If you’re an international professional in Denmark, you know the challenges go beyond learning the language or navigating bureaucracy. There are the unspoken challenges of integrating into a new culture, belonging and being recognized as a professional in a new environment. It’s about finding your place and being praised for what you’re good at.
That’s where the Brotherhood for Professionals of Color (BPoC) comes in. Founded in 2023, the organization has quickly grown into a network dedicated to mentorship, professional development, and community for men of color working across Denmark.
I actually volunteered with BPoC for a few months earlier this year, helping out with social media visuals, copywriting, and videography at their events. That gave me an inside view of how this organization works, and why it matters to so many internationals of color in Denmark.
Why BPoC Exists
Denmark is often praised as one of the most equal societies in the world, and in many ways, that’s true. But for internationals of color, there can still be barriers: being overlooked in recruitment processes, missing out on mentorship opportunities, or simply not seeing yourself reflected in leadership roles.
BPoC was born exactly from that, building a space beyond networking for jobs. But having a platform where you can share experiences, challenge stereotypes and why not, find new friends abroad.
As Joseph Yamoah, Founder & President of BPoC, explained:
“There wasn’t a single defining moment but a culmination of my personal experience, from student through unemployment to being employed and a parent. During my studies, it was hard for me to find a mentor or find people who looked like me in corporate spaces to spar with or ask for assistance.”
He laughs when he says this, but it’s actually a good point:
“I joke around and say I started BPoC as a way of making friends.”
But beneath the joke lies something more serious:
“The core of starting BPoC stems from wanting to create a community, a safe space for professional growth, belonging and mentorship… a space where you don’t only feel like you belong, but you actually belong.”
Joseph also emphasizes that BPoC didn’t grow because of one person:
“Starting BPoC and it getting here hasn’t been by my efforts alone. People like Andrew, Kevin, Stephen, Pratik, and many others… all the former and current board members, volunteers, allies, partners, and our sisters at PROWOC have been incredibly supportive.”
The Challenges Behind the Mission
The organization’s mission is simple but ambitious:
- Mentorship – pairing young professionals with experienced leaders who can guide them through Denmark’s professional landscape.
- Empowerment – empowering individuals and communities to be agents of change in their own lives and society.
- Belonging – creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone's voice is valued.
As Joseph put it:
“Professionals of color in Denmark often face a complex mix of visible and invisible barriers… from limited representation in leadership, to biases that influence hiring and workplace dynamics.”
But the biggest challenge he highlights is one too many internationals can relate to:
“A lack of accessible mentorship adapted to the experiences of people of color. Having a coach or mentor can tremendously help, especially in a new country.”
That’s exactly why BPoC exists: to fill the gap that so many have felt but never had a place to address.
Growing a Brotherhood in Denmark
In just two years, BPoC has gone from an idea to a community of over 200 members, with events ranging from career workshops to panel discussions on diversity in leadership.
Ask Joseph for one success story from the community, and you’ll quickly realize there are plenty to choose from.
“If I start on this, I don’t think we will have enough ink to pencil this down.”
One particularly powerful moment happened during a workshop on imposter syndrome:
“Someone approached me afterward saying he’d been experiencing this a lot and didn’t even know the word to describe it, but now he had tools to handle it.”
There are career stories too:
“Last year after our Career Event for Jobseekers, more than 75% of the participants found jobs in different fields.”
And unexpected moments that turned into life-changing decisions:
“One member visited DFDS during an event and said he wished he could work there. He later applied for an opening, and got the job. He said he was inspired by the visit.”
But the most common feedback BPoC receives is emotional:
“In every one of our meetings, someone walks up to me and shares how the meetings make them feel at home… able to show up as themselves and be among brothers.”
Why It Matters for Internationals
For internationals, especially men of color, the journey in Denmark can feel isolating. Even highly qualified professionals may struggle with integration or recognition of their skills.
BPoC is here to offer support. It shows that while each journey is individual, there’s strength in community. It also helps break down stereotypes by highlighting the diverse talent and leadership already present in Denmark.
The emotional challenge of moving to Denmark is something Joseph knows personally:
“I moved to Denmark 10 years ago and it was the most difficult decision of my life… I wish there was a group like BPoC at that time.”
His description of that period is painfully relatable:
“It felt alone, cold, scary, exciting, humbling, all the adjectives you can find.”
Today, BPoC helps others avoid that feeling:
“We create spaces for internationals to belong and gradually see Denmark as home. Our community becomes a family, a place where people can breathe, be understood, and begin to call Denmark home.”
Through meetups, workshops, cultural events, and mentorship, the Brotherhood is shaping a new reality for professionals of color, one where they don’t have to go through Denmark alone.
Looking Ahead
BPoC is still young, but its ambitions are big: to expand beyond Copenhagen, to strengthen mentorship opportunities, and to keep pushing for inclusion across industries.
For professionals of color in Denmark, the message is clear: you’re not alone, and your voice matters.
Joseph explains:
“Our vision is a community where members support, inspire and empower one another to reach their full potential, with an intentional focus on men’s health, talent retention, and mentorship.”
That vision includes:
- raising awareness on men's health (“prostate cancer, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes…”)
- shaping the narrative around diversity and inclusion (“Denmark is a place for everyone.”)
- expanding nationwide (“We want to reach more people outside the capital region.”)
But one part of the vision is closest to Joseph’s heart:
“Expanding the mentorship program to support the younger generation, giving them examples they can look up to.”
And everyone can play a role:
“Everyone who shares in our vision is welcome to be a mentor… or join, attend events, or simply lend their voice to support a worthy cause.”
Why BPoC Matters, Now More Than Ever
In a society where internationals of color often still navigate Denmark feeling like outsiders, BPoC is redefining what community can look like.
It is much more than just career advancement, though many members gain that too. It’s about identity, confidence, friendship, and belonging. It’s about challenging stereotypes by creating visibility. It’s about building a network where men of color can come together, grow together, and succeed together.
And most of all, it’s about making sure no one feels alone in a journey that can otherwise feel overwhelmingly isolating.
BPoC is proving something powerful: Sometimes, all it takes is a community to turn a new country into a home.