More Than Just Paperwork: How Michali Henig's Immigration Story Fuels Her Global Mobility Passion
Mahaprasad & Atal
Feb 18
Sometimes, the most impactful careers come from our own life stories. Take Michali Henig, for example. She's a name you should know in the world of global mobility, and her journey is a powerful reminder that this field is about so much more than just visas and logistics. It's about people.
Michali didn't just stumble into global mobility. Immigration is in her blood. Growing up in a family with its own immigration history gave her a unique lens on the whole experience. It instilled in her something really important: empathy. She gets what it means to uproot your life, to chase opportunities in a new land, and all the hopes and fears that come with it.
Fast forward, and Michali found herself packing her own bags and moving to Germany 12 years ago. Suddenly, she wasn't just hearing stories about immigration – she was living it. And let's be real, moving to a new country is never as simple as it looks on paper. Michali faced everyday struggles: figuring out German health insurance (no easy feat!), learning a new language in real-time, and navigating systems that felt completely foreign. Those personal challenges? They weren't just hurdles to overcome; they became the foundation of her career. She walked in the shoes of an immigrant, and that firsthand understanding shaped everything she did next.
Michali's career path is seriously impressive. She started out as an independent immigration consultant, getting down in the trenches and helping people one-on-one with their visa applications, extensions, and the long road to permanent residency. But she didn't just handle the paperwork. She became a support system, offering emotional understanding to people going through a major life transition. Imagine having someone in your corner who actually gets it – that's the kind of consultant Michali was.
From there, she took her expertise to the corporate world, leading global mobility teams at companies like BioNTech and HelloFresh. Now, she's not just helping individuals; she's shaping entire global mobility programs. She's the one building strategies, leading teams, ensuring companies are compliant, and creating policies that work for both the business and the employees they're moving around the world.
But through all these roles, one thing has remained constant: Michali's fierce advocacy for immigrants and minorities. She uses her voice to shine a light on the challenges these groups face and to push for policies that actually help people integrate and thrive in new societies.
Looking ahead, Michali has a clear vision for the future of global mobility. She sees technology, especially AI, playing a huge role in making things smoother and more efficient. Think streamlined processes and better experiences for everyone involved. But she also stresses that in this ever-changing world, global mobility pros need to be adaptable, always learning, and ready to embrace new approaches. Regulations change, policies shift – you have to be on your toes.
And here's something that really resonates: Michali is a passionate champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She believes DEI isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for innovation and economic growth. She's not afraid to speak out against the recent pushback against DEI initiatives, arguing that creating welcoming and inclusive workplaces is the right thing to do, and the smart thing to do. This commitment isn't just talk; it extends into her community work too.
Michali Henig's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, our personal experiences are our greatest assets. Her journey as an immigrant didn't just give her a career; it gave her a purpose. She's a leader in global mobility because she understands the human side of it, the real lives behind the paperwork. As the world gets even more interconnected, Michali's vision and leadership are exactly what the field needs. She’s not just moving people around the world; she’s making a real difference, one global transition at a time.
Join the Conversation
Our discussion with Michali Henig underscores the importance of staying engaged in conversations about the future of immigration law. At LegalBridge, we believe these dialogues are essential for advancing the field and improving global mobility solutions.
We invite law firms, corporate leaders, and immigration professionals to join us in these discussions. Your unique perspectives and experiences can help shape the future of immigration law and policy.
If you're an immigration law firm or Leader of In house Global Mobility, interested in sharing your insights and being featured in our next interview, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us to be part of this important conversation about the future of global mobility.
