Evija Nwaneri from Latvia was only meant to visit to visit Ireland for three months but she came back and made Virginia, Cavan her permanent home.
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With a tourism degree, admin work experience in Latvia, and proficient in English, she started working at a takeaway in Navan, became a factory worker in Kells, managed a franchise and a retail store, and finally she is now running her own health and nutrition business. Married to a Nigerian, they have integrated well in Virginia while keeping connected to their roots.
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Evija is a cultural champion who works as a translator/interpreter and helps new migrant families settle in Ireland. She also heads the Latvian community in Cavan and a Latvian dance group that competes internationally.