The Immigrant Experience in America: Recent Episodes
Simone W. Johnson Smith
Are you a professional new to the United States and struggling to monetize the expertise you brought across the seas – struggling with your skills going to waste? Are you feeling misunderstood and out of touch because you are struggling to understand the unstated rules of the American culture? What if you could hang out with new Americans, new immigrants who are busy professionals, hear about their experiences and advice, then take an insight or two to inspire your own journey as a new resident or American? That’s what we do each week on The Immigrant Experience in America hosted by Simone W. Johnson Smith –– mother of Saige, wife of Jimmy, former U.S. Diplomat, Life Coach, Creative and Activator –– every episode is an in-depth look at the positive contributions immigrants are making to the American culture, marketplace and life.
I was inspired to start this podcast by my own experience as an immigrant American who legally migrated to the United States but yet has frequent experiences of a love-hate relationship of America with its immigrant population and as a result of a larger vacuum surrounding the positive contributions of immigrants to American Life. We will sit down with successful immigrant Americans to discuss how they navigated the complexity of being an immigrant-American to achieve their American Dream. This is a spot for us to get real - peel back the layers, if you will, of what it means to be an immigrant in America. Our intention is to serve as a bridge from your culture to the American culture – giving you a roadmap of tools and language to understand the unstated rules of the American culture.
First of the 90-Day Black Tax Series There is a number most of us have never written down. Not because we cannot do the math, but because writing it down makes it real. In this solo episode, Simone opens the first installment of a ninety-day series with a topic she has carried personally: the black tax, the ongoing financial responsibility so many of us hold for family and community back home, or family who followed us here and never quite landed the way we did.
Simone walks through what the black tax actually is, the phone call, the tuition, the medical bill, the funeral, the moment saying yes overrides our own goals without us ever deciding it should. She names the same pattern as it shows up under different words in different cultures: the brown tax in Latino households, utang na loob in Filipino families, a debt of gratitude that never quite finishes being repaid. Different words, the same weight. She is direct about what this is not: not a discipline problem, not a character flaw, not something unique to people who are bad with money. It is leftover survival math, arithmetic that made sense once, in a different country, under different pressure, and never got updated for where we are standing now. She also draws a distinction worth sitting with, between giving that is freely chosen and giving that has quietly become extraction, and is honest that untangling the two is bigger than one episode.
This episode is for the immigrant professional who has never once written down the actual number, the ones with two degrees and a title on the door who could not tell you what they have saved for their own future, because the number has never been asked out loud. It is the opening of a ninety-day arc that will stay on this exact topic across the show, the newsletter, and the coaching, not identity in general, not culture in general, this specific weight and what it takes to build wealth without losing yourself or the people you love.
About Simone W. Johnson-Smith Simone is the founder of Thrive Abroad and The Bridge Concepts, LLC, a Jamaican-born American intercultural strategist, coach, and former U.S. diplomat. She is the International Impact Book Award-winning author of Decoding America & Coming Home to Yourself: The Immigrant Experience, available on Amazon and everywhere online globally, and host of this podcast, reaching listeners in over 100 countries.
#BlackTax #ImmigrantFinance #DecodingAmerica #ThriveAbroad #ImmigrantExperience #FirstGenWealth
Already carrying the weight of this conversation? Get The Black Tax Boundary Kit, a free starting number and three scripts for the conversations that get hard. → thebridgeconcepts.org/black-tax-boundary-kit.html
Want to go deeper, on your own terms, at your own pace? Subscribe to The Thrive Abroad Brief for weekly insight on this exact topic across the next ninety days. → thriveabroad.substack.com
The Immigrant Experience in America
Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music
Support the show on Patreon Visit: thebridgeconcepts.org
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Share your story with us: thebridgeconcepts.org/podcast.html#share-your-story
This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For guidance specific to your immigration status, consult a licensed immigration attorney. For guidance specific to your financial situation, consult a licensed financial professional.
I recently sat down with Sharon Thompson and Dr. Sharon Reid on the Speak Harmony Podcast to talk about something most of us carry quietly — the self we translate away just to feel acceptable in a new place.
We got into what "lost in translation" actually means. It is not the word that gets lost. It is the self. The version of you that was shaped by a particular soil, a particular faith, a particular way of understanding respect, time, and belonging — and what happens when you land somewhere that runs on entirely different, unspoken rules.
From there, the conversation moved through third culture kids and the tension they carry between two households that live in two different cultures at once, the unwritten American workplace rule that humility will not get you promoted the way self-advocacy will, and the quiet financial anxiety so many of us hold — sending money home while still trying to build something here. We also talked about setting healthy boundaries with family and cultural expectation, and why that is one of the hardest, least discussed emotional challenges immigrants face.
This episode is for anyone who has felt the edit happening in real time — the softening, the shrinking, the code-switching before you walk into a room. It is for first-gen professionals, third culture people, and anyone building a life across two worlds who has ever wondered which version of themselves is allowed to show up.
My book, Decoding America & Coming Home to Yourself: The Immigrant Experience, goes deeper into everything we touched on here — reading the cultural environment, bridging divides, and reclaiming identity without losing what makes you, you. It's available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-America-Coming-Home-Yourself/dp/B0DMWQ1GLR/
#DecodingAmerica #ThriveAbroad #LostInTranslation #ImmigrantExperience #ThirdCultureKids #CulturalIdentity
New to the U.S.? Start here: Newcomer
Already established, and the financial piece resonated? Start with the free Black Tax Boundary Kit [https://thebridgeconcepts.org/black-tax-boundary-kit.html], then apply for a Chemistry Call: Apply for a Chemistry Call [https://form.jotform.com/261967575607068]
And for the ongoing conversation every week, subscribe to The Thrive Abroad Brief on Substack: https://thriveabroad.substack.com
The Immigrant Experience in America
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
Support the show: Patreon Website: https://thebridgeconcepts.org
Follow: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepod/
Facebook: @simonewjohnson
Share your story with us: thebridgeconcepts.org/podcast.html#share-your-story
The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In this episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, Simone W. Johnson-Smith joins Rosa Bel and the Cafecito Cultural community of educators for a conversation on what actually gets lost when we cross a border: "Are You Lost in Translation? How Culture Shock Shapes the Core of Our Identities."
Drawing from her own journey as a Jamaican immigrant and 15 years in U.S. federal service, Simone unpacks why culture shock is not a single event but a slow identity negotiation, one that can quietly reshape a person over a decade or more if it goes unnamed. This conversation explores the three stages of that reshaping (Performance, Eraser, Crisis), the invisible code-switching tax carried by high-achieving immigrants, and why the financial scripts we inherit from home can quietly work against the future we're trying to build here.
Simone and Rosa also dig into third culture kids and heritage speakers specifically, why bilingual, bicultural students so often see their own identity as something to minimize rather than a source of power, and what educators can do to reflect that value back to them.
This episode is for immigrants, first-generation families, third culture people, educators, and anyone building a life between two cultures.
"Decoding America & Coming Home to Yourself: The Immigrant Experience" by Simone W. Johnson-Smith is an International Impact Book Award winner, available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMWQ1GLR
#immigrantexperience #culturalidentity #cultureshock #immigrantmentalhealth #thirdculturekid #heritagelanguage #blacktax #decodingamerica #thriveabroad The Immigrant Experience in America
New to the U.S.? Start with the free guide to your first ninety days. → The One Who Made It Out Guide
Already established, and the financial piece of this conversation hit home? Start with the free Black Tax Boundary Kit: naming the pattern, finding your real giving number, and three scripts for the moment it gets hard. → Black Tax Boundary Kit
Ready to build the full plan, not just the number? Apply for a free Chemistry Call. → Chemistry Call
Want a weekly note on immigration, identity, and money, in under five minutes? The Thrive Abroad Brief. → Thrive Abroad Brief Snack Bites
The Immigrant Experience in America
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Listen to more episodes on:
💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱 Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱 Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
💼 LinkedIn: /simonewjohnson
💼 Instagram: /theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: /theimmigrantexperience
📱 Share your story with us: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org/podcast.html#share-your-story
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of any employer.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
Before she ever stepped onto the world stage with Pink Floyd, Sting, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, George Benson, Michael Jackson and more, Machan Taylor was a little girl relocated from Japan to suburban America, carrying the lifelong ache of not fully belonging anywhere.
That experience of being wrenched from the life and culture that was familiar to her, growing up in a deeply dysfunctional family, with an American born father who cheated on her native Japanese mother and came home from work each night drunk deeply scarred Machan for decades. She struggled to find her identity, struggled with looking different than everyone around her, wrestled with lasting psychological pain and grieved the loss of a loving childhood she could never reclaim.
Even as she sang on some of the world's biggest stages securing fame and fortune she struggled to find the things that eluded her, happiness, connection, love. Her trauma led to years of self-destructive behaviors and choices, including marriage to a physically and mentally abusive husband. At the peak of her fame so often her life felt hopeless. Like she would always be that little girl who never fit in.
That journey became Naked Out Loud, a memoir with extraordinary music stories at its core, and something much rarer. It is a deeply human conversation about what it means to be Asian American, to navigate life between visibility and invisibility, and to finally tell the truth about the life behind the applause, that trauma affects even people who win personal acclaim.
Machan is a singer, songwriter, educator, and author whose career took her to the highest levels of the music industry. She has lived inside the kind of music history most people only know from album covers and arena lights. But what makes her an exceptional guest is not just the world she moved through. It is the emotional intelligence, honesty, and perspective she brings to everything those experiences meant. Ultimately her story is about finding healing through meditation, practicing Buddhism, guided psychedelics and gaining awareness, finding love and ultimately finding herself and reinventing herself at the age of 60. For your listeners it is a story of hope.
In Naked Out Loud, Machan traces a path from postwar Japan to New Jersey suburbia, to finding her voice on some of the world's biggest stages, all while wrestling with identity, race, trauma, silence, reinvention, and healing. She speaks with unusual grace about the tension between outer success and inner struggle, and about the long process of claiming your own voice after years of hiding behind the mask of performance.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In this powerful episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, Simone speaks with Ukrainian immigrant Dima Negojuk about his family's extraordinary journey from war-torn Ukraine to rebuilding their lives in New York.
Just days before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Dima's young son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When war broke out and hospitals shut down, the family faced two battles at once: a devastating war and a life-threatening medical crisis. Forced to leave everything behind—including their business, home, and financial security—they arrived in the United States with only two suitcases and hope.
Dima shares how charitable organizations, generous strangers, and the immigrant spirit helped his family survive and eventually thrive. He also discusses how learning artificial intelligence became his pathway from survival to entrepreneurship, enabling him to build a consulting business from scratch despite having no technical background.
This episode is a moving testament to resilience, community, gratitude, and the power of reinvention.
Key Topics Discussed 1. Escaping War While Fighting a Medical Crisis * Son diagnosed with a brain tumor two days before the Russian invasion. * Ukrainian hospitals became inaccessible after the outbreak of war. * Family traveled across Ukraine seeking treatment before ultimately coming to the United States. * Emotional challenges of navigating war while trying to save a child's life.
- Arriving in America with Nothing * Entering the U.S. with only two suitcases.
- Receiving support from charitable organizations and local communities.
- Life-changing assistance from the Ronald McDonald House in New York.
-
Experiencing extraordinary generosity from strangers.
-
The Power of Human Kindness * Housing assistance from community organizations.
- Educational scholarships for their young child.
- Neighbors and nonprofit groups stepping in during critical moments.
-
Paying kindness forward and helping others whenever possible.
-
Living with Ongoing Uncertainty * Family members remaining in Ukraine.
- Daily realities of missile attacks and destruction.
- Emotional strain of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) uncertainty.
-
Building a future while not knowing what comes next.
-
Discovering AI as a Survival Tool * Learning AI out of necessity rather than curiosity.
- Using AI to replace functions traditionally performed by employees.
- Automating business processes despite having no coding background.
-
Leveraging AI to create opportunities as a newcomer entrepreneur.
-
Building an AI Consulting Business * Transitioning from entrepreneur to AI consultant.
- Helping small businesses implement AI effectively.
- Becoming a Fractional AI Officer for growing companies.
- Being featured in Forbes and gaining recognition in the AI space.
Key Takeaways * Resilience often emerges in life's most difficult moments. * Community support can transform a family's future. * Technology can become a powerful equalizer for immigrants and entrepreneurs. * Reinvention is possible at any stage of life. * AI offers unprecedented opportunities for individuals without technical backgrounds. * Gratitude and generosity create lasting impact across communities. * Starting over does not mean starting from zero—you bring your experience, determination, and perspective with you.
Subscribe to:
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In this powerful episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, Simone W. Johnson sits down with Dr. Leide Porcu, psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, and author of Neither Here Nor There: A Guide for Immigrants and the Therapists Who Walk With Them.
Drawing from her own lived experience as an immigrant and decades of clinical practice, Dr. Porcu unpacks the emotional and psychological realities many immigrants carry but rarely name, identity fragmentation, suppressed distress, and multilayered grief. This conversation explores why immigrants often feel unseen in their mourning, how cultural dissonance and acculturation stress show up in mental health, and what culturally responsive care actually looks like in practice.
Dr. Porcu also shares practical tools for managing daily stressors such as visa uncertainty, financial pressure, and caregiving burden, without pathologizing survival. This episode is for immigrants, first-generation families, third-culture people, therapists, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the inner world of migration.
"Neither Here Nor There" : A Guide for Immigrants and Those Who Walk With Them by Leide Porcu was published by Routledge in February 2026. The book draws on more than seven years of focused writing and clinical work with immigrants and multilingual families. It addresses a wide range of immigrant experiences — from trauma and hardship to the disorientation, identity conflict, loneliness, and pressure to succeed that can affect even privileged newcomers. It also speaks to the second generation. The book offers practical therapeutic tools, case vignettes, culturally adaptive exercises, and guidance for therapists and allies supporting those living between cultures.
Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Neither-Here-Nor-There-Immigrants/dp/1041091184 Routledge https://www.routledge.com/Neither-Here-Nor-There-A-Guide-for-Immigrants-and-the-Therapists-Who-Walk-with-Them/Porcu/p/book/9781041091189
#immigrantmentalhealth neither here nor there immigration psychology culture shock mental health immigrant grief identity fragmentation acculturation stress imposter syndrome immigrants therapy for immigrants mental health and migration third culture identity The Immigrant Experience in America Decoding America #immigrantexperience
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In this powerful episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, Simone W. Johnson sits down with Dr. Leide Porcu, psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, and author of Neither Here Nor There: A Guide for Immigrants and the Therapists Who Walk With Them.
Drawing from her own lived experience as an immigrant and decades of clinical practice, Dr. Porcu unpacks the emotional and psychological realities many immigrants carry but rarely name, identity fragmentation, suppressed distress, and multilayered grief. This conversation explores why immigrants often feel unseen in their mourning, how cultural dissonance and acculturation stress show up in mental health, and what culturally responsive care actually looks like in practice.
Dr. Porcu also shares practical tools for managing daily stressors such as visa uncertainty, financial pressure, and caregiving burden, without pathologizing survival. This episode is for immigrants, first-generation families, third-culture people, therapists, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the inner world of migration.
"Neither Here Nor There" : A Guide for Immigrants and Those Who Walk With Them by Leide Porcu was published by Routledge in February 2026. The book draws on more than seven years of focused writing and clinical work with immigrants and multilingual families. It addresses a wide range of immigrant experiences — from trauma and hardship to the disorientation, identity conflict, loneliness, and pressure to succeed that can affect even privileged newcomers. It also speaks to the second generation. The book offers practical therapeutic tools, case vignettes, culturally adaptive exercises, and guidance for therapists and allies supporting those living between cultures.
Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Neither-Here-Nor-There-Immigrants/dp/1041091184 Routledge https://www.routledge.com/Neither-Here-Nor-There-A-Guide-for-Immigrants-and-the-Therapists-Who-Walk-with-Them/Porcu/p/book/9781041091189
#immigrantmentalhealth neither here nor there immigration psychology culture shock mental health immigrant grief identity fragmentation acculturation stress imposter syndrome immigrants therapy for immigrants mental health and migration third culture identity The Immigrant Experience in America Decoding America #immigrantexperience
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In this powerful episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, Simone W. Johnson sits down with Dr. Leide Porcu, psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, and author of Neither Here Nor There: A Guide for Immigrants and the Therapists Who Walk With Them.
Drawing from her own lived experience as an immigrant and decades of clinical practice, Dr. Porcu unpacks the emotional and psychological realities many immigrants carry but rarely name, identity fragmentation, suppressed distress, and multilayered grief. This conversation explores why immigrants often feel unseen in their mourning, how cultural dissonance and acculturation stress show up in mental health, and what culturally responsive care actually looks like in practice.
Dr. Porcu also shares practical tools for managing daily stressors such as visa uncertainty, financial pressure, and caregiving burden, without pathologizing survival. This episode is for immigrants, first-generation families, third-culture people, therapists, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the inner world of migration.
"Neither Here Nor There" : A Guide for Immigrants and Those Who Walk With Them by Leide Porcu was published by Routledge in February 2026. The book draws on more than seven years of focused writing and clinical work with immigrants and multilingual families. It addresses a wide range of immigrant experiences — from trauma and hardship to the disorientation, identity conflict, loneliness, and pressure to succeed that can affect even privileged newcomers. It also speaks to the second generation. The book offers practical therapeutic tools, case vignettes, culturally adaptive exercises, and guidance for therapists and allies supporting those living between cultures.
Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Neither-Here-Nor-There-Immigrants/dp/1041091184 Routledge https://www.routledge.com/Neither-Here-Nor-There-A-Guide-for-Immigrants-and-the-Therapists-Who-Walk-with-Them/Porcu/p/book/9781041091189
#immigrantmentalhealth neither here nor there immigration psychology culture shock mental health immigrant grief identity fragmentation acculturation stress imposter syndrome immigrants therapy for immigrants mental health and migration third culture identity The Immigrant Experience in America Decoding America #immigrantexperience
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In this conversation, Dr. Sam Rodriguez Morheim, respected periodontist and author, reflects on his family's Cuban American journey through the eyes of a child. In 1962, following the rise of the Castro regime, his family was forced to leave Cuba, abandoning their professions, possessions, and sense of certainty for an unknown future. Growing up in Brooklyn, Dr. Morheim shares how displacement, resilience, and memory shaped his identity and worldview.
This episode explores migration not as a political talking point, but as a deeply human experience marked by loss, adaptation, and quiet strength. From the weight of what was left behind to the values carried forward, this story speaks to immigrants, children of immigrants, and anyone shaped by movement across borders. This is a conversation about survival, family, and how early experiences echo across a lifetime.
Cuban American story Cuban immigration Immigrant childhood Exile from Cuba Castro regime 1962 Cuban diaspora Immigrant family stories Brooklyn immigrant history Children of immigrants Immigration and identity Cuban American experience Migration stories Latin American diaspora Resilience and migration Immigrant voices
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The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In this conversation, Dr. Sam Rodriguez Morheim, respected periodontist and author, reflects on his family's Cuban American journey through the eyes of a child. In 1962, following the rise of the Castro regime, his family was forced to leave Cuba, abandoning their professions, possessions, and sense of certainty for an unknown future. Growing up in Brooklyn, Dr. Morheim shares how displacement, resilience, and memory shaped his identity and worldview.
This episode explores migration not as a political talking point, but as a deeply human experience marked by loss, adaptation, and quiet strength. From the weight of what was left behind to the values carried forward, this story speaks to immigrants, children of immigrants, and anyone shaped by movement across borders. This is a conversation about survival, family, and how early experiences echo across a lifetime.
Cuban American story Cuban immigration Immigrant childhood Exile from Cuba Castro regime 1962 Cuban diaspora Immigrant family stories Brooklyn immigrant history Children of immigrants Immigration and identity Cuban American experience Migration stories Latin American diaspora Resilience and migration Immigrant voices
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The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In this conversation, Dr. Sam Rodriguez Morheim, respected periodontist and author, reflects on his family's Cuban American journey through the eyes of a child. In 1962, following the rise of the Castro regime, his family was forced to leave Cuba, abandoning their professions, possessions, and sense of certainty for an unknown future. Growing up in Brooklyn, Dr. Morheim shares how displacement, resilience, and memory shaped his identity and worldview.
This episode explores migration not as a political talking point, but as a deeply human experience marked by loss, adaptation, and quiet strength. From the weight of what was left behind to the values carried forward, this story speaks to immigrants, children of immigrants, and anyone shaped by movement across borders. This is a conversation about survival, family, and how early experiences echo across a lifetime.
Cuban American story Cuban immigration Immigrant childhood Exile from Cuba Castro regime 1962 Cuban diaspora Immigrant family stories Brooklyn immigrant history Children of immigrants Immigration and identity Cuban American experience Migration stories Latin American diaspora Resilience and migration Immigrant voices
GET YOUR FREE GUIDE - JOIN THE NEWSLETTER =https://winning-thinker-5313.kit.com/bb68d8dfce
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
Dr Mazella Fuller is back to share her story. It bridges every system immigrants encounter: education, healthcare, and the daily coded rules that shape belonging.
As co-editor of "Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies: Lived Experiences in the Fight Against Institutionalized Racism," she has curated voices that map the realities of navigating and confronting explicit and subtle bias in America's institutions. Her earlier book, "Treating Black Women with Eating Disorders: A Clinician's Guide," broke new ground by highlighting how race and migration intersect in mental health.
Raised in an Afrocentric household in the South, Dr. Fuller's mission to break systemic barriers runs deep. She has spent 30 years advocating, mentoring, and building communities at Duke and Smith College. Whether speaking to mentorship as her daily act of reparations or describing how adjusting to America's unwritten codes can feel like hacking biased systems, Dr. Fuller offers wisdom that will resonate with everyone listening, from new arrivals to longtime Americans seeking to understand what true allyship looks like in the immigrant journey.
Booking website: https://antiracismandequity.com/antiracism-book-promo/
GET YOUR FREE GUIDE - JOIN THE NEWSLETTER =https://winning-thinker-5313.kit.com/bb68d8dfce
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
Dr Mazella Fuller is back to share her story. It bridges every system immigrants encounter: education, healthcare, and the daily coded rules that shape belonging.
As co-editor of "Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies: Lived Experiences in the Fight Against Institutionalized Racism," she has curated voices that map the realities of navigating and confronting explicit and subtle bias in America's institutions. Her earlier book, "Treating Black Women with Eating Disorders: A Clinician's Guide," broke new ground by highlighting how race and migration intersect in mental health.
Raised in an Afrocentric household in the South, Dr. Fuller's mission to break systemic barriers runs deep. She has spent 30 years advocating, mentoring, and building communities at Duke and Smith College. Whether speaking to mentorship as her daily act of reparations or describing how adjusting to America's unwritten codes can feel like hacking biased systems, Dr. Fuller offers wisdom that will resonate with everyone listening, from new arrivals to longtime Americans seeking to understand what true allyship looks like in the immigrant journey.
Booking website: https://antiracismandequity.com/antiracism-book-promo/
GET YOUR FREE GUIDE - JOIN THE NEWSLETTER =https://winning-thinker-5313.kit.com/bb68d8dfce
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
Today's episode is with Dr Mazella Fuller. Her story bridges every system immigrants encounter: education, healthcare, and the daily coded rules that shape belonging.
As co-editor of "Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies: Lived Experiences in the Fight Against Institutionalized Racism," she has curated voices that map the realities of navigating and confronting explicit and subtle bias in America's institutions. Her earlier book, "Treating Black Women with Eating Disorders: A Clinician's Guide," broke new ground by highlighting how race and migration intersect in mental health.
Raised in an Afrocentric household in the South, Dr. Fuller's mission to break systemic barriers runs deep. She has spent 30 years advocating, mentoring, and building communities at Duke and Smith College. Whether speaking to mentorship as her daily act of reparations or describing how adjusting to America's unwritten codes can feel like hacking biased systems, Dr. Fuller offers wisdom that will resonate with everyone listening, from new arrivals to longtime Americans seeking to understand what true allyship looks like in the immigrant journey.
Booking website: https://antiracismandequity.com/antiracism-book-promo/
GET YOUR FREE GUIDE - JOIN THE NEWSLETTER =https://winning-thinker-5313.kit.com/bb68d8dfce
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
Urmi Hossain, a Bengali-Italian living in Montreal returned to share her immigration experience as well as my story of being a Third Culture Kid (TCK).
Urmi is a blogger, YouTuber, self-published author, speaker, a female mentor, and advocate for women's empowerment. She is also the social media lead for Women in Leadership and campaign manager for Femme Influence.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
Today, Urmi Hossain, a Bengali-Italian living in Montreal shares her immigration experience as well as my story of being a Third Culture Kid (TCK).
Urmi is a blogger, YouTuber, self-published author, speaker, a female mentor, and advocate for women's empowerment. She is also the social media lead for Women in Leadership and campaign manager for Femme Influence.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
Winthrop, born and raised in Long Island, New York, to Jamaican and Fijian parents, shares the struggle of balancing his Caribbean heritage at home with the pressure to assimilate as an American kid in the 90s. He details the impulsive decision to leave a finance career path in NYC to embrace entrepreneurship in Jamaica, revealing the intense culture shock and business lessons learned during his first four years in Negril.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
Winthrop, born and raised in Long Island, New York, to Jamaican and Fijian parents, shares the struggle of balancing his Caribbean heritage at home with the pressure to assimilate as an American kid in the 90s. He details the impulsive decision to leave a finance career path in NYC to embrace entrepreneurship in Jamaica, revealing the intense culture shock and business lessons learned during his first four years in Negril.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
The founder of Carry On Friends! Kerry-Ann was born in Jamaica and moved to Brooklyn, NYC as a teenager.
Since starting Carry On Friends, have been a speaker at Podcast Movement, Haiti Tech Summit, Caribbean Digital Divas on a variety of topics including podcast, career, entrepreneurship and Caribbean culture.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
The founder of Carry On Friends! Kerry-Ann was born in Jamaica and moved to Brooklyn, NYC as a teenager.
Since starting Carry On Friends, have been a speaker at Podcast Movement, Haiti Tech Summit, Caribbean Digital Divas on a variety of topics including podcast, career, entrepreneurship and Caribbean culture.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
The founder of Carry On Friends! Kerry-Ann was born in Jamaica and moved to Brooklyn, NYC as a teenager.
Since starting Carry On Friends, have been a speaker at Podcast Movement, Haiti Tech Summit, Caribbean Digital Divas on a variety of topics including podcast, career, entrepreneurship and Caribbean culture.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
Key Themes 1. Identity & Belonging
* The tension of "you've arrived here, now who *are* you?" Many immigrants carry a dual identity: rooted in a homeland + building a future elsewhere.
* Letting go of perfection: striving to *fit in* often causes people to lose parts of what made them uniquely strong.
* Belonging isn't only about external acceptance. It begins internally — how you carry yourself, how you reconcile "old home" and "new home."
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Financial Literacy in a New Context
- Systems you took for granted in your home country (banking, credit, retirement, investments) often work differently or not at all here.
- Language of finance and culture: Understanding the rules is one thing; feeling comfortable playing the game is another.
- Your immigrant status (first or second generation) is not a barrier — but lack of tailored support or advice is.
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Cultural Transition & Adaptation
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Adapting doesn't mean assimilation. Your former cultural values are inputs, not mistakes to erase.
- Work-life balance can shift in surprising ways when you move across cultures — expectations, definitions of success, even rest change.
- Boundaries become crucial. Setting them early prevents overwhelm and identity drift.
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High Achievement & Hidden Costs
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For high-achieving immigrants, success often comes with hidden stress: needing to prove, over‐performing, feeling isolated.
- There's a trap in "doing everything" and never pausing to ask "is this what I want?"
- Forgiveness and rest are underrated. The culture of achievement here sometimes doesn't give you permission to just be.
Major Takeaways * You don't have to choose between "origin" and "destination". Use both. Your background gives strengths (perspective, resilience) you might be ignoring. * Step into the financial system with curiosity, not fear. Ask: What can I learn? What do I need to protect? What am I aiming for? * Boundaries = freedom, not restriction. Saying no to what drains you makes room for what nourishes you. * Culture shift is more marathon than sprint. Some parts integrate fast, others slowly. Accept mis‐steps as part of the process. * Achievement without alignment leads to burnout. Checking boxes doesn't always equal satisfaction. Clarify values, not just goals. * Belonging is active. It's a daily choice: engaging with community, voice, identity. It's not passive acceptance.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In this four‑part conversation on The Immigrant Experience in America, host Simone W. Johnson‑Smith sits down with Dr. Reynaldo White, a Panamanian‑born pastor, educator, author, musician, and community advocate whose life journey traverses Panama, Miami, and rural Alabama.
Dr. White recounts his upbringing in extreme poverty near the Panama Canal and his family's move to the United States when his father joined the U.S. Army. He reflects on learning English and navigating identity in Miami, then describes the cultural adjustment of pastoring in Alabama—a state where racial categories rarely include Afro‑Latinos and where his Spanish‑language congregation received hate mail and threats. Despite this hostility, he and his wife built a multicultural church that eventually included nineteen nationalities. When church board members balked at purchasing a property, the Whites bought it themselves and later expanded it to 12,000 square feet to host both international and local congregations.
The episode explores Dr. White's academic and professional path—from earning degrees in music performance and serving as a concert pianist who toured 69 countries, to completing a Ph.D. in educational leadership and teaching English Language Learners. He shares how his students encouraged him to write his childhood stories, which became bilingual books funding a school for former child addicts in Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr. White speaks candidly about family life: his daughter's pregnancy crisis and the premature birth of his granddaughter at 23 weeks, followed by a miraculous recovery he attributes to prayer; adopting two sons with severe autism and raising them with discipline and love; fostering additional children; and the challenges that arise when biological parents reappear years later. He emphasises that parenting requires consistency and community support, urging listeners to embrace the African proverb "it takes a village to raise a child."
