Yuki Karki was sixteen years old when she and her mother first came to the United States from Nepal. As Yuki adapted to American culture, she also supported her mother, who did not speak English, in day to day communication. After completing her high school education, Yuki found the CrossPurpose Leader program to guide her in launching a career.
In addition to training to become a Legal Assistant, Yuki cited the focus on personal and spiritual development in the Leader program as a crucial step towards success.
“In the personal development phase of the Leader program, there was so much learning about myself, my weaknesses, and how I can work with those parts of myself,” she reflects. “I realized, through the teachings, that this is not about getting rid of weakness. It’s accepting that this is a part of me but I can still accomplish whatever goals I have set up.”
Yuki’s desire to work in the legal system stemmed from early experiences in the U.S. with her mother, where she often served as an intermediary to ensure that her mother would be heard and understood.
“During that time I just saw a lot of different challenges she faced as a non English speaker,” Yuki said in an interview with CrossPurpose. “She had to stand up for herself where her communicating clearly and being understood meant everything, like the decision of the judge.”
With her mother’s experience in the courtroom still on her mind, Yuki explored opportunities for growth in her new legal career. That led her to Change Agency, a nine-month entrepreneurial program offered to CrossPurpose alumni. At the same time, she passed the written and oral exam to become a court interpreter between Nepali and English through the Colorado Office of Language Access.
Yuki’s Change Agency coaches suggested that her unique skills could shine in a business that provides translation services to others in need. As she prepared to launch this business, Kalyani Global Network, she also earned an official contract with the State of Colorado to provide Nepali translation services.
Yuki’s contract made her only the second credentialed Nepali interpreter in Colorado. “That made me feel like I’m actually making a difference, like I’m helping people who don’t have the language but can still have justice,” she reflects.
With a track record of serving Colorado Nepali-speaking residents, Yuki shared her business with a live audience at CrossPurpose’s Pitch Night. Pitch Night is a special event that allows CrossPurpose graduates like Yuki to pitch their own businesses to a room full of business leaders and community members. All donations that night provide seed funding to take their businesses to the next level.
Yuki raised over $XX through her business pitch, giving her the support she needs to keep growing Kalyani Global Network. Now, she’s ready to serve more people who need a voice in the legal system.
“As my business grows, something I’m really excited about is being able to help others in a national setting,” she shares. “My goal is to go to Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, where there are a lot of immigrants. And the biggest, most important thing is that we be there for that person. Do not be judgmental. We’re there to just fill the gap.”
