June 25, 2026
Last week, I had the privilege of joining an incredible group of immigrant business leaders for the From Challenge to Change: Immigrant Business Roundtable, moderated by MRU Board Member and Legislative Co-Chair, Sergio Espinoza.
Listening to the stories around the table was both inspiring and eye-opening. While every entrepreneur’s journey is different, so many of the challenges were shared: access to capital, workforce shortages, navigating complicated systems, transportation barriers, and the uncertainty that immigration policies create for both employers and employees.
What struck me most was that this wasn’t just a conversation about challenges. It was a conversation about solutions.
As someone who works every day with independent restaurants across Massachusetts, I know our industry simply would not exist without immigrants. They are our colleagues, our entrepreneurs, our neighbors, and our friends. When immigrant-owned businesses succeed, our entire economy is stronger.
I’m grateful to MIRA for bringing this group together and to Steve Chang, Deeqo Jibril, Chompon “Boong” Boonnak, Jean-Paul Karangwa, Julie King, and everyone who shared their experiences so openly.
#SmallBusiness #ImmigrantOwned #Hospitality #Advocacy #EconomicOpportunity #MassRestaurantsUnited #Community #Leadership #WorkforceDevelopment
Jen Ziskin
Executive Director
Massachusetts Restaurants United
