Zaka Presents: My Journey: Recent Episodes
Paul Herman
“My Journey”shares inspiring and motivational stories from the successful leaders in the First & Second generation communities in America. We are surrounded by heroes everywhere we go from our teachers, our farmers, lawyers etc and to our small business owners, chefs and fitness trainers. "My Journey" will be a safe, authentic and vulnerable space for the immigrant community. To fuel you to unpack your greatness and live your full potential. “If you don’t see it, you cannot become it”.
Vijay Rajendran has coached founders in more than 80 countries, but in this conversation we go far beyond Silicon Valley buzzwords and venture metrics. Vijay opens up about growing up between countries, learning to read new cultures and power dynamics from scratch, and how those immigrant experiences shaped his approach to leadership, risk, and resilience. He shares how watching his father serve patients from every walk of life led him to microfinance work in Cameroon, and how that calling to “be of service” eventually evolved into coaching entrepreneurial leaders around the world. We talk about pressure, expectations, and that simple but life-changing question: “Would I ever want my children to feel this way?”
Vijay breaks down imposter syndrome as a sign of growth, not failure, and explains how to find the “joy of juggling” when you have a lot on your shoulders. He shares practical tools to minimize regret, find clarity in uncertainty, and reclaim your agency so your confidence can finally shine through.
Brandon Baptiste grew up in a Haitian home where every guest “crossed the threshold into Haiti,” greeted parents first, and learned that community and respect come before everything. In this episode, Brandon, now an Assistant Director of Training and Program Development, traces his path from the only Haitian family on the block in New Hampshire, with parents commuting daily to Boston, to leading 100+ peer-mediation trainings across NYC schools. He shares how Haitian values of faith, service, and “How can I help?” shaped his trauma-informed approach to conflict resolution, and why immigrant grit prepared him to start his role on the very day the city shut down and still build programs that last.
A self-described “learned leader,” Brandon opens up about choosing discomfort to grow, the difference between being good at something and being good at the process to get there, and how unmet needs and miscommunication sit at the heart of most conflicts. He honors the siblings and mentors who sharpened his competitive drive, explains why he left security work to help kids before harm happens, and offers practical tools any student, educator, or child of immigrants can use to turn tension into understanding.
When Veronica Moya arrived in the U.S. from Buenos Aires at just 19, she spoke little English but carried something far greater, an unshakable belief in the power of the mind and spirit. From her early days learning the language through total immersion to building multiple businesses, including her children’s mindfulness company Mindful V, Veronica has turned her immigrant story into a movement that’s changing lives.
In this heartfelt episode, Veronica shares how she redefined meditation as a playful, soul-awakening experience for kids helping them manage anxiety, silence negative self-talk, and grow into confident, self-loving individuals. She opens up about overcoming language barriers, discrimination, and reinvention, rising from waitress to general manager, from wedding officiant to Telemundo’s metaphysical expert, and from a dreamer to a thought leader featured in The New York Times.
Through affirmation, meditation, and gratitude, Veronica teaches what she calls “mental hygiene”, a daily ritual to prevent the emotional struggles many adults face today. She built a movement rooted in empathy, resilience, and belief that every child, no matter where they come from, carries infinite brilliance
From child refugee to chart-topping pop star, and now a mentor to thousands, Christian Ray Flores’ journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and unshakable hope.
Born in Moscow to a Chilean father and Russian mother, his earliest memories were shaped by displacement after a brutal coup left his father imprisoned in a concentration camp. By the age of seven, Christian had lived in four countries, speaking four languages while navigating war, exile, and cultural upheaval.
Out of that adversity, he rose to global stages, with his music once becoming the anthem of freedom during Russia’s pivotal presidential campaign. Today, Christian channels that same passion into mentoring high-achievers, leading nonprofits in Mozambique and Ukraine, and equipping leaders to build personal brands that multiply both income and impact through his company, Xponential Life.
From Security Systems to Scaling Startups: Meet the Engineer-Turned-CEO Powering Fashion’s Digital Backbone
This week, we interview Harish Chandramowli, the brilliant mind behind Flaire a lightweight, intuitive ERP system that’s quietly transforming how fashion brands manage inventory, purchasing, and operations. Before stepping into the world of fashion tech, Harish built his reputation in elite engineering circles leading cloud infrastructure teams at MongoDB, securing sensitive systems at Bloomberg, and co-founding India’s first P2P bike-sharing platform, Ridengine. With over a decade of technical leadership under his belt, he’s now steering a venture-backed startup in New York that bridges deep tech with business empathy.
Flaire isn’t just software, it’s a founder-led, customer-first movement that’s reshaping how emerging brands scale with clarity and control. And Harish isn’t your typical CEO. He codes, jumps on sales calls, rolls out productivity tools like Greptile, and builds remote-first teams with care and culture in mind.
In this interview, we go beyond the product. We unpack his immigrant journey, his childhood curiosity, and how he found the courage to shift from code to customer balancing resilience, reinvention, and the business of listening.
What does it take to go from not knowing how to hail a cab in Manhattan… to becoming a Vice President of Technology Strategy at a global company? In this deeply moving and energizing episode, we sit down with Gustavo “Guga” Netto, who shares his remarkable journey from São Paulo to New York City with no English, no connections, and no safety net.
Gustavo opens up about the early years in survival mode working as a dishwasher, waiter, and roller-skating through Fifth Avenue to stay mentally afloat. But what makes his story extraordinary is the mindset shift he made: choosing growth over fear, and vision over circumstance. From discovering healing routines at Barnes & Noble to becoming a self-taught programmer during the internet boom
Whether you’re an immigrant navigating a new beginning or someone dreaming of a seat at the table, Gustavo’s story proves this: you don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need to keep building. Because, as he says, “Survival is just the first stage. Then comes growth. Then comes abundance—and giving back.”
In this soul-stirring episode of The Zaka Podcast, we sit down with Rwandan-born author Cedric Muhikira, the brilliant mind behind Grow Your Roots Where You Land and Libaax. A self-taught writer and former youth leader, Cedric shares his deeply personal journey of immigration, identity, and the resilience it takes to carve out belonging in a new country. From his early days in Rwanda to rebuilding his life in America at age 25, Cedric opens up about navigating cultural fusion, loneliness, and the power of storytelling to humanize the immigrant experience.
This conversation is packed with insight for anyone who has ever felt caught between two worlds. Cedric reflects on the importance of mingling across communities, advocating for yourself as a creator, and finding your voice no matter your background
Robenson Lauvince is a pioneer Haitian filmmaker, who’s redefining the narrative around Haiti and proving that purpose, passion, and persistence can shatter any ceiling. From secretly filming after hours while working a day job to becoming the first to bring a Haitian Creole-language film to the U.S. and Canadian box offices, Robenson opens up about the immigrant hustle, the courage to create without permission, and why he never starts anything he doesn’t finish. If you're a creative just getting started or a dreamer questioning your path, Robenson’s story will remind you: don’t wait for a seat build your own table. "Imagine it. Achieve it."
Patrice Washington is a first-generation American, award-winning podcaster, author, transformational speaker, and one of SUCCESS Magazine’s Top 25 Influential Leaders in Personal Development. She joins to unpack her remarkable journey from real estate mogul to global financial wholeness leader.
Patrice built a seven-figure real estate business by the age of 25, but a devastating fall during pregnancy, the 2007 recession, and the heartbreaking loss of her first child forced her into the most difficult surrender of her life. Bible and journal in hand, she learned that surrendering isn’t giving up, it’s releasing what was never ours to control. That pivotal moment became the seed for her reinvention, leading her to create the Redefining Wealth movement and inspire millions to see wealth as well-being, purpose, and freedom.
In this episode, Patrice opens up about breaking generational cycles, navigating family expectations as a Caribbean American, and building confidence not from accolades, but from the lives she’s touched. She shares how to distinguish knowledge from wisdom, how to honor your own story, and why listening to life’s “nudges” can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
This week, we reconnect with our brother and classmate, Frandy Peña, founder of Mission Barbers and Mission Haircraft. Known for his ever-present smile and generous heart, Frandy is one of those rare souls who makes everyone feel seen. In this vulnerable and uplifting conversation, he opens up about growing up in a Dominican immigrant household where family meant everything and giving even when there was little to give was a way of life. We explore how those early lessons shaped his values, his journey from IT project management to barbering, and how his barbershop became more than a place for fresh fades it became a sanctuary for emotional healing and connection.
Frandy speaks candidly about his mental health journey, the power of vulnerability, and why barbers are often the unofficial therapists in our communities. We also dive into his mission-driven grooming brand, Mission Haircraft, which provides affordable, high-quality products while giving back to youth in foster care through personalized gift boxes.
Joubert Joseph is a Haitian immigrant, civic entrepreneur, cultural curator, and founder of FOCO Digital and SocialPay. Joubert takes us back to his earliest lessons in business and community, watching his mother bring life and joy to a flea market stall, prioritizing people over profit. Those childhood experiences became the blueprint for his purpose-driven leadership today.
Through stories of grit, generosity, and growth, Joubert shares how he transformed grassroots marketing skills into a career rooted in impact building platforms that empower communities, bridge culture, and fuel civic engagement. We explore his immigrant journey, the values that shaped him, and the mindset that drives him to lead with empathy, creativity, and courage. This episode is a masterclass in turning heritage into innovation and struggle into strength.
We had the pleasure to interview Sandro Gohoho, President of Film Licensing and Operations at Echelon Studios, whose life and career span continents, cultures, and transformative moments. Born in North Macedonia to West African parents, Sandro moved across Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, The Gambia, Senegal, France, Canada, and beyond, each chapter forging a deeper sense of identity, resilience, and leadership.
Sandro shares how witnessing his father start from scratch in a foreign land taught him the meaning of perseverance, trust, and hard work. Fluent in multiple languages and shaped by a global lens, he now sits at the helm of international film licensing, helping bring stories from around the world to audiences everywhere. In this conversation, he opens up about the evolving landscape of global content, the importance of mentorship, and why diverse voices matter more than ever in the age of AI and digital storytelling.
Born in Montana to immigrant parents and shaped by a global perspective, Hassan Akmal is more than an author and executive, he's a visionary in the world of career and life design. From competing as a Division I tennis player at UCLA to reimagining career services at Columbia, UCLA, and now UC San Diego, Hassan’s path is rooted in purpose, resilience, and reinvention.
Hassan shares how he’s leveraging the power of AI and human potential to design a more inclusive future, one where clarity is the true wealth and institutions don’t just create talent, but nurture identities that reshape the world. His message of synchronicity, when inner purpose meets divine timing is a call to action for every immigrant, dreamer, and leader navigating today’s uncertainty.
In today's episode of Zaka Presents My Journey, we sit down with Jessica Wedge, a People & Culture leader whose career spans DEI strategy, HR transformation, and global impact. Raised in the heart of Queens by Honduran immigrant parents, Jessica reflects on how her upbringing, grit, and cultural pride shaped her path in corporate America.
From navigating college as a young mom to driving enterprise-wide change at major organizations, Jessica opens up about imposter syndrome, building inclusive teams, and finding her voice in spaces where few looked like her. She shares the pivotal life lessons from her parents resilience, education, and kindness that have guided her through every twist in her journey.
We sit down with Adja Dior Cisse, founder of Dad Financial Pathway and a proud Senegalese-American, as she shares her powerful journey from Dakar to the U.S. With honesty and heart, Adja opens up about the financial challenges she faced as a young immigrant, navigating legal status, working 17 different jobs, supporting her family, and eventually finding her calling in financial empowerment. Whether you're new to the country or seeking to rebuild your path, this episode offers real talk, hard-earned lessons, and encouragement to take control of your finances and career. Tune in and discover how culture, faith, and community can fuel resilience and why building your legacy starts today.
Princess Jolie Charles, a fearless Haitian-American advocate, community strategist, and Co-Founder of FEWGI talks about what it really means to lead, to belong, and to fight for your voice. Raised in Brooklyn by her grandmother who spoke only Haitian Creole, Princess shares how navigating identity, faith, and adversity shaped her into “The Speaker of Humanity.” With raw honesty, she reflects on unsafe rooms, unspoken trauma, and unwavering faith offering testimony on resilience, God’s grace, and the power of knowing who you are and whose you are. From walking through Crown Heights with spiritual armor to coaching TEDx speakers at Harvard, Princess brings light to the struggles and strength of immigrant women everywhere. Princess reminds us: you are worthy, you are called, and you are never alone.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Valeria Feliciano, a proud Puerto Rican filmmaker, model, and storyteller, whose mission is to dismantle stereotypes and elevate the voices of Latinas in media. Valeria opens up about the struggles she faced embracing her natural curls in an industry that often celebrates narrow beauty standards. She recounts the emotional moment when a young woman of color told her, “You are the reason I participated,” and how that became a life-changing affirmation of her purpose. From rejecting roles that reduce Latinas to stereotypes to celebrating the beauty of bilingualism, Valeria challenges the status quo while inspiring others to own their identity unapologetically.
