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A refugee of the Bosnian war, Emira Berberovic is an inspiration to others through her hard work, cheery attitude and compassion in taking others under her wing. In fact, she’s considered a “work grandma” to many.
For the past seven years, she’s worked in Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center’s Food Services Department putting together patient trays and assisting cooks.
Ask any of her coworkers and they can attest she keeps busy with myriad essential tasks and only begrudgingly uses her PTO. Wander through the circuitous halls of the basement hospital and there you will find her stocking, scrubbing or maybe even slicing cucumbers for patients’ salads.
As a “work grandma,” Berberovic will often give a younger coworker an encouraging side hug, saying “this is my girl.” “She is always friendly and I admire her hard working skills,” says Diana Martinez, Room Service Representative. “She’s just always positive and comes in with hugs and smiles.”
“I like to work, I like helping. It is good to help,” said Berberovic, who knows the value of helping because she’s received help herself. She and her family were displaced by the Bosnian War and now live in many different countries – including Sweden, Germany and throughout the United States.
The Journey to Sioux Falls
She remembers her arrival in Sioux Falls 25 years ago, when she landed with her family, including son, Dzenan, who is now Chief Philanthropy Officer at Avera. “I came here August 28 at 9 p.m. I remember exactly. We drove from Dresden to Frankfurt, (Germany) and flew to Chicago. From Chicago we came to Sioux Falls.” It was late and it was dark but it was a new beginning. Lutheran Social Services helped them find an apartment and begin their life in America. The fact that Berberovic is proud of her family’s achievements in America shines through. “I’m proud of everyone.”
Again and again, she talks about the good people around her: a nice lady in Germany where Berberovic chose to come to America, a compassionate Lutheran Social Services worker, a fellow Bosnian coworker who would help translate and her boss at one of her first American jobs who made sure she knew how to get to meetings. “I didn’t understand. I didn’t know any English and they helped me understand.”
What is it to come to a strange country after being forced from your own? To come to an unknown place, where you know no one, and cannot speak to its people, all while displaced because of war? It is not a wonder that her values of hard work, family and giving back permeate so strongly through everything she does.
Through it all, Berberovic continues to use food to bring people together. Try one of her sweet recipes: Punjeni Cajni Kolutici – Filled Tea Rings.
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