Throughout the conversation, Dr. White weaves in themes of faith, resilience, and service. He advocates for military training as a pathway to discipline and career opportunities, recounts the benefits his own sons gained from Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), and contrasts the efficiency of Miami's immigrant community with the slow growth and isolation of rural Alabama. The episode closes with Dr. White's call to build inclusive communities, support immigrant voices, and join his efforts—whether by reading his books, supporting the Nairobi school, or visiting his church in Alabama.
Guest Bio Dr. Reynaldo White is a Panamanian‑American pastor, educator, author, and former concert pianist. Born near the Panama Canal, he immigrated to Miami as a child and later served in the U.S. Army. He holds degrees in music performance (bachelor's and master's) and a Ph.D. in educational leadership. Dr. White has performed for two U.S. presidents and toured 69 countries as a concert pianist, but he gave up touring to raise his adopted sons with autism. Now based in Alabama, he pastors Harvest International Ministry, teaches English Language Learners, and writes bilingual books—memoirs and children's stories—that chronicle his immigrant journey and support a school for former child addicts in Nairobi, Kenya. He and his wife Jennifer are parents of three biological daughters, two adopted sons, foster children, and a granddaughter whose survival inspires their faith.
Key Takeaways * Resilience in the face of prejudice: Dr. White and his congregation endured hate mail and police harassment when they founded a Spanish‑language church in Alabama. Their perseverance led to a thriving multicultural ministry that highlights the power of inclusion. * Community parenting: The Whites relied on a network of surrogate grandparents and friends to help raise their adopted sons. Dr. White urges parents to "go back to the village" and involve trusted community members in child‑rearing, especially for children with special needs. * The power of discipline and structure: Raising two autistic sons taught Dr. White the importance of consistency. He advocates for clear boundaries and believes military training equips young adults with discipline and transferable skills for civilian careers. * Faith and miracles: His granddaughter's premature birth and survival after collapsed lungs reinforced his belief in the power of prayer. This personal miracle underpins his ministry and his commitment to supporting families facing similar crises. * Multifaceted identity: Dr. White embraces his identity as both Black and Latino, pushing back against the idea that one must choose. He compares cultural contexts—from Panama and Miami to rural Alabama—and finds pride in each facet of his heritage. * From music to ministry: Before entering full‑time ministry, Dr. White performed globally as a concert pianist and holds advanced music degrees. He envisions returning to performance now that his sons are grown, but continues to blend artistry with teaching and pastoral work. * Self‑funded ministry: When church leadership hesitated, the Whites personally purchased and expanded their church property, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to serving their community. * Storytelling for social change: Encouraged by his students, Dr. White turned his life stories into bilingual books. The proceeds support a school in Kenya, demonstrating how personal narratives can drive educational and social impact.
The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
Episode Summary In this extended conversation from The Immigrant Experience in America, host Simone W. Johnson-Smith talks with Dr. Reynaldo White—a Panamanian‑born pastor, educator, author, and former concert pianist now living in Alabama. Over three parts, they explore Dr. White's journey from growing up in poverty near the Panama Canal to serving as a pastor and community leader in the American South.
He explains how his Ph.D. in educational leadership and his bilingual books opened doors both in Alabama and abroad. The episode traces the evolution of his writing career—starting as stories for his students, transforming into memoirs, children's books, and Spanish‑language texts—and how those books now fund a school for former child addicts in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. White also shares deeply personal stories: his family's decision to carry a pregnancy to term despite grim medical odds, the miraculous survival of his granddaughter born at 23 weeks, and his belief that prayer played a key role in her recovery.
The conversation delves into parenting and discipline as Dr. White recounts adopting two boys with severe autism, drawing lessons about consistency, love, and community support. He describes how military service provided structure for his sons and other young men, detailing the path from basic training to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and the career opportunities that follow. Dr. White also reflects on his years as a concert pianist performing in 69 countries and how he stepped back from touring to care for his family and devote himself to teaching and ministry. The episode closes with a call to remember that communities thrive when they help raise each other's children and with an invitation to share and support immigrant stories.
Guest Bio Dr. Reynaldo White is a Panamanian‑American pastor, educator, author, and musician. After immigrating to Miami as a child when his father joined the U.S. Army, he earned degrees in music performance and educational leadership (Ph.D.) and served as a concert pianist, performing in 69 countries. Dr. White now pastors a church in Alabama and teaches English Language Learners. He has authored more than fifteen books—memoirs, children's books, and bilingual editions—that chronicle immigrant life and support a Nairobi school. He and his wife Jennifer are parents and foster parents to several children, including two adopted sons with autism and a granddaughter whose premature birth inspired renewed faith.
Key Takeaways * Navigating culture in Alabama: Dr. White describes serving in a state that often sees race only in terms of "black" and "white," leaving Afro‑Latinos invisible. He stresses the need for leadership and understanding in such communities. * Stories into books: Encouraged by students, he wrote childhood tales that became memoirs and children's books in English and Spanish. His writing not only preserves immigrant narratives but also funds education abroad. * Faith and miracles: Dr. White recounts the premature birth of his granddaughter at 23 weeks and the prayerful journey that led to her survival. The experience deepened his faith and reinforced his belief in miracles. * Discipline and structure: Raising adopted sons with severe autism taught him the value of consistency. He advocates for clear boundaries and recommends military training for young adults seeking discipline and career skills. * Adoption and fostering: He and his wife adopted two boys with autism and later took in foster children. Dr. White shares the challenges of meeting special needs and the blessings of watching the children thrive. * Community parenting: Echoing the proverb "it takes a village," he urges parents to lean on trusted community members. He believes strong communities can transform children's lives and relieve overwhelmed parents. * Music and ministry: Before focusing on education and ministry, Dr. White toured as a concert pianist. He hopes to return to performance now that his sons are grown, blending his artistic and pastoral callings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In this episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, host Simone W. Johnson-Smith talks with Dr. Reynaldo White—a Panamanian-born pastor, educator and author now living in Alabama. Dr. White recounts his childhood in extreme poverty near the Panama Canal, his family’s move to Miami when his father joined the U.S. Army, and the adjustments he faced learning English and finding his identity in America.
They discuss how his Ph.D. in educational leadership opened doors and how his students encouraged him to write his childhood stories, which evolved into a series of books in English and Spanish. Those books not only preserve immigrant narratives but also fund a school for former child addicts in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. White shares the challenges of pastoring in Alabama’s racially divided culture, the leadership gap he sees in his community, and the joys and trials of raising two adopted sons with severe autism.
Throughout the conversation, he speaks candidly about being labeled “not Latino enough,” the importance of parental involvement and structure, and his enduring love for Panama. The episode concludes with a reminder to join in part 2 and a call to support the podcast’s “human library” of immigrant stories.
Guest Bio Dr. Reynaldo White is a Panamanian American pastor, educator and author of more than fifteen books. Born near the Panama Canal, he immigrated to Miami as a child when his father joined the U.S. Army. He holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and teaches English Language Learners in Alabama. Dr. White uses his bilingual books—starting with Raise: A Transcontinental Tale from Panama to the U.S.—to promote literacy and fund educational initiatives in Kenya. He and his wife, Jennifer, are community leaders, advocates for immigrants and parents of several children, including two adopted sons with autism.
Key Takeaways * Cultural complexity in Alabama: Serving as a pastor in the South means navigating a social landscape that often reduces people to “black” or “white,” leaving little room for diverse identities. Dr. White sees a need for leadership and community building. * From stories to books: Encouraged by his students, Dr. White wrote about his childhood in Panama and his journey to the U.S., leading to a series of books in English and Spanish. He also creates children’s books from chapters of his memoirs. * Books as social impact: Proceeds from his books fund a school in Nairobi, Kenya, for former child addicts; six of its graduates are now in medical school and two in law school. * Educational leadership: His doctorate enabled him to enter spaces often closed to Afro‑Latinos and informed his work supporting English Language Learners across Alabama. * Parenting special‑needs children: Raising two adopted sons with severe autism taught Dr. White the value of discipline and consistency. Both sons have exceeded expectations, with one earning significant scholarships and another gaining high test scores in the Marines. * Identity and pride: Dr. White identifies as both Black and Hispanic; he pushes back against assumptions that he cannot be both and finds pride in his Panamanian heritage. * Love for Panama: Though he moved for better opportunities, he describes Panama as a beautiful country with a unique mix of cultures, remarkable natural beauty and significant economic inequality.
______________________________________________________ The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS. Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
Part 2 of the interview:
I was recently interviewed on the Thriving in Intersectionality Podcast by Lola Adeyemo.
Listen to Thriving In Intersectionality Podcast
Apple podcastYouTube MusicSpotifyAmazon Audible If this episode resonates, subscribe, like, and share with others navigating life across borders. Comment below your experiences or questions—we love hearing your story! ______________________________________________________ The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS. Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
I was recently interviewed on the Thriving in Intersectionality Podcast by Lola Adeyemo.
Listen to Thriving In Intersectionality Podcast
Apple podcastYouTube MusicSpotifyAmazon Audible If this episode resonates, subscribe, like, and share with others navigating life across borders. Comment below your experiences or questions—we love hearing your story! ______________________________________________________ The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn 📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz 📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience 📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS. Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In the second half of my conversation with Maanarak on The Kreashon Podcast, we go deeper into the work I do today.
I talk about building community for immigrants, the hidden emotional and financial costs of advocacy, and my drive to help high-achieving immigrants decode workplace dynamics and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
This part is all about turning personal challenges into a platform for change. ______________________________________________________
Check out the full episode on The Kreashon Podcast here
Connect with Maanarak:
YouTube Instagram Facebook Linkedin
______________________________________________________
The Immigrant Experience in America
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
📱 Follow us on Social Media: 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience
📱 Share your story with us: 💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
📱 Read my blog: 💼 https://thriveabroad.substack.com/
#ImmigrantAdvocate #RepresentationMatters #ImmigrantSuccess #AmplifyingVoices #ImmigrantSupport #ImmigrantStoriesMatter #BreakingBarriers #ImmigrantPride #VoicesOfTheDiaspora
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
I was honored to join The Kreashon Podcast with the amazing Maanarak to share my journey from Jamaica to the U.S.
This first part dives into my early immigrant experience, the culture shock, the language nuances, and that disorienting feeling of being caught between two worlds.
I open up about what it truly means to navigate a new country while trying to hold on to your roots, and how those experiences shaped my mission to amplify immigrant voices worldwide.
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Check out the full episode on The Kreashon Podcast here
Connect with Maanarak:
YouTube Instagram Facebook Linkedin
______________________________________________________
The Immigrant Experience in America
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
📱Listen on: 💼 Apple Podcast 💼 Spotify 💼 Amazon
📱Support our Patreon
📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on The Journey Podcast with David Hackett, where we explored some of the most meaningful threads from my life and work as an immigrant, coach, and podcast host.
In this episode, I share how my own journey from Jamaica to the U.S. shaped the way I see the world, and the work I now do to support others navigating similar paths.
We dive into a rich conversation around:
- International affairs and global travel - The emotional layers of the immigrant experience - Mental health in immigrant communities - Bilingualism, identity, and the beauty of language - High- vs. low-context cultures and the stories we carry - Spirituality, assimilation, and finding your voice in a foreign land
Whether you’re living between cultures, working across borders, or simply curious about the complexity of identity and belonging, I hope my story offers something that resonates.
🎧 Tune in and let me know what part of the conversation speaks to you most.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkGXmewJgrA&list=PLoyoNf5zuWSjT48I-PJLLdRYICPHhlc1-&index=4&t=2s
______________________________________________________
The Immigrant Experience in America
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
📱Listen on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In Part 2 of my conversation with Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown on The Carry On Friends Podcast, we go even deeper.
I share how navigating the immigrant journey as an immigrant woman has reshaped my understanding of identity, resilience, and power.
We talk about the tension between assimilation and authenticity, and what it really means to create belonging without betraying yourself.
This episode is for anyone who’s had to shrink to survive, but is ready to grow, take up space, and lead with clarity and courage.
If you’ve ever questioned your belonging, struggled with cultural boundaries, or wanted to step more fully into your voice, this one is for you.
Tune in and let’s continue the conversation. 🌍💬
Watch the original YouTube video of our conversation here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdkEjCk_3Es&list=PLloo1R4UZiU4MX488pKdyG4wEjMSekwgZ
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Carry On Friends: The Carribean American Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLloo1R4UZiU4MX488pKdyG4wEjMSekwgZ
______________________________________________________
The Immigrant Experience in America
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
📱Listen on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
I recently had the honor of being interviewed by Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown on The Carry On Friends Podcast, where we explored the nuanced reality of what it means to live and lead, as a third culture immigrant.
In this conversation, I shared how my journey shaped the way I navigate identity, culture shock, parenting, and boundaries in both personal and professional spaces.
We spoke about the mental and emotional toll of existing between cultures and the quiet pressure so many of us feel to shrink or silence ourselves just to fit in.
We also discussed what it means to redefine success on your own terms and the courage it takes to stay rooted in your values while adapting to a new environment.
Whether you’re navigating life abroad, raising children in a culture different from your own, or figuring out how to honor your identity while building a career, this one’s for you.
🎧 Tune in and let me know what resonates most with your journey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdkEjCk_3Es&list=PLloo1R4UZiU4MX488pKdyG4wEjMSekwgZ
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Carry On Friends: The Caribbean American Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLloo1R4UZiU4MX488pKdyG4wEjMSekwgZ
______________________________________________________
The Immigrant Experience in America
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
📱Listen on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.
In this continuation of our conversation, I sit down once again with the deeply creative and reflective Maanarak of Grey, an artist and podcast host originally from the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean.
In Part 2, we explore how art, storytelling, and stillness have helped her process the transitions of immigration, what it means to live between cultures, to grieve a place that still feels like home, and to reimagine belonging in unfamiliar spaces.
This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and remember that creativity can be both a compass and a lifeline in times of transition.
Tune in and listen to how one woman’s story holds space for many of us navigating the immigrant experience, quietly, powerfully, and on our own terms.
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Connect with Maanarak:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KreashonHub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreashon.hub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kreashon Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kreashon/
_________________
The Immigrant Experience in America
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
📱Listen on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
In this episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, I sit down with the thoughtful and creative Maanarak of Grey, an artist and podcast host originally from Bonaire in the Caribbean.
Maanarak shares her journey as an immigrant, what it’s been like leaving behind the comfort of home and adjusting to life in a new environment.
From the warmth of island culture to the challenges of navigating unfamiliar social norms, her story is filled with quiet strength and deep reflection.
We discuss:
- The origin behind Maanarak's name - Living in the island of Bonaire - Her culture shock and adjustment to living abroad - What she misses most about life in Bonaire - The tension between staying rooted in your culture while adapting to a new one - How her immigrant journey influences her creative work and advocacy - The importance of building spaces where diverse identities feel seen and celebrated
This conversation is a powerful reminder that migration is not just about relocation, it’s about rediscovery, resilience, and reclaiming your voice.
🎧 Tune in to hear Maanarak’s story and join us in celebrating the depth and beauty of the immigrant experience.
Connect with Maanarak:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KreashonHub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreashon.hub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kreashon Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kreashon/
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
In this episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, I sit down with Erika Warner, a Latina entrepreneur, educator, founder of Inglés Pa’ Mi Gente, and mom.
Erika’s journey began when she immigrated to the U.S. as a child, navigating the emotional and linguistic challenges of learning English in a world that didn’t feel like home.
Today, she runs a thriving six-figure business teaching English to Spanish-speaking immigrants, people who share her story and her struggle.
But Erika’s success didn’t happen overnight. Her story is one of slow, determined progress: raising a family, carving out space in a new culture, and building a business that gives voice to a community often overlooked.
In this powerful conversation, we explore:
💬 What it means to live between two worlds as an immigrant parent 🌱 Raising children while raising yourself 🎯 Turning lived experience into a mission-led business 🔥 Balancing burnout, guilt, and ambition as a working mom 📈 How she grew from kitchen-table videos to 230K+ followers and a top-charting podcast
Erika’s story is a reminder that immigrant success doesn’t always follow a straight line, but it’s always worth celebrating.
Tune in to hear her truth, her grit, and her wisdom.
#ImmigrantVoices #LatinaEntrepreneur #MotherhoodAndBusiness #InglesPaMiGente #SimoneSpeaks #ImmigrantExperience #ThirdCultureStories #WorkingMomTruths #PodcastConversation
__________________________
Connect with Erika:
Website: https://inglespamigente.com/ Instagram: @inglespamigente Podcast: https://inglespamigente.com/podcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Ingl%C3%A9spamigente
__________________________
The Immigrant Experience in America
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
📱Listen on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience
Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.
In the final chapter of this unforgettable three-part series, Nick Berg and host Simone Johnson dive deep into the healing journey that followed a life of war, exile, and dual identity. Nick opens up about the process of writing Shadows of Tehran—his fictionalized autobiography—as a form of healing and advocacy, reconnecting with his roots while confronting painful truths.
He speaks candidly about the emotional legacy of his past, how he found peace through storytelling, and why he believes that sharing immigrant stories—especially those shaped by conflict—is essential to collective healing and understanding.
This episode is a moving testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of claiming your story.
Connect with Nick Berg:
🌐 Official Website: https://www.pnberg.com/ 💼 About Nick Berg: https://www.pnberg.com/about-nick-berg/ 💼 Contact: https://www.pnberg.com/contact-nick-berg-author-of-shadows-of-tehran/ 💼 Press & Media: https://www.pnberg.com/nick-berg-press-media/ 💼 Charity Work: https://www.pnberg.com/nick-berg-charities/ 💼 Blog: The Warrior’s Way https://www.pnberg.com/shadows-of-tehran-blog/the-warriors-way-blog/
📚 Books by Nick Berg 🔥 Shadows of Tehran: Forged in Conflict – From Iranian Rebel to American Soldier: https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Tehran-Conflict-Iranian-American/dp/B0DMHKHY6L
🔥 Other Works: Secrets to a Successful Commercial Software (COTS) Implementation The Culture of Open: Transforming Your Business Through Transparency, Truth and Trust https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/nick-berg/1458879/
📱 Social Media Profiles Instagram: @nick.berg3 Goodreads: Nick Berg
______________________________________________________
The Immigrant Experience in America
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
📱Listen on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
📱Connect with Simone! 💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org 💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson 💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast 💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience
In Part 2 of this gripping conversation, host Simone Johnson continues her discussion with Nick Berg—author of Shadows of Tehran and U.S. Special Operations veteran—as he reflects on life in the military, what it meant to serve the very country he once viewed from afar, and how those experiences shaped his evolving identity.
Nick shares powerful insights into his missions across conflict zones in Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Bosnia, the psychological toll of war, and how his training pushed him beyond the limits of fear and survival.
This episode explores the intersection of patriotism, trauma, and transformation as Nick transitions from a soldier to a storyteller—and begins writing the narrative that would become Shadows of Tehran.
_________________
Connect with Nick Berg:
- Homepage: pnberg.com
- About Nick Berg: Biography
- Contact: Reach Out
- Press & Media: Media Coverage
- Charity Work: Nick Berg Charities
- Blog: The Warrior’s Way
📚 Books by Nick Berg * Shadows of Tehran: Forged in Conflict – From Iranian Rebel to American Soldier
+ Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org
-
Other Works:
- Secrets to a Successful Commercial Software (COTS) Implementation
- The Culture of Open: Transforming Your Business Through Transparency, Truth and Trust
- Available on ThriftBooksBarnes & Noble+2Bookshop+2Amazon+2ThriftBooks
📱 Social Media Profiles
- Instagram: @nick.berg3
- Goodreads: Nick Berg
The Immigrant Experience in America
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Official Site
-
Listen on:
- Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
- Support our Patreon
Connect with Simone!
- Website
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
- LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson
- Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
- TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience
In this powerful and emotional episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, host Simone Johnson sits down with Nick Berg—author, U.S. Army veteran, and self-described "citizen of the earth"—as he shares his remarkable journey from Tehran to America.
Born to an Iranian mother and American father, Nick’s story spans continents, cultures, revolutions, and wars.
Nick Berg is an American-Iranian author and former U.S. Special Operations soldier, best known for his autobiographical novel Shadows of Tehran. His work explores themes of resilience, cultural conflict, and transformation.
In this deeply personal conversation, he opens up about growing up during the Iranian Revolution, navigating identity as a biracial, bicultural child, escaping government persecution, learning English from scratch, and ultimately serving in the U.S. Army for over a decade—including Special Operations deployments to conflict zones like Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Bosnia.
Nick’s upcoming novel, Shadows of Tehran, is a fictionalized autobiography that captures these experiences through a gripping narrative of resilience, rebellion, and redemption.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- Nick’s upbringing in Iran and the cultural shock of arriving in America
- How the Iranian Revolution upended life overnight
- What it means to be a “third culture” person—and why he never felt fully Iranian or American
- His early days in Detroit and learning to navigate America’s racial dynamics
- How the U.S. Army became both refuge and purpose
- A surprising and emotional discovery: reconnecting with his CIA-officer father decades later
- Insights into Shadows of Tehran, his upcoming book blending truth and fiction
💬 Notable Quotes:
🔥 “In Iran, I was the American boy. In America, I was the Iranian guy. I belonged nowhere—and everywhere.” 🔥 “Joining the military wasn’t just about serving. It was about trying to belong and trying to help people who couldn’t help themselves.” 🔥 “No matter where you go in the world—color, culture, class—we all want the same thing: to take care of our families and live a life of meaning.”
Connect with Nick Berg:
🌐 Official Website * Homepage: pnberg.com * About Nick Berg: Biography * Contact: Reach Out * Press & Media: Media Coverage * Charity Work: Nick Berg Charities * Blog: The Warrior’s Way
📚 Books by Nick Berg * Shadows of Tehran: Forged in Conflict – From Iranian Rebel to American Soldier + Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org
- Other Works:
- Secrets to a Successful Commercial Software (COTS) Implementation
- The Culture of Open: Transforming Your Business Through Transparency, Truth and Trust
- Available on ThriftBooksBarnes & Noble+2Bookshop+2Amazon+2ThriftBooks
📱 Social Media Profiles * Instagram: @nick.berg3 * Goodreads: Nick Berg
The Immigrant Experience in America
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Official Site
- Listen on:
- Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
-
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
-
Support our Patreon
Connect with Simone!
- Website
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
- LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson
- Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
- TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience
Welcome to Part 3 of this podcast episode.
In this episode, Suhein shares her compelling journey of navigating complex cultural identities as an immigrant in America, the challenges of balancing two worlds, and her journey toward reclaiming her Circassian heritage.
From confronting racial assumptions to launching a skincare business rooted in family tradition, Suhein unpacks the layers of assimilation, resilience, and the drive for cultural visibility.
💔 Key Themes Explored:
- Suhein reflects on her experiences growing up as a Circassian immigrant in America, the tension of fitting into American culture, and the unique challenges of being both part of the dominant racial group and an outsider due to her ethnicity and faith.
- The concept of "whiteness" as a tool for survival in a society that values assimilation, and how racial and cultural identity shifts when others learn of her non-European background.
- The pain and healing found in reconnecting with her ancestors, including the legacy of Circassians and her grandfather's skincare product, Olaj, which she has turned into a business to honor her heritage.
💬 Memorable Quotes:
- "Whenever possible, I have exploited my whiteness, my blonde, my blue-eyed, whenever possible, and it is currency. I am ashamed to say how powerful that currency is."
- "Home is where you feel safe. And I just don’t have that. I feel more alien now more than ever."
👑 About Suhein Beck: Suhein Beck is known as The Culture Cultivator. She is a dynamic Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur, and a proud Circassian with roots tracing back to the legendary Amazon Women of the Caucasus.
Currently, Suhein is on an International Speaking Tour & Campaign where she draws from her rich Circassian heritage to challenge societal norms and ignite transformative leadership. Her mission is to inspire others to adopt a personal Code of Honor, reclaim their identity, and embody resilience in the face of adversity.
In this episode, she courageously shares her deeply personal story—from surviving the trauma of domestic violence and racism in America to facing the difficult decisions of choosing between financial gain and her own integrity.
Through her honesty, vulnerability, and fierce sense of purpose, Suhein shows us what it truly means to be an Immigrant, an Exile, a Refugee—and a Warrior.
Suhein’s Links:
- www.SUHEIN.com
- www.ELAJnaturally.com
- info@suhein.com
The Immigrant Experience in America
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Official Site
Listen on:
- Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon
Connect with Simone!
- Website
- TikTok
Welcome to Part 2 of this podcast episode.
In this deeply moving episode, Suhein Beck continues sharing her journey as a Circassian immigrant navigating multiple identities while living through the challenges of exile, trauma, and the quest for belonging.
She reflects on the complexities of her heritage, the emotional toll of being displaced, and how these experiences shaped her family’s resilience and drive. From escaping gangs in New Jersey to navigating the intricacies of American culture, Suhein’s story is a testament to survival, adaptation, and the strength it takes to find home after being uprooted.
💔 Key Themes Explored:
- Caucasian Misunderstanding: Suhein educates listeners on the true meaning of "Caucasian," explaining how the term has been misappropriated and disconnected from its original roots in the Caucasus Mountains.
- Immigrant Struggles and Survival: She recounts her family’s early days in the U.S. and the harsh realities they faced, from gang threats to the pressure of running a family business in a new land.
- Generational Trauma: Suhein speaks about the lasting impact of displacement, the constant feeling of not being safe, and how it shaped her worldview.
- Language Loss and Revival: Suhein discusses the challenges her people faced with losing their native Circassian language and the ongoing efforts to bring it back.
- The Immigrant Mentality: The immigrant experience instills a mentality of constant preparation, the ability to start over, and the refusal to let fear dictate one’s life.
🔥Resources Mentioned:
- The Unseen Truth by Dr. Elizabeth Sarah Lewis
- Scholars: Dr. John Colarusso, Dr. Adrienne Mayer, Dr. Janine Davis Kimball
- Circassian Language and Cultural Revival
💬 Memorable Quotes:
- “Fear is a luxury. If you have time to be afraid, you have luxury. We don’t have luxury.”
- “I am a ghost from an ancient civilization you’ve never heard of.”
- “Once you are a refugee, an exile, or an immigrant, you understand that at any given moment, anywhere, an earthquake, a disaster, or a change in the political landscape can uproot everything. You become mentally prepared to start over.”
✨ Listen now and share with someone who needs permission to pause, soften, and start again from the inside out.
📌 Stay tuned for Part 3, where we explore practical ways to build inner safety and expand your capacity to heal.
👑 About Suhein Beck: Suhein Beck is known as The Culture Cultivator. She is a dynamic Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur, and a proud Circassian with roots tracing back to the legendary Amazon Women of the Caucasus.
Currently, Suhein is on an International Speaking Tour & Campaign where she draws from her rich Circassian heritage to challenge societal norms and ignite transformative leadership. Her mission is to inspire others to adopt a personal Code of Honor, reclaim their identity, and embody resilience in the face of adversity.
In this episode, she courageously shares her deeply personal story—from surviving the trauma of domestic violence and racism in America to facing the difficult decisions of choosing between financial gain and her own integrity.
Through her honesty, vulnerability, and fierce sense of purpose, Suhein shows us what it truly means to be an Immigrant, an Exile, a Refugee—and a Warrior.
Suhein’s Links:
- www.SUHEIN.com
- www.ELAJnaturally.com
- info@suhein.com
The Immigrant Experience in America
- Listen on:
- Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
- Support our Patreon
- Connect with Simone!
- Website
- TikTok
In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, host Simone Johnson Smith sits down with the incredible Suhein Beck, known to many as The Culture Cultivator. What unfolds is not just a conversation—it's a masterclass in resilience, identity, and the ongoing search for belonging.
Suhein Beck is a dynamic Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur, a proud Circassian with ancestral roots tracing back to the legendary Amazon Women of the Caucasus. She’s currently leading an International Speaking Tour & Campaign that challenges mainstream narratives and inspires transformational leaders to develop their own higher standards and adopt a personal Code of Honor.
🔥 In This Episode: Suhein opens up about her extraordinary healing journey, from growing up amid violence, domestic terrorism, and racism in New Jersey, to wrestling with the generational trauma of genocide and exile. Her story bridges continents, cultures, and centuries as she shares what it means to live in exile—not just from a homeland, but from a sense of safety and belonging.
💔 Key Themes Explored: * 🔥 Growing up in the crossfire of gangs and mafias—and how she survived * 🌍 What it means to be an exile, a refugee, an immigrant—all at once * 🧬 Healing from inherited trauma and breaking generational cycles * 💼 Becoming an entrepreneur while being guided by an unwavering personal Code of Honor * 🛡️ Choosing courage over comfort, again and again * 🌀 Finding identity in displacement—and the strength to rebuild, over and over
💬 Memorable Quotes: “You can be born into exile and still rise into your purpose.” “We weren’t just displaced by force—we were raised in a war of silence.”
👑 About Suhein Beck: Suhein Beck is known as The Culture Cultivator. She is a dynamic Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur, and a proud Circassian with roots tracing back to the legendary Amazon Women of the Caucasus.
Currently, Suhein is on an International Speaking Tour & Campaign where she draws from her rich Circassian heritage to challenge societal norms and ignite transformative leadership. Her mission is to inspire others to adopt a personal Code of Honor, reclaim their identity, and embody resilience in the face of adversity.
In this episode, she courageously shares her deeply personal story—from surviving the trauma of domestic violence and racism in America to facing the difficult decisions of choosing between financial gain and her own integrity.
Through her honesty, vulnerability, and fierce sense of purpose, Suhein shows us what it truly means to be an Immigrant, an Exile, a Refugee—and a Warrior.
Suhein’s Links:
- www.SUHEIN.com
- www.ELAJnaturally.com
- info@suhein.com
The Immigrant Experience in America
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Official Site
- Listen on:
- Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
- Support our Patreon
Connect with Simone!