As an immigrant Latina navigating entertainment, Valeria shares her journey of persistence from being overlooked to co-hosting an event with Vanilla Ice after a cold outreach. She speaks candidly about the importance of seeing Latinas as leaders, not just background characters, and how her upcoming podcast aims to spotlight the women who are breaking barriers behind the scenes. Valeria’s leadership is rooted in authenticity, representation, and the power of visibility. Her story is a reminder that even when the world says no, your truth can still open doors for you and for those watching.
In this compelling episode, we sit down with Vivian Otabor, a seasoned career coach, business consultant, and founder of Resilient Immigrant to explore the often-overlooked challenges skilled immigrants face when starting over in the United States. Vivian opens up about the emotional and professional hurdles she encountered after leaving a successful career in Nigeria, only to find her qualifications questioned and doors closed.
Now a Harvard-certified leader and Career Strategist for Agile Career Consulting, Vivian has transformed personal setbacks into platforms for systemic change. Through her nonprofit, she has helped hundreds of immigrants gain access to workforce opportunities and develop future-ready skills. With a unique blend of strategy, empathy, and storytelling, she shares what it takes to not only survive but rise and thrive in a new country.
In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Guadalupe Gonzalez, an Argentine-born accountant turned emotional intelligence and leadership coach, whose immigrant journey is a blueprint in adaptability, purpose, and inner strength. Guadalupe reflects on her transition to the U.S., the weight of working in a demanding analytical field, and how emotional intelligence became not just a leadership tool but a life-saving compass.
She shares how she's intentionally using emotional intelligence to prepare her children to navigate the social and academic pressures of school, and how she herself learned to manage the emotional toll of a numbers-driven profession. Guadalupe defines emotional intelligence as “the ability to respond to unexpected situations,” and unpacks how this mindset has helped her show up more fully at work, at home, and in every space where belonging isn’t always guaranteed.
In this episode, we sit down with Sherece Brown, the visionary founder of Dr. Pabs Pineapple is a Berry. Born to Jamaican immigrant parents and a proud Howard University graduate, Sherece shares her powerful journey from a 16-year career in corporate America to launching a purpose-driven wellness brand. Motivated by her passion for health, wellness, and community impact, Sherece created Dr. Pabs to deliver high-quality, plant-based vitamins designed for children’s growth and well-being. Tune in as she opens up about embracing her immigrant roots, navigating major career transitions, and building a brand that stands for inclusion, resilience, and true purpose.
We sit down with Mina Brower, a distinguished Mexican-American attorney, author, and advocate whose journey captures the strength and complexity of the immigrant experience. Mina shares how coming to the United States at a young age, without speaking the language, forced her to grow up quickly. As the first in her family to learn English, she became the default advocate, translating documents, navigating public systems, and even taking the lead at grocery store checkouts. These early responsibilities laid the foundation for her passion for justice and advocacy, ultimately shaping her path to becoming a partner at her law firm and a mentor to young women in law.
But Mina’s story doesn’t end in the courtroom. In 2024, she self-published A God of Moonlight and Stardust, a romance fantasy novel that explores themes of power, truth, and survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Her debut has earned critical acclaim from Kirkus Reviews and Publisher’s Weekly, placing her firmly in the spotlight as a rising literary voice. Mina speaks candidly about the duality of living between cultures, the healing power of writing, and why her story while personal is shared by so many in the immigrant community.
In this episode, Kathryn takes us through her journey from growing up in Jamaica to breaking barriers, driving multimillion-dollar growth, and creating opportunities for others in the corporate and startup worlds. She shares the mindset, strategies, and lessons that have shaped her success from launching Accenture’s Black Founders Development Program to leading billion-dollar innovation initiatives. As an immigrant, she navigated challenges with resilience and vision, proving that bold leadership and innovation can create lasting impact.
In this uplifting episode, we sit down with Lauren Brockett, an immigrant, HR leader, and determined advocate for economic empowerment. Lauren has dedicated her life to helping immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities build brighter futures creating pathways to employment, financial stability, and long-term success. From establishing Atlanta’s first career center for war survivors to launching community lending circles during the pandemic, her impact is both profound and personal.
As someone who has walked this journey herself, Lauren knows firsthand the struggles of finding purpose and opportunity in a new country. She’s turned her challenges into a mission: ensuring others don’t have to navigate that path alone. We explore her inspiring story, the wisdom behind her book Always Employed, and practical strategies to help you land the right job, stay resilient, and create the future you deserve.
What happens when a young girl in foster care refuses to let the system define her future? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Brigitte Jolliet, an attorney, advocate, and policy expert who is breaking stereotypes and proving that foster youth have the resilience, skills, and drive to succeed. Brigitte takes us through her extraordinary journey, from navigating instability in the foster care system to fighting for children’s rights, clerking on Capitol Hill, and now advocating for justice as a personal injury attorney. Along the way, she shatters misconceptions about foster youth, shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path, and offers wisdom for those facing adversity. This is a story of grit, transformation, and the power of turning struggle into purpose one you won’t want to miss
Born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, Micha Cooper-Edwards built a powerhouse career in corporate America, leading global marketing for brands like Nike and Jordan before taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship. As the founder & CEO of Soleil Space, she’s on a mission to dismantle the systemic barriers that keep independent filmmakers especially creators of color from owning their work. In this episode, she reveals the hard truths about Hollywood’s gatekeeping, the power of controlling distribution, and how creatives can reclaim their narratives in an industry designed to keep them out. We also dive into the lessons she learned transitioning from the corporate world to building a tech-media platform that gives underrepresented voices a global stage.
Farah Allen, a remarkable Jamaican-American tech entrepreneur and CEO of The Labz, who has redefined digital innovation and built powerhouse partnerships with Google, Microsoft, and Delta Airlines. Farah takes us through her incredible journey, from her Jamaican roots and early influences that shaped her love for technology to breaking barriers as a woman of color in leadership. She shares how her first job set the foundation for her career, the bold leap she took from corporate to entrepreneurship, and the resilience that kept her moving forward despite challenges.
She speaks into the inspiration behind The Labz, how she built relationships with some of the world’s biggest companies, and the strategies that helped her establish herself in the tech industry. Farah also opens up about the setbacks and failures that shaped her success, the challenges she’s faced as a Black woman in tech, and the values that drive her mission to empower underrepresented groups. Whether you’re an immigrant, entrepreneur, or aspiring innovator, this conversation is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice to help you break into and thrive in the world of tech.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Victoria Tollossa, the Founder and CEO of Illume, a personal branding agency helping entrepreneurs and executives amplify their impact. But Victoria’s path to success was anything but conventional.
Born bi-racial and navigating cultural challenges, Victoria migrated to the U.S. in pursuit of opportunity only to face homelessness. Despite the hardships, her passion for storytelling led her to a successful career as a professional songwriter, where she collaborated with top artists in the music industry. But a pivotal moment inspired her to shift gears, leveraging her expertise in branding, messaging, and storytelling to build a business of her own.
The Grammy-nominated, branding expert and two-time founder, Victoria shares how her cultural background, industry experience, and resilience shaped her entrepreneurial journey. We discuss personal branding in 2025, why first-gen immigrants should embrace visibility, and strategies to stand out in a crowded digital world.
Illiana Acosta is the Make It Happen Master, a leader with over 20 years of experience in tech, global partnerships, and media sales. Currently a Senior Manager at LinkedIn’s Business Development organization, Illiana shares her journey from growing up in New York City as the daughter of immigrant parents to becoming a leadership strategist and thought leader in career development, ERG and DEI
Illiana opens up about the challenges she faced as a Latina in the corporate world, including overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating spaces where she was often the only woman or person of color in the room. She shares actionable insights for anyone striving to find their voice, build confidence, and unlock their full potential. As the former Global Co-Chair of LinkedIn’s Hispanic Employee Resource Group (HOLA), Illiana also provides practical strategies for ERG leaders to amplify underrepresented voices, drive engagement, and foster lasting cultural and business impact.
We sit down with D’Angelo Senat, a visionary Haitian-American entrepreneur and founder of AllPeeP, to explore his inspiring journey of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. From growing up in Broward County, Florida, and witnessing his parents’ entrepreneurial struggles, to redefining his path after a sports injury and leading a mission to revolutionize online communities, D’Angelo’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and mentorship. He shares how winning Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize transformed his work, the importance of cultural heritage in his leadership, and his dedication to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. Tune in for an intimate and uplifting conversation about breaking barriers, leading by example, and building a legacy of impact.
We welcome Miles Mendes, a remarkable student-athlete whose maturity, faith, and passion for basketball set him apart. At probably the youngest age of any guest we’ve hosted, Miles shares a life journey filled with wisdom and lessons that resonate well beyond his years. Growing up in a culturally diverse household and attending a Christian university, Miles reflects on how his background, faith, and love for the game have shaped his outlook on life.
Miles dives into his childhood dreams, the values he carries into his collegiate career, and how basketball became more than just a game, it became a driving force in his life. He speaks candidly about balancing the demands of being an athlete with academics, the challenges of navigating cultural nuances in his day-to-day life, and how his faith keeps him grounded through it all.
We sit down with Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández, a visionary leader in higher education and the President of Urban College of Boston. She shares her extraordinary journey from immigrating to the United States from Haiti at the age of 12 to breaking barriers in academia as a first-generation college graduate and leader. With degrees from the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, and Boston College, Dr. Salomon-Fernández has built a career dedicated to expanding access and creating opportunities for underrepresented students. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, offering invaluable insights for anyone navigating challenges as an immigrant or aspiring leader.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Salomon-Fernández discusses her leadership philosophy, the importance of creating inclusive spaces, and the pivotal role community colleges play in empowering diverse communities. She also opens up about the systemic barriers she faced as a woman of color in higher education and how she worked to break them while uplifting others.
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Nancy Douyon, a well accomplished immigrant professional who has redefined success at the intersection of technology, ethics, and inclusion. From her journey as an immigrant breaking barriers in Silicon Valley to leading groundbreaking initiatives at Google, Facebook, and Uber, Nancy’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and impact. As the founder of Incluversal, she’s harnessing the power of AI and inclusive design to accelerate career growth and create opportunities for underrepresented professionals. Her insights will inspire anyone striving to carve their own path in a competitive world.
Nancy opens up about how her immigrant background shaped her drive to succeed, her work advising the Obama administration on universal design, and the challenges of integrating ethical principles into cutting-edge tech projects. Whether you're looking to rise in your career, navigate a new culture, or lead with purpose, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable strategies to help you turn obstacles into stepping stones toward your dreams.
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Author and occupational therapist Samarra St. Hilaire shares her journey of growing up Haitian-American in Brooklyn, self-publishing her debut YA novel Brushed Between Cultures, and balancing cultural expectations with personal dreams. Discover how her 22 years as a therapist shaped her storytelling and the powerful themes of resilience, identity, and friendship in her work. Perfect for anyone navigating tradition and independence.
Today, we celebrate resilience, vision, and the power of purpose. Our guest is Zuleka Fraser, an immigrant leader from St Kitts & Nevis, in the affordable housing industry who has turned challenges into opportunities that have transformed lives. From navigating the complexities of public housing finance to spearheading game-changing programs like the 4% Bond LIHTC initiative, Zuleka’s journey is one of grit, determination, and heart.
In this episode, Zuleka shares how her personal experiences ignited her passion for equity and led her to dedicate her career to creating accessible housing for underserved communities. You'll hear how she transformed roadblocks into stepping stones and used her leadership to inspire real change, proving that with purpose and perseverance, we can all leave a lasting impact.
How does an engineer turned attorney become the Mayor and Council President of Upper Arlington, Ohio? In this episode, we sit down with the amazing leader, Ukeme Awakessien Jeter to explore her incredible journey from immigrant professional to community leader. Ukeme shares how her diverse experiences and immigrant background have shaped her unique leadership style and fueled her passion for driving innovation and inclusivity.
Drawing from her book, ImmiGRIT: How Immigrant Leadership Drives Business Success, Ukeme uncovers the superhero qualities of immigrant professionals such as adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness and how these traits can transform organizations and communities alike. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, an entrepreneur, or someone navigating life as an immigrant professional, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights to help you harness your own superpowers.
In this episode, we sit down with David “MOZE” Baptiste to explore the incredible journey of a boy from New York City, raised in a Grenadian-American household, who rose to legendary status in the entertainment industry. Known for promoting icons like Kool G. Rap, Erykah Badu, Jay Z, Naughty By Nature, and Mary J. Blige in the 90s, David’s career is a masterclass in adaptability and reinvention. Hear firsthand how he transitioned from managing hip-hop and R&B greats to becoming a multi-industry entrepreneur, now leading a commercial cleaning company and Roll It Forward Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to roller derby and community impact. David shares his wins, losses, and the life lessons that have shaped his journey and continue to fuel his mission of empowering communities.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alan d’Escragnolle, CEO and Co-Founder of Filmhub, the tech-powered platform transforming film distribution. Born in San Diego to Brazilian and American parents, Alan opens up about the challenges of navigating two cultures. After leaving San Diego at a young age to connect more deeply with his Brazilian roots, Alan’s journey eventually led him to Silicon Valley, where he’s now empowering filmmakers globally.
