Orly Koko is an accomplished young man. Fluent in seven languages and college-educated with a focus in IT and computer science, Orly’s greatest ambition has been to “make my momma proud” with a career in business. Based on the smile across his mother’s face during our interview, he has certainly done just that.
I had the privilege of interviewing Orly and his family to celebrate his recent promotion with George’s, one of the top 10 poultry producers in the U.S. While many Northwest Arkansans may not recognize George’s by name, Canopy clients know it well—it’s a common employer for recently resettled refugee individuals and families working toward self-sufficiency. This is where Orly and his family began their journey in the U.S. after arriving as refugees from Zimbabwe in 2024.
Starting as a poultry technician working the twilight shift, Orly’s grit and willingness to learn quickly made him a candidate for promotion within his first few months on the job. His supervisors recognized his determination and potential for upward growth, leading to a second and third promotion in quick succession. As preparation met opportunity, Orly was approached by a supervisor in the Human Resources department with yet another offer—this time as a Human Resources Educator, a significant career step.
Beyond his official role, Orly’s language skills and warm personality have made him an indispensable translator and advocate, bridging the gap between his fellow African coworkers and George’s leadership.
For Orly, this promotion isn’t just another job—it’s a testament to his capabilities, his perseverance, and his long-awaited chance to prove himself. “We suffered a long time; this is the opportunity we never received.”
Beginning with Uncertainty
Orly’s story begins well before his time at George’s. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he and his family fled to Zimbabwe in 2009 amid the fallout of the 2008 election. Forced to leave abruptly, they became registered refugees—leaving behind two brothers and two sisters.
For the next 14 years, Orly and his family waited in a refugee camp in Zimbabwe, hoping for the chance to be assigned a country for resettlement. This arduous and lengthy legal process is one that 43.4 million refugees worldwide must endure—those who have been resettled and those still waiting for their chance to begin again.
After nearly a decade and a half of waiting, Orly and his family received their first interview with the UNHCR in 2013, followed by a second in 2015. In this liminal time, Orly pursued a college education and worked multiple jobs to support his family. It wasn’t until 2023 that he and his family were notified that their cases had been approved and that they would be resettled in the United States—specifically, Northwest Arkansas.
While this news was both exciting and overwhelming, not all of Orly’s family was granted resettlement in time. Today, one of his brothers and one of his sisters remain in Zimbabwe, with no means of correspondence since their separation. This heartbreaking reality is common for families caught between election cycles, as political shifts may dictate whether resettlement promises are honored.
A Future Rooted in Northwest Arkansas
Today, Orly and his family continue working at George’s, striving to build a future in Northwest Arkansas. At this critical juncture, Canopy NWA remains committed to ensuring that refugees have access to vital services at every stage of their journey.
In spite of federal funding promises broken, Canopy NWA stands firm in our mission to provide the Long Welcome—a comprehensive, multi-year suite of services that ensures our new neighbors have the resources and support they need to thrive.
We invite you to support Orly and his Family through Canopy’s Long Welcome. Your support makes this work possible.
A Note from the Editor
Since January 20th, I—and perhaps all refugee resettlement workers—have wondered what will come of our work. How can we possibly succeed in welcoming refugees to NWA when the foundation of our work has been ruptured, funding promises broken, and uncertainty clouds the hope we instilled in those we’ve already resettled—now forced to begin again in a strange country?
In moments of navigating chaotic change, we have much to learn from our refugee neighbors. I hope you find encouragement in the wisdom and perseverance of Orly Koko and his family.
—Tyler Stenson, Canopy Communications
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