Now entering its fourth year, the Upward Mobility program continues to expand its reach—connecting diverse student talent with meaningful career pathways in global mobility. What began as an ambitious initiative to bring new voices and perspectives into the industry has become a growing pipeline for future leaders.
This year, several program alumni returned to their host companies as full-time employees—evidence of the long-term value Upward Mobility creates for both participants and employers. To highlight that impact, we spoke with two recent graduates—Keyandra Hunter of Aires and Umar Abdul-Qadir of Equus Software—and their mentors, Joleen Lauffer and Tom Richardson, about their experiences and the lasting benefits of the program.
Joleen Lauffer, President, Aires
What inspired Aires to participate in the Upward Mobility program?
We were excited to see a program like Upward Mobility come together. In general, the relocation and global mobility industry is not familiar to college students nor broadly known to people without direct experience in the space. As such, it’s not often considered as a career. This program allows for direct exposure to what a career in relocation can look like, the success one can achieve in our industry, and how exciting it can be. Additionally, the program’s focus on an inclusive workforce aligns well with Aires and our longtime belief that employees who are welcomed as they are and encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work will be happier and more successful.
How would you describe Keyandra’s impact as an intern and now as a full-time team member?
We were lucky to have Keyandra with us for two consecutive years as an intern. Summer is the busiest time of year in relocation, and having her learn the role in her junior year and then be able to come back as a senior to the same role allowed her to contribute at a critical time for our team. It was impressive how quickly she was able to make meaningful contributions during her first summer and carry over that experience when she was welcomed back for her second internship. She was able to contribute at a different level and her maturity truly shined.
What has been most rewarding about seeing interns like Keyandra grow into professionals within your organization?
At Aires, we understand that the development of all our employees at various levels is critical to our success. Our interns experience real project work that contributes to goals and objectives. Seeing the interns working with our employees in areas they would not normally be exposed to is exciting for them and for our Aires teammates. We have been very fortunate to have stellar interns every year working in several different departments. We were fortunate to have an open opportunity that aligned with Keyandra’s experience when she was ready to take on a full-time position. We are looking forward to seeing how we can continue to support Keyandra’s career development and have her first post-college job be as meaningful to her as it is to us.
How does Upward Mobility align with Aires’ values or talent development goals?
Aires and Upward Mobility align in ways such as sharing a mutual interest in moving the mobility industry forward, providing opportunities to engage diverse groups of people in our industry, and focusing on leading with an inclusive and growth mindset. The Upward Mobility program provides a structure that helps interns be better prepared for what to expect and how to shine professionally with participating companies. That sort of support is critical for all employees and is akin to how Aires focuses on the training and development of staff at all levels.
What advice would you share with other companies about hosting an Upward Mobility intern?
Whether companies are just starting their internship program or have a well-established program to grow, partnering with Upward Mobility provides opportunities to gain exposure to diverse intern candidates who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the team. So, my advice is to get on board and participate in this program that builds your candidate pipeline and creates exposure to fantastic talent!
Keyandra Hunter, Associate Support Team Member, Aires
What made your internship with Aires such a meaningful experience?
What’s made this internship meaningful is how much trust and support I’ve felt from day one. I wasn’t just observing; I was involved in real work that contributed to the team. I’ve learned so much by being part of daily operations, and the welcoming environment has made it easy to ask questions, learn, and grow. It’s clear that everyone here cares about helping each other succeed.
How did the program help you prepare for your current role?
This internship has given me a strong foundation in the mobility industry. I’ve gained hands-on experience with the system, and I’ve also developed important professional skills like time management, communication, and problem-solving. I feel more confident now about what a full-time role could look like and how I can bring value to a team.
What has been the biggest learning curve or highlight in transitioning from intern to employee?
One of the biggest learning curves was adjusting to the fast-paced nature of the work and learning how to prioritize tasks effectively. But that challenge has also been a highlight; I’ve grown a lot in a short period of time. There’s a sense of accomplishment in seeing how much more comfortable and capable I’ve become since interning last year.
How has mentorship (formal or informal) influenced your journey at Aires?