From growing up in Brazil to earning his degree at Wharton, Alan shares how his immigrant background fueled his entrepreneurial spirit and shaped his leadership approach. Get an inside look at Filmhub and its mission to let filmmakers retain their rights and monetize their films on global streaming platforms with unprecedented transparency. Alan also tackles the challenges of traditional film distribution and explains how Filmhub is restoring trust with creators.
This episode is packed with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially immigrants, as Alan offers valuable advice on navigating the tech and film industries and shares his vision for the future of global film distribution.
we are joined with Dr. Ty Richardson, a Trinidadian-American entrepreneur who boldly left a thriving corporate career to pursue his vision of building impactful ventures that empower others. From turning his start-up, YoPro Global, into a global social enterprise supporting youth and young professionals, to founding Pinnacle & Beyond Enterprises and leading One Global Index Consulting, Dr. Ty has become a leader for emerging markets and underrepresented communities worldwide. His journey of resilience, innovation, and strategic leadership offers a powerful entrepreneurs striving for success. Our inspiring conversation is packed with insights on overcoming obstacles, building impactful businesses, and making a global difference.
We sit down with Shawna Kaye Lester, an entrepreneur and founder of Memorable Essay, who has dedicated her career to helping ambitious students and international medical graduates secure spots in their dream schools and residencies. Shawna’s journey from Jamaica to the U.S. is one of grit, determination, and relentless pursuit of growth.
She opens up about her personal story of navigating cultural differences, her diverse career path across multiple industries, and the challenges of building her business as an immigrant entrepreneur. Shawna shares her best tips for standing out in competitive application processes, and offers key advice for those considering entrepreneurship, especially for immigrant women balancing multiple roles.
We dive into the inspiring journey of Karoll-Ann Fanfan, CEO of TaxFit LLC and Kouka's Closet LLC. Forced to leave her native country after a traumatic event, Karoll-Ann shares how she turned adversity into success as a leading tax consultant and entrepreneur in the U.S. Through vulnerability and resilience, she opens up about her challenges, triumphs, and her passion for helping others. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation on overcoming obstacles and thriving in the face of hardship.
In this episode, we highlight the inspiring success story of Richardson Pierre, a first-generation Haitian immigrant who defies negative stereotypes with his entrepreneurial journey. Richardson shares how the determination and grit he absorbed from watching Haitian merchants as a young boy shaped his mindset and fueled his ambitions. From his early days in Haiti to building multiple successful businesses, including U.S. One Tax Services, Versailles Home Solutions, and Lionhart Truck Company.
Richardson opens up about his path to success. He also reflects on the valuable lessons he learned during his time in Corporate America and how those experiences helped him transition into entrepreneurship. We dive deep into the challenges he overcame as an immigrant entrepreneur, his mission to provide affordable housing, and his advice for young immigrants and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.
In this episode, we sit down with Julio Manteiga, the Head of Content and Communications at the National Basketball Retired Players Association. Born to immigrant parents from Cuba and Spain and raised in Queens, NY, Julio's story is one of grit, perseverance, and passion. From his humble beginnings to becoming a key figure at the NBA, Julio opens up about his journey, sharing how his cultural background influenced his career and the challenges he faced as he ascended through the ranks.
We explore Julio’s time at the NBA, where he served as Director of Latin America Communications, leading global influencer programs and bridging cultural gaps across Latin America. Now, at the NBRPA, he reflects on the transition and his mission to continue making a lasting impact in the sports world. Tune in to hear about his inspiring rise, lessons learned, and advice for the next generation of professionals looking to break barriers in their careers.
We explore the extraordinary journey of Jamaican-born actress Judi Johnson, who went from Clarendon to Hollywood, starring in projects like Magic Mike XXL and Double Cross.
In this episode, Judi shares how she transitioned from corporate work to starring in over 40 projects. She speaks on the challenges and strengths of being a Black actress and how she defied the expectations of her immigrant upbringing, where careers in entertainment were often discouraged. Her mantra, “Live Alive”, inspires us all to chase our dreams, no matter the obstacles.
We’re beyond excited to share our conversation with Samantha Ramirez-Herrera, a talenter filmmaker, advocate, and the founder of OffThaRecord. Sam’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and relentless advocacy. As a former undocumented immigrant, she has dedicated her career to addressing some of today’s most pressing issues such as economic justice, immigration, and reproductive rights
With election season upon us, public discourse around DACA, Dreamers, and immigration are in full swing. Sam’s story brings a deeply personal perspective to these important topics, humanizing the conversation and reminding us of the real lives being impacted.
Sam shares her journey from an undocumented immigrant to a celebrated filmmaker, her challenges as a Latina in a competitive industry, and how she continues to use her platform to uplift the communities she cares most about. Her story is a powerful reminder that anyone can turn adversity into a mission for change.
We sit down with Tina, Senior Director of Content Strategy, Programming, and Acquisition at AspireTV. With over 20 years in the media industry, Tina shares her journey, how she found her voice, the evolution of content strategy, and the importance of diversity in storytelling. She also offers advice for emerging professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.
Join us as we sit down with Kamala Avila-Salmon, the dynamic Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate, who is redefining representation in Hollywood. In this episode, Kamala shares her journey from Jamaica to Harvard, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and how she’s using storytelling to drive social change. Get inspired by her insights on diversity in film, her groundbreaking initiative, Story Spark, and her commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. Don’t miss this powerful conversation with one of the entertainment industry’s leading voices on inclusion and equity.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jevic Muteba, a former NCAA student-athlete from Zaire (now the DRC) turned successful entrepreneur. Jevic shares his journey of founding businesses, raising over $35 million, and driving key partnerships in high-growth tech companies. We'll explore how his immigrant upbringing shaped his path, his challenges as a student-athlete, and his impactful work in DEI, Talent Acquisition, and Employer Branding with Fortune 500 companies.
Linda Kugblenu is an award-winning Vice President at JPMorganChase and a leader in finance and payments innovation. As an immigrant leader, Linda is committed to expanding access to capital for social and economic impact, leading groundbreaking initiatives in cross-border payment strategies.
In this episode, Linda shares her journey from empowering small businesses in Uganda to becoming a thought leader at JPMorgan. Her achievements have earned her accolades like the Rising Star in Payments and the RiseUp Award for Women in Payments.
Beyond her corporate success, Linda founded Foreign at Work, a career coaching business dedicated to helping high achievers navigate the corporate world and advance their careers. She reveals her passion for empowering professionals like herself, discussing common challenges and her strategies for overcoming them.
Tune in to discover Linda’s roadmap for success and gain insights to elevate your career in the competitive corporate landscape.
We sit down with Johanne Joseph, the powerhouse behind J’Organic Solutions (J.O.S). Born in Haiti and faced with the challenge of an autoimmune disease that led to hair thinning, Johanne transformed her personal struggle into a thriving beauty brand. Immigrating to the U.S. at just 14, she defied the odds to become a master hairstylist and entrepreneur. Drawing from her family’s tradition of using herbs and natural resources, Johanne meticulously developed her all-natural hair care line, which now boasts over 20 products designed to nourish and hydrate dry, brittle hair. Since its launch in 2016, J.O.S has received accolades from mainstream media platforms like Essence, Hope, Hype Hair, and Sheen magazines, as well as CBS, NBC, Fox, and ABC, and is available online at Walmart, Amazon, and local beauty supply stores.
Johanne’s journey is a testament to resilience and perseverance. Despite the challenges of starting a business, she remained committed to quality and authenticity, sourcing ingredients from Haiti and infusing her products with cultural heritage. Today, JOS stands as a source of innovation and sustainability in the beauty industry, offering solutions that promote healthy hair growth and hydration.
In this motivating episode, we sit down with Marc-Edwin Rigaud, a talented Software Developer at Ally Financial. From his miraculous birth with his twin brother Carl to overcoming numerous challenges, Marc-Edwin's journey is guided by his life creed, "Kaizen," meaning continuous improvement.
Marc-Edwin shares inspiring childhood memories from Haiti, the obstacles he faced, and how his cultural background shaped his perseverance. He highlights his educational path and the blueprint he followed to forge a successful career in financial technology.
Marc-Edwin discusses working alongside his twin brother, his current role, and offers invaluable advice to aspiring immigrant professionals. This episode is a source of inspiration and tangible insights for anyone aiming to achieve their dreams against the odds.
"Model What You Want to Attract" is the motto that Ajayi lives by. He is a remarkable first-generation immigrant from St. Thomas who has made significant strides in both public health and authorship. Ajayi's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication, having witnessed firsthand the disparities in youth and family outcomes in his hometown. This experience fueled his passion for advancing health equity, leading him to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Biology from American University and pursue a Master's in Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Ajayi has excelled academically and become a powerful voice for BIPOC and immigrant Gen Z professionals through his recent book, which provides proven strategies for securing jobs in a competitive market.
Ajayi shares his personal and professional journey, emphasizing the pivotal moments that shaped his commitment to empowering disadvantaged communities. He discusses how his scientific knowledge and public health expertise are seamlessly integrated into his writing and speaking engagements to drive meaningful change. Ajayi's book, aims at uplifting and guiding emerging professionals, is a crucial resource for navigating the job market. Through insightful anecdotes and practical exercises, Ajayi empowers readers to craft compelling skills pitches that capture employers' attention. Whether a seasoned professional or recent graduate, this book offers invaluable strategies for landing the right role with intention.
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Carl Rigaud, a Senior Analyst at Ally Financial. Born prematurely alongside his twin brother, Carl’s early life defied the odds, earning them the nickname “miracle babies.”
Carl’s journey takes us from the vibrant streets of Haiti to overcoming the challenges of a massive earthquake and personal adversity. Despite these obstacles, Carl has built a remarkable career in software engineering, driven by his passion for innovation and a thirst for knowledge.
Join us as Carl shares his childhood memories, the hurdles he faced, and the mentors who guided him. As a role model for Haitian Americans, he reflects on the importance of representation and offers wisdom to aspiring immigrant professionals.
Michelle Manglal-lan is the Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Samsung Electronics. With over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, Michelle is a powerhouse in Talent Management & Development, DEI, Engagement, Employer Branding, and Employee Mobility.
Michelle’s journey is deeply inspired by her parents, who emigrated from the Philippines. Their resilience and strength have fueled her dedication to creating inclusive and equitable workplaces. In this episode, Michelle shares her insights on the transformative shift in HR, her experience in recruiting, training, performance management, ergs, employee engagement, and promotion, and the critical importance of diversity in today’s world.
We learn so much from her wealth of knowledge and experience, exploring how Abraham Lincoln's quote, “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years,” is relevant to your career journey.
Yasir Kurt, a first-gen Turkish-American who turned the seeds of grit and resilience into a flourishing career in counseling and education. Yasir's story begins in a household where education beyond middle school was a distant dream, yet the drive to achieve more was deeply instilled by his visionary parents a tailor and a farmer.
Today, Yasir serves as the Director of Life Design Graduate Programming at The Johns Hopkins University . Armed with a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, his approach is shaped by his strengths: Activator, Futuristic, Learner, Ideation, and Achiever. Yasir is embracing challenges and transforming them into stepping stones for continuous growth.
Yasir shares how the wisdom of Rumi, “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears,” guides his innovative methods in life design. It’s a conversation filled with insights on harnessing one’s inherent strengths to navigate the complex landscapes of life and career.
We explore the remarkable journey of Srijita Ghosh, a distinguished venture advisor based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. From her early days overcoming personal challenges with anxiety to becoming a driving force for entrepreneurship in the Midwest, Srijita's story is a compelling testament to resilience and visionary leadership.
Discover how Srijita's early experiences in India, influenced by her mother's bold decision to defy traditional gender roles by introducing her to tennis, shaped her identity and fortified her resolve. Learn about the pivotal injury that ended her sports career but also catalyzed her transition into the entrepreneurial world with her innovative startup, StoPanic, which offers solutions for managing panic attacks through therapeutic music and on-demand counseling.
Dive deep into Srijita's experiences moving from Kolkata to Ada and how these shaped her commitment to intentional community building. This episode highlights her strategies for fostering supportive environments that empower underrepresented founders and stimulate local economic development. Srijita Ghosh leverages her unique insights and experiences to mentor the next generation of founders, helping them refine their ideas, secure funding, and build successful businesses.
