By the end of 2021, the number of people around the world who were forcibly displaced totaled a staggering 89.3 million. Of this milestone number, 27.1 million are refugees.

But behind these massive numbers are individuals with their own unique stories, journeys and experiences. In honor ofWorld Refugee Day, we sat down with three Googlers to hear about their background as refugees and the stories that brought them to Google.

Can you tell us about how you got to Google?

Mustapha: My journey started in Southern Lebanon, in a small city called Tyre. At the age of 4, I came with my family to the U.S. to flee the war and get medical treatment for my sister who was suffering from cancer. When my sister passed away, my family and I did a lot of soul searching and asked the question, “Should we stay or should we go?” Given that our property back home was lost in the war, we decided to start over in the U.S. At just 7 years old, I was translating for my parents and helping them navigate daily tasks and life in the U.S. As a result, I had to learn to be autonomous and independent much more quickly than the average child. This resilience and grit paved the way to Google, which — as cliche as it sounds — has always been my dream workplace. Today, I’m an Analytical Lead Associate for the Large Customer Sales team.

Miher: I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. As a child, we were forced to flee our homeland from drought, famine and war. Eventually, after being separated from my father for almost five years, we were reunited in Antwerp, Belgium, which became my new home. I vividly remember the day of our arrival and being so excited to go to school and play with other children. After graduating university with a focus on finance, I didn’t initially consider working for Google — but after some research, I gave it a shot. During the interview process, I was so amazed by the culture and decided to pursue working for Google, which gave me the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with amazing people as an Account Strategist.

Augustine: The Liberian Civil War forced many into exile, including my family. In 1993, we sought refuge in Ghana and I spent most of my formative years at a refugee camp there. As a kid, you’re almost unaware of the magnitude of suffering around you because mothers everywhere, like mine, do everything they can to provide a sense of normality. Fast forward 13 years, I found myself in Oklahoma City where the possibility of college and a career now seemed within reach, but the potential of working at Google seemed impossible. Upon graduating from college, I started my career in technical recruiting and it was this opportunity that exposed me to the larger tech industry. After three years, I eventually landed a role with Google as a technical recruiter and never looked back.

How has your background influenced your work?

Augustine: I’ve always looked towards my community for safety. Navigating a new culture and custom in the U.S. at the age of 15 strengthened my ability to connect with different people. Whether I’m engaging with senior leaders and peers or volunteering on a project, my ability to connect with people and build authentic relationships has been the single most important way my background has influenced my work.

Miher: Since I was young, I’ve had to learn how to navigate new and unknown environments. This helped me to develop a good understanding on how to gear my communication towards a diverse set of people with different needs and interests — especially when working with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.

What motivates you at your job?

Mustapha: For me, my motivation to succeed is akin to my motivation to survive. Coming to the U.S. as a child, we had no money to support ourselves. No generational wealth to lean on. No English skills. No degrees to obtain jobs. The reality for many immigrants — refugees in particular — is that you are simultaneously responsible for your own survival in addition to that of your parents and future children. My success is directly correlated to three generations’ ability to live with comfort and dignity, and there is no plan B or backup to lean on.

Augustine: I’m inspired by the opportunities for growth. Once upon a time, opportunities were scarce and the possibilities of a brighter tomorrow were faint. I remind myself of the opportunities I’ve been afforded, and how showing up has had a material and substantive impact on my family.

What advice do you have for people who want to work at Google?

Miher: Be yourself and be confident. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback, guidance and mentorship from others. There is so much we can learn from each other!

Augustine: Remain authentic and work tirelessly on improving your strengths. There is no “average” Googler, so lean into your unique strengths. If you can optimize for that, there’s a place for you at Google.

Mustapha: Tap into your empathy, compassion, creativity and your patience. The rest will follow.

In the early 1980s, Shahla Naimi’s mother arrived at a United States air force base in California as a refugee from Afghanistan. Weary from her journey, she was met by a group of volunteers who welcomed her to her new home. So began her new life in the United States.

