Nancy Fontanilla – Beja “Enduring many challenges as an immigrant, but currently living a truly blessed life in Atlanta, GA.”

By Ryan Tejero

Nancy Beja’s dream of coming to America came into a reality in 1986. When she first landed in New York, she was so impressed of the sky scrapers, she said “I can’t believe the city that I used to just see in the movies… I’m actually in it!” Just like any immigrant, Nancy had endured a lot of adjustments. Lucky for her, she completed her college degree in Political Science, with Post Graduate Studies prior to coming to the US. Her finding of a job was not as difficult as it was. Nancy recalled her share of discrimination while working in American establishments, but her determination to succeed and climb up the corporate ladder became her motivation. Nancy’s first job was through an insurance company. While enjoying the job, Nancy turned her free time into studying more about the principles and laws on insurance industry. She took advantage of job incentives such as tuition reimbursement program and free courses, until she became a licensed insurance agent. By upgrading her skills, Nancy was able to enjoy what is more than just sitting in an entry level position. Her job took her to newer heights of success. She has gone to various places: New York, Michigan and Ft. Lauderdale in Florida. She had a brief taste of living in Japan for about 4 years. In 1993, she came back to the US and found her biggest break in the insurance business when she got a position with the giant company, Blue Cross Blue Shield in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Nancy believes that it was destiny that brought her to Florida. She said, “This is where I met my husband David, a wonderful man of great demeanor, and meeting him at that time helped me get through emotional tough time from a previous relationship. When I met him he was the Regional Director for A&W and a job promotion transferred him to Atlanta in the same year of Atlanta’s hosting of the Olympics.” Nancy was so fortunate that she was allowed by her insurance company to transfer in their Atlanta office. Nancy’s move had given her more blessings as she was promoted to a Senior Account Manager, and was given the opportunity to handle high profile accounts in the area. She remembers, “I’m so lucky because my position has allowed me to meet diverse people of different fields and identities, and played key roles with corporate officers and many influential external decision makers like General Motors, Coca-Cola, and City & County Governments.” With the significant changes in her career, both Dave and Nancy were all set of starting a family. But because of the demanding nature of both of their careers, with constant travels and busy schedules, they held off with their plans. Dave instead made a drastic decision to switch his career from Restaurant Management to becoming a Custom Broker. In little time, Nancy and Dave founded their own Custom Brokerage Company in Atlanta. Growing the business was never a challenge to Nancy and Dave as both of them loved what they were doing.  Nancy later on quit her job and helped Dave in the business. In 2005, both of them have seen a tremendous growth in their business. It afforded them with comfortable lifestyle, them being their own bosses and being able to work on their own schedules.

The Beja Family: Nancy, with husband, Dave, and daughter, Jordelle in their beautiful home in Atlanta, GA

Nancy and Dave have met a lot of real good friends in the Atlanta area. They have been actively supporting local Arts community, and have graced several Filipino American organizations around their area. Nancy describes her living in Georgia, “I love living here in Georgia.  Dave & I, along with our beautiful daughter Jordelle proudly call Lilburn our home now. This quaint city is just 25 minutes north of Atlanta. I love the southern hospitality and the charm of the people. Though we live in the south, we still get the taste of four seasons. Our county has beautiful parks, lakes, and schools, and it is a culturally diverse and vibrant community, certainly a place where families, businesses, and lives thrive.” Other than the managing their business and balancing her social life, Nancy’s priority is still her dotting Ballerina daughter. Jordelle is a member of Northeast Atlanta Ballet.

Nancy’s daughter, Jordelle, is a member of Northeast Atlanta Ballet

Nancy is proud to have settled in Atlanta. She said that any tourist coming to her place should not miss downtown Atlanta, visit to The Georgia Aquarium – which is the biggest in the world, a trip to The World of Coca-Cola to taste the different colas around the world all in one place, explore the CNN Headquarters and of course, the famous Historical Stone Mountain Park.

Just like any overseas Filipino, Nancy also misses her homeland – the Philippines. She said, “I love being with my family, and so blessed with a big close-knit family. Going home always reminds me about how my life-story began. I miss our food and the warmth of the local people. I’m lucky enough to call Iloilo and Zamboanga City my home and exposed in both cultures.  I miss the fresh seafood of Zamboanga City and the sweet delicacies of Iloilo and miss listening and speaking our local dialects, the beauty of our people and the simplicity of life and carefree living. Though no matter how long I have lived here, I will always cherish our culture and tradition and going home always reminds me of my humble beginnings that helped me shaped the person I am now.”

Nancy says to fellow Filipinos who are living abroad, “For us Filipinos, there is always a stigma attached to working overseas, we work twice as hard so we can give our family back home a better life. I always tell others that there’s nothing impossible in this world if you put and set your mind in it, and always take pride in everything you do and don’t be afraid to take risks. Life is a journey about taking risks, self-realization and personal growth, and foremost don’t take things for granted and be thankful for all the blessings even the little ones.”

Nancy ends this article with a reflection about her wonderful journey in life, “I’m truly honored and humbled to be featured in this column.  I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I hope that I can be a positive influence to those who share with my experiences, especially to the Moms that have to juggle career, home and family. Life has not always been easy for me, I have lost my parents, my two sisters, and a nephew, but I didn’t let the pain get the best of me. Although there were times I questioned the existence of God, but it is because of my FAITH in Him that gave me courage to get up each day and focus on the ones that are still living. I turned 50 last year and so my empowering mantra is – Life begins at 50. This statement has been a way of reminding myself that there is still a lot left to do out there and to accomplish in my life. I’m embracing it with stride, humor and it’s all about attitude.”

About the Author: Ryan Tejero is a Chicago-based journalist, where he is writes a monthly column on “Club President,” for a Filipino American newsmagazine, Via Times. He is also currently the Editor-in-Chief of the national newsletter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. Overseas, Ryan co-founded, and is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the online newsletter, Pinoy Sa Romania, which is the first newsletter of the Filipino community in Romania. He also maintains a column on “Spotted Filipino on the Map,” for a Filipino newsmagazine, Pasa Pinoy in Melbourne, Australia. Ryan graduated from the University of the Philippines with Philosophy and Political Science majors.

About the Column: This column is an opportunity for Asian Americans anywhere in the US to speak about the real-life experiences as an immigrant. Please email the author to express interest to include your Asian American encounters in this column, ryantejero@yahoo.com.