Devika Brij, Founder of Brij the Gap Consulting, shares her inspiring career journey in tech, including her impactful roles at Google and LinkedIn, and how these experiences led her to launch her own firm. Brij the Gap Consulting specializes in empowering underrepresented employees and their leaders through career advancement strategies, self-advocacy, and personalized coaching. Devika's expertise has made a significant difference for key clients like Visa, Nike, NerdWallet, Great Place to Work, Meta, Reddit, Saks, and Morgan Stanley.
Devika is also the author of the newly released book Thrive in Color: How to Master Self Advocacy and Command your Career as an Underrepresented Professional. Growing up in a single-parent household with a mother from Fiji, Devika developed a strong drive and resilience that has fueled her success. She discusses how her upbringing influenced her passion for self-advocacy, career growth, and her involvement with Zaka, where she is developing strategies and career advancement workshops specifically for first and second-generation immigrants.
As the Head of Engineering at a leading tech company in Silicon Valley, Bala Arjunan Muthiah shares his remarkable journey from leaving India 15 years ago to becoming a prominent leader in the tech ecosystem. His story is one of resilience, navigating the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and turning those experiences into valuable lessons in real leadership. Bala's unwavering commitment to leadership, people development, and entrepreneurship propels him forward. Through active involvement in tech startups and nonprofit organizations as an advisory board member and mentor, he helps shape the trajectory of progress and inspires others to achieve their aspirations.
Tune in to hear Bala’s insights on overcoming cultural barriers, thriving in the competitive Silicon Valley environment, and his passion for empowering the next generation of immigrant entrepreneurs.
Taonaya Fleury Ghazarian's story is one of resilience and determination. She shares how her diverse career path, from real estate to being a flight attendant, has given her a unique cultural perspective and prepared her for the tech industry's challenges. Her groundbreaking mental health tech company, PhrenTech, leverages cutting-edge virtual reality technology, making high-quality therapy accessible and engaging for everyone. Our conversation with the PhrenTech CEO covers it all: mental health challenges for immigrants, colorism, sexism, racism, and being a mother.
We bring you the story of Castelline Tilus, a Haitian American visionary who exemplifies the potential of immigrant professionals. Castelline's journey, from her arrival in the United States at age 6 to becoming a leader in sustainable development, serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to make an impact.
As the Founder of Akademi and Co-Founder of Ayiti Analytics, Castelline has played a pivotal role in advancing Haiti's tech industry. Her leadership at Ayiti Analytics led to the creation of its flagship data science bootcamp, which partnered with local institutions and placed 90% of graduates in jobs with local employers. Castelline's success is bolstered by her education at Stanford University and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, fueling her passion for leveraging technology for economic development. Castelline's remarkable story demonstrates how immigrant professionals can overcome challenges, build thriving careers, and contribute to the global community.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mischka Crichton, CEO of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, as she shares her journey from Deloitte to leading North America's largest attended event. Discover how her cultural heritage and lessons from her immigrant family inspired her to defy conventional career paths and embrace a life of passion and cultural celebration. Tune in to learn about the Carnival's mission, Mischka's role as CEO, and her invaluable advice for those considering a bold career change. Don't miss this episode filled with motivation and insights into following your dreams!
Jean D. Pierre, the Executive Vice President and Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Community Health of South Florida Inc., educates us on the diverse career paths within social work and the strategic advantages of social work certification. Jean emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the Licensing for Social Worker test incorporates DEI principles to foster culturally competent care. Starting his career as a government analyst focused on children and families, Jean now oversees a $13 million budget at Community Health of South Florida Inc. In his current role, he serves as a crucial liaison with other social service agencies and participates on area councils and professional boards, shaping the future of healthcare services with his extensive expertise and visionary leadership.
Liberian-American Sandie Bonwinkor's story embodies resilience and adaptability. Raised by a single mother in the US, Sandie learned the value of hard work and perseverance early on, driving her to achieve success. Her profound understanding of Gen Z dynamics, coupled with her corporate experiences, now fuels her mission to craft compelling brand narratives. This positions her clients as industry leaders and influencers. She excels at creating authentic brand narratives that resonate in today's digital landscape, helping her clients establish themselves as thought leaders in their respective fields. She joins us to speak about her transition from banking to brand strategy.
Christian McKenzie shares her inspiring journey from navigating the challenges of growing up in an immigrant household to carving a path in the world of venture capital. Starting as a retail buyer for Macy's, Christian's passion for supporting founders propelled her into venture capital, driven by a strong work ethic instilled by her immigrant background. Faced with obstacles, she showcased resilience through strategic networking and seizing opportunities, leading her to make waves in venture capital and become a champion for diversity in an industry where Black women represent only 1%. Don't miss this compelling conversation with Christian, a true leader reshaping the landscape of venture capital.
On Air Personality, Jaylah Sandoval, followed her passion to work in a field that she loves and can still be able to inspire and motivate others. As a Costa Rican and Salvadorian, she speaks about being a Latina in her industry and the challenges and perseverance it took to break into the entertainment industry. Her experience includes working with MTV and Billboard and Univision
She offers insightful perspectives on the importance of diverse representation in the entertainment industry. Additionally, she uses her platform to create Cafe Cultura, a south florida based community organization focused on connecting cultures and building businesses through technology and innovation. It's tailored around the idea of internet cafes whereby diverse cultures from all over the world come together to support each other’s businesses, create job opportunities, and support one another along the founder journey.
Born in India and raised in the US, Neelu Kaur shares her immigrant story. She moved with her parents at a young age with only $75. As an Executive Leader Coach, Speaker, and Author, she grew up in a traditional Indian culture that valued the collective "we" over the individualistic "I". Advocating for herself and acknowledging her own accomplishments was incredibly uncomfortable. This struggle is shared by many immigrants working in Corporate, and Neelu is on a mission to empower all individuals with the tools to become effective self-advocates both in their professional and personal lives. Her professional challenges led her to become a Facilitator, Author, and Speaker. She talks about how to own and express our worth, leading to happier, healthier employees and more innovative, competitive organizations. Her clients include Google, Credit Karma, RBC, Sony Music, Deloitte, IPG, EY
Meet Lester Moses, a Senior Customer Solutions Manager (CSM) supporting the Salesforce.com account at AWS. In his current role, he is responsible for building trust and serving as a key advisor for Salesforce. Leveraging his expertise in program management, technical skills, organizational acumen, and transformational leadership, Lester translates Salesforce's business and strategic goals into executable plans, driving successful implementation. Additionally, Lester is a founding board member of the Caribbean Connections group at Amazon.
Before achieving success and earning accolades at Boeing and Amazon, Lester grew up in Guyana and Botswana before settling in the US after high school. He shares his personal journey, which laid the foundation for his determination and perseverance, documenting the challenges he faced and the resilience he developed along the way. Join us as we delve into Lester's inspiring story, marked by resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence.
Danica S. Nelson, an award-winning marketer with over 10 years of experience, transitioned from her roles at TELUS and Shopify to become a successful content creator, teaching people how to make and manage money. Born to Jamaican parents, Danica shares insights into her journey—from corporate professional to entrepreneur and how she successfully worked remotely in over 10 countries. As a content creator guiding individuals on financial management, she offers insights on steps to financially prepare yourself after a layoff. Despite not growing up wealthy, Danica has always been curious about money management and dedicated to sharing financial education with her community, aiming to help everyone acquire wealth and achieve financial freedom together
Award-Winning Design Director and former Head of Art and Design at J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, Aaron Padin unveils the untold stories behind his iconic projects, revealing how his unique cultural journey influenced his approach to design and branding. From the pulsating energy of NYC streets to leading global competitions in China, Aaron's narrative is a mesmerizing blend of heritage, innovation, and social impact. His extensive portfolio includes projects with PUMA , Starbucks, Energizer, Smirnoff, General Mills, Jet Blue, Virgin Mobile, and more.
Bryan Wooden shares his extraordinary life story on the latest episode. From growing up in a Bahamian and Dominican household to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Bryan's cultural background has been a driving force in his life. Learn about the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to DEI leadership and entrepreneurship, and how he overcame challenges in the early stages of his career.
Discover the secrets behind Bryan's first startup, Applify, and the remarkable success of selling it for a multimillion-dollar value. Uncover the influence of his immigrant background on his entrepreneurial spirit and the valuable lessons he carried forward into his current roles.
Bryan's journey takes an exciting turn as he highlights into his time at Facebook where he made significant impact by increasing the number of engineering candidates in the hiring pipeline. Now, at his new venture, Includedd, Bryan is empowering small to medium-sized organizations with DEI strategy, ERG creation/operation, multicultural assessment, and inclusive activities.
Adriene Bueno is a trailblazing Latina excelling in the sports industry. With over a decade of experience, Adriene has left an indelible mark on major brands like the NBA, Adidas, LA Clippers, Electronic Arts. On top of that she is also the Founder of Baller Careers, guiding business professionals in landing sports jobs in a competitive market.
In this episode, Adriene highlights her cultural background and upbringing, emphasizing the pivotal role it plays in her daily life. Adriene mastered the art of standing out in interviews and networking, shaping her educational journey for a successful sports career. As a Sports Industry Career Coach, Adriene discusses the hurdles faced by candidates like her and provides insights into navigating the sports industry's competitive landscape. She sheds light on the mission and services of Baller Careers, aiming to inspire and guide professionals to success.
As a role model, she echoes the importance of being an inspiration, especially for those who look up to her. From cultivating relationships early in her career to transitioning them into partnerships, Adriene reflects on the fulfillment she finds in her current role.
What does a Lawpreneur look like? Join us as we sit down with the phenomenal Shermin Lakha, Esq., Founder, and Managing Attorney of LVLUP Legal! In this engaging conversation, Shermin shares her incredible journey, unveiling the story of how she embarked on the path to starting her own law firm at a remarkably young age.
Driven by the immigrant narrative of her parents, we uncover the layers of Shermin's story, exploring her unique perspective, commitment to proving herself, and the lasting impact she strives to make. Attorneys come from different socioeconomic classes and backgrounds. Shermin's journey is a tale of empowerment, innovation, and inspiration in the face of challenges. Don't miss out on the compelling journey of Shermin Lakha, a true trailblazer in the legal world.
Seneca Williams, LMHC, a resilient soul who transformed job loss into a thriving career. From paralegal to Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Seneca's journey is one of triumph. She dives in her immigrant experience, cultural insights, and pivotal career moments. Learn how she tackles high-functioning anxiety, coaches entrepreneurs, and imparts wisdom through mental health training.
Seneca previews her upcoming workshop, "Stressed By Success," guiding immigrant professionals to claim success without guilt. Uncover practical steps to celebrate achievements confidently and navigate emotional conflicts. Seneca shares advice on burnout, career transitions, and balancing 9-5 with entrepreneurship.
Embark on a journey of empowerment with Zynara Ng, a self-growth and TEDx speaker, and public speaking coach. From a once timid young girl, Zynara evolved into a powerhouse in both traditional media at DreamWorks and LucasFilms, and the tech industry at Google and YouTube. Her transformative career, rooted in unlocking individuals' potential and amplifying their voices. In this interview, Zynara shares invaluable insights into self-development, healing, and the profound impact of finding one's voice— a compelling narrative of resilience and inspiration.
Sophearay A Smith is a Senior Program Manager and the CO President Caribbean Connection at Amazon. Born in Trinidad, she embodies the spirit of "Trini to de bone!" From a Public Health degree to Amazon's leadership, Sophearay's journey defies expectations. Discover her resilience, successful programs at Amazon, and insights on navigating corporate America as a Black woman and immigrant. In this impactful episode, she shares advice for aspiring leaders and reflects on defining success. Don't miss this empowering conversation with Sophearay – where nothing is impossible!
Step into the captivating world of Chantel Pierre, a seasoned and visionary designer whose multicultural roots have shaped a pioneering approach to fashion. Hailing from London with British and Jamaican heritage, Chantel's illustrious career spans a decade, etching her mark across renowned UK and US fashion brands. However, it was her profound realization of the excessive waste plaguing the industry that sparked a transformative mission.
Through her ethical fashion studio, TBOU Chantel redefines style, crafting one-of-a-kind pieces from vintage wear, Deadstock fabrics, and leather scrap waste. Each creation is a testament to nostalgia and sustainability, inviting you to embrace boldness, confidence, and a sustainable lifestyle journey.
As a Design Director at VibesBase Enterprises, Chantel not only cultivated seasonal trends but also revolutionized the approach to contemporary curve-wear and streetwear. Her creative force expanded client portfolios, driving growth by reinventing collections with fresh modern aesthetics.
In this episode, discover how Chantel's passion for sustainability merges seamlessly with her multicultural background, influencing her unique designs and celebrating the kaleidoscope of inner beauty.
Shahira Qudrat, an extraordinary advocate for multicultural individuals and author of "Authenticity in America: A Memoir of Rebellion and Dual Identities." Shahira shares her remarkable story, navigating the complexity of immigration, feminism, religion, and discrimination.
