In a world where success is often measured by material wealth, OFW-turned-entrepreneur Joanah Pusta Mozo stands as a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the pursuit of a meaningful legacy.
Joanah, a native of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, is a mechanical engineer who made a name for herself in the UAE as an executive in facilities management. Now, she is a successful entrepreneur, spiritual leader, and role model for her fellow OFWs.
Having worked in the corporate world for 20 years, Joanah eventually decided to establish her own business, offering general trading, events, and consultancy services, as well as training for professionals in the UAE.
“For the past decade in building up a career in UAE from MEP Fit-out Design to Facilities Management, I have developed a system in costing FM tender projects, and this has become the primary offer of my training facility,” she shared.
Working abroad was never a part of Joanah’s original plan, but when her husband received a job offer in the UAE, the opportunity presented itself.
“It just came unexpectedly in 2007 when my husband was hired to work with one of the big Facilities Management companies in UAE,” she recalled.
“Working abroad was just an abrupt decision when the processing of my husband’s paper was completed fast and smooth since we didn’t have any plan of working away from the Philippines,” she added.
Overcoming challenges in a foreign land and a multicultural work environment, Joanah found joy in working with diverse nationalities and learning about their cultures.
“It has given me a different perspective, a scenario of ‘thinking outside the box’, so I can blend and work with them in this place,” she said.
Overcoming challenges and embracing faith
Despite her success, Joanah admits that time management has been her greatest struggle. Balancing her demanding business, family life, and other responsibilities require constant prioritization. Fortunately, Joanah’s supportive husband helps make the challenges bearable.
The couple also found solace in their faith, establishing a family church in Dubai called Jesus is Supreme Fellowship (JSF) to cater to the spiritual needs of their family and friends. Joanah serves as the Senior Administration Leader, overseeing the church’s programs.
As the current Vice President – External of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers – UAE Chapter, Joanah is committed to serving her fellow Filipino professionals.
She was recently honored as one of the Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East for 2023.
Looking towards the future, Joanah plans to return to the Philippines and invest in her community.
“Settling back and retiring in the Philippines have been our plan after working abroad as we did not envision migrating to other countries,” she said.
“Planting spiritual congregation and establishing businesses in our native place will be the priority coming home,” she added.
Joanah’s advice for fellow OFWs is to be wise, cautious, and faithful in all aspects of life. She encourages them to seek spiritual guidance, invest intelligently, and always remember the reasons why they chose to work abroad.
In reflecting on her journey, Joanah has come to appreciate the importance of balance in all areas of life, recognizing that without it, satisfaction and wholeness can never truly be achieved. Her story is an inspiring reminder of the power of resilience, faith, and determination in building a lasting legacy.