growth and made the transition from college student to a working member of society a lot easier. Having been blessed with opportunities to take on tasks, such as volunteering with events, translating documents, and actually being trusted and believed in, to be part of something bigger, has become a big part of my identity. It has given me the strength I didn’t know I had within me. It has truly been an empowering experience to be surrounded by other Kriolas doing great things in the world and motivating all women to be the best version of themselves. I am proud to say that KPA has genuinely become a sisterhood that I can rely on, whether for professional guidance or simple life advice.  

Dahlia Rosario DaSilva, UMass Amherst Graduate, Dahlia’s Garden Co-Founder and Creative Director

My time with KPA gave me a complete sense of community amongst my Kriola counterparts. It felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself, and that told me what kind of impact the organization was making in our vcommunities and within ourselves.

Vilma Rodrigues-Silva, Sr. Recruitment Manager with City Year, a national education non-profit

My experience with KPA has been nothing but amazing. About two years ago, I joined a group of like-minded kriolas with whom I had no previous relationship. We now have a very close relationship even outside of KPA, and these ladies have become one of the most supportive people I now know. They have supported and shaped my personal and professional development in so many ways. Everyone within KPA is invested in helping you develop and enhance your professional skills. For most of us, we don’t have this opportunity or space at our place of employment. The best part of KPA is seeing like-minded Kriolas coming together and showing what we are all about – strong, independent, charismatic, and resilient women who turn lemon into lemonade and pave the way for the next generation. This is especially impactful for the first-generation immigrant woman, given that most of KPA members were, including the founder and some of the co-founders, either born and raised or raised in Cabo Verde

Sweila Carvalho (She, Her, Ela), Boston College MSW candidate of Clinical Social Work with a concentration in Children, Youth and Families, and Immigration/Refugee trauma

I have been a member of Kriola’s Professional Association (KPA) for one year and a half. I left Cape Verde at the age of 13, and the hardest part was leaving the only place they made me feel at home. Living in the United States took some time to adjust, but I always felt like I was missing the connection to home and my people. I dreamed of the day I would get the opportunity to work with other Kriolas and build a meaningful relationship. When I heard about KPA, I knew I wanted to be part of the organization and help drive their mission and connect with driven Kriolas. 

KPA has done a great job creating a safe space that allows us to be ourselves and consistently challenged to be our best version. I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with the leadership team and members. I have been able to build and maintain relationships with Kriolas in the United States and Cabo Verde. I am excited to continue to watch KPA grow and be a place that empowers Kriolas to network, develop professional and personal skills to reach their full potential.

Seila Carvalho, Executive Assistant, PTC

Being a member of KPA has given me the opportunity to meet professional women who look like me and has allowed me to build a support system unlike any other. Not only do the women within KPA serve as mentors, but I have been able to connect with a new network of individuals outside of academia. Not only does KPA care about my professional growth, but as a group, we have been able to uplift one another in support of personal goals and endeavors. Knowing that I have a network of kriolas who want to support my growth has been pivotal for me as a college student, future professional, and a woman in all aspects of my life. I am thankful for having the opportunity to be a part of the KPA community and build meaningful relationships that will last for years to come!

Samira Liana, UMass Amherst Alumna and B.S. Public Health professional