Josephine Katandula ’21

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Josephine arrived six years ago in Portland, Maine, alone and on her own. As an asylum seeker, she took on a new country, a new language, and a new culture. Her immigration status made things challenging, but with perseverance, she began working as a financial eligibility specialist for the City of Portland and attending USM part time.​

Josephine graduated in 2021 with a degree in business and today is a management trainee at Bangor Savings Bank. Josephine also serves as a program coordinator of an emerging domestic violence nonprofit called AWICA. ​Grateful for the help she received along her journey, Josephine says, “I hope to positively impact someone’s life in any way I can.”