Mentorship has been a huge part of my experience at Aires. From regular check-ins with my manager to formal advice from colleagues, I’ve always felt supported. The people here are generous with their time and genuinely want to help you learn not just about the job, but about your career path. Having those relationships has made a lasting impact on how I think about my own growth and goals.
As you look to the future, what excites you most about your career in mobility?
After being exposed to the mobility industry for two years, what excites me most is how dynamic and people-centered mobility is. There is always an opportunity to learn something new or improve a process. I’ve found real meaning in the work, especially knowing that the support we provide can ease what might otherwise be a stressful transition. Looking ahead, I’m excited by the potential to grow in this space and eventually take on more responsibilities where I can contribute more strategically.
Tom Richardson, VP, Solutions Consulting, Equus Software LLC
What motivated Equus to participate in the Upward Mobility program?
At Equus, we believe that innovation thrives in diverse environments. The Upward Mobility program aligned perfectly with our core company values, particularly our commitment to great software, taking care of clients, and providing opportunities to build a more inclusive global mobility industry. We saw this as a meaningful way to invest in the next generation of talent while also enriching our own team with fresh perspectives and lived experiences that are often underrepresented in our field. It was a win-win from the start.
How would you describe the experience of mentoring Umar?
Mentoring Umar was a genuinely rewarding experience. From day one, he brought curiosity, professionalism, and a strong desire to learn. Our team appreciated his thoughtful questions and his eagerness to contribute meaningfully to projects. It was clear he wasn’t just here to observe; he was here to grow, and he made the most of every opportunity. Watching his confidence and capabilities develop over the course of the internship was incredibly fulfilling.
What qualities stood out during Umar’s internship that made him a strong candidate for a full-time role?
Umar demonstrated a combination of technical aptitude, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. He quickly grasped the complexities of our industry and software platform and showed initiative in solving problems independently. What really stood out was his collaborative spirit; he communicated effectively across teams and consistently sought feedback to improve. His growth mindset and cultural fit made the decision to bring him on full-time an easy one.
What would you say to other companies considering hosting an Upward Mobility intern?
Do it. The Upward Mobility program is more than just an internship; it’s a strategic investment in the future of our industry. You’ll gain access to motivated, high-potential talent while helping to break down barriers that have historically limited access to our field. The support from the Elevate+ team is outstanding, and the impact on your organization, both culturally and operationally, can be profound. We’re proud to be part of this movement and encourage others to join.
Umar Abdul-Qadir, Business Analyst, Equus Software LLC
What drew you to apply for an internship with Equus?
As a student at the University of Texas at Dallas, I was invited to a meeting of the Global Mobility Club where Tom was presenting. I had never heard of global mobility as an industry and was struck by the idea of an industry built around helping people move around the world. I had moved throughout my childhood a few times, and the idea of working within that fabric intrigued me. I was sold on the idea of the industry as well as the idea of working within a company with a positive, collaborative working environment that would allow me to touch and work on many different departments within the company as an intern.
What were the most valuable lessons or skills you gained during your internship?
The most important lesson I learned is how to balance flexibility. At Equus, especially as an intern, I was able to work with a variety of different clients, all with different needs, approaches, and dispositions. It taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when working with clients; you have to adapt your approach to each client while maintaining the standards that have been set. It is maintaining that balance between rigidity and flexibility that allows you to succeed.
How did the Upward Mobility program prepare you for your current role?
I enjoyed the meetings we would have with other interns. It allowed me to hear different perspectives on what it was like to be an intern. Some of my peers did a lot of shadowing, while others were given a lot of training, and some were quite quickly given the opportunity to contribute quite early on. These meetings allowed me to take their perspectives and implement them into my own approach as an intern for the different tasks I was given. In addition, I was provided several training sessions, starting with the basics of global mobility and providing greater detail as the internship weeks went on, building on my foundational knowledge to ensure I had a full picture of the scope and value that global mobility brings to organizations. This all allowed me to form a platform successful enough to be offered a return to the company.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your career at Equus?
Having recently been fortunate enough to receive a promotion at Equus, the thing I look forward to the most is the opportunity to continue to learn and grow. I have been blessed to have been able to work with a variety of people at Equus who have more experience than I do in multiple areas. I look forward to continuing to be able to learn from the variety of experiences available to me and continue to grow both as an individual and a professional.