Drawing from her Afghan-American/Muslim-American heritage, Shahira enlightens us on the challenges of adapting from a collectivist upbringing to the individualistic fabric of American culture. Her narrative resonates deeply with the immigrant experience, celebrating the resilience and strength found in embracing one's identity.
As a TEDx speaker and Director of HR at the University of Denver, Shahira's accomplishments are awe-inspiring. Her mission to elevate one million ambitious multicultural women speaks volumes about her commitment to fostering inclusive communities and championing diversity. Shahira's dedication to empowering individuals to embrace their unique backgrounds while achieving their dreams. This episode promises inspiration, empathy, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of embracing one's authentic self.
Celeste Leon, acclaimed Public Speaking and Confidence Coach, shares her journey from Peru to becoming a source of empowerment for all of us in the US. With her 'Articulate Mind, Confident Speaker' course, she's breaking barriers, empowering non-native English speakers to own their voices confidently. Celeste's passion for her Peruvian heritage fuels her mission to shatter stereotypes and celebrate cultural diversity. Celeste shares her career journey and her partnership with Zaka developing workshops for 1st gen, 2nd gen immigrants. Tune in for invaluable insights, personal anecdotes, and actionable tips to embrace your unique voice and speak with unwavering confidence
Sharnell P Delmohammed, the VP of DEI at JP Morgan Chase, shares her remarkable journey rooted in Jamaican heritage and fueled by an unyielding belief in limitless possibilities. Discover how her cultural resilience has propelled her through challenges, guiding her to excel professionally and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. Gain valuable insights into her educational path, career growth within JP Morgan Chase, and her passionate commitment to empowering students. Sharnell's dedication to bridging gaps and fostering cross-sector collaboration is a testament to her vision of creating equitable opportunities for all.
Christina Ashford is a proud Haitian-American with an unwavering commitment to education and community impact.From her roots in New York, surrounded by educators who instilled the value of education, to her current roles as Assistant Director for Grants Accounting & Finance at Kennesaw State University and Founder of Impactlytics, Christina embodies the immigrant superpower of resilience and determination. Her passion for math and serving others drives her mission to effect change within education and local communities.
Her strategic acumen aligns funding and resources to magnify organizations' impacts. With a track record that spans directing multi-million-dollar grants at DC Public Schools and Insight Education Group, Christina's transferable skills redefine the intersection of finance, education, and philanthropy.
Beyond her professional endeavors, explore Christina's multifaceted life as the Director of Worship for Imago Dei Church Atlanta, a member of the Maverick City Gospel Choir, and a certified MixxedFit Instructor. Her journey from Georgetown University to Atlanta, where she resides with her family, paints a portrait of dedication, love, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Upon meeting Cuauhtzin, his humility and kind spirit become immediately evident. Cuauhtzin Gutierrez stands as a visionary leader, impassioned in advocating for increased Latino and Indigenous representation in media. His mantra of "Be good to others and be good to yourself" resonates throughout his impactful career, emphasizing the essence of kindness and respect in every interaction.
As a seasoned professional, Cuauhtzin’s leadership shines brightly from his tenure overseeing Hulu and YouTube channels for FX and FXX originals. He spearheaded the digital distribution efforts for an impressive 19 original series and managed The Simpsons library, showcasing his expertise in navigating the digital landscape of media.
His extensive experience as a network producer for prominent shows like American Horror Story and Sons of Anarchy reflects his dedication to promoting diverse narratives. Currently, at NBCUniversal, he plays a pivotal role as a Producer, contributing his talents to significant events such as elections, the World Cup, and the Olympics.
In this current episode, Shai Poulard, a staunch advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging shares invaluable insights on the critical role of prioritizing DEIB initiatives to retain a diverse workforce within companies. With a diverse background spanning banking, biotechnology, and entertainment, Shai highlights how these experiences influenced her career approach. She sheds light on her educational journey, detailing how her pivot into people engagement post-MBA perfectly aligned with her passion for inclusion and belonging.
As the current Head of Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Nerdwallet, Shai clarifies on the overall responsibilities of the DEIB division in corporate settings, aiming to educate about the often misunderstood scope of the position. She offers concrete strategies on how companies can cultivate an empowering culture to support and retain diverse talent, surpassing mere diversity statistics.
Drawing from her own experiences, Shai shares her expertise on managing challenges faced by marginalized individuals in the workplace and addresses common struggles that immigrant professionals encounter. She offers guidance on how immigrant professionals can seamlessly integrate into a company's culture, particularly in their early corporate career phases.
Dujon Smith, is a visionary leader, global change-maker, and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to empowering marginalized communities. In this thought-provoking episode, Dujon shares his phenomenal life story and explores the creed that defines his resiliency: 'Let's Build Bridges, Not Barriers.'
Dujon's path wasn't always smooth. He faced a tough childhood, including periods of adoption while his mother dealt with mental health issues. But these challenges only strengthened his resolve and molded his indomitable spirit. Today, he stands as the Global Co-Lead for Accenture's Black Founder's Development Program, where he's instrumental in amplifying wealth creation in Black communities and ushering in the next wave of entrepreneurs.
Simultaneously, Dujon is the CEO of My Block Skin, a pioneering skincare company with an NFL partnership that's revolutionizing sun care for melanin-rich individuals. His passion for uplifting Black and Brown entrepreneurs, creatives, and academics is evident in both role/s His leadership is a beacon of positive transformation, fueling global innovation and community empowerment.
From a turbulent youth in Haiti to becoming an award-winning social entrepreneur, global oral health expert, TEDx Lead Organizer, and Inventor. Jean Paul's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.
What ignited that transformation? He was inspired by the unwavering smiles of children amidst Haiti's earthquake, and that moment sparked a passion to make a difference. Jean Paul founded Unspoken Smiles, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the oral health and economic security of disadvantaged communities, impacting over 10,000 children in 10 countries across 4 continents.
Join us as Jean Paul shares how he turned obstacles into opportunities and received accolades from prestigious organizations, including the United Nations. Gain insights into the significance of identifying one's purpose before founding a company. Discover the fascinating journey of patenting the innovative toothbrush he invented.
Kathryn Meksavanh, a remarkable first-generation Laotian American shares her family's incredible journey to the United States. Her parents' escape from communist Laos, swimming across the Mekong River and finding refuge in Thailand before finally being sponsored to the U.S., serves as a powerful backdrop to her story.
Kathryn beautifully articulates the difference in the American dream as perceived by her parents and herself. While her parents made enormous sacrifices for a better life, Kathryn knows her worth and refuses to settle for anything less. She's a shining example of determination and ambition.
As an Asian Actress and a Program Manager at Accenture, she seamlessly blends her artistic background with her corporate life, infusing it with her bubbly personality, compassion, and her ability to connect with others. Kathryn shares the challenges she faced growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, dealing with identity crises, and even being teased for the food she ate.
Kathryn's mission is clear: she aims to be a positive representation for the Asian American community, acknowledging the vital role of representation in the entertainment industry. Her journey of taking risks, stepping out of her comfort zone, has built her unshakable confidence
Michlove Pierre is a true embodiment of resilience and success. Hailing from Haiti and arriving in the United States in her late twenties, Michlove's path was initially that of a dedicated nurse. However, her unwavering determination and passion for empowering women through hair care led her to create a thriving hair and skincare business that now generates seven figures.
Michlove shares her inspiring story, from working as a nurse to building her business from her kitchen while balancing the roles of a mother and wife. She emphasizes the profound importance of hair for Black women and how the media's portrayal has often fallen short in showcasing the true beauty of Black hair, impacting positive representation for future generations.
As a naturalista for over eight years, Michlove's journey has been a process of experimentation, trial, error, and continuous learning. Her quest to stimulate hair growth, lock in moisture, and achieve healthier hair eventually gave birth to Negés Banda, a plant-based product line designed with curls and coils in mind. With the ever-evolving beauty industry trends, Michlove's dedication ensures that Negés Banda provides clients with the best products to instill confidence and positivity.
At Negés Banda, they prioritize health and natural beauty, representing a brand that places importance on what goes into their bottles to ensure maximum results. Their style reflects a deep love for African and Caribbean cultures, echoing the strength, resilience, and courage that Michlove embodies. We explore the natural richness of Earth, embrace the African perspective of culture, spirit, and lifestyle, and learn from Michlove Pierre's inspirational journey as she encourages us all to embrace and appreciate our natural beauty.
Dominique "SoChevon" Doyle is an inspiring immigrant entrepreneur who defied traditional norms and carved her own path to success. Born to Trinidadian parents, Dominique's initial career in healthcare seemed like the expected route. However, fate had other plans.
Discover how Dominique's life took a dramatic turn when she faced a layoff during the government shutdown 8 years ago. This unexpected twist became the catalyst for her to dive headfirst into her true passion: makeup artistry. In a world where Caribbean children are often encouraged to pursue safer careers in health, law, or finance, Dominique's choice to follow her creative calling was a courageous departure from the norm.
Dominique shares her perspective on the definition of natural beauty and how her approach to makeup sets her apart from the rest. For her, makeup is not just a cosmetic enhancement; it's a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence-building. She creates a safe space for her clients, where the act of applying makeup becomes a therapeutic and transformative experience.
AutoNation’s Head of Advertising, Melissa Cartagena shares her remarkable journey, embracing her Puerto Rican heritage and developing resilience growing up in Brooklyn as a Latina. Melissa speaks about finding her voice as a woman in the corporate world and making a significant impact in the digital advertising and marketing realm.
With over two decades of experience, Melissa has managed 8-figure ad budgets and excelled in Paid Search, Content Marketing, Display Advertising, SEO, Paid Social Media, email, and Reputation Management. Her passion for the digital media industry is unwavering, and she's known for her transformational leadership style.
In our current episode, Melissa dives deep into her career, discussing her ability to tie data together for precise execution and her knack for building intelligent tactical marketing teams. She draws from her unique background, having held positions in both IT and Marketing, showcasing her adaptability and keen business acumen.
Beyond her accomplishments, Melissa's commitment to mentorship is evident through her role as an Ambassador for Leading Women Executives.
Crystal Howard's four-year journey at Amazon, initially as a Healthcare Customer Advisor, ultimately led her to pursue her true passion in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She shares invaluable insights on developing a growth mindset and navigating the corporate landscape.
Beyond her professional achievements, Crystal's personal background is equally captivating. From Division 1 sports scholarships to coaching her daughter's basketball team and volunteering as the VP of her daughter's school's Athletic Booster Club, her dedication to her community and family shines brightly.
Tune in to our recent episode where Crystal vulnerably shares the challenges that she overcame personally and professionally. Crystal's journey is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of one's passion
George's remarkable journey from growing up in public housing in the South Bronx to working on Wall Street and founding Bronx Tech Hub is a testament to his will and work ethic. George's immigrant mother from Honduras faced incredible challenges, including periods of homelessness. Witnessing her struggles ignited a fire in George to work hard and create a better future. He not only succeeded in the world of finance on Wall Street but also played a pivotal role in helping startup founders scale their ventures from pre-seed to Series A.
Bronx Tech Hub, founded by George, is a game-changer for his community. It serves as a hub that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and thought leaders, fostering an environment of innovation, creativity, and progress. Their impactful programs, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events, provide attendees with valuable resources and opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. George Nunez shares his incredible journey and how he's making a significant impact in the immigrant community through Bronx Tech Hub. His story is a source of inspiration and motivation for all.
Kevin Moore from Serac Ventures shares his journey, his vision for a more inclusive future, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. He learned the value of hard work from his Jamaican family, whose unwavering commitment to success left an indelible mark on him. This early exposure to the relentless work ethic of his heritage shaped the way for his exceptional career.
As the Founder and Managing Partner, Kevin brings over 17 years of experience in finance and private markets investing to the table. His impressive track record includes a pivotal role as a Partner at Spur Capital Partners, where he deployed a staggering $129 million into top-tier, early-stage venture capital fund managers and direct investments.
Beyond his impressive career, Kevin is on a mission to address the lack of diversity in the Venture Capital world. He fearlessly confronts this issue, actively working to create positive change by championing underrepresented founders and challenging the industry's status quo.
Jinia Williams, LMHC-QS is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Life Coach, whose path from teenage motherhood to thriving advocate is truly inspiring. She takes us through her transformative journey, where family support and guidance paved the way for her success.
Beyond her own story, Jinia is a fierce advocate for mental health awareness in immigrant communities. She is dedicated to breaking down the stigma around seeking therapy and redefining it as an act of strength. Specializing in the treatment of mental health disorders, individuals with special needs, and survivors of sexual assault, Jinia's expertise shines through in her approach. She extends her care to mothers battling postpartum depression, fostering a space of understanding and healing.
Jinia's holistic approach encompasses clients' spiritual beliefs. By weaving these into her treatment protocol, she offers a comprehensive and inclusive path to wellness. Her evidence-based methods span diverse backgrounds, addressing emotional and behavioral challenges with empathy and skill.
