Mary Louise and Bruce Cohen on Supporting Skilled Refugees Through Their NGO, Talent Beyond Boundaries

The husband and wife team of Mary Louise and Bruce Cohen have impressive backgrounds in law and government and for the past ten years, they’ve used their skills to advance the cause of skilled refugees around the world.  The organization they co-founded, Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), identifies refugees with marketable skills and places them in a talent database that matches them with eager employers.  The Cohens tackle their intimidating challenges with an inspiring sense of can-do optimism and their TBB’s success is a reflection of these efforts. 

 

Chapters:

01:02 Meet the Cohens  Bill introduces Mary Louise and Bruce Cohen, a husband and wife team dedicated to helping refugees through their organization, Talent Beyond Boundaries. 

04:05 Transitioning to Nonprofit Work  The Cohens discuss their transition from their legal careers to nonprofit work, driven by a desire to contribute more significantly to society, particularly in the realm of immigration reform. 

08:10 Challenges Faced by Refugees  Mary Louise outlines the various obstacles refugees encounter, such as lack of documentation and legal barriers, which hinder their ability to utilize their skills in new countries. 

10:12 The Focus on Skilled Labor Pathways  The Cohens explain how Talent Beyond Boundaries aims to create skilled labor pathways for refugees, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance over traditional humanitarian aid. 

15:27 Employer Engagement and Support  Bill and the Cohens discuss the growing support from private sector employers who are increasingly willing to underwrite costs associated with hiring refugees. 

19:14 The Future of Refugee Talent in the U.S.  Mary Louise and Bruce express optimism about the potential for the U.S. to recognize the value of refugee talent and the need for reform in immigration policies. 

21:28 The Ripple Effects of Their Work  The Cohens discuss the significant positive impacts of their work, including increased income for relocated families and the long-term benefits for future generations. 

24:02 Changing Perceptions of Refugees  They emphasize the importance of changing societal perceptions of refugees, highlighting their resilience and the skills they bring to their new communities. 

27:10 Strategic Goals for the Future  The conversation wraps up with a discussion of Talent Beyond Boundaries’ strategic goals, focusing on expanding access to skilled immigration pathways for refugees. 

30:00 Navigating Skilled Worker Pathways  This chapter discusses Canada’s skilled workers federal program and how refugees are increasingly applying independently.  

32:44 Collaborative Efforts for Systemic Change  Mary Louise and Bruce share insights on their long-term goal of transforming global immigration systems. They discuss the increasing involvement of international organizations like the UN and the International Organization for Migration in promoting complementary solutions to humanitarian resettlement. 

36:47 The Future Vision of Talent Beyond Boundaries  As Mary Louise and Bruce discuss their future roles, they articulate a vision where TBB’s services are no longer needed due to open pathways for skilled refugees.  

38:28 Connecting with Talent Beyond Boundaries  The Cohens provide information on how potential employers and supporters can connect with TBB. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and the organization’s charitable status across multiple countries.  

40:21 Reflections on Progress and Optimism  The episode wraps up with reflections on the technological advancements that support TBB’s mission and the hopeful vision for the future of immigration pathways. The guests express gratitude for the opportunity to share their inspiring journey.