When Layermaria Ngwa’s mom fell ill a couple of years ago, Ngwa became her caretaker. She also uncovered a sense of purpose as she realized how many people don’t have the luxury of a loved one to care for them. “I knew that this is what I wanted to do,” said Ngwa, whose family is from Cameroon. “I don’t only want to take care of my mom. I want to take care of other people, too.”

Ngwa put off enrolling in a certified nursing assistant program until one of her aunties came across a flyer in her social media feed advertising funding for CNA coursework from the Minnesota African Women’s Association. Her auntie encouraged her to apply. Ngwa flew through the program in three weeks, compared to the typical 4-12 weeks. In March, she graduated.

In Minnesota, immigrants make up just over a tenth o

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