Last time we spoke to Sonya Kay George, we unveiled her incredible journey from her roots in Guyana to her current role as Vice President of Sales, Global Strategic Accounts, and Innovation at Great Place to Work. In this episode, Sonya transcends her corporate role, sharing the remarkable bond with her son and introducing her heartwarming children's book, 'Aaron Kingsley's School Diaries.'
Within the book, young Aaron Kingsley embarks on his first day of first grade, navigating childhood challenges while exploring themes of kindness, friendship, and effective communication.
Sonya's upbringing in a traditional Caribbean household, marked by limited conversations, fueled her dedication to cultivating a strong connection with her son, Aaron Kingsley Adetola. Together, they've nurtured an open, respectful relationship, molding Aaron into a compassionate and intelligent young individual poised to embrace the world.
Their journey unfolds against the backdrop of Aaron's accomplishments as a stellar student, actor, and model, showcased in Disney's 'RISE', Focus Features ‘A Thousand and One and prominent brand campaigns. This episode spotlights their unique family dynamic and celebrates the potency of shared experiences.
Join us on a captivating episode as we delve into the life of Shameika Allison Chan, a remarkable cross-functional leader who has navigated the seas of marketing, strategy, and operations for over 18+ years. But this is no ordinary tale – Shameika's journey is intricately woven with the rich threads of her immigrant heritage.
Her parents hailed from Guyana, Shameika's roots serve as the driving force behind her unyielding determination and remarkable achievements. From humble beginnings to her role as Director and Chief of Staff at The Honey Pot Company, her journey is a testament to the power of embracing challenges and seizing opportunities
In this enlightening podcast episode, we sit down with Jean-Rodney Larrieux who is a software engineer who fearlessly sheds light on the complex world of tech, addressing profound topics such as impostor syndrome, navigating the challenging interview process, and the realities of the industry.
Join us as he opens up about his personal journey, sharing the candid struggles he faced and the triumphs that shaped his unique perspective. As a Black immigrant professional in a predominantly white industry, he discusses the deep-rooted impostor syndrome that often plagues individuals like him. Through vulnerability and resilience, he shows how he transformed this internal struggle into a powerful driving force for growth and self-discovery.
Meet Jessica Otse, a proactive and solution-oriented Brand Partnerships & Marketing professional. As a Nigerian American, she is driven by purpose, Jessica is a dedicated leader who strives to deliver exceptional results. She excels in collaborating with teams to devise comprehensive strategies that create a real impact. Her ability to thrive in challenging environments stems from her strengths in strategic thinking and building strong relationships.
Her strong verbal and written communication skills, has led her also to pursue an acting career while leading successful marketing campaigns for several brands
Overall, Jessica's passion for making a difference through marketing, coupled with her drive to elevate stories from the marginalized community, makes her a formidable force in the industry. Whether it's devising innovative marketing strategies, forging meaningful partnerships, or leading successful campaigns, Jessica's dedication and creativity shine through in all her endeavors.
Dumebi Egbuna started her career working at IBM within their enterprise sales organization. Being that tech is an industry that is dominated by white men, it was at that company where she found her passion for helping minorities succeed in spaces that have previously not been accessible to them, like higher corporate America. She knows what it’s like to be the only Black woman at the table. After having a conversation with her brother, Toby, they realized that their experience was shared by many marginalized employees working in corporate. They were inspired to launch their own company, Chezie, to help people with similar backgrounds break down barriers.
The Nigerian immigrants pay homage to their heritage, “Chezie,” the name of their company, is the Igbo word for “reflect.” They believe all companies need to do some internal reflections about the DEI efforts, in order to ensure that their intent matches the impact. Chezie, empowers companies to build, track, and manage impactful employee resource groups (ERGs), has raised $775,000 in a pre-seed funding round Their software empowers organizations to build, track, and manage ERGs, while also driving positive business outcomes such as increased retention and employee engagement. They’ve helped over 100 ERGs, including those at industry-leading companies such as Chegg, Instacart, and the NBA, take their initiatives from intent to impact.
Katheline Jean-Pierre Coleman is a Tech Executive, Keynote Speaker who currently guides Enterprise Solutions Group for two LinkedIn Marketing Solutions areas, financial services and Canada (all verticals). Throughout her career, Katheline has been a remarkable leader. She oversaw multiple $1B+ revenue portfolios for Google, advising 500+ companies on strategic growth to achieve business milestones.
She served on the Executive Committees of Alphabet’s Black Caucus and Senior Black Caucus from 2020-22. She created and launched The Women Coffee Club, a leadership development program for women and part of Google’s global DEI initiatives.
Eli Cherenfant is an Attorney and experienced Human Capital Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the Entertainment & Sports industry. He is skilled in C Level executive recruitment, corporate structuring, compensation review and negotiation. Eli speaks about his upbringing and career breakthrough working for
Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world's leading full service sports, media and entertainment agency.
CAA partners with pro teams, leagues, talent, media and entertainment properties providing a range of strategic consulting services; Executive Search and Advisory, Corporate Structuring Consulting, Media Rights, Property Sales & Sponsorship, Brand Activation, Digital Content, Financing and Talent Management.
Shaina joins us to speak on the science balancing working for an enterprise while being an Entrepreneur and the inspiration behind her company, #SHE_BUILDS Global Initiative. The award-winning entrepreneur, ecosystem architect, and digital transformation strategist is passionate about advocating for more women working in tech.
She currently works on Market Strategy at Facebook, leading a team of experts to define and operationalize scalable platform solutions for emerging markets. Before joining Facebook, Shaina served as the Director of Industry Accelerators at RocketSpace in San Francisco, where she designed and managed corporate innovation programs for fortune 500 companies seeking to remain relevant in the advent of technological disruptions
In recognition of her work, service, and accomplishments, she’s been awarded the Institute of Caribbean Studies’ “30 under 30, Emerging Leaders Award”, Babson College’s ‘Nan-Langowitz Women Who Make a Difference Award,’ and is a proud recipient of ‘The Shelby Cullom Davis Entrepreneurship Prize.’
Growing up as the son of a famous and successful politician can be a burden. Kevin Valley, a native of Trinidad is making a name for himself outside of his father's shadow. He is a consultant specialising in helping entrepreneurs and executives demonstrate business value and raise capital. As a qualified Chartered Business Valuator who has spent over 13 years evaluating companies for debt and equity investment, Kevin understands how to add value by bringing a wealth of experience, tenacity, and unbiased insight to business owners and investors alike.
As an immigrant who moved to the US at the age of 17, Bhawna Sharma Puri does not take her career success for granted. She is passionate about giving back to fellow immigrants and other women in tech because she understands that she did not have a blueprint to navigate in her career when she moved in the United States. She is on the chair of California State University as a board council member of the Customer Success program.
Regardless she came to this country alone, Bhawna was able to graduate as top 5% of University at Buffalo with Summa Cum Laude with honors. She speaks about the challenges assimilating and thriving in a new culture and some of the pitfalls she avoided as an immigrant. She has over 15 years of experience driving revenue focused marketing programs at Oracle, Net-App and currently as the Global Platform Partner Marketing for a tech company.
Ricardo Acevedo is a Mexican American who works in Human Resources as the Senior Manager of HR Business for CDW. In this episode, Ricardo will answer the question most employees have in the workplace, "How can I leverage HR to make my workplace experience better?" Ricardo also touches on the struggles of navigating both American and Mexican cultures in the workplace while remaining authentic. He credits the discipline that his father instilled in him at a young age as his motivation to contribute as a People and Business Leader for the many corporations he partners with.
Azher Ahmed left Pakistan at the age of 3. He ultimately grew to build his career in overseeing the digital marketing and transformation initiatives for top marketing agencies and Fortune 500 companies. Azher speaks about the impact his Pakistani culture and Islamic faith had throughout his career.
His expertise includes: brand strategy, sponsorships, data-driven personalization, performance marketing, consultancy, product development, and creative/content strategy, all of which are deeply rooted in data & technology.
His accomplishments have resulted in multiple awards, opportunities for speaking engagements and press including Social Media Week, SXSW, Advertising Week, Internet Week, judging for Advertising Age, Clios, and American Marketing Association.
Sharon Gai is a China-born Canadian who has 10+ years of experience in e-commerce, digital transformation and AI. The former Head of Global Key Accounts at Alibaba has written a successful book called "E-Commerce Reimagined" and advises organizations on innovation practices and helping them become culture fluid. Her expertise in e-commerce and culture has led her to become a Keynote Speaker where she has spoken in front of 40,000 attendees at TEDx, UBS, Nestle, Ecomworld and Singularity University. She brings a fresh voice to the professional speaking world as someone who is able to bridge different cultures, age groups and corporate cultures.
Annie Jean-Baptiste is one of the most recognized women in tech. Her contribution to Product Inclusion & Equity has led her to be featured in Vogue, Essence Magazine, Business Insider, Teen Vogue, MSNBC, CNBC, ABC, Cheddar, and the Huffington Post. The "Building For Everyone" author speaks about the value of corporations will create by focusing their core strategies around equitable experiences for their underrepresented consumers. Annie believes that a human centered approach to diversity will earn the love of consumers and ultimately grow business.
As one of Zaka's board of advisors, Annie shares how her experiences as an immigrant professional is directly aligned with Zaka's mission of providing the blueprint and necessary support for immigrants to succeed in their careers while staying true to their culture and values.
"Data is the new gold", was the phrase that changed Iman's life forever. It was uttered to him by a Customer who owned an exotic car when he was working as a Valet Attendant. His curiosity and drive pushed him to pursue a career working on digital engagement, creative media, and understanding trends through data. Iman has contributed to corporations such as Fox, Redbull and Giant Spoon as a Business Intelligence and Data Analyst. In this episode, we learn about his new role as the Global Marketing Science at OMD USA. Iman speaks about his insecurities growing up speaking 2 different languages and not attending college
Edgar Palacios from Eightfold AI speaks to our audience about his rise in corporate as a Latino leader and how he’s utilizing the life lessons he learned form his Costa Rican parents to his benefits. Edgar received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Sacred Heart University and 2 Masters in Computers and Information Systems at Sacred Heart and his M.B.A at Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management
Rhonda Binda is currently the Executive Director of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy where she utilizes her private and public sector experience. She credits her legal background to her Guyanese parents who taught her to always stand up for herself and expect respect from others. Rhonda has a long and distinguished history of public service, most recently having launched and served in the Obama Administration as Deputy Director for the US Department of State’s Global Intergovernmental Affairs Division within the Office of the Secretary Hillary Clinton.
During her years at the Department, she worked with mayors, governors and other local government officials in countries like India, China, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, and Nigeria. Her focus has been in identifying where best practices can be shared to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations in the areas of economic development, education, energy, and the environment
Karen Ndegwa is a proud Kenyan American who is the Vice President at The Carlyle Group heading up the US CLO Compliance function of the firm. The function is responsible for maintaining the structural protections built into the Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO) structure, and other CLO operational aspects that ensures the funds are investing in eligible investments. To accomplish such a mount, Karen left Kenya after graduating college with only $500 and a suitcase to move in the US. Her professional journey is nothing more than spectacular. She started her career as an Insurance Agent and climbed her way to finance working for US Bank as a CDO Analyst and as a CLO Associate working at Brigade Capital Management, LP before landing at The Carlyle Group.
Growing up in NYC, Kyle Dayson knew at a very age that he would have to work twice harder to accomplish his dreams. His strict grandmother, who was from Nevis, taught him the important life lesson that "opportunities always lie outside the door." That lesson prepared him to always show respect to everyone he encounters and to always present his best self through his attire, while being mindful of how society may view him as Black man. Kyle understood early that the world does not operate in a fair way to all individuals. Instead of allowing this sad truth to defeat him, Kyle channeled his energy into creating a robust network and creating collaborations with top tech companies including Yelp, Meta, and Taser.
Kyle is currently a Regional Sales Manager at Veritone, which is a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology solutions.
In this episode, Kyle speaks about the breakthrough of his career and how the NYC state of mind has influenced his path to entrepreneurship, including his cannabis lifestyle brand, The Herban Cannasseur. His mission is to shed light on how prohibition and the war on drugs disproportionately affected minority communities.
Ever since she was a child growing up in Haiti, Krista Saint Dic loved airplanes. That lifelong love led her to fulfill her dream flying for Republic Airways. When Krista moved to the United States, it took her a while to identify her true passion. Like most immigrants who move to a new country, she tried to please her parents by focusing on Biology and Economics until she ultimately found her true passion. She advises against procrastination and to be authentic to yourself no matter the circumstance. These qualities have led her to be part of the 1% of Black Commercial Pilots in the country.
Even though she lives in the U.S, Krista is passionate about her home country. As a Commercial Airline Pilot, Krista wants to inspire girls from Haiti to become pilots, just like she was inspired as a young kid.
