Former Miss Sandton now helps South Africans emigrate with ease
Sandton - Sandton's first beauty queen now runs a successful migration services company.
Dianne Stewart was the first Miss Sandton (sponsored by the Sandton Chronicle) in 1982 and the organiser of the Miss Sandton pageant for many years afterwards.
More recently, Stewart founded Pathway USA, a company committed to helping South Africans who want to emigrate to the United States and avoid all the common pitfalls and aggravation associated with this kind of move. Stewart emigrated to the USA in 2001 and lives in North Carolina.
The world is currently experiencing the biggest migration since World War II and experts believe that this is sure to continue as various socio-economic factors continue to apply pressure to people all over the world.
“If migrating is a personal choice, then the vast majority of migrants move in search of better career opportunities, better education and better economic prospects,” said Stewart, who strongly believes that migration should always be an elective choice if at all possible.
However, Stewart is quick to add cautionary advice for those wanting to move to the United States. “It is important to fully understand the legal processes and procedures involved in relocation and to also be very aware and cautious of the many scammers trying to make a quick buck out of your dreams.”
Sharing some of her own journeys, Stewart told the Sandton Chronicle that her family emigrated to the USA with the intention of opening a new office for her husband’s business. Now, 16 years later, after countless hard knocks, they’re still facing some of the daunting challenges of emigrating and Stewart has detailed her arduous journey in her book Scars and Stripes which will be published early next year.
Asked if she would make the move again, she doesn’t hesitate. “Absolutely, out of the heartache, I founded my company Pathway USA which is dedicated to helping South Africans wanting to move to the US. We want to help as many people as possible avoid the same pitfalls and mistakes we made.
“Migration is certain to continue growing as people set out to pursue their dreams of a better life, better career opportunities, a safer environment and world-class education and opportunities for their children.”
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