- Website
- TikTok
Richard Perkins Hsung was born in China in 1966 and was one of the first teens to leave China legally after Mao’s Cultural Revolution. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, retiring in 2022. He spent ten years editing and completing Spring Flower (Earnshaw Books) by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. The three-volume memoir chronicles her life as an adopted child of American medical missionaries, survivor of China's brutal communist regime, ophthalmologist, immigrant, and mother. Hsung lives in Madison,WI with his wife, where keeping squirrels from digging up his backyard has become a daily scientific obsession. Learn more at Yangtze River by the Hudson Bay. GUEST WEBSITE: https://www.yangtzeriverbythehudsonbay.site/home-page.html
SOCIAL MEDIA: @RichardPHsung
Email: rhsung@wisc.edu
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
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Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Richard Perkins Hsung was born in China in 1966 and was one of the first teens to leave China legally after Mao’s Cultural Revolution. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, retiring in 2022. He spent ten years editing and completing Spring Flower (Earnshaw Books) by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. The three-volume memoir chronicles her life as an adopted child of American medical missionaries, survivor of China's brutal communist regime, ophthalmologist, immigrant, and mother. Hsung lives in Madison,WI with his wife, where keeping squirrels from digging up his backyard has become a daily scientific obsession. Learn more at Yangtze River by the Hudson Bay.
GUEST WEBSITE: https://www.yangtzeriverbythehudsonbay.site/home-page.html
SOCIAL MEDIA: @RichardPHsung
Email: rhsung@wisc.edu
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
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Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
James Wilson is an expat coach and accredited therapist with over 16 years of experience in
behavioural change. Having worked in the UK, France and the US, James understands the
challenges of adapting to a new culture and redefining one’s professional identity abroad.
Through his coaching practice, he helps fellow expats navigate transitions, overcome barriers, and
build fulfilling lives in alignment with their values. He also hosts the podcast On Being Good
Enough, where he explores the emotional realities of expat life.
My links are:
Website: www.wmaexpatcoaching.com
Podcast: On being good enough - https://open.spotify.com/show/189dE32DgNCXkJQcTb8lpq?si=a66ba332bbe749ac
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
James Wilson is an expat coach and accredited therapist with over 16 years of experience in
behavioural change. Having worked in the UK, France and the US, James understands the
challenges of adapting to a new culture and redefining one’s professional identity abroad.
Through his coaching practice, he helps fellow expats navigate transitions, overcome barriers, and
build fulfilling lives in alignment with their values. He also hosts the podcast On Being Good
Enough, where he explores the emotional realities of expat life.
My links are:
Website: www.wmaexpatcoaching.com
Podcast: On being good enough - https://open.spotify.com/show/189dE32DgNCXkJQcTb8lpq?si=a66ba332bbe749ac
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
With over a decade of experience in real estate investing and a background in tax-efficient strategies, Alina Trigub help IT professionals explore passive real estate opportunities that align with their goals—without disrupting their demanding schedules.
www.SAMOFinancial.com info@samofinancial.com 201-754-8251
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
With over a decade of experience in real estate investing and a background in tax-efficient strategies, Alina Trigub help IT professionals explore passive real estate opportunities that align with their goals—without disrupting their demanding schedules.
www.SAMOFinancial.com info@samofinancial.com 201-754-8251
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=uzDNVxpjYHFz2ppnYcNXF2wrHjPU5dtoNUznVGfz45I
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Anya Gillinson was born in Moscow, Russia, into the family of a renowned physician and a concert pianist. When she was thirteen years old, her father was killed during a botched robbery on his first and last visit to New York. Two years after his death, Anya moved to New York with her mother and younger sister and went on to graduate from high school, college, and eventually law school.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=uzDNVxpjYHFz2ppnYcNXF2wrHjPU5dtoNUznVGfz45I
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
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Anya Gillinson was born in Moscow, Russia, into the family of a renowned physician and a concert pianist. When she was thirteen years old, her father was killed during a botched robbery on his first and last visit to New York. Two years after his death, Anya moved to New York with her mother and younger sister and went on to graduate from high school, college, and eventually law school.
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Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Anya Gillinson was born in Moscow, Russia, into the family of a renowned physician and a concert pianist. When she was thirteen years old, her father was killed during a botched robbery on his first and last visit to New York. Two years after his death, Anya moved to New York with her mother and younger sister and went on to graduate from high school, college, and eventually law school.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=uzDNVxpjYHFz2ppnYcNXF2wrHjPU5dtoNUznVGfz45I
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
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In Decoding America & Coming Home to Yourself: The Immigrant Experience, author Simone Johnson Smith offers hope and guidance in navigating the complexities of immigrant life. Drawing from her own journey and insights from her acclaimed podcast, in the Immigrant Experience in America, Smith skillfully explores the immigrant’s disorienting shi from a collectivist to an individualistic culture, delving into the profound culture shock and the transformative process of becoming a hybrid identity, which she terms a “ third-Culture Person” capable of bridging both cultures. is book is a practical guide and a powerful call to action, urging you to embrace and harness your unique identity and heritage as sources of strength.
By understanding daily cultural norms and celebrating our roots, we can bridge cultural divides and transform our differences into valuable assets, making a meaningful contribution to American society. Decoding America & Coming Home to Yourself: The Immigrant Experience is an essential roadmap for navigating cultural barriers, reclaiming your sense of belonging, and tapping into your unique strengths —your Superpower. Your journey to empowerment starts here!
Get the book wherever books are sold or click the link below:
https://thebridgeconcepts.org/the-book/
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
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Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
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Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=uzDNVxpjYHFz2ppnYcNXF2wrHjPU5dtoNUznVGfz45I
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.com
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Sairan Aqrawi is the CEO of International Transition Expert, a successful transformation coach, an engaging speaker, a knowledgeable and attentive mentor, a co-author of a bestselling book, and so much more!
A humble yet professional leader, Sairan has the knowledge and motivation to help you live your best life. Her goal is to leverage your strengths and empower you to transform your life, finding your true happiness, and making you feel at home wherever you are. Sairan is an ACC Associate Certified Coach and a distinguished mentor at George Washington University’s Women in Engineering (WiE) and Women in Technology (WiT).
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
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Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=uzDNVxpjYHFz2ppnYcNXF2wrHjPU5dtoNUznVGfz45I
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.com
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Sairan Aqrawi is the CEO of International Transition Expert, a successful transformation coach, an engaging speaker, a knowledgeable and attentive mentor, a co-author of a bestselling book, and so much more!
A humble yet professional leader, Sairan has the knowledge and motivation to help you live your best life. Her goal is to leverage your strengths and empower you to transform your life, finding your true happiness, and making you feel at home wherever you are. Sairan is an ACC Associate Certified Coach and a distinguished mentor at George Washington University’s Women in Engineering (WiE) and Women in Technology (WiT).
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Click the link below to purchase a copy of Simone's newly released book: "Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience"
https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=uzDNVxpjYHFz2ppnYcNXF2wrHjPU5dtoNUznVGfz45I
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Master Certified Coach Olivia Abousaid understands the profound impact of self-improvement through her own journey. Born and raised in Dallas to Palestinian parents, Olivia has cultivated a deep appreciation for personal growth and transformation while navigating the complexities of cultural and political externalities. Now based in Los Angeles, she harnesses her life experiences and coaching expertise to empower individuals to transform grief into action.
Olivia's grief and transformation coaching transcends one-size-fits-all solutions. She creates a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their unique goals, navigate grief, overcome challenges, and embrace their authentic selves.
Here's where people can find her: https://www.pact-coaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/pact_coaching https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviaabousaid/ Books recommended by Olivia: "The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017" by Rashid Khaldi "Except for Palestine: The Limits of Progressive Politics" by Marc Lamont Hill and Mitchell Plitnick "On Palestine" by Noam Chomsy and Ilan Pappe "Black Power and Palestine: Transnational Countries of Color" by Michael R Fischbach --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Master Certified Coach Olivia Abousaid understands the profound impact of self-improvement through her own journey. Born and raised in Dallas to Palestinian parents, Olivia has cultivated a deep appreciation for personal growth and transformation while navigating the complexities of cultural and political externalities. Now based in Los Angeles, she harnesses her life experiences and coaching expertise to empower individuals to transform grief into action.
Olivia's grief and transformation coaching transcends one-size-fits-all solutions. She creates a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their unique goals, navigate grief, overcome challenges, and embrace their authentic selves.
Here's where people can find her: https://www.pact-coaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/pact_coaching https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviaabousaid/ Books recommended by Olivia: "The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017" by Rashid Khaldi "Except for Palestine: The Limits of Progressive Politics" by Marc Lamont Hill and Mitchell Plitnick "On Palestine" by Noam Chomsy and Ilan Pappe "Black Power and Palestine: Transnational Countries of Color" by Michael R Fischbach --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Master Certified Coach Olivia Abousaid understands the profound impact of self-improvement through her own journey. Born and raised in Dallas to Palestinian parents, Olivia has cultivated a deep appreciation for personal growth and transformation while navigating the complexities of cultural and political externalities. Now based in Los Angeles, she harnesses her life experiences and coaching expertise to empower individuals to transform grief into action.
Olivia's grief and transformation coaching transcends one-size-fits-all solutions. She creates a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their unique goals, navigate grief, overcome challenges, and embrace their authentic selves.
Here's where people can find her: https://www.pact-coaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/pact_coaching https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviaabousaid/ Books recommended by Olivia: "The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017" by Rashid Khaldi "Except for Palestine: The Limits of Progressive Politics" by Marc Lamont Hill and Mitchell Plitnick "On Palestine" by Noam Chomsy and Ilan Pappe "Black Power and Palestine: Transnational Countries of Color" by Michael R Fischbach --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Sara Stanizai, LMFT (she/her) is a licensed therapist who founded Prospect Therapy to create a queer- and trans-affirming practice that focuses specifically on serving first-generation American and immigrant communities.
As a queer first-gen herself, Sara’s clinical and professional work focuses on serving the Afghan diaspora, specifically fellow Afghan-American women, through retreats and group experiences that help participants find community and reconciliation with self, culture and ancestry.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Sara Stanizai, LMFT (she/her) is a licensed therapist who founded Prospect Therapy to create a queer- and trans-affirming practice that focuses specifically on serving first-generation American and immigrant communities.
As a queer first-gen herself, Sara’s clinical and professional work focuses on serving the Afghan diaspora, specifically fellow Afghan-American women, through retreats and group experiences that help participants find community and reconciliation with self, culture and ancestry.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Summie Yeung is a Life & Career Transition Coach, dedicated to empowering multicultural people in English-speaking countries to break free from traditional career paths and cultural expectations. Summie's immigrant journey began when she was 15, when she arrived in the UK from Hong Kong without her parents. She started her career with the conventional path of securing a stable job in technology consulting. Amidst turbulence at her last workplace, she read the book "Third Culture Kids," which illuminated the impact of cultural identity on career choices. This realization, coupled with her own career dissatisfaction, led her to seek coaching and eventually become a coach herself. In this episode, we explored Summie's immigrant story, the cultural challenges that she encountered, and the learnings that she's harnessed, looking back to the biggest risk she has taken at the age of 15. Summie is passionate about the common experiences of immigrants, and has developed the “Counter-Cultural Method”: a 3-step process to enable multicultural people to assess cultural contexts, explore personal and cultural identities, and take practical action. Summie has offered a free gift to our listeners, which is available on this link: https://www.summieyeung.com/gift You can also reach her using the following methods: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/summieyeung/ Instagram: @summiecoach.me Website: www.summieyeung.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 202-888-5992 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Summie Yeung is a Life & Career Transition Coach, dedicated to empowering multicultural people in English-speaking countries to break free from traditional career paths and cultural expectations. Summie's immigrant journey began when she was 15, when she arrived in the UK from Hong Kong without her parents. She started her career with the conventional path of securing a stable job in technology consulting. Amidst turbulence at her last workplace, she read the book "Third Culture Kids," which illuminated the impact of cultural identity on career choices. This realization, coupled with her own career dissatisfaction, led her to seek coaching and eventually become a coach herself. In this episode, we explored Summie's immigrant story, the cultural challenges that she encountered, and the learnings that she's harnessed, looking back to the biggest risk she has taken at the age of 15. Summie is passionate about the common experiences of immigrants, and has developed the “Counter-Cultural Method”: a 3-step process to enable multicultural people to assess cultural contexts, explore personal and cultural identities, and take practical action. Summie has offered a free gift to our listeners, which is available on this link: https://www.summieyeung.com/gift You can also reach her using the following methods: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/summieyeung/ Instagram: @summiecoach.me Website: www.summieyeung.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 202-888-5992 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Varuni Sinha is a New York City-based writer and multimedia producer. She has written for The Post and Courier, Time Out New York, and created 360-degree campaigns for global brands such as Yamaha and Panasonic. A former guest lecturer at the University of Delhi, where she taught “Race and Politics Through Literature” and wrote a dissertation on the history of Indian comic superheroes, tracing their origin story to Hindu gods and their American cousins. Her paintings have been displayed in solo and group exhibitions in galleries across India.
Support Varuni's Book:
"Golden Handcuffs: An Immigrant's Pursuit of Happiness"
Links to purchase the book:
Varuni's website: varunisinha.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5ML6NMY
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 202-888-5992 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Varuni Sinha is a New York City-based writer and multimedia producer. She has written for The Post and Courier, Time Out New York, and created 360-degree campaigns for global brands such as Yamaha and Panasonic. A former guest lecturer at the University of Delhi, she taught “Race and Politics Through Literature” and wrote a dissertation on the history of Indian comic superheroes, tracing their origin story to Hindu gods and their American cousins. Her paintings have been displayed in solo and group exhibitions in galleries across India.
Support Varuni's Book:
"Golden Handcuffs: An Immigrant's Pursuit of Happiness"
Links to purchase the book:
MVaruni's website: varunisinha.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5ML6NMY
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Varuni Sinha is a New York City-based writer and multimedia producer. She has written for The Post and Courier, Time Out New York, and created 360-degree campaigns for global brands such as Yamaha and Panasonic. A former guest lecturer at the University of Delhi, she taught “Race and Politics Through Literature” and wrote a dissertation on the history of Indian comic superheroes, tracing their origin story to Hindu gods and their American cousins. Her paintings have been displayed in solo and group exhibitions in galleries across India.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Frederick Milles is an Expat from the U.S. who has lived in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica for over 20 years. Listen to his re-entry to the U.S. after being gone for 20+ years and his immigrant experience to the Caribbean coast.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
They are always late! They are slaves to the clock! Joseph Shaules and Yvonne van der Pol explore cultural stereotypes about time. They discuss Edward Hall’s monochronic time and polychronic time, the embodied and embedded nature of time, and Ishita Ray shares her experiences with time logics in India. And you can take a quiz to test your own time logic!
Nikki Singletary is a software engineer and a Chow Chow owner who frequently travels for a change of scenery, to check out a webdev conference, or simply to satisfy her travel bug. She recently moved to Costa Rica to experience the nomadic life with her pupper.
Her travel blog - https://www.breakfastincluded.co/.
More about Nikki at: https://www.breakfastincluded.co/author/nikki-singletary
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Nikki Singletary is a software engineer and a Chow Chow owner who frequently travels for a change of scenery, to check out a webdev conference, or simply to satisfy her travel bug. She recently moved to Costa Rica to experience the nomadic life with her pupper.
Her travel blog - https://www.breakfastincluded.co/.
More about Nikki at: https://www.breakfastincluded.co/author/nikki-singletary
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Connect with Cami:
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@camiathomeyoutube
Medium: https://medium.com/@camiathome
Website: https://camiathome.com/
Ebook: https://camiathome.com/getting-remote-job/
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
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Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Connect with Cami socials:
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@camiathomeyoutube
Medium: https://medium.com/@camiathome
Website: https://camiathome.com/
Ebook: https://camiathome.com/getting-remote-job/
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Jervian Johnson is a very energetic, passionate and dedicated young lady who strives for the highest standards in all her endeavours. Jervian believes that while it is important to achieve personal success academically and professionally, a component of true success is giving back to others and contributing to national development. As such, she has actively participated in various clubs and societies while pursuing her secondary and tertiary education. She is currently a volunteer in the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Jamaica, which was awarded the 2017 Prime Ministers Youth Award for Excellence in the category of youth development. She has volunteered with the organization since 2010, and served as president for the IYF Club – UTech Chapter. Jervian was also the Youth Member of Parliament for South-Central St. Catherine, where she coordinated projects and programs that helped to foster youth development.
Jervian, who was always keen on pursuing her academic and career goals, was awarded the Jamaica Female Scholarship and The Korean Government Scholarship in 2008 and 2014 respectively. These assisted greatly in propelling her while she pursued her career goals. She was also awarded the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence in Academics in 2018.
Jervian has contributed to national development by serving in various positions in the private and public sector. In her early career she worked as a Process Engineer at Petrojam Limited. After completing her Masters in Environmental Engineering at Ajou University, South Korea, she was offered a position as an Environmental Engineering Specialist in the Environmental Management Subdivision at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). Here she functioned as Team Leader for the Environmental Monitoring team for the JISCO/Alpart Alumina Manufacturing Plant. Jervian also had stints at Continental Baking Company as Sanitation, Quality & Production Supervisor; and the Scientific Research Council as Process Development Officer. She also received a very prestigious opportunity to serve as a Jamaica House Fellow at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Jervian is currently the Managing Director of a Jamaican health food brand, Tropicks365. Tropicks365 was founded in 2021. Its focus is to preserve tropical fruits (and vegetables) cultivated here in Jamaica, using simple preservation techniques. A variety of flavours are incorporated into dried fruits that will allow customers to have a unique eating experience. Fruits/foods that have been processed into snacks or products to make drinks/teas are mangoes, pineapples, jackfruits, plantains, sorrel and ginger.
Tropicks365 dried fruits are healthy snack choices that can be had as is, or combined with other treats, such as ice cream, yogurt, and fruit/vegetable salads. These snacks can be enjoyed and appreciated by Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, and by foreigners visiting Jamaica and living overseas. The vision for Tropicks365 is to be the brand of the choice for products of high quality, delicious taste, high nutritional value, and convenience. This snack will inspire enjoyable eating experiences and allow families, friends, and colleagues to connect as they munch away in a new way using familiar ingredients, while reminiscing on their past experiences.
TROPICKS365 ACHIEVEMENTS: Successful launch of six (6) product lines:
Dried mango – original, sweet & sour, salt & pepper, spicy flavour variations; two sizes – 45g and 90g Dried pineapple – original Dried plantain – original Dried jackfruit – original Dehydrated Pine Skin and Ginger Dried Sorrel
Distribution in six (6) locations that provides local and overseas access to the products:
General Foods Supermarket New Kingston Pharmacy Jamaican Care Packages Limited (online store that supplies Jamaicans abroad with local items) Things Jamaican – Devon House, Norman Manley International Airport, Jamaica Business Development Commission (JBDC) Headquarters
Distribution of products through online stores that allows products to be accessible to customers in the United States and Canada:
Carib Shopper (https://caribshopper.com/en-ca/collections/tropicks365) Things Jamaican (https://thingsjamaicanshopping.com/dried-jamaican-fruits-3pk- tropicks-365/) Taste Jamaica (https://tastejamaica.com/try-our-products) Grocery List Jamaica (https://grocerylistjamaica.com/product/tropicks-365-dried- sorrel-100g/ )
3 rd Place winner for the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) Youth in Agri-Business Awards Jamaica Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association (JMEA) 2023 Award for Jamaica Emerging Manufacturer and Services (JEMS) Company of the Year
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Jervian Johnson is a very energetic, passionate and dedicated young lady who strives for the highest standards in all her endeavours. Jervian believes that while it is important to achieve personal success academically and professionally, a component of true success is giving back to others and contributing to national development. As such, she has actively participated in various clubs and societies while pursuing her secondary and tertiary education. She is currently a volunteer in the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Jamaica, which was awarded the 2017 Prime Ministers Youth Award for Excellence in the category of youth development. She has volunteered with the organization since 2010, and served as president for the IYF Club – UTech Chapter. Jervian was also the Youth Member of Parliament for South-Central St. Catherine, where she coordinated projects and programs that helped to foster youth development.
Jervian, who was always keen on pursuing her academic and career goals, was awarded the Jamaica Female Scholarship and The Korean Government Scholarship in 2008 and 2014 respectively. These assisted greatly in propelling her while she pursued her career goals. She was also awarded the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence in Academics in 2018.
Jervian has contributed to national development by serving in various positions in the private and public sector. In her early career she worked as a Process Engineer at Petrojam Limited. After completing her Masters in Environmental Engineering at Ajou University, South Korea, she was offered a position as an Environmental Engineering Specialist in the Environmental Management Subdivision at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). Here she functioned as Team Leader for the Environmental Monitoring team for the JISCO/Alpart Alumina Manufacturing Plant. Jervian also had stints at Continental Baking Company as Sanitation, Quality & Production Supervisor; and the Scientific Research Council as Process Development Officer. She also received a very prestigious opportunity to serve as a Jamaica House Fellow at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Jervian is currently the Managing Director of a Jamaican health food brand, Tropicks365. Tropicks365 was founded in 2021. Its focus is to preserve tropical fruits (and vegetables) cultivated here in Jamaica, using simple preservation techniques. A variety of flavours are incorporated into dried fruits that will allow customers to have a unique eating experience. Fruits/foods that have been processed into snacks or products to make drinks/teas are mangoes, pineapples, jackfruits, plantains, sorrel and ginger.
Tropicks365 dried fruits are healthy snack choices that can be had as is, or combined with other treats, such as ice cream, yogurt, and fruit/vegetable salads. These snacks can be enjoyed and appreciated by Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, and by foreigners visiting Jamaica and living overseas. The vision for Tropicks365 is to be the brand of the choice for products of high quality, delicious taste, high nutritional value, and convenience. This snack will inspire enjoyable eating experiences and allow families, friends, and colleagues to connect as they munch away in a new way using familiar ingredients, while reminiscing on their past experiences.
TROPICKS365 ACHIEVEMENTS: Successful launch of six (6) product lines:
Dried mango – original, sweet & sour, salt & pepper, spicy flavour variations; two sizes – 45g and 90g Dried pineapple – original Dried plantain – original Dried jackfruit – original Dehydrated Pine Skin and Ginger Dried Sorrel
Distribution in six (6) locations that provides local and overseas access to the products:
General Foods Supermarket New Kingston Pharmacy Jamaican Care Packages Limited (online store that supplies Jamaicans abroad with local items) Things Jamaican – Devon House, Norman Manley International Airport, Jamaica Business Development Commission (JBDC) Headquarters
Distribution of products through online stores that allows products to be accessible to customers in the United States and Canada:
Carib Shopper (https://caribshopper.com/en-ca/collections/tropicks365) Things Jamaican (https://thingsjamaicanshopping.com/dried-jamaican-fruits-3pk- tropicks-365/) Taste Jamaica (https://tastejamaica.com/try-our-products) Grocery List Jamaica (https://grocerylistjamaica.com/product/tropicks-365-dried- sorrel-100g/ )
3 rd Place winner for the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) Youth in Agri-Business Awards Jamaica Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association (JMEA) 2023 Award for Jamaica Emerging Manufacturer and Services (JEMS) Company of the Year
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Nina Lewis, a seasoned leader in clinical operations, brings a wealth of global experience to her role as Senior Director at Altesa. With a dynamic career spanning diverse countries and continents, Nina's journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for serving both professionally and within her community.
Originally hailing from Sierra Leone, Africa, Nina's career has taken her across the globe, from London, UK, to her current home base in Atlanta, GA, USA. Her extensive international exposure has enriched her understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives, which she seamlessly integrates into her leadership style.
Throughout her career, Nina has navigated the landscape of clinical research with finesse, working across a spectrum of organizations ranging from small CRO, biotech and device companies like Medsource & JUUL to industry giants such as IQVIA, Covance, and ICON. This diverse experience has honed her expertise in clinical operations, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in bringing life-changing therapies to market.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Nina is an avid traveler and devoted servant leader. For over seven years, she has dedicated her time and talents to serving her local church community, embodying her values of compassion and empathy in all that she does. Additionally, Nina's commitment to uplifting others extends to her role as President of North Fulton Mocha Moms, where she champions initiatives aimed at empowering women and families within her community.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a genuine desire to make a difference, Nina Lewis continues to leave an indelible mark on both the clinical research industry and the communities she serves. Her unwavering dedication, coupled with her diverse background and leadership acumen, positions her as a respected trailblazer in her field.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Nina Lewis, a seasoned leader in clinical operations, brings a wealth of global experience to her role as Senior Director at Altesa. With a dynamic career spanning diverse countries and continents, Nina's journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for serving both professionally and within her community.
Originally hailing from Sierra Leone, Africa, Nina's career has taken her across the globe, from London, UK, to her current home base in Atlanta, GA, USA. Her extensive international exposure has enriched her understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives, which she seamlessly integrates into her leadership style.
Throughout her career, Nina has navigated the landscape of clinical research with finesse, working across a spectrum of organizations ranging from small CRO, biotech and device companies like Medsource & JUUL to industry giants such as IQVIA, Covance, and ICON. This diverse experience has honed her expertise in clinical operations, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in bringing life-changing therapies to market.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Nina is an avid traveler and devoted servant leader. For over seven years, she has dedicated her time and talents to serving her local church community, embodying her values of compassion and empathy in all that she does. Additionally, Nina's commitment to uplifting others extends to her role as President of North Fulton Mocha Moms, where she champions initiatives aimed at empowering women and families within her community.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a genuine desire to make a difference, Nina Lewis continues to leave an indelible mark on both the clinical research industry and the communities she serves. Her unwavering dedication, coupled with her diverse background and leadership acumen, positions her as a respected trailblazer in her field.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Nina Lewis, a seasoned leader in clinical operations, brings a wealth of global experience to her role as Senior Director at Altesa. With a dynamic career spanning diverse countries and continents, Nina's journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for serving both professionally and within her community.
Originally hailing from Sierra Leone, Africa, Nina's career has taken her across the globe, from London, UK, to her current home base in Atlanta, GA, USA. Her extensive international exposure has enriched her understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives, which she seamlessly integrates into her leadership style.
Throughout her career, Nina has navigated the landscape of clinical research with finesse, working across a spectrum of organizations ranging from small CRO, biotech and device companies like Medsource & JUUL to industry giants such as IQVIA, Covance, and ICON. This diverse experience has honed her expertise in clinical operations, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in bringing life-changing therapies to market.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Nina is an avid traveler and devoted servant leader. For over seven years, she has dedicated her time and talents to serving her local church community, embodying her values of compassion and empathy in all that she does. Additionally, Nina's commitment to uplifting others extends to her role as President of North Fulton Mocha Moms, where she champions initiatives aimed at empowering women and families within her community.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a genuine desire to make a difference, Nina Lewis continues to leave an indelible mark on both the clinical research industry and the communities she serves. Her unwavering dedication, coupled with her diverse background and leadership acumen, positions her as a respected trailblazer in her field.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Feed drop from The Deep Culture podcast from the Japan Intercultural Institute. These episodes will help you understand culture shock and the disorientation that happens during the immigrant experience.
In this episode, Joseph and Yvonne discuss the “Oz Moment”—the experience of wonder and surprise that comes from first experiencing the sights, sounds and sensations in a foreign place. This episode explores the mental processes that lead to Oz Moment experiences. We hear from Ayako, who had a life-changing experience when she stepped into the restroom at LAX. Oz moments teach us a lot about how our mind works when we have intercultural experiences.
We are taking a break from our regularly scheduled episodes.
This week I will be presenting a signature talk about my forthcoming book, "Come Home to Yourself: An Immigrant Experience Decoding America, Fall 2024" at the London Intercultural Institute, EmpowerHer 2024. March 7-8, 2004. The event will be streamed live on LinkedIn.
Registration for Zoom closes today., March 6. I will present at 1:15 p.m. EST.
https://londoninterculturalcenter.co.uk/empowerher-2024
Feed Drop: Deep Culture Podast, Episode 5.
In this episode, hosts Yvonne van der Pol and Joseph Shaules reflect on a question they were asked during a Brain, Mind and Culture Masterclass: Where is culture in the brain? They say that there is no specific location for culture in the brain. To understand the way that culture shapes our minds, we need to remember: three brains, two minds, and one person. The three brains refer to brain structures that reflect our evolutionary past—the “reptile brain”, the “mammalian brain” and the “primate brain”. The two minds refers to the intuitive (fast thinking-pattern based) mind and the attentive (slow-thinking analytic). Despite the complexity of these cognitive systems, we experience it all simply as the self – one person. Yvonne tells a story of cross-cultural coaching—a German who feels that Dutch people interrupt too much! While the difference may be cultural, the irritation he felt was in his whole body!
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Interview with the Eugina Jordan, author of Unlimited - The 17 proven laws for success in a workplace not designed for you.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
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Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Dr. Raj Sundar is a full-spectrum family physician and community organizer. He hosts Healthcare for Humans , a podcast dedicated to educating others on how to care for culturally diverse communities so they can be better healers. He works with others to create systems that treat each person with dignity, respect their histories, celebrate their joys, and honor their hopes
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Dr. Raj Sundar is a full-spectrum family physician and community organizer. He hosts Healthcare for Humans, a podcast dedicated to educating others on how to care for culturally diverse communities so they can be better healers. He works with others to create systems that treat each person with dignity, respect their histories, celebrate their joys, and honor their hopes.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
This week we are taking a break from our regularly scheduled interviews.
This podcast - Deep Culture podcast from the Japan Intercultural Institute by Dr. Joseph Shaules and team has helped me under the disorientation that one experiences after moving to a foreign country. I am sharing a few episodes with you because I think it will help you understand your own immigrant experience.