Cindu Thomas-George is an award winning tenured professor of Communication Studies at the College of Lake County (CLC) specializing in Intercultural Communication, Public Speaking, and Online learning. Simultaneously, she is the Founder and Principal Trainer of Shakti Diversity and Equity Training where she designs and facilitates professional development experiences that promote equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and intercultural competence. She creates and facilitates impactful learning experiences that equip employees with the essential awareness and skills necessary to be advocates of diversity and agents of change towards cultivating an inclusive, equitable, and anti-racist organizational culture
In this episode, Cindu depicts her early experiences as a Brown Woman in America. Growing up in a predominantly white community were profound enough that they caused her to feel a deep shame towards her Indian ethnicity.
Alex Labidou is an Emmy-winning journalist and social content producer who has worked for several media outlets, including NBC Sports, ESPN, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets - NBA Basketball Team. He has also made TV appearances on CNN International Commercial and have appeared on various radio programs from talkSPORT to FOX Sports Radio. He educates us on the value of having representation in sports media, covering professional athletes who are predominantly from a culturally diverse background .
He also speaks on the pride he experienced writing an article for Racquet on Haiti's most accomplished Tennis Player, Ronald Agénor.
Alex is currently the Director of Social Media Experience at National MS Society where he's contributing to their mission of finding a cure for MS and continuing to raise money to secure research and resources for those who need it in the MS community.
Garaudy Etienne is the Lead Product Manager for the world's most popular next-generation database, MongoDB. As an immigrant from Haiti, he obtained his Aerospace Engineering degree from Princeton University and his MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Garaudy speaks about the lack of diversity and representation in the Aerospace and Technology space and how he is making a difference to change that by hiring more diverse talents in his team.
He has contributed to several corporations such as Amazon, Trip Advisor, Northrop Grumman in his career. Etienne is usually the only Black engineer in the room which is the reason that he is one of growing wave of IT pros leading the difficult work of eradicating racist language from tech tools and open source projects.
Raquel Serrato doesn't take anything for granted. She embraces her leadership and voice as a Latina working in Sports Marketing for one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
Raquel was born in Spain of Spanish and Columbian parents which helped her resonate with several cultures growing up in North Florida.
In this episode, Raquel highlights how cultivating authentic relationships helped transform her career from campaign management at Subway to her current role at Redbull. Currently, Raquel works within the US sports marketing team and is responsible for the execution of all sports events globally.
Marielle Legair felt she never fit in. Born to immigrant parents from Saint Vincent, she learned to put her head down and work hard from an early age. This well-meaning advice, didn’t serve her well. She thought meritocracy was enough and that her work would speak for itself. She didn’t speak up or promote her work early in her career. That feeling of hopelessness drove Marielle to become a Personal Branding Speaker. She has developed training workshops and delivered transformative talks to global brands like bp, Diageo, EY, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Red Bull and Yale University.
Marielle joins us to speak about her transformation to find her voice and the workshops she is developing that will be exclusively offered to the Zaka community!
Zena Tuitt Collins is an Emotional Intelligence Trainer who leverages her unique experience working in finance, publishing, business and television to create tailor made training and inclusiveness programs for large corporations. Her Emotional Maths ™ program applies the science of Emotional intelligence (MSCEIT) to train, coach and consult in a human centered way that removes the emotional and competency barriers that stop capable people getting things done. Zena discusses how emotional intelligence can help you navigate the corporate structure and she talks about the several workshops that she will be developing to Zaka's members.
Simone Ince leverages her fifteen years of strategy, marketing and communications experience to drive success within her corporate career at Sun Life Financial and her digital production company, 43° North Productions Inc. Simone shares her journey in balancing her leadership role in her "9 to 5" and while creating capacity to tap into her passion, producing film projects that have been recognized at notable events like the Toronto International Film Festival. Balancing success in both industries does not come easy. Simone talks about how she navigated the psychological struggles she faced trying to fit into and navigate non-diverse environments. She credits her resiliency and grit to her blended upbringing as a Trinidadian-Canadian.
Dean J. Flowers' trajectory to the top of commercial real estate industry is nothing but spectacular. He grew up in Belize and migrated to Los Angeles at a young age during the busing desegregation in the US. He educates us on the ins and outs of the industry and how future agents can succeed in the market. His diversified resume of acquisition and management experience coupled with years of private sector commercial development has made Dean a highly skilled real estate professional. He leverages his ability to analyze, negotiate and conduct the necessary due diligence to ensure that each development or acquisition project, whether small scale or multi-billion, is successful.
Sharif Abou Sabh's overall success in the Engineering field has inspired Fikry F. Andrawes and Mahmoud A. Elshazly to include Sharif as one of the featured contributors on their book "Egyptian American Journeys". During this episode, Sharif speaks about his upbringing in Egypt and his adjustment to his new life in the US. In his 40 years of diverse engineering experience, he has managed multiple complex, billion dollars large scale transit infrastructure projects. He serves HNTB as a Partner/Senior VP with responsibilities including the organization direction of civil and structural engineering design and construction function, schedules, budgets, profit margins and feasibility studies.
The Aequo Fund is an initiative that is focused on providing opportunities and financial support to people who are traditionally underrepresented in real estate development. One of their Developers is Rian Hargrave who is taking a holistic approach to providing Residential Development and Home Ownership to change the narrative of Baltimore City. Rian's career journey started in college where she knew that she was not going to apply her Mass Communication degree to her career. She dabbled in a few jobs in different industries until she finally settled in Real Estate Development. She always understood that home ownership is the best way to increase your net worth in marginalized communities. Her company, Onyx Development, provides housing options for Baltimore residents through student housing, workforce housing, and market rate rentals.
Growing up in a Mexican household in Orange County, California, Cristina Saralegui and Oprah were favorites on the household TV. These two legends inspired Jeannette Ceja to become an Award- Winning Bilingual On Air TV Host and Travel Journalist. She was recently named as one of "20 Latina Business Influences to Follow Today" according to Hispanic Executive Magazine. Jeannette highlights the early struggles she faced in her career as a Latina and how she's advocating for more representation and diversity in the media industry. She vulnerably shares the personal life hurdles that may occur when you are Travel Journalist. Jeannette has travelled to over 60 countries for work, awarding her the 2022 Al Dia 40 Under Forty Honoree. She’s determined to be a mentor to youth because of her personal lack of mentors who looked like her as a kid.
Over 15 years of experience working in the staffing and recruiting industry has propelled Benny Mathew to generate a vast networking community. Because of his passion to bring people together, Benny launched Orion 3 which connects people to build authentic relationships and intentional community. Benny shares the challenges that he faced assimilating to American culture when he first moved to this country from India at the age of 7. He educates us on tips and tools that we can implement in our careers to engage successfully and grow our networks.
During our conversation with Keynote Motivational Speaker, Rene Godefroy, he states, “we don’t struggle because of a lack of knowledge. We struggle because we lack the courage to act in spite of the unknown." This quote has been Rene's anchor and is resounding when you hear his path to success. Growing up poor in a small village in Haiti, he still had the audacity and confidence of becoming one of the most respected, international Keynote Speakers who motivates corporate leaders. He came to this country with $5 and was washing cars as his first job. That mindset has enabled him to speak on some of the world’s biggest stages like the National Speakers Association, Aflac, Coca-Cola, and Verizon Wireless.
In his practice as a speaker, trainer, and mindset coach, Rene covers a range of topics, including business growth, personal branding, money matters, interpersonal issues, clarity, and focus. He is the best-selling author of "Kick Your Excuses Goodbye", which won the Writer’s Digest Award. He has appeared on CBS’ 60 minutes, ABC and countless media outlets.
Moody Abdul loves the art of how we communicate through channels such as marketing , branding, advertising and other methods like public speaking. He currently helps organizations utilize LinkedIn's Ad product to improve their marketing strategy and their talent acquisition efforts.
Moody documents his personal and professional journey from living in poverty, struggling to speak english and now elevating team culture within organization through his public speaking and connection workshops.
René Sanchez from Salesforce has been a leader since his early days in college. He founded an organization that promoted the benefits of diversity in a predominantly Caucasian school and faculty. That level of courage and leadership catapulted him into various experiences across several industries.
Some of his accomplishments include managing brand building campaigns for Dove, leading the development of innovative web applications for Axe, launching an international community for Levi's, and managing advertising campaigns for Ahnu Footwear.
O'shane Howard dropped out of school to pursue his passion for photography and production. As a Creative Director, Photographer and Director he prioritizes emotion, education and culture often evoking strong sentiments that leave the audience to learn more. O'shane mostly features People of Color in his work to highlight positive, real stories with strong elements of realism. He credits his Jamaican background for his work ethic and grit. His work has been published in Revolt, Forbes, Vogue Italia, CNN Africa, Women's Wear Daily and CBC Life. You can see his recent work, photographing Golden Globe nominee Stephan James for the Legacy Awards
At an early age, Dr Kivette Parkes learned that there is an unspoken pressure and expectation for Black women needing to do more. She did not take this burden lightly, as a result she relied on her education to become a role model for her younger siblings and community. The Jamaican native, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Mathematics from Sacred Heart University, a Masters degree in Human Nutrition as well as a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport. She opened up her own practice one year and a half after medical school. She uses nutrition, stress management, herbs, vitamins and exercise to improve health naturally. During this episode we learn about her passion to help patients navigating being healthy in a not so healthy world.
Amobi Okugo was a professional soccer player for 10 years. He was drafted after his freshman year at UCLA into Major League Soccer as part of the 2010 Generation Adidas Class. He has amassed over 200 appearances in all competitions professionally and has been honored to represent the United States national team program at various youth levels including the 2012 Olympic squad. Currently, he is the Founder of A Frugal Athlete which is a financial literacy company. Amobi uses his platform to educate other athletes on how to leverage their brand and capital. He vulnerably stresses the financial rookie mistakes he made while being a pro to get through to college and current pro athletes. His experience on and off the field has awarded him being recognized as Forbes 30 under 30. Amobi is proud of his Nigerian decent for the values that he still carries in his entrepreneurial career.
Afiya Addison joins us to discuss her role as the Independent Agency Lead at LinkedIn. As a woman of color, she speaks about the challenges that she faced and how she advocated for herself to receive promotions and transition to several positions within the company. Her upbringing in a Trinidadian household has instilled values in her that she attributes to her success. Afiya has spoken at Social Media Week in NYC, Obility’s Marketing Loves Sales, TSP Live, Hootsuite’s Social Breakfast, Hubspot’s INBOUND, and LinkedIn's TransformHER conference, and various ad agencies and ad-tech companies across the country.
Giving back to the less fortunate is embedded in Stéphane Laroche's core. He utilizes that passion as a diplomat working for the USAID as a Regional Financial Service Officer. Growing up in Haiti, he learned about hard work and sharing to the less fortunate. The tough circumstances that he faced in Haiti as a single child helped prepare him to navigate his career in the US. Stéphane is one of the many immigrant success stories that will be featured on Zaka throughout the year. He is extremely proud to represent and lead America's policies around the world as a Black man.
Migrating to a new country and entering the job market is always hard, challenging and disconnected for many immigrants. Greisy's journey was not different, after a successful law career in the Dominican Republic, it was a tumultuous journey to find the appropriate career. Recruiters recommended her to go back to school because they could not relate to her international background. Greisy relied on her previous experience to understand her worth and the value of opportunities. She is currently the VP of Compliance at Goldman Sachs, she talks to us about her harsh journey in the job market and how she is advocating for other minorities in the workforce.
In honor of Latino Heritage Month, we have a conversation with Peter Flores who is an Executive Client Partnerships at Vice Media. Peter learned a very important lesson from his mother at a young age, "you can be rich in life if you can have a conversation or connect with anybody". That very important lesson shaped Peter's life more than he expected, instead of focusing on what he wanted to be, he pivoted into what he was good at. He implements his skills as a good communicator to connecting with clients, and securing million dollar deal for corporations that he partnered with.
Sean Maingot was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma 14 years ago. He went through a grueling regime of chemotherapy that left him weak, uninspired and skinny. But the treatment worked, Sean, CO-Founder of Body by Chosen, regained his energy and was motivated to to recover the same fitness he had as a former basketball and baseball player. The cancer survivor refused to feel sorry himself after that experience, he embarked in a journey to instill the same level of grit and motivation into other people lives. His fitness calling has made him an entrepreneur to be reckoned with. The celebrity fitness guru owns multiple gyms in the Toronto area and he is the process to franchise the "Body by Chosen" brand around the world.
Grace left Vietnam 10 years ago by herself and managed to graduate in top of her class. She had a tough journey because she did not have a blueprint in the States to guide her achieve her dreams. Grace always knows she wanted the world to be a better place, she decided that she could do that by making people feel better physically and spiritually. That passion drove her to Medical Massage Therapy where she had extensive training in various modalities like Neuromuscular Energy Techniques, Sport Massage, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Myofascial Release, Reflexology and Hydrotherapy. She believes in the body's ability to heal itself and utilize her expertise to facilitate the body's natural healing process. She believes that a healing body causes a healing spirit.
