By Kaylah Laval, ’26
In celebration of International Women’s Day, USC Upstate’s El Centro hosted EG Latin Media CEO Ghisela Eljach, an immigrant entrepreneur and author.
Eljach, founder and editor- in-chief of inSouth Magazine, spoke March 5 at the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics. The event was co-sponsored with professor Brian Brady, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the business school.
In her presentation, “Give Yourself Permission to Dream as an Immigrant,” she told the audience how she arrived in the U.S. at the age of 19, not knowing a word of English and with almost no money. But she also arrived with the determination to work hard and become a business owner.
Eljach went back to school at 30 and wrote a book in both English and Spanish titled Una Historia para Contar. She shared going back to school at that age gave her greater perspective on education and sharpened her critical thinking skills.
She explained the difficulties of moving to a new culture and education system, about how it is important to believe in oneself, to follow one’s heart, to trust the process, and to share with others.
Eljach’s message resonated with USC Upstate junior, Mya Morris. “The presentation gave me useful advice and motivation to stay focused on my goals and work toward success in the future,” she said.
Eljach ended the talk by saying “being an immigrant is a superpower,” adding everyone has strength and resilience in their unique journey.
Learn more about El Centro and view the center’s events here.
More photos from this event are available on Flickr.