In season 1, episode 4 of the Deep Culture podcast, Yvonne and Joseph dive deep into talk about culture from the brain-mind-science perspective. They share their excitement about new areas of research, such as cultural neuroscience, which is revolutionizing our understanding of culture and the mind. They discuss the importance of cultural “A-ha” moments of insight—these remind us the intercultural experiences touch us at deep levels of the self, and help us grow.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Beacons page: https://beacons.ai/simonewjohnsonsmith
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
This is Part 2 of the previous episode. Amy Yip is a Somatic Life Transformation and Mental Fitness coach, keynote speaker, author, and self-confidence trainer. She works with women of color leaders to strengthen their mental fitness, heal intergenerational wounds, find their voice and the courage to speak up, and have agency to let go of all the ‘shoulds’ so that they can be the authors of their own life stories. Her mission is to empower AAPI women to be seen, to be heard, and to f-ing rock the boat.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
This is Part 1 of the episode. Amy Yip is a Somatic Life Transformation and Mental Fitness coach, keynote speaker, author, and self-confidence trainer. She works with women of color leaders to strengthen their mental fitness, heal intergenerational wounds, find their voice and the courage to speak up, and have agency to let go of all the ‘shoulds’ so that they can be the authors of their own life stories. Her mission is to empower AAPI women to be seen, to be heard, and to f-ing rock the boat.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
About Kaara and family: We have been together for 21 years and happily married for 16 years! We have two energetic kids ages 7 and 10. Born and raised in the Caribbean (Jamaica and Trinidad), we now call Atlanta GA “home.” As you can probably tell, we are passionate about marriages and helping couples realize their full potential in their relationships. Together, we bring over 20 years of professional experience combined with a strong spiritual background in our work with couples. Kaara is a licensed clinical social work specializing in trauma and couples. Kaara is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jared graduated from Duke University School of Medicine and obtained a dual degree in medicine and Masters in Psychology. Jared went on to complete his Residency and Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. Today Jared is a practicing Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist and Kaara has a private practice where she sees couples remotely via tele-therapy. Both are trained to provide individual and couples therapy and use various therapeutic models such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (for couples) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
About Authentic Marriages: We are Jared and Kaara, the co-founders of Authentic Marriages, a faith-based, relationship ministry, designed to promote emotionally and spiritually healthy marriages globally. Jared is a double boarded, licensed Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and Relationship Coach. Kaara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Relationship Coach with experience in individual and couples therapy with a specialization in healing emotional trauma. Together we bring over 20 years of combined professional experience in the mental health field working with individuals, families and couples using evidenced-based interventions.
In our society it is not uncommon to find couples that are secretly suffering in unhappy marriages. Pride, fear of rejection and public humiliation prevents us from speaking our truth in an authentic way. Discussing challenges in marital relationships openly and honestly is often avoided. This subculture unintentionally creates an unsafe environment for couples to be vulnerable with friends, family and even those in the church! It leaves couples alienated and left to suffer silently in their marriages. When you live a lie or present a false narrative of your marriage, you inherently have an inauthentic marriage. This adds even more stress to an already overwhelming situation.
Here at Authentic Marriages we strive to keep it REAL! Simply speaking, nothing is off limits! We don’t want to present a fairytale version of marriage but rather a realistic view of the blessings and challenges that every marriage may face. We hope to discuss topics that touch the core of people’s marriages even if it is difficult or uncomfortable to engage. Our goal is to equip couples with the tools needed to help their marriage become happy, healthy and holy.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
About Kaara and family: We have been together for 21 years and happily married for 16 years! We have two energetic kids ages 7 and 10. Born and raised in the Caribbean (Jamaica and Trinidad), we now call Atlanta GA “home.” As you can probably tell, we are passionate about marriages and helping couples realize their full potential in their relationships. Together, we bring over 20 years of professional experience combined with a strong spiritual background in our work with couples. Kaara is a licensed clinical social work specializing in trauma and couples. Kaara is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jared graduated from Duke University School of Medicine and obtained a dual degree in medicine and Masters in Psychology. Jared went on to complete his Residency and Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. Today Jared is a practicing Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist and Kaara has a private practice where she sees couples remotely via tele-therapy. Both are trained to provide individual and couples therapy and use various therapeutic models such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (for couples) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
About Authentic Marriages: We are Jared and Kaara, the co-founders of Authentic Marriages, a faith-based, relationship ministry, designed to promote emotionally and spiritually healthy marriages globally. Jared is a double boarded, licensed Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and Relationship Coach. Kaara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Relationship Coach with experience in individual and couples therapy with a specialization in healing emotional trauma. Together we bring over 20 years of combined professional experience in the mental health field working with individuals, families and couples using evidenced-based interventions.
In our society it is not uncommon to find couples that are secretly suffering in unhappy marriages. Pride, fear of rejection and public humiliation prevents us from speaking our truth in an authentic way. Discussing challenges in marital relationships openly and honestly is often avoided. This subculture unintentionally creates an unsafe environment for couples to be vulnerable with friends, family and even those in the church! It leaves couples alienated and left to suffer silently in their marriages. When you live a lie or present a false narrative of your marriage, you inherently have an inauthentic marriage. This adds even more stress to an already overwhelming situation.
Here at Authentic Marriages we strive to keep it REAL! Simply speaking, nothing is off limits! We don’t want to present a fairytale version of marriage but rather a realistic view of the blessings and challenges that every marriage may face. We hope to discuss topics that touch the core of people’s marriages even if it is difficult or uncomfortable to engage. Our goal is to equip couples with the tools needed to help their marriage become happy, healthy and holy.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
About Kaara and family: We have been together for 21 years and happily married for 16 years! We have two energetic kids ages 7 and 10. Born and raised in the Caribbean (Jamaica and Trinidad), we now call Atlanta GA “home.” As you can probably tell, we are passionate about marriages and helping couples realize their full potential in their relationships. Together, we bring over 20 years of professional experience combined with a strong spiritual background in our work with couples. Kaara is a licensed clinical social work specializing in trauma and couples. Kaara is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jared graduated from Duke University School of Medicine and obtained a dual degree in medicine and Masters in Psychology. Jared went on to complete his Residency and Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. Today Jared is a practicing Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist and Kaara has a private practice where she sees couples remotely via tele-therapy. Both are trained to provide individual and couples therapy and use various therapeutic models such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (for couples) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Authentic Marriages: We are Jared and Kaara, the co-founders of Authentic Marriages, a faith-based, relationship ministry, designed to promote emotionally and spiritually healthy marriages globally. Jared is a double boarded, licensed Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and Relationship Coach. Kaara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Relationship Coach with experience in individual and couples therapy with a specialization in healing emotional trauma. Together we bring over 20 years of combined professional experience in the mental health field working with individuals, families and couples using evidenced-based interventions.
In our society it is not uncommon to find couples that are secretly suffering in unhappy marriages. Pride, fear of rejection and public humiliation prevents us from speaking our truth in an authentic way. Discussing challenges in marital relationships openly and honestly is often avoided. This subculture unintentionally creates an unsafe environment for couples to be vulnerable with friends, family and even those in the church! It leaves couples alienated and left to suffer silently in their marriages. When you live a lie or present a false narrative of your marriage, you inherently have an inauthentic marriage. This adds even more stress to an already overwhelming situation.
Here at Authentic Marriages we strive to keep it REAL! Simply speaking, nothing is off limits! We don’t want to present a fairytale version of marriage but rather a realistic view of the blessings and challenges that every marriage may face. We hope to discuss topics that touch the core of people’s marriages even if it is difficult or uncomfortable to engage. Our goal is to equip couples with the tools needed to help their marriage become happy, healthy and holy.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
This is Part 2 to Episode 124.
Connect with Aicha:
Aicha's TED Talk: Deconstructing the Color of Language: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxgQ0WqV0Zc
Start In The Beginning (SITB): www.sitbstudio.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aichaly
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Aïcha is an executive, speaker, and CEO with 15 years of experience in Strategic Insights across multiple industries and Fortune 500 companies including Comcast, Independence Blue Cross, and URBN Inc. She is currently Head of Consumer Insights at Opensignal, the leading global provider of insights integrating network experience and market performance.
Aïcha is also the Founder & CEO of Start in The Beginning (SITB) where she helps professionals and entrepreneurs learn how to communicate their value so they can make a lasting impression, expand their influence, and accelerate their growth. A native of Senegal, West Africa, she draws from her experience being a triple minority in leadership – female, a foreigner, and Black – to champion and advocate for others.
Connect with Aicha:
Aicha's TED Talk: Deconstructing the Color of Language: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxgQ0WqV0Zc
Start In The Beginning (SITB): www.sitbstudio.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aichaly
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
This is Part 2 of Episode 122 featuring Crystelle Desnoyer.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Crystelle Desnoyer is the former Chief of Staff to the CEO at Techstars. One of the top global
pre-seed investment companies with 3,700+ companies in its portfolio operating in 18 countries.
As an Operator focused on scaling processes, teams and access to capital as well as one that
connects dots and people, Crystelle has focused her career on growing tech. organizations. She
helped 26 global companies in many fields serving as their Marketing, HR and Revenue Operations
executive & Business Development executive. With 2.5 years in e-commerce, 5 years in management
consulting and 2 years in Venture Capital she brings a multi-layered perspective to teams that need
to execute fast.
She recently joined the Board of La French Tech New York, an organization supporting the nurturing
and integration of French start-ups of all stages (Pre-seed all the way to Unicorn) in the local
ecosystem.
She is also an active member of The Fourth Effect, CHIEF and CEOx, three exclusive networks of
Women executives where she supports or hosts the International Women in Business, Chiefs in
Transition, the VCs/Angels, the COO and the Chief of Staff groups.
Having built a few companies from scratch herself, she is passionate about giving back and
supporting the younger generations that follow which translates into her advising 5 early stage
founders in Fintech, Fashion Tech, Proptech, Cleantech and more general Tech. They are all
fundraising right now so if you have any interest in learning more about them, please find her after.
For fun, she curates panels and Tech events for global Conferences like Scale Global Summit in
Vegas or Tech.eu in London or the local ecosystem leveraging her broad network in the tech space.
In her spare time she volunteers with the Sea Shepherds focused on marine wildlife conservation as
an avid shark lover and certified rescue scuba diver. She is also an ambassador for Surgeons of
Hope and worked this year on scaling operationally post-covid this NGO sending medical teams to
train local teams and do heart surgery on kids in Latin America.
You might also find her in the many Milongas in NYC Tangoing. She was an amateur competitive
dancer pre-covid and has been dancing this specific dance for over 10 years. The phrase “It takes 2
to Tango” and its true meaning of trust, feedback and surrender has transferred into how she has
intentionally built teams in her professional life.
Culturally Crystelle is - you guessed it - French but she also is a true 3rd culture kid by also being
English and Turkish. She speaks 5 languages (learning her 6th: Spanish) and has lived in 10
countries before landing in the US 13 years ago and going through the immigration process as well
as building her career as a first generation immigrant. She is now American as of January 11th,
1:11pm this year. Fun fact: she has been to all 7 continents including Antarctica. Connect with Crystelle on LinkedIn.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
"When you spend less time looking back, then you will have more time to design your future"
Haim H.A.Ps.M. Life Business Coach & Speaker
Connect with Haim:
InMotionCoach.com
516-424-6289
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU-kyCx_mX4eZrqZJqsnqsQ
https://www.linkedin.com/in/haim-o
Webinar: https://mailchi.mp/48826d2dc4ee/free-webinar-the-goose-and-the-golden-egg Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Marina Raydun’s published works of fiction include a compilation of novellas One Year in Berlin/Foreign Bride, a suspense novel entitled Joe After Maya, as well as a two-part series, Effortless. Year One is her first (fictionalized) memoir. Born in the former Soviet Union, Marina grew up in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a J.D. from New York Law School and a B.A. in history from Pace University. She is an avid music fan, a cat lover, and an enthusiastic learner of American Sign Language. Whenever she is not writing, Marina enjoys spending time with her family, catching up on Netflix, and baking.
Book excerpt: Marina is off to a rough start in the country of her dreams. Fresh off the plane from Belarus, this eleven year old cannot seem to catch a break. Her family is split in two, she doesn’t speak a lick of English, and there is a rusty fire escape outside her grandmother’s bathroom window that terrifies her. The adults around her are convinced that, by virtue of her age, she’s immune to true hardships. After all, they have bigger things to worry about than her overwhelm. But the complicated family dynamics and the complexity of becoming a middle schooler in Brooklyn, NY in 1994 prove that nothing is as easy as it is prophesied. Marina is in for a lonely and testing ride, seeking solace in the bright colors of American television and finding company in the music played on her second-hand stereo. What awaits Marina on this journey that is her Year One?
Website: https://www.marinaraydun.com/
Socials: author_mraydun (instagram and twitter)
facebook.com/authormarinaraydun
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Marina Raydun’s published works of fiction include a compilation of novellas One Year in Berlin/Foreign Bride, a suspense novel entitled Joe After Maya, as well as a two-part series, Effortless. Year One is her first (fictionalized) memoir. Born in the former Soviet Union, Marina grew up in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a J.D. from New York Law School and a B.A. in history from Pace University. She is an avid music fan, a cat lover, and an enthusiastic learner of American Sign Language. Whenever she is not writing, Marina enjoys spending time with her family, catching up on Netflix, and baking.
Website: https://www.marinaraydun.com/
Socials: author_mraydun (instagram and twitter)
facebook.com/authormarinaraydun
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and a passionate storyteller, Sil loves to explore the world and different cultures. She believes her mission is to build bridges that connect people to their goals, so bridging cultural gaps is one of her strengths. With 30 years of experience in companies such as Google and WPP ad agencies, Sil left the corporate world to focus on her company, STORY by Sil Curiati, where she helps people Talk the Walk by making sense of their fragmented stories, feeling proud about them, and developing the ability to identify their superpowers. As a lifelong learner herself, Sil is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Psychology at Harvard, currently studying the narratives of storytellers in flight who have been displaced and struggle to find a place to call home.
Highlights of part 1 of our interview include:
-
A taste of life in Brazil
-
Sil’s immigration story
-
Work as a Google Evangelist
-
Challenges Sil faced while adjusting to the U.S. culture and more
Connect with Sil:
Site: silcuriati.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@storysilcuriati
Instagram: @silcuriati
Email contact@silcuriati.com
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and a passionate storyteller, Sil loves to explore the world and different cultures. She believes her mission is to build bridges that connect people to their goals, so bridging cultural gaps is one of her strengths. With 30 years of experience in companies such as Google and WPP ad agencies, Sil left the corporate world to focus on her company, STORY by Sil Curiati, where she helps people Talk the Walk by making sense of their fragmented stories, feeling proud about them, and developing the ability to identify their superpowers. As a lifelong learner herself, Sil is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Psychology at Harvard, currently studying the narratives of storytellers in flight who have been displaced and struggle to find a place to call home.
Highlights of part 1 of our interview include:
-
A taste of life in Brazil
-
Sil’s immigration story
-
Work as a Google Evangelist
-
Challenges Sil faced while adjusting to the U.S. culture and more
Connect with Sil:
Site: silcuriati.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@storysilcuriati
Instagram: @silcuriati
Email contact@silcuriati.com
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Part II
Stephanie Nuesi is a first-gen and proud latina. She grew up in a small town in the Dominican Republic and came to the US in 2015. Without speaking a word of English, she found her way to her dream roles by overcoming rejections. She currently work in Finance at Google, supporting the company’s growth and profitability efforts. She graduated from Baruch College with a BBA in Accounting, Information Systems Technology, and Social Responsibility. With more than 60M+ views, she shares my career advice and content creation tips with millions of people on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Stephanie has been featured on FoxNews, abcnews, Telemundo, and Hola USA, and recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice, a Forbes Top 50 Woman, and a 2022 Most Powerful Latina. She has spoken at over 600+ workshops and events at Fortune 500 companies, organizations, and schools worldwide. With more than 150M+ Views, she shares content with millions everyday. Find her on Instagram and TikTok as: @stephanienuesi 💡 Other Highlights: Featured on: 🚀 LinkedIn 🚀 FoxNews 🚀 abcnews 🚀 Telemundo 🚀 Hola USA 🎙 Find her also speaking at more than 600+ workshops and events at Fortune 500 Companies, organizations and schools worldwide. If you are interested in connecting, please email me at stephanie@themaxup.com.
In this episode, listen to part II of her powerful immigrant jourmey.
Connect with the host:
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Stephanie Nuesi is a first-gen and proud latina. She grew up in a small town in the Dominican Republic and came to the US in 2015. Without speaking a word of English, she found her way to her dream roles by overcoming rejections. She currently work in Finance at Google, supporting the company’s growth and profitability efforts. She graduated from Baruch College with a BBA in Accounting, Information Systems Technology, and Social Responsibility. With more than 60M+ views, she shares my career advice and content creation tips with millions of people on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Stephanie has been featured on FoxNews, abcnews, Telemundo, and Hola USA, and recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice, a Forbes Top 50 Woman, and a 2022 Most Powerful Latina. She has spoken at over 600+ workshops and events at Fortune 500 companies, organizations, and schools worldwide. With more than 150M+ Views, she shares content with millions everyday. Find her on Instagram and TikTok as: @stephanienuesi 💡 Other Highlights: Featured on: 🚀 LinkedIn 🚀 FoxNews 🚀 abcnews 🚀 Telemundo 🚀 Hola USA 🎙 Find her also speaking at more than 600+ workshops and events at Fortune 500 Companies, organizations and schools worldwide. If you are interested in connecting, please email me at stephanie@themaxup.com.
Connect with the host:
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Rosa María Bell, Afro-Panamanian educator/entrepreneur born and raised in Panama, Republic of Panama. Relevant education includes a post-master certificate in Educational Leadership at the University of Phoenix, a Master of Secondary Education in World Language - Spanish from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU); A second Master of Art in Teaching with a Specialization in E-teaching and Learning from National University; and a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Cum-Laude at National University. Rosa Maria is the Founder and CEO of PLC Culture and Diversity LLC and the host of the popular Cafecirto Cultural. In March 2022, she created the first Cultural Awareness Foundation for Educators (CAFE) to support educators interested in incorporating culture into their language classes and promote cultural and wellness annual retreats to support teachers' social-emotional wellness and cultural curriculum plans to implement global citizenship in their classes. On March 8th, 2022, I was recognized as one of the “Brilliant Minds” by Panama TV Channel 4. This recognition is one of the most outstanding awards received abroad. This same month March, I started to work with the American Council Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) in the Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) committee. Currently, I have been nominated as president-elect for the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP). In February 2023, Rosa Maria Bell received a Gold Medal Award (and a certificate of recognition) from the office of United States President Joe Biden in honor of her leadership skills and more than 500 hours of voluntary work for her school, students, and the community.
In part 1 of this episode, we discussed: - Rosa's upbringing in Panama - Colorism and how ingrained it is in Latin American culture - Creating the Cultural Awareness Foundation for Educators (CAFE) to address the need to include cultural heritage as part of educational curriculums. Connect with Rosa Bell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosambell PLC Culture and Diversity LLC, Founder
Cafecito Cultural, Executive Producer and Host
PLC FACEBOOK
PLC YouTube Channel
Website: cafecitocultural.com
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
Google: https://bit.ly/3OorihJ
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
Connect with Simone!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Kate Golebiowska is a Polish-born immigrant living in Australia. She moved to Canberra, Australia's capital, in the early 2000s, when she was in her mid-20s, to pursue her PhD in public policy at the Australian National University. She has lived in the Antipodes since that time. Just before receiving her degree, she relocated from Canberra to Darwin, a city in the Australian tropics, where she has worked as an International Migration Researcher and Lecturer at Charles Darwin University. You connect wtih Kate on the LinkedIn platfrom.
In this episode, we speak with Kate while she is at Emory University in Atlanta on her Fulbright Professional Award (Business/industry). Through her lens we learn about what it was like growing up as a young person in Poland in the 1990s, when the country was undergoing a dramatic transformation from a country being communist and centrally-managed to a market-based economy. We also discussed her aspirations as a young person to experience life abroad and her infectious enthusiasm for learning and making use of foreign languages. Kate also discussed her research of migrant women and micro-enterprises.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
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Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
In the engaging Part 2 of our podcast, we delved into how Dr. Shaules started his Deep Culture Podcast. Our conversation revolved around the topic of deep culture, its subtle impact on individual behaviors, beliefs, values, and perceptions—whether consciously acknowledged or not. We uncovered the concealed hurdles of global living, illuminating the profound role culture plays in shaping cognition, influencing thought processes and our experience of the world. Dr. Shaules also graciously shared insights into his online learning course, a masterclass focusing on the fascinating intersection of culture, brain, and mind.
Connect with Dr. Joseph Shaules!
Website: https://japanintercultural.org/
Podcast: https://japanintercultural.org/podcast-2/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephshaules
Click HERE if you are interested to check out his books.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
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Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
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Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
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If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Joseph Shaules (PhD) is an author and educator in the field of language and intercultural education. He is a Specially Appointed Professor at Keio University’s GIC Center, in Tokyo. He is the director of the Japan Intercultural Institute. He teaches in the Tsuda University Graduate Program in TESOL. He is the creator and host of The Deep Culture Podcast. Books include Transformation, Embodiment and Wellbeing in Foreign Language Education (Bloomsbury); Language, Culture and The Embodied Mind (Springer); The Intercultural Mind (Intercultural Press); The Beginnger’s Guide to the Deep Culture Experience (Intercultural Press), and Deep Culture (Multilingual Matters). He has lived for extended periods in Mexico, France and Japan, and is fluent in English, Spanish, Japanese and French.
In the latest podcast episode (Part 1), we delved into a captivating discussion with Dr. Joseph Shaules. Unveiling his heritage and familial roots, we explored the dynamics of his upbringing and his aspiration to transition from his hometown to a foreign land. We talked about his formative years in California, offering insights into the shaping of his perspectives. Through his lens, we also navigated the intricate tapestry of life in Japan, how he met his wife, and the ongoing cultural adjustments that continue to color his experience after 25 years of residence in the country.
In the engaging Part 2 of our podcast, we delved into how Dr. Shaules started his Deep Culture Podcast. Our conversation revolved around the topic of deep culture, its subtle impact on individual behaviors, beliefs, values, and perceptions—whether consciously acknowledged or not. We uncovered the concealed hurdles of global living, illuminating the profound role culture plays in shaping cognition, influencing thought processes and our experience of the world. Dr. Shaules also graciously shared insights into his online learning course, a masterclass focusing on the fascinating intersection of culture, brain, and mind.
Connect with Dr. Joseph Shaules!
Website: https://japanintercultural.org/
Podcast: https://japanintercultural.org/podcast-2/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephshaules
Click HERE if you are interested in his books.
Subscribe to The Immigrant Experience in America on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Get More of The Immigrant Experience in America
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg
Listen on:
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Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn
Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077396568671
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey apply now for our podcast interview series! Contact the team at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Dr. Glen Laman was born in rural Jamaica in the parish of St. Ann. He attended high school at Kingston College and worked briefly for Reynolds Jamaica Mines. In 1969, he migrated to the USA where he attended Pace University and Brenau University for undergrad and master’s degrees respectively.
He has had an extensive career in corporate America as an Information Technology and Business Project Manager, having worked at major corporations such as the Coca-Cola Company, J C Penney and AT&T. Some 40 years after completing his undergraduate degree, he graduated from the University of Management and Technology (UMT) with a doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). He is the author of two books namely, Jamaican Entrepreneurship and The Hero of Fern Gully.
In this episode, we talked about his life journey, exploring his roots in Jamaica and the formative experiences that shaped his perspective. Dr. Glen talked about his educational pursuits and the remarkable story of how he navigated the path to the US, where he would forge a vibrant life and career over the span of more than four decades. He takes us on a global tour, sharing his career adventures that spanned various corners of the world. His academic journey culminated in a remarkable Ph.D. pursuit, where he explored the realm of Jamaican entrepreneurship.
Connect with Dr. Glen Laman here:
Find out more about Dr. Glen and his books on his website - http://glenlaman.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenlaman/
Let’s Connect!
Email: simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Show us some support and join our mission to grow our human library. We are now accepting donations to cover the financial costs of producing each episode. Now, more than ever, it’s important to foster a thriving community and amplify the voices of our guests. Together we can inspire others to share their stories and ideas openly. Click HERE to donate to our Patreon account now.
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey, then we want to hear from YOU. Apply now for our podcast interview series and be a part of the next inspiring episode. could be our next storyteller!
This is the final part (Part 3) of the Episode!
In this inspiring episode, we have the pleasure of hosting special guests, Treisha and Keishia Thorpe. Originally born in Jamaica, these remarkable women share their incredible journey of immigrating to the United States and making a significant impact in the fields of education and athletics.
Dr. Treisha Thorpe is the founder of U.S. Elite, an organization that has been transforming the lives of young athletes since its inception in October 2005. Through its Track and Field Program, U.S. Elite provides invaluable information and resources to benefit Elite Olympic Developmental and Olympic Development Athletes. Joining her is Keishia Thorpe, the Co-Founder and Vice President of U.S. Elite. Keishia has been a driving force behind the organization's Liaison International Scholastic Program, dedicated to helping at-risk student-athletes obtain 100% scholarship awards and guiding them through the college matriculation process. Her commitment to education and mentorship has earned her the esteemed 2021 Global Teacher Prize ("Nobel Prize") by the Varkey Foundation.
During this captivating episode, we delve into their family and professional backgrounds, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs they experienced during their immigrant journey. We explore the beauty of Jamaican culture sharing touching stories of individuals who supported and guided them on their path to success. Furthermore, we delve into the intricacies of understanding American culture and 'decoding' its nuances.' Their remarkable support system and dedication to seeking opportunities for young people will inspire you to foster a brighter future. We talked about their passion project, U.S. Elite International, an organization that continues to empower and uplift young athletes. Through their unwavering dedication, Dr. Treisha and Keishia are leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Let’s Connect!
Email: simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Show us some support and join our mission to grow our human library. We are now accepting donations to cover the financial costs of producing each episode. Now, more than ever, it’s important to foster a thriving community and amplify the voices of our guests. Together we can inspire others to share their stories and ideas openly. Click HERE to donate to our Patreon account now.
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey, then we want to hear from YOU. Apply now for our podcast interview series and be a part of the next inspiring episode. could be our next storyteller!
This is Part 2 of the Episode!
In this inspiring episode, we have the pleasure of hosting special guests, Treisha and Keishia Thorpe. Originally born in Jamaica, these remarkable women share their incredible journey of immigrating to the United States and making a significant impact in the fields of education and athletics.
Dr. Treisha Thorpe is the founder of U.S. Elite, an organization that has been transforming the lives of young athletes since its inception in October 2005. Through its Track and Field Program, U.S. Elite provides invaluable information and resources to benefit Elite Olympic Developmental and Olympic Development Athletes. Joining her is Keishia Thorpe, the Co-Founder and Vice President of U.S. Elite. Keishia has been a driving force behind the organization's Liaison International Scholastic Program, dedicated to helping at-risk student-athletes obtain 100% scholarship awards and guiding them through the college matriculation process. Her commitment to education and mentorship has earned her the esteemed 2021 Global Teacher Prize ("Nobel Prize") by the Varkey Foundation.
During this captivating episode, we delve into their family and professional backgrounds, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs they experienced during their immigrant journey. We explore the beauty of Jamaican culture sharing touching stories of individuals who supported and guided them on their path to success. Furthermore, we delve into the intricacies of understanding American culture and 'decoding' its nuances.' Their remarkable support system and dedication to seeking opportunities for young people will inspire you to foster a brighter future. We talked about their passion project, U.S. Elite International, an organization that continues to empower and uplift young athletes. Through their unwavering dedication, Dr. Treisha and Keishia are leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Let’s Connect!
Email: simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Show us some support and join our mission to grow our human library. We are now accepting donations to cover the financial costs of producing each episode. Now, more than ever, it’s important to foster a thriving community and amplify the voices of our guests. Together we can inspire others to share their stories and ideas openly. Click HERE to donate to our Patreon account now.
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey, then we want to hear from YOU. Apply now for our podcast interview series and be a part of the next inspiring episode. could be our next storyteller!
In this inspiring episode, we have the pleasure of hosting special guests, Treisha and Keishia Thorpe. Originally born in Jamaica, these remarkable women share their incredible journey of immigrating to the United States and making a significant impact in the fields of education and athletics.
Dr. Treisha Thorpe is the founder of U.S. Elite, an organization that has been transforming the lives of young athletes since its inception in October 2005. Through its Track and Field Program, U.S. Elite provides invaluable information and resources to benefit Elite Olympic Developmental and Olympic Development Athletes. Joining her is Keishia Thorpe, the Co-Founder and Vice President of U.S. Elite. Keishia has been a driving force behind the organization's Liaison International Scholastic Program, dedicated to helping at-risk student-athletes obtain 100% scholarship awards and guiding them through the college matriculation process. Her commitment to education and mentorship has earned her the esteemed 2021 Global Teacher Prize ("Nobel Prize") by the Varkey Foundation.
During this captivating episode, we delve into their family and professional backgrounds, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs they experienced during their immigrant journey. We explore the beauty of Jamaican culture sharing touching stories of individuals who supported and guided them on their path to success. Furthermore, we delve into the intricacies of understanding American culture and 'decoding' its nuances. Their remarkable support system and dedication to seeking opportunities for young people will inspire you to foster a brighter future. We talked about their passion project, U.S. Elite International, an organization that continues to empower and uplift young athletes. Through their unwavering dedication, Treisha and Keishia are leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Let’s Connect!
Email: simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Show us some support and join our mission to grow our human library. We are now accepting donations to cover the financial costs of producing each episode. Now, more than ever, it’s important to foster a thriving community and amplify the voices of our guests. Together we can inspire others to share their stories and ideas openly. Click HERE to donate now.
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey, then we want to hear from YOU. Apply now for our podcast interview series and be a part of the next inspiring episode. You could be our next storyteller!
