Seventy-hour workweeks, multiple jobs, and unfamiliar fields weren’t what Idil Berna Bethea imagined when she left Turkey for the United States. She moved alone in 2016, a journey marked by exhaustion, isolation, and a lack of community. Long days working retail and busy nights as a rideshare driver left her financially and mentally struggling to stay afloat. Her challenging start in Philadelphia tested her resilience.

Idil knew she wanted more but wasn’t sure where to begin. “Networking is not a big thing in Turkey,” she says, “[but it’s] everything in the U.S.A.” Seeking guidance and support, she discovered the International Professionals Program (IPP) at The Welcoming Center. She was excited, having finally found the community she’d been searching for.

Unfortunately, her first stint in the U.S. was cut short by a family illness back home. Still, she remained committed to completing IPP and planned to return. In 2018, after spending a month in Turkey, Idil came back and hit the ground running. She rejoined IPP with the next cohort, determined to change her trajectory.

Starting over to reach her goals wasn’t easy. Her confidence wavered, and she questioned her decision to re-enroll. Nevertheless, she stayed the course, and everything began to fall into place.

At the end of the program, Idil was offered a paid, three-month fellowship with the City of Philadelphia’s Procurement Department. While promising, the position did not guarantee permanent employment. “[The fellowship] was a risk,” she recalled. “I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be hired, but I had to try.” To make ends meet, she would have to continue working nights as a rideshare driver. Cautiously optimistic, she accepted the offer and embraced her new role.

The next three months proved even more challenging, but unlike before, she wasn’t alone. With real opportunities on the horizon and the full support of The Welcoming Center, Idil confidently bet on herself. Following her fellowship, it all paid off: she was offered a full-time salaried position as a Procurement Technician with full benefits. She was overjoyed. “I was dancing in the street while walking to work. I was so happy.”

Idil went above and beyond, gaining confidence in her skills as she relentlessly networked.

Taking advantage of the city’s opportunities, she soon became a member of the National Institute of Government Procurement (NIGP) and the Pennsylvania Public Procurement Association (PAPPA). She earned several scholarships and attended multiple conferences, including the NIGP Leadership Summit. Unsurprisingly, within a year, she was promoted to Procurement Technician II and received a well-deserved raise. She ultimately served as Board Secretary of PAPPA.

Soon after, Philadelphia’s Procurement Department began a major software implementation, a project that piqued Idil’s interest. Eager to contribute, she volunteered to be part of the transition. Unfazed and fueled by ambition, she landed a coveted new role as a Sourcing Analyst.

Years later, Idil is now a U.S. citizen, happily married, and earning a salary she once couldn’t have imagined. She remains deeply grateful to The Welcoming Center for its support during her difficult transition.

“If I had not started IPP, I would be struggling in a blue-collar job. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. I’m grateful for every single experience that brought me to where I am now. But I’m forever grateful that I’m able to work in my profession and contribute to a project that will be a milestone in the city’s history, improving operations for our departments and our suppliers, resulting in better services for our residents.”

The confidence Idil gained through IPP extends beyond herself; she now encourages those around her to be more ambitious in their professional goals. Her journey wasn’t easy, yet her remarkable success stands as a testament to her resilience and determination.