Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Profumo.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Liz. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My mother immigrated to the US from Japan and my father’s parents both immigrated to the US from Italy. Though my upbringing was All-American, being raised between rural Wisconsin and suburban central Florida, I always had a deep curiosity about and appreciation of foreign cultures. Music, food, languages, rituals — I was fascinated by all of it. I moved to New York when I was 17 to attend New York University. Being in New York sparked my passion for the arts and solidified my appreciation of foreign cultures. Most of my new friends were artists — mainly actors and writers — which opened my eyes to a world of art and independent film that I never knew existed.
After I graduated with a degree in East Asian Studies, most of my college friends moved to Los Angeles to work in film and TV. I stayed in New York, working in publishing and then in finance. After a few years, I was having a rough time personally (bad relationship, boring job, etc.). On the way back from my cousin’s wedding in Japan, I had a 24-hour layover in LA, and I ended up staying for a whole month. I’d found my new home. I went back to Brooklyn to pack up my things and moved in with my college roommate in Venice Beach.
Soon after, I had a job working in film marketing and a friend of mine encouraged me to find some volunteer work. I chose the International Rescue Committee, an organization that helps refugees get settled in new cities. I loved the work and volunteered for them for several years. Meanwhile, I knew that I did not like working for other people and needed to find a profession that would allow me to work independently. With an intention to practice asylum law – but open to the possibility that I may love other practice areas – I decided to go to law school. As it turns out – the only legal practice I really enjoyed is immigration and international law. I started my law career working for a solo attorney with a specialty in asylum law, which I loved.
I then moved to a medium sized immigration law firm, where I was handling removal (ie, deportation cases) as well as visas for artists. I learned there that my love of the arts served me well as an immigration attorney. That was ten years ago and I haven’t looked back since, assisting thousands of artists in following their dreams and obtaining visas to work in the United States. I was also fortunate to have had the opportunity to partner with attorney Elizabeth Jamae for a time, who has over a decade of experience in advising and securing visas for tech companies from around the world. Under her mentorship, I’ve also been working quite extensively for the tech sector, which has proven a very natural progression for me, since like the entertainment industry, the tech world teems with creativity and visionaries, which I find exciting.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a business always has its challenges. I don’t care what business you’re in, entrepreneurs all face similar challenges – building a team, worrying about cash flow, etc. Recent changes in immigration policy have also certainly been an obstacle. Cases are still getting approved, but we’re having to work more and fight harder for approvals than ever before.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Global Talent Immigration Law Group – what should we know?
Global Talent Immigration Law Group is a team comprised of legal professionals who are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, artists, creatives, film/TV and tech professionals and their families live and work in the U.S.
Visas for these areas are specialized, and after having thousands of approvals under our belt, our vast experience gives us insight into what is required for a successful case.
What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?
Mostly good luck. But I’d like to think that loving what I do and caring deeply about my clients also plays into it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5455 W Wilshire Blvd #1120
Los Angeles, CA 90036 - Website: www.globaltalentlaw.com
- Phone: 310-730-5655
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globaltalentimmigration/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globaltalentlaw/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/globaltalentlaw
Image Credit:
Jamie Janek
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