Listen to my first conversation interviewing a family member. My sister details her experience growing up in Jamaica and the transition to the United States.
Listen for childhood reflections about our simple but full lives in Westmoreland, Jamaica.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode coming out next Wednesday.
Connect with Nadine Johnson-Stone here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-johnson/
IG: GNSR_Realty and nadinejohnson
TikTok: @n_johnson81
Let’s Connect!
Email: simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or simone.8.johnson@gmail.com
Show us some support and join our mission to grow our human library. We are now accepting donations to cover the financial costs of producing each episode. Now, more than ever, it’s important to foster a thriving community and amplify the voices of our guests. Together we can inspire others to share their stories and ideas openly. Click HERE to donate now.
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey, then we want to hear from YOU. Apply now for our podcast interview series and be a part of the next inspiring episode. You could be our next storyteller!
StoryCorps believes that everyone has an important story to tell and that everyone’s story matters. Their mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world. Since our founding in 2003, we’ve helped more than 630,000 people across the country have meaningful conversations about their lives. These recordings are collected in the U.S. Library of Congress and in our online archive which is now the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered.
And while our stories are broadcast weekly on NPR to over 12 million listeners, StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit, sharing select stories with the public through our podcast, animated shorts, digital platforms, and best-selling books.
Elizabeth Nguyen, MD was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her parents were refugees from Vietnam who arrived in Honolulu in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War. She received her BA from Stanford University in Human Biology, her MD from Northwestern University, and her Psychiatry Residency and Child Psychiatry Fellowship training at UC Davis. She started her career in community mental health, with specific interests in cross-cultural psychiatry, the intersection of spirituality and mental health, and the healing power of water and the natural world. Of the inspiration behind and the intention for Aloha Vietnam, Elizabeth says: "There is so much trauma and healing in the human ancestral lineages, and water, art, and storytelling help us in becoming whole and natural again. This book is my love offering to the land and the people of Vietnam and Hawaii, and the vast Pacific Ocean that connects them. It is my hope that it provides beauty and healing to the trauma and suffering that has come through generations of loss and the struggles of mental illness." You can find her online at: www.multidimensionalpsychiatry.com and www.waterkeeperscommunity.com A rich journey across the Pacific Ocean to find one’s true home and identity amidst loss, grief, and mental illness.
Anh Nguyen is 17 years old and a senior in high school working on a watercolor art series when she experiences her first manic episode. She is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, put on medications, and she and her Vietnamese-American family are suddenly thrown into the world of mental health treatment and recovery.
Anh’s mother Xuan grapples with understanding her daughter’s struggles, while also trying to make sense of her own loss and grief of leaving behind her family and motherland of Vietnam to raise her children in America. The family find refuge across the Pacific Ocean on the warm shores of Honolulu, Hawaii, Anh navigates growing up in a refugee family in a new land and culture, and dealing with the struggles of her own mind. She finds solace in her love for the ocean and her art.
This is the story of finding one’s identity and place of belonging in a shifting landscape of tradition, heritage, and culture, and the healing power of art, water, and love.
Of the inspiration behind and the intention for Aloha Vietnam, Elizabeth says: “There is so much trauma and healing in the human ancestral lineages, and water, art, and storytelling help us in becoming whole and natural again. This book is my love offering to the land and the people of Vietnam and Hawaii, and the vast Pacific Ocean that connects them. It is my hope that it provides beauty and healing to the trauma and suffering that has come through generations of loss and the struggles of mental illness.
Elizabeth Nguyen, MD was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her parents were refugees from Vietnam who arrived in Honolulu in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War. She received her BA from Stanford University in Human Biology, her MD from Northwestern University, and her Psychiatry Residency and Child Psychiatry Fellowship training at UC Davis. She started her career in community mental health, with specific interests in cross-cultural psychiatry, the intersection of spirituality and mental health, and the healing power of water and the natural world. Of the inspiration behind and the intention for Aloha Vietnam, Elizabeth says: "There is so much trauma and healing in the human ancestral lineages, and water, art, and storytelling help us in becoming whole and natural again. This book is my love offering to the land and the people of Vietnam and Hawaii, and the vast Pacific Ocean that connects them. It is my hope that it provides beauty and healing to the trauma and suffering that has come through generations of loss and the struggles of mental illness." You can find her online at: www.multidimensionalpsychiatry.com and www.waterkeeperscommunity.com
Varun Negandhi is an immigrant Engineer and Entrepreneur. He is the Senior Engineer and partner at EngSim. With his second company, Beyond Grad, he helps immigrants in the US and Canada boost their income with intention using these three tracks -- getting promoted, landing a step-up job, and earning on the side.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Varun's experience back in India
- His international student experience
- The H1B visa pipeline
- The importance of soft skills and investing in personal development not just hard skills
- His new course to help you accelerate or fast track your path to promotion
- General advise for people considering migrating away from birth country
- and much more
Connect with Varun on LinkedIn or via Beyond Grad site.
Karen Mendoza is the head of global sales at D-BOX Technologies, a company that creates hyper-realistic experiences through haptics and immersive technology. With a background in gaming and entertainment, she spent 15 years at Nintendo of America, in the sales and marketing division. As the Chief Business Development Officer at Legendary Shift LLC, she drove strategic initiatives for brands like GameTruck Licensing and Bravous Esports. Karen has a B.A. in Economics from UCLA and an MBA from Pepperdine University. She advises women-led social impact enterprises. Known for her leadership and global partnerships, Karen is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity, ensuring equal opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in emerging tech fields.
In this episode we discussed:
- Karen's story of arrival from the Phillipines
- Finding medical support for her ill sibling
- Life in the Phillipines at the time of her departure
- Career transition from Science to Business field
- and more...
Liu Liu is a coach and manager with decades of experience, as a Cross-Cultural Intelligence Coach who specializes in helping international organizations and businesses to improve communications and cooperation among staff for better individual and team performance. He coaches managers and leaders working in a cross-cultural context to build trust, communicate effectively, and deliver results. He also coaches people on management, leadership, and career development. He is someone who helps you to imagine a greater possibility for yourself and supports you in achieving it.
As a senior manager in an international relief and development organization, he has worked with people in over 30 countries over his two-decades-long career. He uses a coaching approach to manage cross-country teams and complex programs to deliver results and impacts. He is also an experienced trainer and facilitator who has delivered training on management-related and other subjects in over 30 countries. With a cross-country marriage, developing a career in a second country, and working in an organization that has a reach of 50 countries, Liu Liu understands the importance and pitfalls of working cross-culturally and developing a career in an unfamiliar environment. Liu Liu is an Associated Certified Coach(ACC), a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and an Executive Contributor to Brainz Magazine. He holds a BA(Hon) in International Studies and an MSc in Development Management.
In this episode we discussed:
- China before and after the opening to international students
- Historical context of the U.S./China relations
- How he met his wife
Connect with Liu Liu
Website:https://liuliucoaching.com/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-leaburn/
Let’sConnect!
Email:theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here:http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
Building healthy boundaries is essential for your own mental and emotional wellbeing, but it can be challenging in high context cultures where indirect communication and interdependence are valued. Here are some tips to help you build healthy boundaries: 1. Recognize your own boundaries 2. Communicate your boundaries 3. Listen to others 4. Negotiate compromises 5. Practice self-care. By doing so, you'll build stronger relationships with others, as well as a stronger sense of self-worth and resilience. In this episode, I share beginnings of my journey of recognizing that I was suffering from burnout, anxiety and lacking joy and happinness despite the many achievements. Setting up healthy boundaries and saying no has had to become part of my every day thought process. Though, it has not been easy as I have lost relationships and suffered painfully from saying no, I am on my way to finding myself again. Coming home to myself has been the greatest journey I've ever taken. It's a process of self-discovery, self-improvement, and self-love. I'm learning to embrace my flaws, accept my mistakes and trust my journey. It's a beautiful feeling to be true to yourself and living life on your own terms.
Listen in as I discuss my career path with Adina Appelbaum, host of the Finance, Business and Purpose podcast.
Have you felt lost about how to figure out the direction of your career?
In this episode, guest Simone W. Johnson Smith shares her inspiring story of how she navigated the educational and career systems in the U.S. to discover her career path after immigrating to the U.S. from Jamaica as a young girl to later on become a U.S. diplomat. Simone's story provides a powerful example of the importance of constantly learning, being curious, and following the signs for guidance on the next step in following your purpose. From following her excitement to study Spanish at a young age in Jamaica, to following the tip of a friend to apply for a highly esteemed fellowship to work at the U.S. Department of State, to pursuing opportunities to work abroad in international affairs and humanitarian work, Simone shows us how to stay open to opportunities along the way in our journey that can guide us toward more closely discovering our purpose. This episode touches on important lessons such as: How to pursue your dreams, even if you are from an immigrant family and have less connections and privilege than others born in the U.S., How to use time wisely to reach your goals, and *How to find the right support from mentors to help show you the way. For more inspiring stories on the positive contributions of immigrants to American Life, check out Simone's podcast "The Immigrant Experience in America" available on all major platforms including iTunes here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-immigrant-experience-in-america/id1595952623
In this episode, my guest Maha Hafez Witherington shares her story.
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, moved to the United States of America in 1988 to present due to marriage with intense school and college education and professional knowledge of government affairs. Her leadership and organizational skills gained over the past 34 years in the U.S. Government in the USA and overseas are truly remarkable. She served both diplomatic & official assignments in Egypt, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Arkansas, Washington D.C. (The Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery). She proudly served in two U.S. Embassies; Cairo, Egypt as an Office Manager and the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a Public Affairs Officer.
Maha is currently serving in Rep. French Hill's Little Rock office as a District Representative. She comes to Rep. Hill’s office from the Office of Governor Hutchinson, where she served as his Mansion Reception & Social Projects Liaison. Her previous experience includes work with the United States Embassy, the Department of Defense, and the Southern European Task Force.
In this episode, Maha and I discussed:
- Where she came from and how she came to the US
- Her professional background in US government service
- Life and culture in her home country and how it has influenced her
- Living in the US as a Muslim-American
- What is Ramadan and the meaning behind it
- The practice of fasting during Ramadan
- What happens on a typical Ramadan and how it is celebrated
- How she finds life in America, a predominantly Christian nation
- Pilgrimage in Mecca which happens after Ramadan
- Different kinds of Muslim beliefs
- True meaning of being a Muslim
Connect with Maha Hafez Witherington here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maha-hafez-witherington-0471764b/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Show us some support and join our mission to grow our human library. We are now accepting donations to cover the financial costs of producing each episode. Now, more than ever, it’s important to foster a thriving community and amplify the voices of our guests. Together we can inspire others to share their stories and ideas openly. Click HERE to donate now.
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey, then we want to hear from YOU. Apply now for our podcast interview series and be a part of the next inspiring episode. You could be our next storyteller!
In this episode, Simone interviews Burak Yilmaz from Turkey who shares his story of imprisonment, torture and poverty on the route to freedom.
In 2002 Burak Yilmaz was thrown into a Turkish prison for publishing a Sex in the City-style book about the underground gay community within the Islamic-run country. After years of torture, Burak was released and he immediately fled to New York City where he endured homelessness, racism, and sexual abuse on the way to becoming a registered nurse. His upcoming book, If My Mother Never Left, is a continuation of his heroic story. He truly believes that if he can make it through all of the misery he's endured, you can do anything too.
In this episode, Burak discusses:
- the release of his first book in Turkey and subsequent arrest, imprisonment, and release
- his journey to the United States
- learning English and overcoming cultural challenges
- meeting his mother and learning the story surrounding his birth and abandonment
- his career accomplishments and the release of his second book, "If My Mother Never Left"
- If interested, you can find his book on Amazon.com or at his website Burak212.com
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Show us some support and join our mission to grow our human library. We are now accepting donations to cover the financial costs of producing each episode. Now, more than ever, it’s important to foster a thriving community and amplify the voices of our guests. Together we can inspire others to share their stories and ideas openly. Click HERE to donate now.
If you are interested in learning how to set boundaries in a communal cultural setting and/or how to set boundaries as an immigrant to prevent burn out. Let's talk.
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share your unique journey, then we want to hear from YOU. Apply now for our podcast interview series and be a part of the next inspiring episode. You could be our next storyteller!
This episode marks the culmination of our celebration of Women's History Month this March.
March has been incredible! We had guests on our show providing their valuable stories. I've had the pleasure of engaging with incredible women this month and it has been a great journey of learning and understanding.
In this episode I talked about:
· How women can find a balance between our traditional roles and altruism
· My personal experience about some things prevalent in our communities, especially when coming from a communal culture
· We carry so much for our families but remember self-care is paramount because you cannot give from an empty cup
· The mental load that we carry and what boundaries we may need to implement in your life
· How to recognize if you are suffering from burnout and some tips to prevent it.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
-
988 mental health hotline is a 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline in the US. It is available via phone, text, and chat for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
-
The book mentioned in the episode is entitled, Set boundaries, Find Peace - A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab. You can purchase the book HERE.
Note: We are not mental health or medical providers. Please follow up with your physician or therapist to discuss these recommendations. Credit/Reference: BCBS
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Show us some support and join our mission to grow our human library. We are now accepting donations to cover the financial costs of producing each episode. Now, more than ever, it’s important to foster a thriving community and amplify the voices of our guests. Together we can inspire others to share their stories and ideas openly. Click HERE to donate now.
If you are interested in learning how to set boundaries in a communal cultural setting and/or how to set boundaries as an immigrant to prevent burnout. Let's talk.
In this episode, my guest Stella Leaburn shares part 3 of her story.
Stella is an executive search consultant and a personal brand and image consultant. She is originally from Nigeria by birth and moved to the UK during her early teenage years. She is a public speaker, storyteller, coach, mentor and humanitarian on a humble mission to help those brand founders and owners find their purpose, tell their story and exceed expectations in a fast changing, disrupted world.
She spent nearly two decades working as an executive recruiter and elite concierge business owner and has learned what it takes to stay focused and grounded in a working world where success feels out of reach, where business and career help seems irrelevant and where mentors are impossible to find.
In this episode, Stella and I discussed:
· Codependency among families
· The cultural burden and expectation that is very difficult to handle by most people
· The trauma that a person may go through from experiencing extreme codepency
· How she has been received in Germany vs her experience acclimating to UK culture
· Advice for immigrants or aspiring immigrants how they can thrive as they acclimate to a new country with very different culture
· Learning to adapt and be open to other ways of doing things
· Her professional services
Connect with Stella Leaburn here:
Website: https://www.stellaleaburn.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-leaburn/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Show us some support and join our mission to grow our human library. We are now accepting donations to cover the financial costs of producing each episode. Now, more than ever, it’s important to foster a thriving community and amplify the voices of our guests. Together we can inspire others to share their stories and ideas openly. Click HERE to donate now.
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey, then we want to hear from YOU. Apply now for our podcast interview series and be a part of the next inspiring episode. You could be our next storyteller!
In this episode, my guest Stella Leaburn shares part 2 of her story.
Stella is an executive search consultant and a personal brand and image consultant. She is originally from Nigeria by birth and moved to the UK during her early teenage years. She is a public speaker, storyteller, coach, mentor, and humanitarian on a humble mission to help those brand founders and owners find their purpose, tell their stories, and exceed expectations in a fast-changing, disrupted world.
She spent nearly two decades working as an executive recruiter and elite concierge business owner and has learned what it takes to stay focused and grounded in a working world where success feels out of reach, where business and career help seem irrelevant, and where mentors are impossible to find.
In this episode, Stella and I discussed:
· How she managed to raise children to be multi-cultural
· Exploring the cultural value of caregiving for family and friends
· When caregiving becomes a burden
· How she balances self-care and living in a whole new culture
· Being firmer with her boundaries and overcoming emotional manipulation by family members
· Different ways she set her boundaries to keep her inner peace
Stay tuned for Part 3 of this episode coming out tomorrow.
Connect with Stella Leaburn here:
Website: https://www.stellaleaburn.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-leaburn/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Show us some support and join our mission to grow our human library. We are now accepting donations to cover the financial costs of producing each episode. Now, more than ever, it’s important to foster a thriving community and amplify the voices of our guests. Together we can inspire others to share their stories and ideas openly. Click HERE to donate now.
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share their unique journey, then we want to hear from YOU. Apply now for our podcast interview series and be a part of the next inspiring episode. You could be our next storyteller!
In this episode, my guest Stella Leaburn shares her story.
Stella is an Executive Search Consultant and a Personal Brand and Image Consultant. She is originally from Nigeria by birth and moved to the UK during her early teenage years. She is a public speaker, storyteller, coach, mentor, and humanitarian on a humble mission to help those brand founders and owners find their purpose, tell their stories, and exceed expectations in a fast-changing, disrupted world.
She spent nearly two decades working as an executive recruiter and elite concierge business owner and has learned what it takes to stay focused and grounded in a working world where success feels out of reach, where business and career help seem irrelevant, and where mentors are impossible to find.
In this episode, Stella and I discussed:
- Her family and professional background
- What made her move to Germany, where she currently resides with her daughter
- Life, food, and culture in Nigeria
- Embracing her roots and proudly sharing her Nigerian heritage despite living in the UK
- How different her tribe’s cultural expression is compared to others in Nigeria
- Educational experience in Nigeria
- How she acclimated to the UK culture as she was growing up
- Balancing the values she is instilling in her children as they grow up
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode coming out tomorrow.
Connect with Stella Leaburn here:
Website: https://www.stellaleaburn.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-leaburn/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneWJohnson1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Show us some support and join our mission to grow our human library. We are now accepting donations to cover the financial costs of producing each episode. Now, more than ever, it’s important to foster a thriving community and amplify the voices of our guests. Together we can inspire others to share their stories and ideas openly. Click HERE to donate now.
If you’re an immigrant who wants to share your unique journey, then we want to hear from YOU. Apply now for our podcast interview series and be a part of the next inspiring episode. You could be our next storyteller!
In this episode, my guest Juanita Ingram shares Part 3 of her story.
Juanita Ingram, Esq. is breaking down barriers and empowering others as an award-winning attorney, filmmaker, author, fashion philanthropist, and actress. Currently living in Singapore and formerly residing in London and Taiwan, she is also a wife, mother of two, and the newly crowned Mrs. Universe 2022/2023. She is the Founder and CEO of Purpose Productions Inc., a 501(c)3 women-led production company with a mission of creating content that celebrates authentic BIPOC narratives while empowering women and youth through film. Purpose Productions utilizes the visual arts as a vehicle for challenging negative stereotypes and providing cross-cultural experiences for audiences throughout the world. Purpose Productions is also a conduit for sharing a balanced depiction of diverse cultures and powerful under-represented narratives while serving to foster educational and cross-cultural exposure for global audiences.
In Juneteenth 2021, she launched Purpose Streaming, a streaming platform dedicated to content that inspires, informs, and empowers through BIPOC-centric content.
In this episode, Juanita and I discussed:
- Recalling real-life experiences that bring awareness that brought about varied challenges stemming from harmful stereotypes
- Anti-blackness and stereotypes
- Nuances within racial groups
- Creating healing dialogues and understanding there is strength in our commonality
Connect with Juanita Ingram here:
Website: https://www.iamjuanitaingram.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrxlM1oEKxmN1KTOFdPeSQ/videos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjuanitaingram/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjuanitaingram/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Juanita Ingram shares her story.
Juanita Ingram, Esq. is breaking down barriers and empowering others as an award-winning attorney, filmmaker, author, fashion philanthropist, and actress. Currently living in Singapore and formerly residing in London and Taiwan, she is also a wife, mother of two, and the newly crowned Mrs. Universe 2022/2023. She is the Founder and CEO of Purpose Productions Inc., a 501(c)3 women-led production company with a mission of creating content that celebrates authentic BIPOC narratives while empowering women and youth through film. Purpose Productions utilizes the visual arts as a vehicle for challenging negative stereotypes and providing cross-cultural experiences for audiences throughout the world. Purpose Productions is also a conduit for sharing a balanced depiction of diverse cultures and powerful under-represented narratives while serving to foster educational and cross-cultural exposure for global audiences.
In Juneteenth 2021, she launched Purpose Streaming, a streaming platform dedicated to content that inspires, informs, and empowers through BIPOC-centric content.
In this episode, Juanita and I discussed:
- The stereotypes and negative portrayal of Africans in the media
- Tracing back her family tree to the time of slavery
- Her passion for seeing BIPOC in a more diverse, authentic portrayal in the unscripted genre in media
- How the portrayal of stereotypes in media can not only be insulting but also dangerous
- What happens when you keep removing humanity and how a group of people is portrayed in the media
- Taking ownership of your narrative, of who you truly are
- Anti-blackness issue
Stay tuned for Part 3 of this episode coming out tomorrow.
Connect with Juanita Ingram here:
Website: https://www.iamjuanitaingram.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrxlM1oEKxmN1KTOFdPeSQ/videos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjuanitaingram/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjuanitaingram/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Juanita Ingram shares her story.
Juanita Ingram, Esq. is breaking down barriers and empowering others as an award-winning attorney, filmmaker, author, fashion philanthropist, and actress. Currently living in Singapore and formerly residing in London and Taiwan, she is also a wife, mother of two, and the newly crowned Mrs. Universe 2022/2023. She is the Founder and CEO of Purpose Productions Inc., a 501(c)3 women-led production company with a mission of creating content that celebrates authentic BIPOC narratives while empowering women and youth through film. Purpose Productions utilizes the visual arts as a vehicle for challenging negative stereotypes and providing cross-cultural experiences for audiences throughout the world. Purpose Productions is also a conduit for sharing a balanced depiction of diverse cultures and powerful under-represented narratives while serving to foster educational and cross-cultural exposure for global audiences.
On Juneteenth 2021, she launched Purpose Streaming, a streaming platform dedicated to content that inspires, informs, and empowers through BIPOC-centric content.
In this episode, Juanita and I discussed:
- Her family and professional background
- Her international travels and relocation due to being an expat
- London and Asian cultural experience and how different it is from US culture
- How she managed her children’s exposure to various education system
- Watching her children grow up as global citizens, and being third-culture kids
- Difference between immigrants and expats
- Attending an HBCU (Historically black colleges and universities) and what it was like for Juanita
- Her professional law background
- Her advocacy of creating content highlighting the diverse stories from the lens of BIPOC individuals in a manner that is authentic and empowering.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode coming out tomorrow.
Connect with Juanita Ingram here:
Website: https://www.iamjuanitaingram.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrxlM1oEKxmN1KTOFdPeSQ/videos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjuanitaingram/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjuanitaingram/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Aditi Paul shares part 2 of her international student journey.
Aditi Paul is a professor and mixed-methods researcher based in New York City. She uses her multidisciplinary background in computer science and communication studies to examine the impact of using human-centered technologies like social networking sites and online dating services.
Aditi’s research has been published in top academic journals and has been featured in prominent media outlets such as The Washington Post, Women’s Health, The Telegraph UK, Huffington Post, and NBCNews.
In this episode, Aditi and I discussed:
- How she discovered that sharing her failures resonated with more people
- Her achievements
- How she got her green card and her learnings from it
- Her struggle dealing with US immigration
- Things she knows now that she wished she knew at the start of her journey
- Advice and recommendations for current and aspiring international students
Connect with Aditi Paul here:
Website: http://www.draditipaul.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/draditipaul/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamaditipaul
Get more information about her book, "The Current Collegiate Hookup Culture: Dating Apps, Hookup Scripts, and Sexual Outcomes" HERE. It is available for purchase at Rowman and Littlefield, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Aditi Paul shares her international student story.
Aditi Paul is a professor and mixed-methods researcher based in New York City. She uses her multidisciplinary background in computer science and communication studies to examine the impact of using human-centered technologies like social networking sites and online dating services.
Aditi’s research has been published in top academic journals and has been featured in prominent media outlets such as The Washington Post, Women’s Health, The Telegraph UK, Huffington Post, and NBCNews.
In this episode, Aditi and I discussed:
- Her personal and professional background
- Her immigration story as an International student
- The education landscape in India, what it was like to study in her home country
- Aditi’s passion projects such as communication and performing arts
- The intense competition and challenges students in India go through
- The process of acquiring an F1 student visa
- Living in the US as an international student
- Assimilating to US culture as a student
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode coming out tomorrow.
Connect with Aditi Paul here:
Website: http://www.draditipaul.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/draditipaul/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/iamaditipaul
Get more information about her book, "The Current Collegiate Hookup Culture: Dating Apps, Hookup Scripts, and Sexual Outcomes" HERE. It is available for purchase at Rowman and Littlefield, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest, Weam Namou, shares Part 2 of her immigrant story.
Born in Baghdad to an ancient lineage called the Chaldeans (Neo-Babylonians who still speak Aramaic), Weam Namou is the Executive Director of the Chaldean Cultural Center, which houses the first and only Chaldean Museum in the world.
She’s an Eric Hoffer award-winning author of 15 books, an international award-winning filmmaker, journalist, poet, and an Ambassador for the Authors Guild of America [Detroit Chapter], the nation’s oldest and largest writing organization. She hosts a half-hour weekly TV show, and she’s the founder of The Path of Consciousness, a spiritual and writing community, and Unique Voices in Films, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Weam recently completed her first feature narrative film, Pomegranate, set to be the first Iraqi American narrative http://www.pomegranatemovie.com.
In this episode, Weam and I discussed:
- What it was like for her to live in the US at a young age, and how she acclimated to US culture
- How the women of Mesopotamia had great political and religious status in ancient times
- Rediscovering her connection to sacred Mesopotamian roots which transformed her understanding of feminine spirituality and consciousness
- Women’s struggle on getting an education
Connect with Weam Namou here:
Website: https://weamnamou.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weam-namou-8b4585a/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weamnamou/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weamnamou/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NamouWeam
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPR-jmBZswiqcmr5FYqN8w
You can check out and purchase her books from her Website or Amazon.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest, Weam Namou, shares Part 1 of her immigrant story.
Born in Baghdad to an ancient lineage called the Chaldeans (Neo-Babylonians who still speak Aramaic), Weam Namou is the Executive Director of the Chaldean Cultural Center, which houses the first and only Chaldean Museum in the world.
She’s an Eric Hoffer award-winning author of 15 books, an international award-winning filmmaker, journalist, poet, and an Ambassador for the Authors Guild of America [Detroit Chapter], the nation’s oldest and largest writing organization. She hosts a half-hour weekly TV show, and she’s the founder of The Path of Consciousness, a spiritual and writing community, and Unique Voices in Films, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Weam recently completed her first feature narrative film, Pomegranate, set to be the first Iraqi American narrative http://www.pomegranatemovie.com.
In this episode, Weam and I discussed:
· Her background and geopolitical situation in Iraq which made her family leave the country
· Her journey back to Iraq after 20+ years, just right before the war
· War and survival stories of the people of war-torn Iraq
· Historical perspective of the religious landscape pre and post-Saddam regime
· Observations about the US culture
· Ancient stories and history of Mesopotamia
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode coming out tomorrow.
Connect with Weam Namou here:
Website: https://weamnamou.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weam-namou-8b4585a/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weamnamou/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weamnamou/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NamouWeam
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPR-jmBZswiqcmr5FYqN8w
You can check out and purchase her books from her Website or Amazon.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Mariana Cogan shares her story and expertise in marketing and digital transformation. She is a leading Latina in the tech industry and for my work in marketing and sales digital transformation. Mexico-born Mariana Cogan held various roles of increasing responsibility in the software industry, and she is an advocate for diversity, inclusion and uplifting minorities in the tech space. She believes deeply that diverse companies are more innovative and outperform less diverse ones. She earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Babson College and a bachelor’s degree from Jochi University in Tokyo, Japan.
She is currently the CMO of People.ai, a company that delivers the industry’s leading Revenue Operations and Intelligence (RO&I) platform, transforming business activities into account and opportunity management solutions to accelerate revenue growth and maximize marketing ROI.
In this episode, Mariana and I talk about:
- Her professional background and her journey from being a banker to becoming the CMO of People.ai
- How she came to study in Japan and found her passion for the Japanese language
- How she came to work and live in the US
- Her American dream
- Cultural adjustments and challenges she faced when she moved to the US
- Becoming a multicultural leader
- The statistics that shows only a handful of minority females in the CMO role in high tech
- The importance of self-branding and storytelling to foster a more diverse, innovative, and productive workforce
- How adjusting and understanding the US culture may help create connections in business, and growing your professional network
- Showing up as her authentic immigrant self
- How she is using her leadership platform to spread the word about the importance of minorities in the workforce to create more diverse and innovative companies
- Things Mariana knows now that she wishes she knew back when she was starting her immigrant journey
Connect with Mariana Cogan here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianacogan/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Emlen Miles-Mattingly shares his story and expertise in wealth management and financial planning, specializing in supporting minority families.
Founder, President and Senior Advisor of GenNext Wealth and host of the popular podcast Minority Money. Having worked for more than twenty years in finance, Emlen saw a clear need to support wealth management and financial planning for people and families of color. Inspired every day with the potential for change, Emlen thrives on connecting with clients, creating lasting relationships and helping individuals and families realize dreams through sound financial habits, healthy views on money and an inspired awareness towards generational wealth and wealth management. Emlen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting. From education, experience and passion, Emlen is addressing racial disparities in wealth head-on, providing compassionate education, financial insights and resources to change the complexion of wealth, one family, one generation, at a time.
In this episode, Emlen and I discussed:
- His family background and how he started his career in finance
- His International travels with family and the family dynamics in raising children with American and immigrant roots from their mother
- Live to work vs work to live
- Financial wellness and the current financial landscape in the US
- Being intentional when saving money
- Negotiated compensation as part of your wealth-building strategy
- What behaviors, mindset, or views about money that he’s seeing in the minority communities he is serving
- How we can make our money work for us
- The Onyx Advisor Network, a platform for underrepresented financial advisors in order to serve the markets they care about
- Uneven wealth distribution across the world
- Various ways your investment can be aligned to your values
Connect with Emlen Miles-Mattingly here:
Website: https://gennextwealth.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emlen-miles-mattingly
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gennextwealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilesmattingly/
You can check out the book Emlen mentioned, How I Invest My Money: Finance experts reveal how they save, spend, and invest, HERE. Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Adina Appelbaum shares her story and expertise in helping people through the immigration, financial, and business systems to build generational wealth.
