Business · India Bureau
Refugee advocate builds 400-company network to boost employment prospects
Turkish-American entrepreneur Hamdi Ulukaya, founder of yogurt brand Chobani, has assembled a coalition of 400 companies aimed at creating employment pathways for refugees across multiple sectors. The initiative, launched in partnership with UNHCR, seeks to integrate displaced persons into labour markets globally.
LSN India ·
Ulukaya, who immigrated to the United States in 1994 and navigated significant language and cultural barriers, built Chobani with a commitment to hiring refugees as part of the company's core mission. His personal experience with displacement and integration informed his broader vision to address systemic employment challenges facing refugee populations worldwide.
In 2016, Ulukaya established Tent, a collaborative platform designed to connect employers with qualified refugee candidates across industries. The initiative has since expanded to encompass 400 participating companies, creating a substantial network dedicated to formalizing employment opportunities.
Working alongside UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, the programme focuses on bridging the gap between jobseekers and employers while facilitating refugees' economic incorporation into local communities. The partnership leverages corporate resources and recruitment infrastructure to match individuals with sustainable employment, addressing one of the most pressing challenges faced by displaced populations seeking stability and self-sufficiency.