Entrepreneur Mariem Sanoe – Let US Talk About It, Coaching

Mariem Sanoe’s story is both complex and deeply inspiring. It begins in West Africa, in Liberia, where she was born during a time of civil war and upheaval. As an infant, she and her family fled to the Ivory Coast and eventually made their way to the United States as refugees when Mariem was just nine years old. Years later, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she launched Let US Talk About It Coaching in New Jersey, a certified personal development organization focused on coaching individuals.

When I asked, “What made you decide to move to Omaha?” Mariem smiled and said it was her husband’s “persistent proposal.” At first, she was hesitant — yet hopeful — thinking of what her late mother would have said: “You never know where your blessing will come from.” While her business dreams had started taking shape in New York and New Jersey, Let US Talk About It Coaching became a full reality in Nebraska. Just a few months after arriving in Omaha, Mariem found herself showered with unexpected blessings from the local community and across the state. It’s in Omaha that her mission to empower multicultural communities and support immigrant and refugee families and youth has truly flourished.

Illustrating resiliency, Mariem viewed her move to America as an adventure. She spoke about it energetically, even as she faced the challenge of learning English and adapting to Western culture. School was hard, but her elementary teacher was patient and kind, helping her find her way. Her mother and brother provided moral support as friendships came slowly. In middle school, she was bullied and often felt terrified. She continued to face communication challenges and deeply longed to “belong”. Back in her homeland, she had been a confident girl and a leader. She discovered that journaling and capturing her feelings on paper helped her begin to find herself in this new country.

In high school, she began to thrive—making friends and participating in all kinds of sports and extracurricular activities. The bullying stopped, and she embraced both her new home and her African heritage. Her early journaling became a sign of what was to come: a future as a coach helping others navigate important life transitions. Though her journey through higher education wasn’t a walk in the park, she reminded herself that she was doing it for every woman who never had the opportunity— especially her mother, whose sacrifices continued to fuel her drive.

About Let Us Talk About It Coaching… Mariem’s coaching organization focuses on helping youth, families, and multicultural individuals navigate life transitions together as a collective team. She has a special place in her heart for supporting African refugees and immigrants like herself and her family. She understands how children often adapt to American society and culture more quickly than their parents, which can create tensions with traditional values and parenting approaches.

One of the key challenges she addresses involves differences in parenting styles. In many cultures, including her own, physical discipline, sometimes called corporal punishment, is traditionally used to teach respect and correct behavior. But in the United States, these approaches are often discouraged or even legally restricted. Mariem understands how confusing and overwhelming this cultural shift can be for parents who want the best for their children but are navigating unfamiliar expectations. Through her coaching, she helps families bridge this gap, respecting cultural traditions while introducing alternative strategies that align with their new environment and support the emotional well-being of both parents and children.

As a motivational speaker and author of My Contradicting Mind: Where Uncertainty Meets Clarity, Mariem opens conversations about the importance of cultural competency. She has been honored to lecture at Nebraska Medicine, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and collaboration with Creighton University. She also works with probation officers, universities, and nonprofits, offering unique programs that support multicultural youth and families—whether they are overcoming challenges or working to prevent them.

When asked how she finds clients, Mariem shared that most of her referrals come from organizations that recognize the value of her work, as well as from individual clients and community members who recommend her services. She is using a triedand-true word-of-mouth network approach. A year ago, she opened an office where she meets with families and youth and conducts workshops for organizations—helping to expand the impact of Let US Talk About It Coaching and better serve diverse communities.

To deepen her impact and fulfill a lifelong dream, Mariem is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University. This next step reflects her commitment to expand her services beyond coaching— allowing her to offer therapeutic support to individuals and families navigating complex transitions, especially in multicultural and immigrant communities. At the time of our interview, Mariem was in her homeland, giving back to her childhood community. She was spreading the importance of education, mentorship, empowerment, and cultural pride to families and children through coaching—this time, in her native language, Dioula, which is closely related to Bambara. When asked, “Who has helped her the most on your journey?” Mariem smiled. You could see the memories playing across her face. She quickly listed a long line of supporters, including:
✓ Her mother’s love, demonstration of resiliency, and support.
✓ Her brother and his advocacy for her and never questioning love.
✓ The elementary school teacher in New York City who patiently helped her learn English.
✓ Higher education institutions giving her the knowledge and skills to discover her calling.
✓ And so many others who walked alongside her and believed in her mission.

Then she drilled down, sharing how many had offered help—only to fall short—except Michelle Johnson with the Nebraska Enterprise Fund (https://nebbiz.org/), who pledged, “I have your back, Mariem,” and truly followed through. Mariem described Michelle as “welcoming, a great listener, and someone who provided help without pressure.”

 

Mariem admitted with a laugh, “Numbers just aren’t my thing!” — and said that financial projections and cost analysis felt overwhelming. But Michelle took the time and interest to walk her through it all, helping her complete the necessary financials, and better position her for long-term business success. Michelle is what we call an entrepreneurial navigator and counselor—exactly the kind of support early-stage entrepreneurs need. Michelle helped Mariem qualify for assistance from the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act Program (https://grownebraska.org/nebraska-small-businessassistance-act/) grant benefits. Capital provided by the Act has helped Mariem secure professional office space foundational to provision of coaching services. These funds also helped Mariem publish a book she had been writing titled My Contradicting Mind: Where Uncertainty Meets Clarity.

All our best, Mariem. Thanks for sharing your story!