An impact-driven immigration attorney, Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC)®, and social impact & financial coach, Adina has spent her career building and leading new initiatives to expand individuals’ rights and empowerment, particularly for immigrant families. Adina and her husband Mauricio founded the social impact education company International Empowerment®, which includes Immigrant Finance™, an online platform that empowers immigrant families with personal finance education.
As an immigration attorney, Adina has specialized in impact litigation advocating for the rights of immigrant adults and children facing deportation and detention. She created and leads the Immigration Impact Lab, the Capital Area Immigrants' Rights (CAIR) Coalition's first federal courts and appellate impact litigation program. Adina has litigated individual and class action impact cases advocating for the right to asylum, challenging immigration detention, and defending the rights of immigrants with criminal convictions at the intersection of criminal and immigration law. She has represented and advocated for immigrants in Egypt, Ecuador, the U.S.-Mexico border, and the Washington, D.C. area.
In this episode, Adina and I discussed:
- Her personal and professional background
- Her Business of Purpose Podcast
- Stories from Adina’s family on how her family entered the US and now living as citizens
- What brought her to the non-profit side of immigration law
- Showing up as your authentic self
- The kind of help she and her husband provides about finances
- Advice how people can get access to various financial systems and get educated
- Individual Tax Identification Number and how this can be used as an alternative solution for some immigrants who do not qualify for a social security number
- How immigrants can build wealth thru financial education
- Advice to immigrants and aspiring immigrants and Adina’s wealth building program
Connect with Adina here:
Website: https://immigrantfinance.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adina-appelbaum/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immigrant.finance/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Immigrant.Finance/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEt5sUxmHo8Xj1FBfMZw0g/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@immigrantfinance
Listen to Adina and Mauricio’s Podcast, The Business of Purpose, HERE.
For people interested to know more about ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number), Adina has a blog post about this topic which you can read HERE.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Lane Kawaoka shares his story and expertise in passive investing.
Lane Kawaoka currently owns 8,500+ units across the US. He lives in Hawaii and recently quit his day job as a Professional Engineer with an MS in Civil Engineering & Construction Management and a BS in Industrial Engineering.
Lane partners with investors who want to build their portfolio but are too busy to mess with “tenants, toilets, and termites” by curating opportunities in his Hui Deal Pipeline Club where his investors have personal access to him and know that Lane is personally putting his money on the line too. The Hui Deal Pipeline Club has acquired over $1.2B dollars of real estate acquired by syndicating over $154 Million Dollars of private equity since 2016.
Lane reverse engineers the wealth-building strategies that the rich use to the middle class via the Top-50 Investing Podcast SimplePassiveCashflow.com. Lane’s mission is to help hard-working professionals out of the rat race, one free strategy call at a time.
In this episode, Lane and I discussed:
- His family background and heritage
- How he got into passive investing
- Achieving financial independence at an early age through property rental
- How he started his business, Simple Passive Cashflow
- The paradigm shift around debt and leveraging from it
- How passive real estate investing can give you security and give you freedom of time and money
- The importance of putting their assets that go up and down with inflation
- How one can get started on real estate passive investing
Connect with Lane Kawaoka here:
Website: https://simplepassivecashflow.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplePassiveCashFlow/
Listen to Lane’s Passive Real Estate Investing Podcast HERE.
Check out Lane’s book, The Journey To Simple Passive Cashflow: Real Estate Investing for the Working Professional HERE.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Omar Mohamed shares his immigrant story.
Omar Mohamed is on a mission to inspire and guide immigrants and minorities to achieve “The American Dream.” Omar is a 29 yrs old Immigrant who is born in Cairo, Egypt. He came to the USA at the age of 20, leaving family, friends, college, and everything behind to chase the American dream. Omar’s immigration journey is proof of hard work, discipline, and power of purpose. Omar was in America for 7 years before he could fly back home to reunite with his family again. Omar is a self-made entrepreneur, coach, and real estate investor, who is building his investment portfolio in rental properties and growing his business while working his full-time job. Omar had started with no money, no credit, and no degree, but he quickly surpassed lots of people with more leverage and more resources because of his purpose and determination. He owns 2 businesses and is working on his first book and online education platforms. Omar is very passionate about helping immigrants and minorities achieve financial freedom by investing in real estate even if they have no money, as he is a living example and an inspiration to many people.
In this episode, Omar and I discussed:
- His personal and family background
- How he came here to the US
- His profession in real estate
- Life in Egypt, culture and customs
- Importance of immigrant communities
- Education never stops – the importance of continuing education for self-development.
- Instant vs. delayed gratification
- How he assimilated to US culture as a new immigrant
- Opportunities came along that helped him get on his feet and start building
- Importance of having the grit, passion, and drive to achieve your goals
- Advice he’d give to immigrants (dos and don’ts)
As shared in this episode, you can check out Dr. Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success HERE.
Connect with Omar Mohamed here:
Website: https://omarmohamed.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.propertyo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mr.propertylive/
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Omar-Mohamed.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Rosalee Keech shares her expertise on trafficking in persons.
Rosalee Keech is currently serving as United Nations Observer for ECPAT/USA. She previously served as Chief Observer to the United Nations for the League of Women Voters of the United States (2011-2021). She is continuing her work at the United Nations, focusing on ending human trafficking by bankrupting its illicit profiteering, increasing women’s leadership and participation in democratic political processes and human rights, and preventing violence against all women and girls. Rosalee Keech also serves as President of the committee to Stop Trafficking in Persons, Inc. (a coalition of non-governmental organizations accredited at the United Nations), member of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Task Force, and chair of its Outreach and Awareness as well as its Business & Industry Advisory Committees. Additionally, she is a member of the Board of Directors at the Jewish Home at Rockleighand Home@Home. Her previous roles included Executive Secretary and Board of Directors for the Jersey City Employment and Training Program, Inc. (2019-2020), advisor to the International Center for Abuse Prevention (2018-2020), Board of Directors for the League of Women Voters of the United States (2014-2016) and were a governor appointee to the NJ Board of Professional Planners (2002-2017). Ms. Keech is a retired Information Officer and graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Economics and Education and an MBA in Finance from New York University.
In this episode, Rosalee and I discussed:
- Her professional background and what inspires her to advocate to stop human trafficking.
- Raising awareness and advocacy to stop human trafficking
- How to combat human trafficking from a business point of view
- Different approaches to battle human trafficking
- Statistics of people in forced labor and human trafficking
- Working to resolve the root cause of human trafficking
- How the supply and demand of human trafficking work
- How we may be fueling human trafficking unknowingly
- Strengthening the policies that are effective in stopping human trafficking
- What we can do to prevent ourselves from being trafficked, and simple ways we can do to help curb trafficking
- Organizations that rank the ability of the manufacturers to be a slave-free process.
- How to report suspected human trafficking
Connect with Rosalee Keech here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalee-k-32b78948/
Website: https://lwvma.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Rosalee-Keech-bioREV1.pdf
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Dr. Reginald Frection shares his immigrant story and expertise on the issue of trafficking in persons.
Dr. Reginald Frection (Regi) is a passionate social justice advocate with a unique background as a law enforcement professional and academic expertise and hands-on experience in human rights, labor rights, law, and socio/legal research, theory, and analysis.
Dr. Frection has worked on diverse projects, from building and delivering training on Human Rights and Human Trafficking to IT integration for state and local governments and law enforcement agencies. Most recently, he worked for HELP, a non-profit organization in Hong Kong dedicated to helping migrant domestic workers subjected to labor rights violations and human trafficking receive equal treatment under the law. He has hands-on experience working with migrant workers and profound academic knowledge of international human rights law with an emphasis on forced labor and human trafficking. His study of the experience of migrant workers in Hong Kong and the government’s obligations to protect vulnerable groups was the subject of his doctoral thesis. He is also a graduate of the International Labor Organization’s resident training on Human Trafficking and Investigating Human Trafficking in the Supply Chain.
Before founding Ares, Dr. Frection was the CEO of CNI, a program manager for ARINC working with law enforcement agencies, a detective and community policing sergeant for the Prince George’s County Police Department, and a soldier in the US Army. He earned his Ph.D. Human Rights Law at the University of York, UK, has an MS in Management & Leadership from The Johns Hopkins University (Police Executive Leadership Program) and a BSc in Criminal Justice from Bowie State University.
In this episode, Dr. Frection and I discussed:
- His family background and home country
- Life back in Trinidad and its culture
- Signing up in the army and eventually the law enforcement
- The story of how he got to live in Hong Kong, which led him to pursue Human Rights Law
- The founding of Ares Human Rights International
- The issue of international human trafficking
- The inhumane conditions and challenges faced by migrant workers
- The current situation in the US about human trafficking
- The different facets of human trafficking and its different purposes (sex trade, organ harvesting, labor, etcetera)
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Insights on how we can improve our laws and legal policies to address trafficking
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Living in different countries and experiencing different cultures
- Some advice to make sure you do not become a victim of human trafficking
Connect with Dr. Frection here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfrection
Website: https://aresint.org/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Emily Francis shares her immigrant story.
Astrid Emily Francis is an English as a Second Language teacher at Concord High School in Concord, North Carolina. She serves students in 9th-12th grade with various English proficiency levels. Emily’s experience as an English Language Learner inspired her to become an ESL teacher and afforded her a deep understanding of the challenges her students must overcome to succeed. She earned a BA in Spanish and a MAT in ESL from UNC-Charlotte. She serves as a professional development facilitator, motivational speaker, and Keynote. Emily is an executive board member of the Carolinas TESOL. Emily is the author of the book If You Only Knew: Letters from an Immigrant Teacher. As a leader, Emily inspires students to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.
In this episode, Emily and I discussed:
- Her story of how she got to the US
- What was life like taking care of her siblings while her mom lived in the US to work first
- The circumstances of how she arrived in the US with no formal documents
- The dangers and risks of her story on how she entered the US as an undocumented immigrant
- How she uses her life story to teach and connect with other people, particularly her students
- The challenges and opportunities she had made her the person she is today
Connect with Emily Francis here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsemilyfrancis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emilyfranesl
Blog: https://inspiringenglishlanguagelearners.weebly.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.francisesl/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgOlIRSJwj4rgxtFNj5BR7Q?app=desktop
You can check out her book, If You Only Knew: Letters from an Immigrant Teacher HERE.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Happy New Year!
This week is a solo episode where I talk about human trafficking and some statistics. Human trafficking is considered a modern form of slavery. It’s the exploitation of other unwilling people for labor, domestic, servitude, or commercial sexual activity by force, fraud, or coercion. January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. I hope that my listeners learn more about this issue and increase their level of awareness of the crime of human trafficking.
In this episode, I talk about some very concerning statistics about human trafficking and some self-care advice to help you build up your resilience and learn how to check in with yourself to be better prepared to serve others.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, we will take a look at our accomplishments throughout 2022.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest, Nkechi “Kiki” James-Gillman, shares her immigrant story.
Kiki is the principal attorney at Gillman Immigration, LLC. She understands the immigrant story because she and her family have lived in many parts of the world and have found themselves navigating immigration bureaucracy for as long as she can remember. Nkechi was born in Germany, grew up in Sierra Leone, and spent most of her teenage years in the Caribbean.
She attended Kent State University in Ohio where she pursued her undergraduate degree in Business Management. After college, she moved to Washington, D.C., and interned at the D.C. Superior Court, Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Center. She managed child abuse and neglect matters through the dispute resolution process. Nkechi moved to Minnesota for law school in 2006 and graduated from Hamline University School of Law in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 2009.
She served as an Editor for the Hamline Law Review and the Legal Research and Writing Teaching Assistant for First Year Law students. She also advocated for immigrant clients through the Immigrant Law Center Clinic, representing clients with green cards to asylum. Most importantly, she is a fierce advocate for victims of abuse. She has zealously represented many abuse survivors in immigration matters under the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA).
In this episode, Kiki and I discussed:
- Her immigrant story and life growing up in different places
- Which nation does she identify with more
- What her formative years were like
- Life, language, and culture in Sierra Leone
- How she developed her American dream
- Cultural challenges encountered as she assimilated into US culture
- Showing up as her authentic, immigrant self
- The common misconception that immigrants are poor
- Investing in yourself
- Advice for people considering immigrating to the US
Connect with Nkechi James-Gillman here:
Website: https://gillmanimmigration.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GillmanImmigration/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillmanimmigration_law/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzOSC_5Af5mxlCyNlVXL9fw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fly_immigrationlawyer
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest, Jorge Rabaso shares his immigrant story.
Jorge was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and came to the United States in 1988 to improve himself, in pursuit of the American dream, with almost no money and little knowledge of the English language. In 1992 he started working as an Insurance Agent, and now he is the owner of Rabaso & Associates Insurance Advisors. For over 20 years, his company has assisted clients in evaluating their insurance options and selecting a rewarding and affordable path toward financial protection. Jorge founded Hispanic Business Network in 1998, which is a recognized association in Los Angeles, integrating Hispanic business professionals, most of them immigrants from different countries
Jorge wrote his book "12 llaves para Vivir Mejor y ser Más Exitoso" (12 Keys to Have a Successful Life) in which he explains how he, himself, converted from a frightened immigrant into a successful immigrant.
In this episode, Jorge and I discussed:
- His immigrant story and why he and his wife chose US to raise a mixed family
- What it was like adjusting to life in the US
- Life, food, and culture in Argentina
- Importance of having a community
- Challenges encountered over the years trying to assimilate with US culture
- The importance of learning the language of the country you choose to immigrate to
- On raising multicultural and multi-racial children
- Things he wishes he knew back then, but now know
- Advice for new immigrants and those aspiring to be one
Connect with Jorge Rabaso here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorge-eduardo-rabaso-lutcf-3a956a7/
Website: https://rabasoinsurance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jorge.rabasso
Check out his two books on Amazon, 12 llaves para Vivir Mejor y ser Más Exitoso and In two languages: Two languages for the same feeling
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Gherianne Kareen Ulysse shares her immigrant story.
Kareen currently serves as Founder/President of Centre Hospitalier de Fontaine Foundation, a private nonprofit hospital that her father built in 1991. She is proudly continuing and scaling up her father’s 31-year healthcare and workforce development legacy in Haiti. Her Foundation’s vision is for each institution they support to become the institution of choice for the community it serves and a model institution for similar institutions. She helps ministries, executives, and founders expand their corporate purpose in Haiti.
In this episode, Kareen and I discussed:
- Her family background and being an anchor baby
- Life circumstances in Haiti which led to her family becoming political refugees
- Anchor babies and birth tourism
- The political situation in Haiti back when she was young that led to the political unrest
- The current state of affairs in Haiti
- How she and her countrymen are dealing with the high unemployment, violence, lack of essential goods and services
- Haitian language, music, and food
- Her Dad’s background and how her father built the hospital
- Moving to the US and adjusting to US culture
- The discrimination she experienced in school
- Showing up as her authentic immigrant self
- Her encouragement and advice to other people who are also not American and an Immigrant
Connect with Kareen Ulysse here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareen-ulysse-1941b4129/
Website: https://www.chffoundation.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kareen_ulysse/
Foundation Website: https://chffoundation.com/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this week's episode, I have Gary Gracia joining me.
Gary is a federal government patent examiner, a coach, and a speaker. He is a devoted parent, a motivating keynote speaker, and a loving husband. In order for busy professionals to embrace authenticity and lead meaningful lives, Gary helps them develop unwavering integrity in the face of chaos. He delivers corporate training and life coaching as a dedicated life coach with experience in life coaching and mentoring in self-care and self-love.
In this episode, Gary and I discussed:
- His Haitian ancestry
- His immigrant story
- Life and culture back in Haiti
- What it was like growing up as an American child with immigrant parents
- How he integrated into both US and Haitian culture
- Opportunities that came his way that allowed him to accomplish his objectives
- His personal and family "American dream"
- Battling and overcoming depression
- What it’s like raising American-born children
- Words of wisdom for immigrants and those aspiring to be one
Connect with Gary Gracia here:
Website: www.garysteve.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garystevespeaks/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-gracia/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, my guest Dr. Maxine Bradshaw from last week shares Part 2 of her immigrant story.
Dr. Maxine A. Bradshaw is a Certified Trauma Professional and EQI Coach. She graduated from the University of the West Indies with a BSc. in Business with Upper-Class Honors and from Howard University where she earned a Master of Arts in Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Education in Counseling (M.Ed.), and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.
She is also an Author and Motivational Speaker. Dr. Bradshaw is the recipient of the 2020–2021 Global Forum of Education and Learning (GFEL) Top 100 Leaders in Education Award in the category of Mental Health and Wellness.
In this episode, Dr. Bradshaw and I discussed:
- Practicing gratitude
- Institutions and resources immigrants can check out if they need help
- Her insights on what she knows now that she wished she had known before she started her immigrant journey
- How she overcame the stereotype of being black, a woman, and an immigrant successfully
- Advice and some tips on self-care
Below is the list of institutions that Dr. Bradshaw mentioned in this episode. Please check these out if you need help.
- National Alliance on mental illnesses (NAMI) - https://nami.org/Home
NAMI provides crisis intervention, educational, and mental health resources.
- Immigrants Rising - https://immigrantsrising.org/
They offer mental health support, especially for undocumented immigrants
- warmline.org - A warmline is a peer-run listening line staffed by people in mental health recovery themselves.
- Catholic charities – they offer legal and mental health resources
- Charity care in hospitals. All hospitals have social work divisions and they provide mental health and final resources as well.
Connect with Dr. Maxine Bradshaw here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxine-a-bradshaw-ph-d-05471910a/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this week's episode, I have Dr. Maxine Bradshaw joining me.
Dr. Maxine A. Bradshaw is a Certified Trauma Professional and EQI Coach. She graduated from the University of the West Indies with a BSc. in Business with Upper-Class Honors and from Howard University where she earned a Master of Arts in Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Education in Counseling (M.Ed.), and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.
She is also an Author and Motivational Speaker. Dr. Bradshaw is the recipient of the 2020–2021 Global Forum of Education and Learning (GFEL) Top 100 Leaders in Education Award in the category of Mental Health and Wellness.
In this episode, Dr. Bradshaw and I discussed:
- Her educational background in Jamaica
- Growing up in Jamaica and its close-knit community
- Immigrating to the US and how she assimilated into the US culture
- Challenges and differences between studying in Jamaican and US
- Showing up as her true authentic immigrant self
- Examples of the challenges immigrants face and how it affects their mental health
- Advice to improve mental health
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode coming out next week.
Connect with Dr. Maxine Bradshaw here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxine-a-bradshaw-ph-d-05471910a/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Viviana Bertinetto’s path to the c-suite wasn’t an easy one. It rarely is for women in tech, but hers was especially tough as a non-native English speaker from Italy chasing her dreams in California.
The now Chief Customer Officer at Language I/O moved to the US 12 years ago and quickly found that the intersection between customer service, technology and linguistics was her sweet spot. Finding exactly what that looked like career-wise didn’t materialize quite as quickly.
She worked in recording studios doing voice-overs, managing vendors at a major language services provider, video game customer support localization all while dealing with immigration woes that would briefly relocate her back to Italy. Despite the numerous curveballs, Viviana developed a mantra that would carry her to her dream job leading CX efforts at an up-and-coming AI-enabled translation start-up: wear whatever hat you get, because you never know which one will fit.
A mantra that has shaped her customer-centric approach that looks at the customer/vendor relationship as a partnership rather than a business arrangement. One that shifts seamlessly between a supporter, vendor and advisor depending on the customer’s need at any given time.
Would you be interested in having Viviana on your podcast as a guest to discuss her journey from growing up in Italy to the C-suite of a leading multilingual customer support platform? Let me know, and I’d be happy to set something up!
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, we share 18 fellowships & scholarships to apply for during the month of October 2022. See picture of the fellowships/scholarship below:
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this episode, we share updates on the progress of our podcast as well as outlining some important new features to come.
Sincere thanks fot Anuj Agarwarl and the Feedspot team for nominating us as one of the top 30 American Culture podcasts. See the full list below:
http://blog.feedspot.com/american_culture_podcasts/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this week's episode, I have Evelyn Swaim joining me.
Evelyn Swaim is an accomplished senior marketing executive with a passion for driving measurable impact and results. She has spent the last 20 years in the technology sector, crafting marketing strategies that have helped a myriad of companies – hyper-growth start-ups, mid to large enterprises, with a focus on B2B, B2C, and SaaS – grow their brands, revenues, and bookings. As a digital savvy and data-driven leader, Evelyn has proven success leading high-performing teams that take ownership of the whole funnel, always striving to deliver value and impact to the business. She has built and transformed highly matrixed and distributed teams, including demand generation, field/channel, digital marketing, global programs, brand and communications, content marketing, customer engagement and advocacy, customer experience, and marketing operations.
In this episode, Evelyn and I discussed:
- Her immigrant story
- Growing up in Filipino culture and how different it is from US culture
- What was it like for her and her family to assimilate into US culture
- Her ‘American’ dream for herself and her family
- Opportunities that presented themselves that helped her achieve her goals
- How she advanced in her career as she dealt with challenges being an immigrant, and a woman in a male-dominated tech industry
- Unconscious biases that still exist in US society
- Importance of expanding your sphere of influence and nurturing your network
Connect with Evelyn Swaim here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/evswaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evswaim/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this week’s episode, I have Munashe Kaseke joining me.
Munashe Kaseke was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. She migrated to the United States of America at age nineteen when she received a scholarship to study at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She holds Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Administration degrees. Send Her Back and Other Stories is her debut book, a beautiful collection of the human experience. In this collection, you will meet black immigrant women in varying circumstances. Munashe currently lives and works in Northern California.
In this episode, Munashe and I discussed:
- Her personal and professional background
- Life in Zimbabwe and its culture
- Her immigration story and the United States Achievers Program (USAP)
- What life was like for her upon receiving a scholarship
- How she found her community which became her support system
- How she started her first business
- Munashe’s big goal coming over to the US
- Showing up as her authentic self
- How she came up with her book, Send Her Back and Other Stories
- Self-care tips
- Advice for new and aspiring immigrants
Connect with Munashe Kaseke here:
Website: https://munashekaseke.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/munashe_kaseke
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munashe-kaseke-113233114/
You can purchase her book, Send Her Back and Other Stories on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this week’s episode, I have Munashe Kaseke joining me.
Munashe Kaseke was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. She migrated to the United States of America at age nineteen when she received a scholarship to study at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She holds Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Administration degrees. Send Her Back and Other Stories is her debut book, a beautiful collection of the human experience. In this collection, you will meet black immigrant women in varying circumstances. Munashe currently lives and works in Northern California.
In this episode, Munashe and I discussed:
- Her personal and professional background
- Life in Zimbabwe and its culture
- Her immigration story and the United States Achievers Program (USAP)
- What life was like for her upon receiving a scholarship
- How she found her community which became her support system
- How she started her first business
- Munashe’s big goal coming over to the US
- Showing up as her authentic self
- How she came up with her book, Send Her Back and Other Stories
- Self-care tips
- Advice for new and aspiring immigrants
Connect with Munashe Kaseke here:
Website: https://munashekaseke.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/munashe_kaseke
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munashe-kaseke-113233114/
You can purchase her book, Send Her Back and Other Stories on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound.
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this week’s episode, I have Igxtelle Mbah Acha Dopgima joining me.
Igxtelle was born and raised in Cameroon, and eventually immigrated to the US. She is an international speaker and counselor, helping Immigrants and Multinationals find their authentic self. She is the founder of The Immigrant Mom, a non-profit organization founded in the United States supporting mothers and women who are parenting in a new country, different from the country and culture of their upbringing. The Immigrant Mom has the vision to empower every immigrant/multinational woman with the tools necessary for an overall better parenting experience as well as improve her integration and resettlement in the country of her residence. Its mission is to Equip, Empower and Educate the Immigrant Mom through programs, projects, and information sharing.
In this episode, Igxtelle and I discussed:
- Igxtelle’s family and professional background
- Her immigrant story, why she moved to the US
- Life and culture in Cameroon
- The concept of the American dream
- Things that helped her when she immigrated and how she assimilated to US culture
- The challenge of self-identity immigrants faces in the US
- On learning to accept oneself, and having the awareness of what makes you unique
- What practices and self-care routines she does that keeps her performing at a high level
- Advice for new and aspiring immigrants
Connect with Igxtelle Dopgima here:
Website: https://theimmigrantmom.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantmom/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Mom-979079335767645/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this week’s episode, I have Igxtelle Mbah Acha Dopgima joining me.
Igxtelle was born and raised in Cameroon, and eventually immigrated to the US. She is an international speaker and counselor, helping Immigrants and Multinationals find their authentic self. She is the founder of The Immigrant Mom, a non-profit organization founded in the United States supporting mothers and women who are parenting in a new country, different from the country and culture of their upbringing. The Immigrant Mom has the vision to empower every immigrant/multinational woman with the tools necessary for an overall better parenting experience as well as improve her integration and resettlement in the country of her residence. Its mission is to Equip, Empower and Educate the Immigrant Mom through programs, projects, and information sharing.
In this episode, Igxtelle and I discussed:
- Igxtelle’s family and professional background
- Her immigrant story, why she moved to the US
- Life and culture in Cameroon
- The concept of the American dream
- Things that helped her when she immigrated and how she assimilated to US culture
- The challenge of self-identity immigrants faces in the US
- On learning to accept oneself, and having the awareness of what makes you unique
- What practices and self-care routines she does that keeps her performing at a high level
- Advice for new and aspiring immigrants
Connect with Igxtelle Dopgima here:
Website: https://theimmigrantmom.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantmom/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Mom-979079335767645/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this week’s episode, I have Maribel Rodriguez joining me.
Maribel Rodriguez loves her roots and her parents’ countries, Colombia and Puerto Rico. Having been to both countries and growing up in Brooklyn, NY a melting pot of many cultures, she has a love for people of diverse cultures and walks of life. She studied photography at The Rochester of Technology and Social Enterprise at American University. This is where Love 4 Immigrants was founded as a graduate capstone project out of the frustration of seeing immigrants being depicted in the media in untruthful and inhumane ways. In addition to creating Love 4 Immigrants, she is an educator with LearnServe International.
In this episode, Maribel and I discussed:
- Her baby project, Love 4 Immigrants, and the initiatives they rolled out over the past years
- Growing up in Brooklyn, a multi-cultural area, and how it shaped her worldview
- How her Columbian-Puerto Rican family background and living in New York helped her navigate different cultures
- Her parents' American dream for her
- Cultural pressures to do things a certain way and the expectations on women, on having family, and dating
- Challenges she encountered in her college life
- Social inequity that permeates in US society
- The struggle of integrating herself culturally with others and the things she is passionate about
- Advice for new and aspiring immigrants
Connect with Maribel Rodriguez here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribel-rodriguez-717a3461/
Website: https://love4immigrants.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love4immigrants/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/love4immigrants/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this week’s episode, I have Maribel Rodriguez joining me.
Maribel Rodriguez loves her roots and her parents’ countries, Colombia and Puerto Rico. Having been to both countries and growing up in Brooklyn, NY a melting pot of many cultures, she has a love for people of diverse cultures and walks of life. She studied photography at The Rochester of Technology and Social Enterprise at American University. This is where Love 4 Immigrants was founded as a graduate capstone project out of the frustration of seeing immigrants being depicted in the media in untruthful and inhumane ways. In addition to creating Love 4 Immigrants, she is an educator with LearnServe International.
In this episode, Maribel and I discussed:
- Her baby project, Love 4 Immigrants, and the initiatives they rolled out over the past years
- Growing up in Brooklyn, a multi-cultural area, and how it shaped her worldview
- How her Columbian-Puerto Rican family background and living in New York helped her navigate different cultures
- Her parents' American dream for her
- Cultural pressures to do things a certain way and the expectations on women, on having family, and dating
- Challenges she encountered in her college life
- Social inequity that permeates in US society
- The struggle of integrating herself culturally with others and the things she is passionate about
- Advice for new and aspiring immigrants
Connect with Maribel Rodriguez here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribel-rodriguez-717a3461/
Website: https://love4immigrants.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love4immigrants/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/love4immigrants/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
If you are interested in coaching sessions, contact the host at 240-232-5579 or theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
In this week’s episode, I have Yuri Damitz joining me.
As a coach, Yuri helps purpose-driven, career-oriented women connect with their mission and get to the next level of happiness and fulfillment. She started her career in the financial industry as a consultant and held several leadership positions at banks and financial institutions. After climbing the corporate ladder for 20 years, she had a midlife crisis that turned into an existential crisis. She started her healing and self-discovery journey. This led to discovering her mission to empower other women to align their work with their true selves, free from familial and societal expectations. She started her coaching business as a side hustle in 2020 while working as Senior Director at a fintech startup. After the side hustle turned into multiple six-figure businesses, she quit her corporate job and became a full-time business owner. Her company, HEA Coaching International, offers coaching services and educational programs globally.
In this episode, Yuri and I discussed:
- Her heritage and family background
- Life in Kobe when she was growing up
- Different things we have all come to love about Japanese culture such as music, food, dialects
- Making tea as an artform (tea ceremony)
- Why she moved to the US initially to pursue a Master’s degree
- Her education and professional background
- How she assimilated to US culture as a new immigrant
- Seniority system and how it permeates in schools and work
- Her parents dream for her vs following her own dream
- Turning her old limiting beliefs into something that made her driven to achieve her goals
- Why she decided to live in the US after graduate school
- Imposter syndrome and how it becomes a usual challenge for immigrants as they try to assimilate to US culture and want to fit in
- Dealing with her self-image, knowing she is not an American with English as a second language, and how she overcame them
- How Yuri balanced Japanese and US culture with raising her children and also when communicating with her parents
- Yuri shares her thoughts on the Japanese economy
- Things Yuri could change about her journey, based on what she knows now
- Yuri’s advice to immigrants and those aspiring to move to the US
Connect with Yuri Damitz here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuridamitz/
Website: https://yurid-media.com/
Email: info@yurid-media.com
Yuri’s Podcast: https://yurid-media.com/podcast-2/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
In this week’s episode, I have Yuri Damitz joining me.