40 years later, Shahla – a Senior Program Manager at Google – found herself at a government facility in New Jersey where she partnered with the International Rescue Committee to welcome 9,000 Afghans who’d fled the recent Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

“I didn’t realize how many times my heart could break,” says Shahla. “​​It was the most emotionally and physically exhausting experience I've ever had – and perhaps the most rewarding one as well. As an Afghan and as an American, it pushed me in unexpected ways to see my own people so newly displaced from their homes.”

We recently took some time to ask Shahla about her work with the IRC.

What are your ties with Afghanistan?

I am Afghan! I grew up in south L.A. in the wake of 9/11, fairly isolated from the broader Afghan-American community but surrounded by fellow immigrants from all over the world.

I traveled to Afghanistan for the first time in 2011, when my uncle encouraged me to visit him in Kabul. Walking around the city, I saw my parent’s faces everywhere I went. Similar features, same classic Afghan expressions. Afghans from the diaspora occupy a complicated space in Afghanistan, and I was grateful to feel so welcomed.

Why did you decide to volunteer with the International Rescue Committee?

When the Taliban takeover began, people started to flee through the airport. I tried to do what I could from my computer and phone, staying up all night trying to help family and friends in Afghanistan. Knowing firsthand the benefit of Afghans showing up for Afghans, I wanted to welcome people as best I could. I saw on social media that the IRC was looking for volunteers for the thousands of Afghans who would soon be arriving. Within a week, I was on my way to welcome new arrivals.

What was volunteering like?

It was a full-on emergency situation. My job was to work with the U.S. Government staff to lead reception services at a location we informally called the "Welcome Center.” Afghans would arrive — at any hour of the day or night — and I would help get their immigration process started by taking down their basic info.

We had to be quick on our feet about how we tackle unforeseen circumstances, like developing new ways of incorporating COVID precautions, or trying to reunite a husband with his wife without any identifying documentation to work off of other than their names.

This was nothing in comparison to what Afghans newly arriving were feeling. They were exhausted. By the time people reached us, they had been traveling for 20+ days, some separated from their families, many without a hot meal or shower for weeks. Someone even asked, “Where am I?” before collapsing on the ground. To see my own people so exhausted was devastating.

What should someone know about refugees coming from Afghanistan?

This is going to be a long, hard process for Afghans — from identifying a path to immigration to resettling into a new home, all while so many grieve separation from their families and communities in Afghanistan. Show up for them today, but also show up for them and all people searching for a safer, better life in the years and decades to come.

You’re co-lead of the Afghan Googler’s Network. Can you tell us more about how this group came to be?

I met my co-lead, Fereshta, in a group chat at a Google event for women of color in tech. I was inspired by the great work of other Google employee groups, like the Black Googlers Network. Many Afghans had been informally meeting up for years, but we felt it was time to organize officially. We were in the early stages of formally launching the group when the Taliban takeover sped up our plans.

What’s next for you?

I’m partnering with an Afghan foundation called Boum Books to launch a series of children’s books in the United States in Dari, English and Pashto. The first book, called “Boum-e Dana wa Dokhtare Ba-hosh” (which translated means “The Wise Owl and the Clever Girl”) is about an Afghan girl building her confidence and sense of self. It’s fully written and illustrated by Afghans. Seeing ourselves in the books that we read is important – more so when you've been forced to leave your home and resettle in an unfamiliar place. We hope this book, and others forthcoming, will bring a sense of belonging to Afghan children in the U.S.

What advice would you give to the average person on how to show support regarding the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan?

I’d suggest following and listening to Afghan experts – and supporting organizations run and led by Afghans. Additionally, consider reading and amplifying local, grassroots news organizations. It’s critical to amplify voices from Afghanistan, as international headlines subside.Continue to seek news about what's happening in Afghanistan. Afghanistan may fall from the international headlines, but it's critical to continue seeking out information and remaining informed. Many Afghans are suffering from a nationwide humanitarian crisis — one that is likely to get worse as the winter approaches. The precursor to helping is understanding what's happening.