Today we’d like to introduce you to Olga Ayo.
Olga, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
More than six years ago Slovakia-born lawyer Olga Ayo found herself with a newborn, no means of income or work authorization. She navigated the complexities of U.S. immigration on her own — and succeeded. This experience inspired her to establish her own legal practice and launch a platform to simplify the visa application process for others.
By the time Olga Ayo arrived in Miami to study international arbitration, she had three MA degrees from the EU and spoke five languages fluently.
“I had wanted to be a lawyer since I discovered a criminal code book in my parents’ cabin at the age of eight,” she said. “But there was a lot of corruption in Slovakia after communism; spots to study at law schools were mostly reserved for the children of lawyers.” When Ayo established her legal practice, Citizen Concierge, she decided to be a different kind of attorney — the one who picks up the phone and provides transparent advise
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It took Olga a while to get where she wanted to be. First, she graduated in economics and business administration from two universities in Slovakia and Hungary. Eventually, she was accepted into law school. Later, Olga gained professional experience in Turkey, Austria, and Hong Kong.
Despite her international experience, she came up against culture shock when moving to the U.S., which is recognized as the global center of international arbitration.
“The American approach to education was totally different and required memorizing an overwhelming amount of information,” she said. “During the first six months I was solely focused on studying. And since I figured it out, everything became much easier.”
Olga’s social life also kicked off. “I met my now ex partner and became pregnant, but the relationship didn’t work out.” When she gave birth after graduating, Olga was on her own — with no immigration status or income.
“I didn’t even have a work permit,” she said. “I only had myself, the newborn, and a dog. Then COVID hit and made things even worse.”
Several immigration attorneys with whom she consulted couldn’t offer an acceptable solution. While lawyers rarely picked up her calls they promptly sent invoices for billable hours.
Exhausted by the experience, Olga decided to rely on her legal background and do things her way. She succeeded, against the odds.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Citizen Concierge aims to address this demand by offering comprehensive services to help foreign-trained attorneys not only navigate the U.S. immigration process but also successfully transition into the American legal system.
Born out of Ayo’s trials and tribulations as an immigrant, Citizen Concierge embodies her determination to make a difference for others in a similar situation. Ayo’s journey began in Slovakia, where she earned her legal degree in international law, followed by a double degree in International Arbitration. She later attended the University of Miami School of Law, where she confronted the challenges of the U.S. immigration system firsthand. Despite her extensive legal expertise, Ayo faced an uphill battle in navigating the complexities of the process. Her personal experiences sparked a desire to help others overcome similar obstacles, ultimately leading to the founding of Citizen Concierge.
At the heart of Citizen Concierge’s mission is to simplify the immigration process for clients of diverse backgrounds, ensuring a more seamless and less intimidating experience. Recognizing the unique challenges foreign-trained attorneys face, the company emphasizes providing tailored guidance to this group. By offering personalized support and insights, Citizen Concierge assists these legal professionals in overcoming the hurdles often accompanying pursuing a career in the U.S. legal system. This individualized approach not only helps foreign-trained attorneys successfully navigate the immigration process but also empowers them to achieve their professional aspirations in the United States.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking is an inherent part of immigration law, both for attorneys and their clients. For attorneys, it means advocating for clients in complex cases, sometimes pushing legal boundaries to set precedents, and taking on cases where outcomes are uncertain. For immigrants, every decision—from leaving their home country to filing for asylum or applying for a visa—carries significant risks.
One major risk immigration attorneys take is representing clients in difficult cases where laws and policies are constantly shifting. Risk-taking in this field requires a balance between legal strategy and compassion. While some risks are necessary to achieve justice, they must always be calculated and based on strong legal arguments.
Skill-based immigration to the U.S. is a complex but rewarding path for professionals seeking new opportunities. It involves various visa options, each with its own risks and considerations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://citizenconcierge.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citizenconcierge/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-ayo-b3089b89/