As a coach, Yuri helps purpose-driven, career-oriented women connect with their mission and get to the next level of happiness and fulfillment. She started her career in the financial industry as a consultant and held several leadership positions at banks and financial institutions. After climbing the corporate ladder for 20 years, she had a midlife crisis that turned into an existential crisis. She started her healing and self-discovery journey. This led to discovering her mission to empower other women to align their work with their true selves, free from familial and societal expectations. She started her coaching business as a side hustle in 2020 while working as Senior Director at a fintech startup. After the side hustle turned into multiple six-figure businesses, she quit her corporate job and became a full-time business owner. Her company, HEA Coaching International, offers coaching services and educational programs globally.
In this episode, Yuri and I discussed:
- Her heritage and family background
- Life in Kobe when she was growing up
- Different things we have all come to love about Japanese culture such as music, food, dialects
- Making tea as an artform (tea ceremony)
- Why she moved to the US initially to pursue a Master’s degree
- Her education and professional background
- How she assimilated to US culture as a new immigrant
- Seniority system and how it permeates in schools and work
- Her parents dream for her vs following her own dream
- Turning her old limiting beliefs into something that made her driven to achieve her goals
- Why she decided to live in the US after graduate school
- Imposter syndrome and how it becomes a usual challenge for immigrants as they try to assimilate to US culture and want to fit in
- Dealing with her self-image, knowing she is not an American with English as a second language, and how she overcame them
- How Yuri balanced Japanese and US culture with raising her children and also when communicating with her parents
- Yuri shares her thoughts on the Japanese economy
- Things Yuri could change about her journey, based on what she knows now
- Yuri’s advice to immigrants and those aspiring to move to the US
Connect with Yuri Damitz here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuridamitz/
Website: https://yurid-media.com/
Email: info@yurid-media.com
Yuri’s Podcast: https://yurid-media.com/podcast-2/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
In this episode, my guest Lanie Denslow from last week shares Part 2 of her story.
Lanie is the Founder & Principal at World Wise Intercultural Training & Resources, where she works with clients to improve their global business communication skills. She is a leading author, popular speaker and trusted advisor on how culture shapes business practices and business protocol around the world. She is known for using humor and candor to help others grasp the complexity of today’s global business environment. Lanie is co-author of Working with Americans and author of World Wise: What to Know Before You Go (Bloomsbury) both internationally recognized for their practical insights regarding how culture influences business.
She has conducted seminars for global business leaders and organizations in the US, China, Germany, Russia and England. She also served as the Director of International Affairs for The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). She was responsible for developing and managing study abroad and exchange programs and creating special training programs for international clients. She is the immediate Past President of Protocol & Diplomacy International, a global organization of protocol professionals. Lanie’s work in the area of international trade and diplomacy has been recognized by multiple organizations. She received the Spirit of Diplomacy award from Protocol and Diplomacy International - The Protocol Officers Association and the Special Recognition Award for outstanding contributions to the world trade community from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
In the last episode, (Episode 50), Lanie talked about the concept of cultural differences in the workplace and made it her life’s work, to help people bridge the cultural gap and work better together. She shared her insightful perspective about the American culture as it pertains to building relationships and doing business. She discussed America’s attitude towards time, high-context and low-context culture, and individualism. She also talked about multiple generations with different perspectives in the workplace.
In this episode, Lanie and I discussed:
- Finding the right return-to-work model for the post-pandemic workplace
- Lanie’s insights on the corporate culture today
- Building connections with Americans
- Common misunderstood American phrases by people from other parts of the world
- Understanding the depth of various levels of relationships through the “Peach Way” and the “Coconut way” of building relationships
- Treating everyone with the same consideration regardless of age, nationality, appearance
- Mediating problems vs going to court
- How the concept of innovation or newness is deeply embedded into the American psyche
- Keeping alive the traditions that bind us with the previous generation
- Things that draw people to come to the United States and superstitious beliefs
Connect with Lanie Denslow here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanie-denslow-worldwise/
Website: https://www.worldwiseonline.net/
Check out her books, Working with Americans and World Wise: What to Know Before You Go in Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bloomsbury and other bookstores.
If you want to collaborate with Lanie regarding speaking engagements, you can reach her through:
Email: lanie@worldwiseonline.net
Mobile: (213) 249-4170
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
In this week’s episode, I have Lanie Denslow joining me.
Lanie is the Founder & Principal at World Wise Intercultural Training & Resources, where she works with clients to improve their global business communication skills. She is a leading author, popular speaker, and trusted advisor on how culture shapes business practices and business protocol around the world. She is known for using humor and candor to help others grasp the complexity of today’s global business environment. Lanie is co-author of Working with Americans and author of World Wise: What to Know Before You Go (Bloomsbury) both internationally recognized for their practical insights regarding how culture influences business.
She has conducted seminars for global business leaders and organizations in the US, China, Germany, Russia, and England. She also served as the Director of International Affairs for The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). She was responsible for developing and managing study abroad and exchange programs and creating special training programs for international clients. She is the immediate Past President of Protocol & Diplomacy International, a global organization of protocol professionals. Lanie’s work in the area of international trade and diplomacy has been recognized by multiple organizations. She received the Spirit of Diplomacy award from Protocol and Diplomacy International - The Protocol Officers Association and the Special Recognition Award for outstanding contributions to the world trade community from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
In this episode, Lanie and I discussed:
- Her story being a 2nd generation family of immigrants
- Her education background
- How she got introduced to the concept of cultural differences and made it her life’s work, to help people bridge the cultural gap and work better together
- Lanie shared her perspective about the American culture as it pertains to building connections, building relationships, and doing business
- Elements and the beginnings of the American culture
- America’s attitude about time
- High-context and low-context culture in America and individualism
- The American concept of “writing things down” vs a simple handshake to signify the agreement between two parties
- Multiple generations with different perspectives in the workplace, and how this can pose a challenge for managers in corporate settings
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode coming out next week.
Connect with Lanie Denslow here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanie-denslow-worldwise/
Website: https://www.worldwiseonline.net/
Check out her books, Working with Americans and World Wise: What to Know Before You Go in Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bloomsbury, and other bookstores.
If you want to collaborate with Lanie regarding speaking engagements, you can reach her through:
Email: lanie@worldwiseonline.net
Mobile: (213) 249-4170
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
In this episode, my guest Dr. Kareem Heslop from last week shares Part 2 of his immigrant story.
Dr. Kareem was born in Jamaica. At age 4, Kareem left his birth family to live with a retired couple from around Portland Province. He lived with his adopted family since then and became a part of a stable and loving home. Kareem knew at the young age of 12 that he wanted to be a scientist. He knew he wanted to attend college, but it would be difficult financially. It was then he set his sights on academic scholarships. He was one of the first recipients of the program, Passport to College program, a nonprofit established to assist STEM students living in the Caribbean in realizing their dreams to attend college and match them to scholarships at historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the US. Ultimately, it was Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC, that offered them the best academic scholarships. He arrived in the US in 2013 to pursue his studies.
Kareem is an achiever. He committed himself to research experience at Claflin, Stanford University, and MUSC. In 2015, he took first place and the Black Apollo Science Award for his undergraduate research at the 15th annual Dr. Ernest E. Just Science Symposium. At the young age of 28, Kareem is a Ph.D. graduate in biomedical sciences from MUSC. Kareem will begin a post-doctoral position at Genentech. This leading biotech company is focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of medicines to treat patients with life-threatening conditions.
In the last episode, (Episode 48), Kareem talked about life in Jamaica, how he arrived in the US, how he and his classmates worked together to apply for academic scholarships, and he shared the people who helped him settle in the US and guided him through university admission requirements, etcetera.
In this episode, Dr. Kareem and I discussed:
- The story of how he and his classmates built a group that fosters a strong sense of community as they shared resources to help each other
- How he and the people who supported them built the Passport to College program, a nonprofit established to support incoming students
- Cultural differences and observations about life in Jamaica and living in the US
- Some personal adjustments he had to make as he interacted with people
- Things he wished he learned before that he knew now, in order to prepare him for life in the US
- His post-doctoral position at a leading biotech company
Connect with Dr. Kareem Heslop here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareem-heslop-b155769a/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
In this week’s episode, I have Dr, Kareem Heslop joining me.
Dr. Kareem was born in Jamaica. At age 4, Kareem left his birth family to live with a retired couple from around Portland Province. He lived with his adopted family since then and became a part of a stable and loving home. Kareem knew at the young age of 12 that he wanted to be a scientist. He knew he wanted to attend college, but financially it would be difficult. It was then he set his sights on academic scholarships. He was one of the first recipients of the program, Passport to College program, a nonprofit established to assist STEM students living in the Caribbean in realizing their dreams to attend college and match them to scholarships at historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the US. Ultimately, it was Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC, that offered them the best academic scholarships. He arrived in the US in 2013 to pursue his studies.
Kareem is an achiever. He committed himself to research experience at Claflin, Stanford University, and MUSC. In 2015, he took first place and the Black Apollo Science Award for his undergraduate research at the 15th annual Dr. Ernest E. Just Science Symposium. At the young age of 28, Kareem is a Ph.D. graduate in biomedical sciences from MUSC. Kareem will begin a post-doctoral position at Genentech, a leading biotech company that is focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of medicines to treat patients with life-threatening conditions.
In this episode, Dr. Kareem and I discussed:
- His background, where he came from, and how he arrived in the US
- Passport to College (PTC) program that helps STEM students from the Caribbean in realizing their dreams to attend college in the US
- Life in Jamaica and his blended family
- Life as a student
- Culture, music, and food in Portland Province, the northeastern end of Jamaica where he grew up
- How he got into the PTC program, the application process, and how he and his classmates teamed up, sharing their experiences and resources to navigate the college scholarship process together.
- How his move to the US as a student in an HBCU in the Rural South provided a safe space for him and allowed him to focus on his studies, without the pressure to assimilate into US society immediately
- Kareem shared stories about his arrival in the US, about The Harrises, who were instrumental in guiding them through the university’s admissions requirements from the visa process and, tests, and financial aid
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode coming out next week.
Connect with Dr. Kareem Heslop here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareem-heslop-b155769a/
Let’s Connect!
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantexperiencepodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
In this week’s episode, I have Tijana Brien joining me.
Tijana immigrated with her family during her pre-teen years. She was born in Sarajevo, in the former Yugoslavia, now known as the country of Bosnia. She has a mixed heritage, her father being Croatian and her mom Bosnian. She is a successful full-time lawyer who is now a partner at her law firm, Cooley LLP. Tijana’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and securities litigation matters.
She has substantial experience in a wide range of disputes both in federal and state court, including contract disputes, securities class actions, and shareholder derivative and books and records litigation. Tijana is a trusted advisor and fierce advocate for her clients. Her clients include individuals, venture capital firms, early-stage start-ups, and publicly-traded companies in various industries, including life sciences and technology. Tijana also maintains a robust pro bono practice focusing primarily on immigration, criminal defense, and environmental protection matters.
In this episode, Tijana and I discussed:
- Her immigration story and her Slavic heritage
- How they initially entered the US as a refugee, where she recalls the initial struggles they went through as refugees seeking a better life in the US
- Tijana recalled what life and the culture were like in the former Yugoslavia before the war broke out
- Music and her native Slavic-based language
- She recalled life during her teenage years, how her parents adjusted to improve their English, and how they assimilated as a family to live in the US
- Tijana talked about opportunities that came her way that helped fuel her dream to become a lawyer
- How she managed to balance and find ways to hold on to her cultural roots after immigrating and still build her cultural identity as an immigrant
- Dating life
- Advice for new and aspiring immigrants
Connect with Tijana Brien here:
Website: https://www.cooley.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tijana-brien-martinovic-b11781b
Let’s Connect!
Website: http://thedreamacademy.us
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience in America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
In this week’s episode, I have Janine Wiggins joining me.
Janine is a certified federal career coach and certified federal job search trainer. Her business, Resumes by Neen, LLC, provides resume and coaching services for individuals transitioning from a private sector position into a government job. Her company also provides resume services for service members transitioning out of the military into a federal or civilian job. She is a graduate of the University of Mobile with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and 5+ years of experience in the resume writing business. She worked for 13 years in the corporate world as a healthcare business analyst before becoming a full-time entrepreneur pursuing her Masters in Business Administration.
As the spouse of a veteran, she understands the challenges faced by transitioning into civilian roles. Her passion is empowering federal employees, individuals seeking federal employment, and veterans and their spouses to attain careers that allow them to live on purpose.
In this episode, Neen and I discussed:
- Her education and professional background
- How she transitioned from corporate to full-time entrepreneurship
- Utilizing the power of social media to engage with, and empower job seekers and to grow her brand’s social media presence
- Why she decided to narrow down her niche to the federal job sector
- How federal job seekers are empowered to advocate for themselves and negotiate things such as salary, annual leaves, remote working agreements, etcetera
- We shared stories of unethical hiring practices such as lowballing job offers, and we talked about tips on salary negotiation
- The challenges and likelihood of immigrants getting lowball salary offers because of their desire and excitement to enter the workforce immediately after arriving in the US
- Neen’s cultural heritage and immigrant story
- Racial identity and how it can be a source of complications with self-identity for young people
- How to see and turn your multi-racial heritage, and bi-lingual into an asset in the workplace
- What it was like growing up as an immigrant with a Panamanian culture and as an Afro-Latina
- Opportunities Neen was blessed with that helped her get opportunities and took advantage of to help in her education
- Advice for new and aspiring immigrants
Connect with Janine Wiggins here:
Website: https://www.resumesbyneen.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resumesbyneen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janinewiggins
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResumesByNeen
Let’s Connect!
Website: http://thedreamacademy.us
Email: theimmigrantexperiencebtyad@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience of America here: http://thedreamacademy.us/podcast/
In this week’s episode, I have Cecilia Li joining me.
Cecilia Li is a Chief Information Officer with a career of success as a strategic partner to executive management and board of directors delivering vision, and recommendations while leading cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment.
With over 20 years of experience with a focus on customer service and digital transformation, she is often discussing relevant topics in conferences and webinars related to cyber security, innovation, business intelligence, automation, and operations optimization.
She currently works at Urban Edge Properties; a New York stock exchange (NYSE) listed real estate investment trust and plays an active role in bettering the built environment. She was the recipient of several awards in the industry, including best use of automation, Innovation ambassador of the year, and nominated for the Julie Devine Digital Impact as a consistent thought leader. She serves as an Advisor for Realcomm and is a leadership board member of the real estate cyber consortium. She was also the co-chair for this year’s Realcomm conference, where they discussed and showcased the latest technology trends and best practices in the industry.
In part 1 of this episode, Cecilia and I talked about:
- Family life, her kids, and volunteer work
- What it’s like growing up with a mixed heritage and the blending of cultures
- Cecilia talked about Venezuelan life and culture
- The Venezuelan economic collapse
- Arriving to the USA as an immigrant during her teenage years, and learning the language
- How she adjusted to life in the USA as a new immigrant
- Switching careers from fashion to tech industry
- Challenges and how she built her network and support system
- Advice and tips for new immigrants
- Living into your authentic self
- And so much more!
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode coming out next week.
Let’s Connect!
Website: http://thedreamacademy.us
Email: info@thedreamacademy.us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson
Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience of America here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-immigrant-experience-in-america/id1595952623
I’m interrupting my usual podcast schedule to share with you a list of scholarships. Congratulations to all new graduates! A lot of you are heading to your summer vacation and preparing for your first semester away -- we wish you the best and stay safe. This episode is geared towards sharing with you a list of scholarships that I have found to be beneficial or forwarded by others. You may do your own research and I hope you take advantage of these resources. 1. Charles Rangel Fellowship 2. United Negro College Fund 3. Black MBA Scholarship 4. Voyager Scholarship 5. Fulbright Scholarship 6. Marshall Scholarship 7. Rhodes Scholar Program 8. Franklin Fellowship 9. Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship 10. Rotary Club Scholarship 11. Atlantis Exchange Program 12. Leap Scholarship - Latino/BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) 13. Ifundwomen Grant Program 14. Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation has a list of scholarships on their website that you can also check out. Here are some links mentioned in the episode that you can check out online for more information on scholarships: 1. https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org 2. https://www.fastweb.com – a free scholarship search platform 3. https://www.scholarships.com 4. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships 5. https://studentscholarships.org 6. https://finaid.org/scholarships 7. https://opportunity.collegeboard.org Students, it is a good time to apply early and apply often. If you want to win a scholarship, you have to apply on time. I’ve provided a long list of scholarships for you to check out. I hope you find this helpful. Please share this episode with your peers, loved ones, and anyone who you think may find this beneficial in their pursuit of higher education. Let’s Connect! Website:http://thedreamacademy.us Email: info@thedreamacademy.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Immigrant-Experience-In-America-103525698906957 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson Check out the previous episodes of The Immigrant Experience In America here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-immigrant-experience-in-america/id1595952623
Lindsay was born and raised in the Philippines as a third generation Chinese immigrant. She is also a first generation US immigrant after she moved to the US 13 years ago. She graduated as a Management Engineering major and worked in the IT industry across several countries such as the Philippines, Poland, Canada, and now in the USA. She now lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and two young kids. Lindsay has two decades of track record as a global technology leader. She has grown her career in various industries such as consumer packaged goods (Procter & Gamble), hardware and software services (Hewlett-Packard Enterprise), telecommunications (T-Mobile USA), and most recently she's working at a unicorn company that focuses on Artificial Intelligence (Afiniti). She is also currently an executive board member for Ignite Worldwide, a non-profit organization whose mission is to bridge the gender gap and bring equitable education and career opportunities to young girls and women around the world. This non-profit organization has served over 100,000 young girls around the world.
Cheryl Phills-King originates from St. Vincent where she was an educator and later migrated and served as a Drew University Librarian. Mrs. Phills-King has an active lifestyle through formal employment and volunteerism. Her husband Baldwin King was a professsor at University of the West Indies and Drew University, New Jersey and is currently the Professior Emeritus of Chemistry Department - Drew University. The couple has entered the documentation and publishing of the Caribbean experience (2 volumes of Caribbean trailblazers among others) in their latter years - see several publications by Ms. Phills-King and her spouse Baldwin King. "People need to be honored when they are alive" and"Reward sweetens labor."
Mrs. Phills-King and her husband are driven by the business of giving back, being community conscious. "I am only one but still I am one. I cannot do everything but still I can do something. And becuase I cannot do everyhting, I will not refuse to do so something I can do" - Edward Etheridge
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to add of our Human Library of immigrant stories, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Jenniffer Whyte is a Spanish teacher in a private school setting. She migrated from the Dominican Republic via her father where she resided in New York, later Atlanta metro area and later settling in Alabama. In this episode, Jenniffer - an afro-latina in the south, details her journey as a black latina navigating racism, prejudice while serving as a mom, pastor's wife, spanish teacher, podcaster and so many more.
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to add of our Human Library of immigrant stories, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Jenniffer Whyte is a Spanish teacher in a private school setting. She migrated from the Dominican Republic via her father where she resided in New York, later Atlanta metro area and later setting in Alabama. In this episode, Jenniffer - an afro-latina in the south, details her journey as a black latina navigating racism, prejudice while serving as a mom, pastor's wife, spanish teacher, podcaster and so many more.
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to add of our Human Library of immigrant stories, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Artie Phills is a vibrant retired person! He migranted from St. Vincent and has had a successful career in the Telecommunications Industry for over 30 years. Now retired, Artie is just as active, if not more, than his formally employed season. Way to go Artie!! You are the example of how to flourish in retirement - over 20+ years and counting in. If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to add of our Human Library of immigrant stories, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Silvia Aguirre, emigrated from Mexico at a early age. As the older of two daughters, Silvia set out to learn as much as she could to support her sister and mom as they adjust to life in the United States. Silvia's journey is one of hardwork, volunteerism, and sacrifice. She deserves as the great things that is now a part of her life. Silvia's journey reminds me of a poem I learned in high school and has been an anthem for my journey here in the United States.
"The heights of great men/women were not attained by sudden flight but they, while their companions slept were toiling upward through the night." - Unknown
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to add to our Human Library of immigrant stories, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Silvia Aguirre, emigrated from Mexico at a early age. As the older of two daughters, Silvia set out to learn as much as she could to support her sister and mom as they adjust to life in the United States. Silvia's journey is one of hardwork, volunteerism, and sacrifice. She deserves as the great things that is now a part of her life. Silvia's journey reminds me of a poem I learned in high school and has been an anthem for my journey here in the United States.
"The heights of great men/women were not attained by sudden flight but they, while their companions slept were toiling upward through the night." - Unknown
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to add of our Human Library of immigrant stories, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Paurvi Bhatt is a second generation, Indian immigrant, health care executive and board executive on global and national nonprofit, foundations and councils. She is a leader with a rich set of experiences across three industries – pharmaceutical, retail apparel and medical technology. She is known for creating and executing strategies, shaping global teams and enabling functions that accelerate an organization's capacity to drive greater success when facing uncertainty caused by external social pressures.
During our interview, Paurvi touched on issues such as social determinants of health, finding belonging, using one's voice, how to honor the first immigrant in a family to migrate, the immigrant mentality - the joy of solving for things (using difficulty/challenging situations), adapting food/things to create something new when one is unable to find tradiditonal ingredients from their country of origin. Paurvi honors the legacy of her parents who were the first to migrate from India by sharing the courage and confidence of 1st generation immigrants as they were raised in a majority environment and the influence her parents had in her young life as they encouraged her to "bring people home" as a way of breaking bread to introduce/build bridges and shortening the distance between people of different cultures.
As a recognized leader in healthcare, Paurvi is known for managing risk, creating growth, and improving performance by enabling the nonprofit, private, and government sector that form the value chain delivering social and healthcare services. Her results include improved access to health care delivery, corporate social responsibility results and Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, creative and effective employee benefit and engagement offerings, and proactive issues management and advocacy that drives societal change.
Paurvi’s deep knowledge of social issues and diverse stakeholders provides a unique line of sight for companies aiming to deliver breakthrough improvements in reputation, trust and measurable social outcomes. She’s led teams in public affairs, human resources, and philanthropy, and is known for her cross functional and multidisciplinary approach to problem solving based on her deep experience working in the nonprofit, government and community sector. Her leadership in the pharmaceutical, retail apparel and medical technology industry has driven improvement in sustainability and diversity rankings and ratings such as Human Rights Council, Diversity, Inc, Asia Society, Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and FTSE4Good.
As a board executive, Paurvi is called upon to sharpen an organization’s focus on outcomes, tap creative revenue streams to accelerate growth, and scale improved reputation. She’s a spokesperson and active author, podcast guest and presenter on issues ranging from women's leadership, Asian American and Immigrant issues, health systems and economics, philanthropy, HIV and women’s health, and the role of women as working daugthers and family caregivers.
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to add of our Human Library of immigrant stories, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Paurvi Bhatt is a second generation, Indian immigrant, health care executive and board executive on global and national nonprofit, foundations and councils. She is a leader with a rich set of experiences across three industries – pharmaceutical, retail apparel and medical technology. She is known for creating and executing strategies, shaping global teams and enabling functions that accelerate an organization's capacity to drive greater success when facing uncertainty caused by external social pressures.
During our interview, Paurvi touched on issues such as social determinants of health, finding belonging, using one's voice, how to honor the first immigrant in a family to migrate, the immigrant mentality - the joy of solving for things (using difficulty/challenging situations), adapting food/things to create something new when one is unable to find tradiditonal ingredients from their country of origin. Paurvi honors the legacy of her parents who were the first to migrate from India by sharing the courage and confidence of 1st generation immigrants as they were raised in a majority environment and the influence her parents had in her young life as they encouraged her to "bring people home" as a way of breaking bread to introduce/build bridges and shortening the distance between people of different cultures.
As a recognized leader in healthcare, Paurvi is known for managing risk, creating growth, and improving performance by enabling the nonprofit, private, and government sector that form the value chain delivering social and healthcare services. Her results include improved access to health care delivery, corporate social responsibility results and Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, creative and effective employee benefit and engagement offerings, and proactive issues management and advocacy that drives societal change.
Paurvi’s deep knowledge of social issues and diverse stakeholders provides a unique line of sight for companies aiming to deliver breakthrough improvements in reputation, trust and measurable social outcomes. She’s led teams in public affairs, human resources, and philanthropy, and is known for her cross functional and multidisciplinary approach to problem solving based on her deep experience working in the nonprofit, government and community sector. Her leadership in the pharmaceutical, retail apparel and medical technology industry has driven improvement in sustainability and diversity rankings and ratings such as Human Rights Council, Diversity, Inc, Asia Society, Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and FTSE4Good.
As a board executive, Paurvi is called upon to sharpen an organization’s focus on outcomes, tap creative revenue streams to accelerate growth, and scale improved reputation. She’s a spokesperson and active author, podcast guest and presenter on issues ranging from women's leadership, Asian American and Immigrant issues, health systems and economics, philanthropy, HIV and women’s health, and the role of women as working daugthers and family caregivers.
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to add of our Human Library of immigrant stories, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Paurvi Bhatt is a second generation, Indian immigrant, health care executive and board executive on global and national nonprofit, foundations and councils. She is a leader with a rich set of experiences across three industries – pharmaceutical, retail apparel and medical technology. She is known for creating and executing strategies, shaping global teams and enabling functions that accelerate an organization's capacity to drive greater success when facing uncertainty caused by external social pressures.
During our interview, Paurvi touched on issues such as social determinants of health, finding belonging, using one's voice, how to honor the first immigrant in a family to migrate, the immigrant mentality - the joy of solving for things (using difficulty/challenging situations), adapting food/things to create something new when one is unable to find tradiditonal ingredients from their country of origin. Paurvi honors the legacy of her parents who were the first to migrate from India by sharing the courage and confidence of 1st generation immigrants as they were raised in a majority environment and the influence her parents had in her young life as they encouraged her to "bring people home" as a way of breaking bread to introduce/build bridges and shortening the distance between people of different cultures.
As a recognized leader in healthcare, Paurvi is known for managing risk, creating growth, and improving performance by enabling the nonprofit, private, and government sector that form the value chain delivering social and healthcare services. Her results include improved access to health care delivery, corporate social responsibility results and Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, creative and effective employee benefit and engagement offerings, and proactive issues management and advocacy that drives societal change.
Paurvi’s deep knowledge of social issues and diverse stakeholders provides a unique line of sight for companies aiming to deliver breakthrough improvements in reputation, trust and measurable social outcomes. She’s led teams in public affairs, human resources, and philanthropy, and is known for her cross functional and multidisciplinary approach to problem solving based on her deep experience working in the nonprofit, government and community sector. Her leadership in the pharmaceutical, retail apparel and medical technology industry has driven improvement in sustainability and diversity rankings and ratings such as Human Rights Council, Diversity, Inc, Asia Society, Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and FTSE4Good.
As a board executive, Paurvi is called upon to sharpen an organization’s focus on outcomes, tap creative revenue streams to accelerate growth, and scale improved reputation. She’s a spokesperson and active author, podcast guest and presenter on issues ranging from women's leadership, Asian American and Immigrant issues, health systems and economics, philanthropy, HIV and women’s health, and the role of women as working daugthers and family caregivers.
In this episode, Soribel Feliz shares her journey growing up in the Dominican Republic (DR), migrating to New York early in her life and the importance of music culture in the DR community. She discusses the many scholarship opportunities which helped to pivot her to working for U.S. Department of State, interning on Capitol Hill, and tranisitioning from the Federal Government to the technology sector and landing a position with Meta (formerly FB).
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
In this episode, Soribel Feliz shares her journey growing up in the Dominican Republic (DR), migrating to New York early in her life and the importance of music culture in the DR community. She discusses the many scholarship opportunities which helped to pivot her to working for U.S. Department of State, interning on Capitol Hill, and tranisitioning from the Federal Government to the technology sector and landing a position with Meta (formerly FB).
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Part 2: In this episode Gregorio Pardo, son of Mexican immigrants share his coming out story. For decades, Mexican-Americans were chastised for speaking Spanish and eating tacos in schools. Gregorio takes us on a journey of finding his authentic voice, learning to embrace his bi-lingual abilities and the value and perspective he brings to the table.
In this episode Gregorio Pardo, son of Mexican immigrants share his coming out story. For decades, Mexican-Americans were chastised for speaking Spanish and eating tacos in schools. Gregorio takes us on a journey of finding his authentic voice, learning to embrace his bi-lingual abilities and the value and perspective he brings to the table.
Continuation - Dr. Jovelle Fernandez (The Philipines)
Dr. Jovelle Fernandez, a native from the Phillipines migrated to the United States after being an established practising Obstetrician-Gynocologist. In this episode, Dr. Fernandez discusses the realities of life in the Philipines and the sacrifices which were necessary to afford her children the benefit of studying in the United States and a career transition.
Dr. Jovelle Fernandez, a native from the Phillipines migrated to the United States after being an established practising Obstetrician-Gynocologist. In this episode, Dr. Fernandez discusses the realities of life in the Philipines and the sacrifices which were necessary to afford her children the benefit of studying in the United States and a career transition.
