The International Day of Family Remittances is a moment to recognise the millions of people who support loved ones across borders every day. We asked colleagues across Zepz to share their stories and what remittance mean to them.
Every year, the International Day of Family Remittances shines a light on the millions of people around the world who support loved ones across borders. At Zepz, this day holds particular significance. Many of the communities we serve rely on remittances to support families, navigate emergencies, invest in education and build more secure futures.
For many of our colleagues, these experiences are personal too. When we asked our teams what inspires them in their work at Zepz, many highlighted the human stories behind every transfer. Others shared that knowing their work helps improve everyday life and provides peace of mind for families around the world is what motivates them most.
These experiences extend beyond the workplace. We asked our colleagues what remittances mean to them personally, and they shared stories spanning countries and generations, but with a common thread: distance may separate families, but remittances help keep people connected. Here are just a few of the fantastic stories that exist across our teams at Zepz.
– Diana Gonzalez Vega, Associate Marketing Manager
Jessie’s story
For Jessie Files, Market Launcher at Zepz; remittances are a way to support both loved ones and communities across borders. From the United States, she sends money to Haiti, the Dominican Republic and India, helping support family members, education and charitable causes, including an orphanage. For Jessie, remittances are a simple but powerful way to care for others, no matter the distance.
“To me, remittances are about peace of mind. I feel grateful to be in a position to help when someone reaches out in a moment of need. Sometimes that support can be their last hope, and being able to help quickly makes a real difference. Receiving a message afterwards from a friend or loved one is one of the most rewarding feelings.”
Diana’s story
Diana Gonzalez Vega, Associate Marketing Manager at Zepz supports her father in Colombia with medical expenses and unexpected emergencies, while also celebrating birthdays and special occasions from afar. She also invests in real estate projects back home, helping build a future that spans borders. For Diana, remittances are both an expression of care and a way to stay connected to home.
“I send money to Colombia to support my dad and stay connected to my family, but also to give something back. My dad sacrificed a lot for me, and remittances give me the opportunity to support him in return. For me, remittances are so much more than transactions. They’re a bridge that keeps us connected to the people and places we call home.”
Leo’s story
For Leo Albea, Senior Growth Marketing Manager at Zepz, remittances are part of a family legacy. His father, the only one of five siblings to immigrate to the United States, spent years supporting relatives in the Philippines, helping nieces and nephews access education and assisting family through difficult times. Today, Leo continues that tradition, supporting his extended family in the Bicol region and carrying forward a cycle of care that spans generations.
“I send remittances to many of my family members in the Philippines. Supporting family back home is a tradition my dad followed, and I’m proud to continue it. For me, remittance is a love language. It reminds me how blessed I am and how important it is to support others.”
Amina’s story
Living in the UK while supporting loved ones in Somaliland, Amina Ahmed, Project Manager at Zepz, sees remittances not simply as financial transactions, but as a way of remaining present for family across borders. Whether contributing to celebrations, supporting loved ones or sharing in important moments, remittances maintain connections that distance cannot diminish.
“Remittance is family. Most of us practise remittance every day without even realising it. We chip in for a gift or help a family member through a difficult month. Remittance allows me to tell the people I love that I’m holding space for them, and they’re holding space for me. For me, it’s a way of maintaining that connection.”
As we mark the International Day of Family Remittances, these stories remind us that behind every transfer is a person, a family, and a community.
This year, the conversation extended beyond our own organisation. Cat Daniel, VP Growth & Marketing at Zepz, joined industry leaders at an International Day of Family Remittances event hosted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to discuss the future of remittances and cross-border financial services.