Vimal Patel is president and CEO of QHotels Management, which owns and operates hotels in Louisiana and Texas. A fierce advocate for fair franchising, he’s currently taking on two of the world’s biggest hotel chains in a class-action lawsuit to put an end to years of price gouging. Vimal has been featured by Fox Business, Newsweek, the Associated Press and Nerdwallet. Read his backstory in Authority Magazine. He’s also a tech entrepreneur who founded INNRLY, proprietary software that streamlines the day-to-day duties of hoteliers. ============================== If you or anyone you know would like to be interested in sharing your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or e-mail us at info@thedreamacademy.us
In this episode Raymond Kaniu takes us on a journey of life in Kenya and his trek from Kenya to the United States as well as travels in Europe and Asia. Listen for an intriguing discussion about global economic development, financial technology, governance, high vs low context cultures, the East-West dynamic and the importance of identity.
Keith Cunningham, after spending time preparing to sit the University of Cambridge examination in England and successfully passing the examination, he graduated and went on to work for the government in the Lands and Surveys Department. There he was awarded a scholarship to attend training in the profession of Topography in Trinidad & Tobago, another neighboring, Caribbean nation. On completion, he returned to his position in St Vincent. Soon after returning from Trinidad, he was called by the US Embassy and granted an immigrant visa to the US. He arrived in New York, in the middle of winter in January 1965 at the age of 26. After a brief stay in California, where he lived in a small seaside town called La Jolla, a few miles outside San Diego, he headed back east to New York City. While in California, he wasted no time in seeking employment as he was resolved not to be a dependent of his great aunt. Having failed to find employment in California, he returned to New York in April of 1965, staying with friends until he could find employment. He finally got the ear and understanding of a personnel manager in the then Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. He was offered employment working a midnight to 8:00 AM shift for which he gladly accepted. He attended Brooklyn College during the day and worked at night and eventually obtained a bachelors’ degree in Economics with a minor in Taxation. Keith was eventually able to switch over to day time hours where he worked his way through various supervisory positions. In 1972, he joined the rank of management when he was promoted to the official title of Assistant Manager. He was put in several positions of responsibility and continued to get promotions. On retirement in 2005, he left as a vice president of JPMorgan Chase. He subsequently was invited back as a consultant of Tax Compliance. Keith got married in 1972, bought his first home in 1973 and moved from Brooklyn to Queens, New York. In 1976, he bought a home in New Jersey where he still lives and where his and his wife’s only child was born and raised. If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Alec Yuzhbabenko is a Design Architect and an Associate Design Principal with Hanbury Architects currently residing in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Alec graduated Summa Cum Laude from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s in Architecture. Alec’s passion and creativity as a Designer has received recognition on a regional and national level. Alec has been noted for his collaborative spirit and constant pursuit for challenge and excellence in articles and press interviews. His thinking challenges the status-quo with innovative and socially sustainable ideas.
No doubt his work and demeanor are shaped by his background. Alec came to the United States from Odessa, Ukraine as a child. Adapting to a new language, culture and societal norms instilled a familiarity with discomfort and a curiosity for what he doesn’t yet know. As a professional these qualities are evidenced in how Alec questions the status quo, investigates and innovates in his problem solving. In the posture of a consummate team member, he brings a broad spectrum of skills to the design table—-architectural design, graphic design, presentation, communication, and more.
For Alec, creative thinking happens on numerous levels simultaneously. Alec measures success by the positive impression he leaves. His contributions to the profession and the industry exceed his years. His humble appreciation for his mentors’ gifts of advice and direction inspires his proactive efforts to pass this mentorship forward – engaging with students at colleges and universities through design critiques, knowledge-sharing workshops and public lectures and seminars. This ethos is also reflected in Alec’s work. Because the spaces and places designed by architects leave long-lasting impacts on people and communities, Alec approaches design with great care, thought and a priority on social sustainability. As a result, his designs are beloved by those who use them.
Lucy Chen has overcome many challenges as a first-generation immigrant from China: from seeking knowledge and exploring the world as an innocent student, to her time as a rising leader in the competitive U.S. financial industry. She understands the struggles and challenges most immigrants face due to cultural and linguistic barriers. As a career woman, she has first-hand experience in overcoming these barriers to advance her career and establish a fulfilling life in the United States. Now, working as a life coach and career coach, Lucy applies her passion for empowering immigrants—especially Asian Americans and women—by helping them pursue their own American dreams.
In this episode, the host interviews Authorine Walker, Phd. Authorine shares about her challenges finding employment and starting out at USD$3 per hour to retiring with 2 masters degrees and a PHD. She encourages immigrants to have a roadmap for their immigrant journey and emphasizes the importance of seeking therapy for mental health issues -- in her own words, "God comforts people through people." Authorine is a staunch advocate for immigrant students and women.
Lola Adeyemo is the founder and CEO of EQImindset (EQI is from Equity and Inclusion). As a certified diversity, equity & inclusion professional, she leverages her experiences as an Immigrant, a career mom, and a Scientist and within different global corporations to inspire and motivate underrepresented individuals. Her goal is to expand the conversations on identity dimensions and intersectionality to help underrepresented and unheard voices be the best versions of themselves regardless of the systems they operate within, Corporate, Non-Profit or Schools.
Lola is currently working towards her Doctorate in Strategic leadership program with a dissertation focus on belonging for Immigrant women and Her book on "Immigrant Women In Corporate America and Belonging" is set for a fall 2022 release.
Elika Dadsetan-Foley is VISIONS’ new Executive Director as of March 2nd, 2020. She is joining VISIONS following years of work as a director, in nonprofits and higher education, years teaching as a professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, and a decade of work in development and humanitarian contexts in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Most of her work abroad included access to education and child protection, as well as juvenile justice, restorative practices, and psychosocial programming all over the world. While her original plan was to travel the world fighting injustice, she’s looking forward to growing her roots in Boston and focusing on VISIONS’ diversity, equity, and inclusion work. She is Persian-American, was accidentally locked out of Iran because of the revolution, discovered unconditional love in her dogs, rebelled against her parents by getting a law degree instead of becoming a doctor, and takes Taco Tuesday religiously. She lives in the South Shore with her partner Sean, and their dogs, Server and Oreo.
Ms. Maha Hafez Witherington was born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1956. She attended the Sacred Heart Catholic School for 12 years. After earning her high school diploma, she immediately joined the faculty of arts.
In 1978 she graduated with a Bachelor Degree in English literature. She transitioned to the USA in 1990. She pursued her professional career with the U.S. Army as a civil servant in 1988 in Cairo, Egypt. Her assignments were varied to include Bilingual Secretary, Executive/Confidential Assistant, Administrative Officer, Protocol Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Office Manager, Congressioanl Coordination Officer, and Action Officer, Supervisor and Mentor. She served Diplomatic and Official assignments in Egypt, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Washington D.C. (The Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery). She served the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt as an Office Manager and the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a Public Affairs Officer.
She became a proud member of the Department of the Army (DA) Staff in 2005.
Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) is the executive part of the Department of the Army at the seat of Government. It is the highest level headquarters in the Department and exercises directive and supervisory control over it.
HQDA is composed of the Office of the Secretary of the Army; Office of the Chief of Staff, Army; the Army Staff; and specifically designated staff support agencies.
Her leadership and organizational skills gained over the past 34 years in the U.S. Government in the USA and overseas are remarkable.
She a Native Arabic speaker, she has mastered English and French; spoken and written.
Fair in Italian and German. She is well trained and licensed in the fields of: Administrative/ Office Management, Motivation, Diversity, Human Resources, International Public Relations, International Culture, International Protocol, Governmental Affairs, Office and Time Management. She is an active volunteer in the USA and globally since 1980.
She retired in 2016 and in 2021 she decided to go back to work. She is a proud wife to a former Army Officer and an Army mother to a daughter Officer. She is a proud mother of 2 daughters and a son and grandmother of two granddaughters. Maha's mantra is "Never say Never!"
Yuying Chen-Wynn is an EdTech Product Executive with over 20 years of experience in D2C, B2B products and services across US and international markets. Her current focus is on transforming learning using AI-first, data driven product strategies so companies can reach more learners and effectively leverage global strategic partnerships to rapidly scale. Her career has taken her through Microsoft, SAP, EF, Age of Learning and now at Barnes and Noble Education. Her passion for EdTech was ignited early in her college days at the MIT Media Lab for Epistemology and Learning under Mitch Resnick working on the design for the first generation LEGO Mindstorm CPU and small dancing robots. She is also a mom of three and an avid ballroom competitor.
Tope Fajingbesi, Tope is a Nigerian-American social impact entrepreneur, author, educator and business advisor. Prior to founding She-EO, Tope founded United for Kids Foundation and hosted Impact Africa. Tope speaks to global audiences with a mission to inspire. Tope is an alumnus of the University of Lagos in Nigeria, Emory University in Atlanta and the University of Oxford in the UK. She is also an internationally chartered accountant and a United States of America certified public accountant. Tope co-owns Dodo Farms with her husband, Niyi Balogun; and teaches agricultural business courses at the University of Maryland.
Valerie Itzell Howell, also known as “Valeria”, is a third-generation Panamanian. She was born in the province of Colόn, which is a port city on the Atlantic Coast of the isthmus of Panamá. She is the proud descendant of Jamaicans and Barbadians (Bajans) who came to Panamá and built the Panamá Canal. In Panama, she was raised primarily by her loving grandparents while her mother worked in NYC saving up to bring Valerie and her sister to “the states”, as they used to say. Valerie immigrated to the United States in 1978 and grew up in Flatbush, Brooklyn. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an educator or an attorney. She attended A. Philip Randolph H.S. in Harlem, then went on to earn her B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from SUNY Binghamton. After twelve years as an H.S. Spanish Teacher, she was admitted to New York Law School, eventually earning her Juris Doctorate. Valerie also completed a Masters in Educational Leadership from Teachers College at Columbia University. Valerie strives to stay connected to her Caribbean and West Indian Panamanian roots by dedicating time to the efforts of the Caribbean American Lawyers Association and the Pan-Caribbean Sankofa Project. The Pan Caribbean Sankofa Project is particularly dear to her heart as its mission is to preserve and share the history and legacy of West Indians in Panama.
Trisha J.C-McMurray hails from the language and cultural services industry and is based in Northern New Jersey. Linguistic and multicultural program coordination have been the focus of her career, concentrating on language training, volunteer translation and interpretation. She is a graduate of Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ where she majored in Spanish. She started her career as an elementary Spanish teacher. Her mission was to both teach language and expose students to the diversity of Latin American and Caribbean cultures. As a global citizen energized by bringing cultures together around a shared goal, she successfully conceptualized and planned language programs and events based on diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. The result of her planning and execution provided participants with an exposure to the products, practices and perspectives of Mexico, Central & South America, the Caribbean, Spain & Guinea Equatorial. It was during this time that she realized she was more than a teacher in the classroom after conceptualizing, devising and coordinating a school wide Latin American celebration with food, music and regalia from the British, Spanish and Portuguese regions of Latin American and the Caribbean. Also, after an opportunity for newspaper reporters to come to the school and interview students with a subsequent publication in the Star Ledger, she knew that fulfilling her passion was beyond the classroom and subsequently between her early 20s to age 31, she sought to reconcile the lack of diversity among Latino and Caribbean languages and cultures as well as other ethnic groups against more positive representations through career, entrepreneurship initiatives through magazine publication, restaurant related and language business initiatives and academia. For awhile, she was also a volunteer liaison between Spanish-speaking patients and English-speaking staff at a healthcare facility.
After years of seeing the diversity of Latino and Caribbean language, culture and people go unnoticed, with inspiration from Christy Haubbeger, founder of Latina Magazine, she enrolled in the Masters in Publishing at NYU in New York City.
She’s gone overseas to St. Lucia and interviewed Caribbean cuisine chef and restauranteur, Bobo Bergstrom and also met with SHE Caribbean magazine founder Mae Wayne to get tips on starting a magazine. She later interned at a major Latin magazine in New York City. This experience prompted her to continue an advanced degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies where she got her Master’s in 2009. Her specialization was hyphenated Latino and West Indian identity focusing on Afro Latino, Chinese Latino and Indo Caribbean people. After receiving her Master’s in 2009, she worked for Berlitz Languages, Inc. where she remained for 10 years before returning to the public school system. There she worked as a language instructor, helping people from diverse backgrounds to improve their English and Spanish proficiency. She delivered new programs for pharmaceutical and telecommunications firms, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, private education institutions and world travelers as a cruise ship language instructor on a prestigious cruise line. Trisha is also a graduate of Rising Tide Capital having embarked on an initiative to start her own Language Services company in 2017. Aside from her professional and business initiatives, she was a project coordinator for NJ and NY Cares as well as member of NY Circle of Translators and the American Translators Association.
Trisha speaks English and Spanish and hopes to pursue her interest in learning Brazilian Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese. Her interests are reading, travel, language and culture, salsa dancing, soca and samba music, cooking and spending time with her husband and family. Some of the causes close to her heart are immigration reform (family separation and reunification) and positive representations of 1st generation Americans of immigrant parents.
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If you or anyone you know would like to be interested in sharing your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or e-mail us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Trisha J.C-McMurray hails from the language and cultural services industry and is based in Northern New Jersey. Linguistic and multicultural program coordination have been the focus of her career, concentrating on language training, volunteer translation and interpretation. She is a graduate of Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ where she majored in Spanish. She started her career as an elementary Spanish teacher. Her mission was to both teach language and expose students to the diversity of Latin American and Caribbean cultures. As a global citizen energized by bringing cultures together around a shared goal, she successfully conceptualized and planned language programs and events based on diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. The result of her planning and execution provided participants with an exposure to the products, practices and perspectives of Mexico, Central & South America, the Caribbean, Spain & Guinea Equatorial. It was during this time that she realized she was more than a teacher in the classroom after conceptualizing, devising and coordinating a school wide Latin American celebration with food, music and regalia from the British, Spanish and Portuguese regions of Latin American and the Caribbean. Also, after an opportunity for newspaper reporters to come to the school and interview students with a subsequent publication in the Star Ledger, she knew that fulfilling her passion was beyond the classroom and subsequently between her early 20s to age 31, she sought to reconcile the lack of diversity among Latino and Caribbean languages and cultures as well as other ethnic groups against more positive representations through career, entrepreneurship initiatives through magazine publication, restaurant related and language business initiatives and academia. For awhile, she was also a volunteer liaison between Spanish-speaking patients and English-speaking staff at a healthcare facility.
After years of seeing the diversity of Latino and Caribbean language, culture and people go unnoticed, with inspiration from Christy Haubbeger, founder of Latina Magazine, she enrolled in the Masters in Publishing at NYU in New York City.
She’s gone overseas to St. Lucia and interviewed Caribbean cuisine chef and restauranteur, Bobo Bergstrom and also met with SHE Caribbean magazine founder Mae Wayne to get tips on starting a magazine. She later interned at a major Latin magazine in New York City. This experience prompted her to continue an advanced degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies where she got her Master’s in 2009. Her specialization was hyphenated Latino and West Indian identity focusing on Afro Latino, Chinese Latino and Indo Caribbean people. After receiving her Master’s in 2009, she worked for Berlitz Languages, Inc. where she remained for 10 years before returning to the public school system. There she worked as a language instructor, helping people from diverse backgrounds to improve their English and Spanish proficiency. She delivered new programs for pharmaceutical and telecommunications firms, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, private education institutions and world travelers as a cruise ship language instructor on a prestigious cruise line. Trisha is also a graduate of Rising Tide Capital having embarked on an initiative to start her own Language Services company in 2017. Aside from her professional and business initiatives, she was a project coordinator for NJ and NY Cares as well as member of NY Circle of Translators and the American Translators Association.
Trisha speaks English and Spanish and hopes to pursue her interest in learning Brazilian Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese. Her interests are reading, travel, language and culture, salsa dancing, soca and samba music, cooking and spending time with her husband and family. Some of the causes close to her heart are immigration reform (family separation and reunification) and positive representations of 1st generation Americans of immigrant parents.
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If you or anyone you know would like to be interested in sharing your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or e-mail us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Lilian Medina Romero is a human rights advocate who has developed her career as an immigration law and policy expert serving immigrant survivors of gender-based violence and other marginalized individuals in the U.S. Lilian is originally from Colombia where she got her Law degree in 2009. She has a Master's degree in International Law and Human Rights with special focus on Gender issues from American University and is currently working on her Master in Public Policy at George Mason University. For over a decade, Lilian has worked with non-profit organizations to create and implement programs that support justice for immigrants and particularly women in the Latina community. Lilian is also the co-founder of The Bridge Sisters, a U.S. women-owned business that provides bilingual communication in English and Spanish, outreach, and development services to help nonprofits maximize the impact of their work. The Bridge Sisters focus in helping organizations that directly promote gender equality in the United States. If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Lilian Medina Romero is a human rights advocate who has developed her career as an immigration law and policy expert serving immigrant survivors of gender-based violence and other marginalized individuals in the U.S. Lilian is originally from Colombia where she got her Law degree in 2009. She has a Master's degree in International Law and Human Rights with special focus on Gender issues from American University and is currently working on her Master in Public Policy at George Mason University. For over a decade, Lilian has worked with non-profit organizations to create and implement programs that support justice for immigrants and particularly women in the Latina community. Lilian is also the co-founder of The Bridge Sisters, a U.S. women-owned business that provides bilingual communication in English and Spanish, outreach, and development services to help nonprofits maximize the impact of their work. The Bridge Sisters focus in helping organizations that directly promote gender equality in the United States. If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Eugina, a self-made immigrant woman, started her telecom career as a secretary and now has gone on to become VP of Marketing of the major telecom industry disruptor Parallel Wireless. She has over 20 years of strategic marketing leadership experience, leading marketing and communications for small and Fortune 500 global technology companies.
She is a well sought-after speaker at many technology and telecom events and webinars. She is a well-known telecom writer contributing to publications like “RCR
Wireless”, “The Fast Mode”, “Developing Telecoms” and many others. She is also an inventor, holding 7 patents that include 5G and Open RAN. Her passion is to help other women in telecom to realize their full potential through mentorships, communities’ engagement, and workshops. Her story is a positive example that if you work hard, play fair, continue to learn, and always believe in
yourself, you can grow yourself, your career, and others. Eugina resides in Massachusetts with her husband, teenage son, and three rescue dogs. She loves theater and museums. She volunteers for dog rescues and programs that help underprivileged children and women. Eugina has a Master’s in Teaching from Moscow Pedagogical University, and studied computer undergrad at CDI College in Toronto, Canada. If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Today the host shares more about her experience migrating to the USA from Jamaica.
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If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
The Immigrant Experience In America rounds out the month of February with part II with the host's personal story. March is Women's History Month! We will celebrate Women's History Month by highlighting female immigrants. Tune in every/every other day for a new story in March.
Malick Haidara is a Foreign Service Officer for the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID). In this capacity, he devoted the past 12 years working to advance the US Government’s foreign assistance objectives in Central America, Africa, and Asia. From 2014 to 2018, he served as the Director of the Economic Growth Office at the USAID Mission in Rwanda, where he oversaw a diverse portfolio consisting of agricultural development, private sector development, access to finance, trade policy, energy, and rural infrastructure development projects. From 2018 to 2020, he was the Deputy Director of the Economic Growth and
Agriculture Office at the USAID Mission in Pakistan, where he led the US Government’s efforts to modernize the Pakistani agricultural sector. He returned to USAID Headquarter in
Washington in 2020, where he is currently serving as the Managing Director of the Private Sector Engagement Hub’s Institutional Support team. In this capacity, he is focusing on creating the institutional conditions and operating infrastructure necessary for the Agency to increasingly work hand-in-hand with the private sector to achieve greater development and humanitarian outcomes. Prior to joining USAID, Malick built a career in the financial sector. He worked as Financial
Research Analyst for Standards and Poor’s in Denver, CO and as Corporate Credit Analyst for E-trade Financials in Arlington, VA. Malick received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural- economics from the National Polytechnic Institute in Cote-d’Ivoire and his Master of Science in Finance from the University of Colorado in Denver. If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Malick Haidara is a Foreign Service Officer for the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID). In this capacity, he devoted the past 12 years working to advance the US Government’s foreign assistance objectives in Central America, Africa, and Asia. From 2014 to 2018, he served as the Director of the Economic Growth Office at the USAID Mission in Rwanda, where he oversaw a diverse portfolio consisting of agricultural development, private sector development, access to finance, trade policy, energy, and rural infrastructure development projects. From 2018 to 2020, he was the Deputy Director of the Economic Growth and
Agriculture Office at the USAID Mission in Pakistan, where he led the US Government’s efforts to modernize the Pakistani agricultural sector. He returned to USAID Headquarter in
Washington in 2020, where he is currently serving as the Managing Director of the Private Sector Engagement Hub’s Institutional Support team. In this capacity, he is focusing on creating the institutional conditions and operating infrastructure necessary for the Agency to increasingly work hand-in-hand with the private sector to achieve greater development and humanitarian outcomes. Prior to joining USAID, Malick built a career in the financial sector. He worked as Financial
Research Analyst for Standards and Poor’s in Denver, CO and as Corporate Credit Analyst for E-trade Financials in Arlington, VA. Malick received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural- economics from the National Polytechnic Institute in Cote-d’Ivoire and his Master of Science in Finance from the University of Colorado in Denver.
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Check out what is coming up this week on the podcast. Episodes are released every Wednesday.
Donna Hylton is a technology professional and community leader with over 30 years of experience. Donna began her technology career in college while working as a Data Center Coordinator in New York City. She has worked as an end-user database specialist, programmer, systems team leader, and information systems manager before making the transition to academia. In 1997 Donna started teaching at Middlesex Community College as an adjunct professor and was hired full-time in 2000. Today she serves as a professor and Program Coordinator of the Computer Information Technology Systems and Management Information Systems degree programs at the college.
Donna earned her undergraduate degree in Administrative Computer Systems from Hofstra University, in Hempstead, Long Island, and her master’s degree in Computer Information Technology with a concentration in Management Information Systems from Central Connecticut State University. She has also earned a second master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.
Donna has a deep desire to inspire people from all strata of life to be the best they can be. She also applies this energy to the many community-based activities with which she is engaged. In 2002, she created “Adventures in Learning” an afternoon program of JOY Camp, a free enrichment camp for kids. This educational camp (which she continues to direct) uses creativity and innovation to get children excited about academics.
In 2017 Donna took a sabbatical leave from Middlesex Community College to attack the problem of the underrepresentation of women, girls, and people of color in STEM. Out of this community endeavor, Donna founded the STEAM Train non-profit organization that works to move generations of under resourced and underrepresented populations to STEM. Today, Donna serves as STEAM Train’s president and she is joined by a Board of Directors who are STEM professionals. This diverse group provides thought-leadership to the organization.
Donna and her husband Pastor Paul Hylton have served in Christian ministry at Shiloh Christian Church since 1988. Working alongside her husband, who is the church’s Senior Pastor, Donna serves as Pastor of Administration and Counseling. She is also involved in humanitarian mission trips to various locations in the United States and around the world. Donna sees the sum total of her work in academia, the community, and the ministry as a part of God’s purpose and plan for her life and, as such, she strives to do it all with excellence and humility, so that He would be glorified. (James 1:27)
https://www.steamtraininc.org/leadership#:~:text=Donna%20Hylton%20is,James%201%3A27) If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Donna Hylton is a technology professional and community leader with over 30 years of experience. Donna began her technology career in college while working as a Data Center Coordinator in New York City. She has worked as an end-user database specialist, programmer, systems team leader, and information systems manager before making the transition to academia. In 1997 Donna started teaching at Middlesex Community College as an adjunct professor and was hired full-time in 2000. Today she serves as a professor and Program Coordinator of the Computer Information Technology Systems and Management Information Systems degree programs at the college.
Donna earned her undergraduate degree in Administrative Computer Systems from Hofstra University, in Hempstead, Long Island, and her master’s degree in Computer Information Technology with a concentration in Management Information Systems from Central Connecticut State University. She has also earned a second master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.
Donna has a deep desire to inspire people from all strata of life to be the best they can be. She also applies this energy to the many community-based activities with which she is engaged. In 2002, she created “Adventures in Learning” an afternoon program of JOY Camp, a free enrichment camp for kids. This educational camp (which she continues to direct) uses creativity and innovation to get children excited about academics.
In 2017 Donna took a sabbatical leave from Middlesex Community College to attack the problem of the underrepresentation of women, girls, and people of color in STEM. Out of this community endeavor, Donna founded the STEAM Train non-profit organization that works to move generations of under resourced and underrepresented populations to STEM. Today, Donna serves as STEAM Train’s president and she is joined by a Board of Directors who are STEM professionals. This diverse group provides thought-leadership to the organization.
Donna and her husband Pastor Paul Hylton have served in Christian ministry at Shiloh Christian Church since 1988. Working alongside her husband, who is the church’s Senior Pastor, Donna serves as Pastor of Administration and Counseling. She is also involved in humanitarian mission trips to various locations in the United States and around the world. Donna sees the sum total of her work in academia, the community, and the ministry as a part of God’s purpose and plan for her life and, as such, she strives to do it all with excellence and humility, so that He would be glorified. (James 1:27)
https://www.steamtraininc.org/leadership#:~:text=Donna%20Hylton%20is,James%201%3A27) If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Today the host shares information about the latest immigration statistics as well as the contributions of immigrants to the US economy.
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Deborah Lockhart is the founder and director of operations of The Language Shop, based in New York City. Since graduating in 1985 from the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica with an Honors Degree in History with (French and Spanish) Language and Literature (and Philosophy as a minor), she launched her career in translation and interpreting in Antigua and Barbuda where she provided translation and interpreting services to government offices such as the Elections Office, the Office of the
Prime Minister, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Ministry of Public Works, the Immigration Department, the High and Magistrates Courts, among others. She translated and interpreted for the Venezuelan and US Embassies and for various law firms, medical practitioners, media and advertising and commercial entities and individuals seeking immigration-related translation services. After nine years, she moved to New York, USA where she obtained Certificates in Translation and in Court Interpreting at New York University School of Professional and Continuing Studies. In 2006, she established The Language Shop where she directs project managers and team leaders in every time zone to provide top quality language services to the Company’s diverse, worldwide clientele on a full-time basis. She also served as treasurer of the New York Circle of Translators in 2006. Deborah speaks English, Spanish, French and basic Arabic, along with Jamaican Patois and various other Caribbean Creoles. Her interests are pets, language and culture, film, food and entertaining. Some of the causes close to her heart are the needs of the poor and hungry, the rights and needs of abandoned animals and the needs of the aged. If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Cynthia Farrell Johnson is a fan of vibrant colors. Her works in gouache and acrylic have been inspired by the people she met and places where she lived during 25 years of globetrotting as a U.S. diplomat. Service in West Africa, Central and South America exposed her to a wide variety of artistic traditions and forms of expression. Her role models are Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold and Vincent Van Gogh. Johnson currently makes her home in Silver Spring, Maryland, and draws much of her inspiration for themes and color schemes from the Washington, D.C. region's rich, cultural diversity.
Johnson is a member of Women’s Caucus for Art/Greater Washington Chapter and Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, where she has her art studio. She is listed in the Maryland State Artists Registry. Her work is included in the West Indian Museum of Panama, as well as the DC Arts & Humanities Art Bank and the Martha's Table collections. Johnson has served on the Advisory Board of the School of Fine & Performing Arts, State University of New York at New Paltz, and the board of Silver Spring Town Center, Inc.
In July 2013, Johnson was awarded an Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County Individual Artist/Scholar Grant. She was Artist-in-Residence at Wesley Theological Seminary's Luce Center for the Arts & Religion in 2011, and prior to that was Artist-in-Residence at Iona Senior Services, both in Washington, D.C.
Johnson’s paintings have been exhibited overseas in cultural centers and galleries in Africa and in Latin America. As a participant in the Department of State’s Art in Embassies Program, Ms. Johnson has placed her work in U.S. ambassadorial residence in Niger, Nicaragua, Serbia, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Panama.
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Are you a professional, new to the United States, and struggling to monetize the expertise you brought across the seas? Are you feeling misunderstood and out of touch because you're struggling to understand the unstated rules of American culture? I’m Simone W. Johnson Smith, host of The Immigrant Experience in America Podcast. Each week, we'll take an in-depth look at the positive contributions immigrants are making to the American culture, marketplace, and life. We intend to serve as a bridge between your culture and the American culture by giving you a roadmap of tools to empower you and the language to understand the things you’re experiencing. By sharing my personal stories and the experiences of others who have successfully navigated American culture, I hope to bring you the information you need to shed some light on American culture and make sense of your journey. In this episode, you will hear: * About the host * My family’s immigration story * Challenges and issues immigrants are facing in the U.S. * The power of investing in yourself * The goal of the podcast * What to expect each week
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If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us
Are you a professional new to the United States and struggling to monetize the expertise you brought across the seas – struggling with your skills going to waste? Are you feeling misunderstood and out of touch because you are struggling to understand the unstated rules of the American culture? What if you could hang out with new Americans, new immigrants who are busy professionals, hear about their experiences and advice, then take an insight or two to inspire your own journey as a new resident or American? That’s what we do each week on The Immigrant Experience in America hosted by Simone W. Johnson Smith –– mother, wife, former U.S. Diplomat, Life Coach, Creative and Activator –– every episode is an in-depth look at the positive contributions immigrants are making to the American culture, marketplace and life.
I was inspired to start this podcast by my own experience as an immigrant American who legally migrated to the United States but yet have frequent experiences of a love-hate relationship of America with its immigrant population and as a result of a larger vacuum surrounding the positive contributions of immigrants to American Life. We will sit down with successful immigrant Americans to discuss how they navigated the complexity of being an immigrant-American to achieve their American Dream. This is a spot for us to get real - peel back the layers, if you will, of what it means to be an immigrant in America. Our intention is to serve as a bridge from your culture to the American culture – giving you a roadmap of tools and language to understand the unstated rules of the American culture.
If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed to share your immigrant experience on this podcast, call us at 240-232-5579 or email us at info@thedreamacademy.us