PR Expert Commentator, NFT Host, Mary Beth Sales joins us to breakdown her journey growing up in Saint Louis in a Filipino household to moving to Los Angeles for Law School. Mary Beth excels at PR by leveraging her negotiation skills to put her clients at the forefront and elevate their brands. Whether you're an industry expert, talent, athlete, C-level executive, or if you have a consumer product, she works smart and diligently behind the scenes to keep your narrative active and your brand flourishing. She discusses diversity, Me Too in the Public Relations industry while sprinkling her NFT expertise
Damon DeGraff is single-handedly responsible for creating what is known today as the “celebrity dj." The DGI Management founder's first client was Mark Ronson and his top clients have included D’Angelo, Beverly Bond, DJ Cassidy, DJ Kiss, Chelsea Leyland, DJ Ruckus, The Misshapes, Paul Sevigny, Rev Run, Mia Moretti, Jermaine Dupri, DJ Pauly D and Kat DeLuna. In this episode, Damon speaks about his childhood, his growth in the music business and his mission to elevate Caribbean culture to the mainstream. He'll also speak about creating your own lane through his partnership with Soho House where he introduced his new venture, No Man Curse, to deliver curated music and culture including reggae, dancehall, soca, and afrobeats.
Allison is passionate about creating genuine connections with consumers and telling compelling stories to establish brand affinity and long-term relationships. She's fascinated by trends and the power and virality of authenticity. Allison joins us to talk about her personal journey from her parents emigrated from Philippines and her career growth from working at Red Bull and now being The Associate Director of Content at The Content Collective.
Allison preaches the importance of seeking mentors who will hold you accountable while empowering you. Nourishing these relationships and being a role model for her community inspire Allison to be the social media wizard that she is today. Allison educates us on the power of social media and how brands are utilizing it to connect organically with their audience
Christopher Sherman IV was never shy to use his voice and to be a leader. He founded an organization in college, The Distinguished Gentlemen, that promoted diversity on campus. Organization was founded to change the misconception about young minorities. Organization is still carrying the goal of helping inner-city children continue their education.
Chris is still carrying the torch of leadership in the corporate world either working at General Electric, Jet Blue and now Bank of America but also his community where he mentors several underrepresented minorities who play youth football. He joins us to document the ups and downs growing up in the Bronx after his parents from Jamaica. Chris stresses the biggest lessons he learned working in Corporate America that college did not prepare him for.
Chris has over 20 years of extensive and diverse Accounting/Financial experience in various industries, with expertise in controllership, accounting systems development, financial reporting and regulatory reporting. He currently is the VP Global Liquidity Management Sr. Analyst, Global Liquidity Risk Management at Bank of America where his division tests the accuracy and fit for use of data impacting liquidity reporting.
Jerry Fortuna is making a name for himself as a leader in the Big3, a professional basketball league founded by Ice Cube. Jerry breaks down his journey growing up in a Latin household in LA to climbing up the ladder in the entertainment industry. Jerry shares how his humility and authenticity have helped him develop relationships with influential people like the Dallas Mavericks governor, Mark Cuban.
Jerry has worn multiple hats in the entertainment industry, from contributing to several tours including reggaeton artists and Ice Cube, to pitching shows to Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith to being the Players Relations and Game Day Operations Manager for the Big3.
Elvin Colón from American Express joins us to talk about his current role as the Director of Mergers and Acquisitions / Corporate Development. Before this leadership role, Elvin worked at several other financial institutions, learning the ins and outs of the industry. Elvin shares about how he found the confidence as a Latino to advocate for himself and use his voice in competitive, professional environment. Elvin recommends some of the tools people of color can utilize to overcome the many challenges that minorities face during the recruitment process and within the walls of the companies they work for.
Krystle DeSantos joins us to share her journey from Guyana to moving to NYC when she was 18. Krystle is a Design Guru, Digital Content Creator and Digital Advertising Professional with over 10 years working the Tech space. After a successful career working in Corporate America, Krystle followed her dream and passion by launching her agency Krystle DeSantos LLC. Her agency manages interior/event decor projects and develops written as well as visual content for fashion, lifestyle and DIY categories. Her mission in life is always empowering others to show as their authentic selves.
In 2020, the Design Guru, launched her online shop, Lillian & Joan in honor of her mother and grandmother. Lillian & Joan carries colorful eclectic fashion accessories and vintage pieces inspired by her Guyanese culture heritage.
Born and raised in the South Bronx, Paul Herman, fell in love with the belief that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. With the birth of Hip Hop, Paul quickly took an interest in dance . While pursuing dance his parents instilled in him at a young age the value of an education, which led him to graduate with a Business Management and Marketing degree from the Jack Welch School of Business. After working in sales and marketing for some of the most distinguished companies in Fairfield County, Paul knew his true desire was to succeed as an entertainer, teacher, and motivator. He knew he needed to take a risk and follow his heart; a path which opened so many doors and has given him the life he always dreamed of.
Paul’s dance career took him to stages across the world including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe, performing alongside prominent artists such as Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, Kat Deluna, Sean Paul, Lil Wayne, Eve, and Ciara.
With a passion for entertainment and years of experience building a successful business. Paul has poured his infectious personality, mentorship ideals, motivational mindset, and his passion for dance into a company focused on inspiring while promoting diversity through music and movement.
Energy, Talent, and Discipline! These are the words that describe Leah Arscott! An award-winning millennial Voice Actress who’s performed for hundreds of international clients, including Fortune 500 companies and various international production houses.
Born to joyful Caribbean parents, a background in Health and Fitness (competitor and competition winner), previously working in a variety of industries including Government, IT, and Health. Leah brings her wealth of knowledge, talent and life experiences to each voice project she is given. Leah has incredible range and the ability to take direction well, which gives her the ability to work in multiple genres of Voice Over from Commercials, Narration and Animation to Corporate work, e-learning, and IVR.
We are joined by Dr Genelle Garcia who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Wound Specialist® (CWS®) and Certified Lymphedema Specialist ® (CLT®) with an avid passion in wound management. She has been practicing since 2009 and currently has experience in the acute care setting, inpatient rehabilitation setting, outpatient setting and skilled nursing facility. To date, she has worked at North Shore University Health Hospital Northwell Health, Louisiana State University, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Stamford Hospital.
Genelle documents her journey from getting inspired by her Grandfather who worked in the farm picking apples to save money and bring the rest of his family from Trinidad to the US. Genelle is a role model to a lot of young Black and Brown girls who look up to her for being one of the few Black Certified Wound Specialists and Lymphedema Therapist
SVP of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for Hill Holliday, Aisha Losche is responsible for the overall DEI strategy for the agency across the entire employee experience. She works closely with the CEO to nurture DEI partnerships. With these partnerships, she makes significant impact in unifying and guiding Hill Holliday employees through programs that push for action and accountability, champion inclusion and allyship, and ultimately contribute to a more inclusive culture not just within the organization, but across the industry at-large.
Aisha speaks about her journey how she climbed to the top and what corporations can do to empower their minority employees
Rafael Morales is a Grammy winning musician from Puerto Rico. He is the lead trumpet player for SOJA, and he was introduced to music at an early age singing in church with his parents. In this episode, Rafa shares a lot of his journey and goes into the historical origins of some of the most popular music of Puerto Rican culture. He shares his inspiration and philosophy to work hard and make it as a musician, and talks about personal things like some of his favorite musicians, what the experience was like to win a Grammy after being nominated 2 times previously, and some of his advice to young aspiring musicians.
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Gio joins us to speak about his education growing up in Haiti and how that influenced him when he moved to the US at the age of 11. As one of the few Black Engineers, in the US, he speaks about his appreciation attending an HBCU, Tuskegee University. He learned so much interning for the Department of Energy in DC and Exxon Mobile in New Orleans. Because of his hard work and dedication, he received an offer from Exxon Mobil, the start of his senior year in college. Working for a fortune 500 company right after college was a blessing that he could not imagine.
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Aaron Ramkalawan is a residential and investment sales realtor. He was born in Trinidad and moved to the Bronx, New York when he was 7 years old. Being one of 5 children, Aaron talks about his upbringing and how he was inspired by his mother's great work ethic, which he adopted and used to push through some of his early struggles and doubts. He majored in business administration at Sacred Heart University, before deciding that he wanted to work for himself and got into the real estate business where he is seeing great success. In this episode, he talks about his heritage and culture from Trinidad, what experiences led him to where he is today, and advice on being a realtor today and how important it is to understand the climate of the market and have knowledge about real estate in general.
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Lola Adeyemo is an Author, ERG Expert, as well as the Founder and CEO of EQIMindset. She was born and raised in Nigeria, and came to the US when she was 25 seeking an advanced degree. As one of 6 siblings and the daughter of a professor, she has achieved many impressive accolades such as a bachelor degree in biochemistry, a master degree in biotech with a minor concentration in biotech management. She received multiple certifications in project management, diversity, and several other areas. Lola joins us this week to share her experience as a Black woman and an Immigrant in corporate America. She talks about some of the difficulties that immigrants face in the workspace where there is a cultural barrier, and how important it is to have your own voice and supporting fellow immigrants. Her upcoming book, "The Immigrant Woman's Experience in Corporate America" is being released in fall 2022.
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Patrick Daka is a sales engineer born and raised in Zambia in south-central Africa. Originally, he wanted to become a professional athlete and was on that path, but with unfortunate injuries he had to change his journey and came to the U.S. looking for an education and an opportunity to still play the sports he loved. Patrick talks about some of the cultural changes he experienced, and how it was at times tiring when he felt like people knew so little about his own culture and didn't take the time to understand where a person like him is coming from. He talks about learning to be humble and appreciate other's input, as well as the importance of things like diversity, having your own voice, and building a community.
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Dr. Victor Olujimi is a practicing orthopedic surgeon in New York and joins us to talk about his experience going from the Bronx to a predominantly White university and onto medical school. Having two parents from Nigeria who were also involved in the medical field, Victor talks about being exposed to that life from an early age, and also the importance of religion in his life and how it helped him stay on course. He also provides an overview of what it was like going through medical school, sharing some fears and obstacles he went through, while also describing the culture shock that he experienced going to college, and the importance of diversity in the workplace.
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Skye Mak is a senior manager in technical accounting consulting at MorganFranklin Consulting. She is an immigrant from Malaysia and moved to the U.S. when she was 18 years old by herself, to go pursue a career and a successful life for herself. She grew up in a melting pot as she described it, and was exposed to many cultures growing up, resulting in the ability to speak 4 different languages. She also goes on to share some details on things like how to get a sponsor as an immigrant, and how she stuck to who she was and worked hard to get to her position today
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Ernst Valery is the CEO of Aequofund, which is a fund that has proven the audacious proposal that Black, Brown, Women and Immigrant developers, when capitalized and supported, can realize gains while addressing vacant properties and advancing home ownership. In this episode, he shares some of his vast knowledge and experiences formed from moving to the U.S. from Haiti when he was 7. He talks about the importance of his mother and shares some heartwarming memories of her leadership and influence of him and his family, and how that helped shape his own character. There is also an in depth conversation about his observations on how corporate America affects and in some cases takes advantage of people of color and minorities, and also some of the problems he sees in the black community and what he thinks should change within it.
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Interior Designer and stylist Hema Persad joins us to talk about her journey going from law school and working in that field, to transitioning into her passion of fashion and design. Growing up in Toronto Canada until she was 11, Hema stayed connected with her Indo-Guyanese roots through her family, and learned a lot about her culture that added to her character. She shares her wide variety of knowledge and experience she's gained being in many different areas of work, and gives tips on things like building trust and relationships with your clients, which translates to any field. She also talks about how important it is to stay true to yourself, and how she kept faith in herself when moving across the country to pursue her dream, even when things got difficult.
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Kim Richards is a a business consultant who has worked with many well known companies such as Viacom, Pinterest and LinkedIn, and is also CEO of the company ManiFeast. She joins us to speak about her journey finding her gift, the ability to serve. Raised in Brooklyn with Jamaican descent, Kim speaks on her experiences growing up. She also talks about the importance of working collaboratively and understanding where you can be of value in an organization or company. Instead of looking at your hardships, look at how you pushed through, making yourself more compelled to keep going. Kim also speaks about the importance of diverse, safe spaces so individuals can be authentic in the workforce.
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Award Winning Film Director, Hisonni Mustafa Johnson joins us to speak about his journey in the movie-making business. Coming from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a very segregated city, he was exposed to lots of danger at a young age. His escape would be to make movies, which required all his mind power. He's made award winning web series, several short films, as well as creating movies that appear on Netflix and Hulu. He shares his experience not only of being a black man in America but the importance of not looking back, earning what you accomplish, and most importantly knowing what you are made of.
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Wendy Zeng joins us to speak about her journey with how to stay motivated and focused. Born in China moving to Memphis, Tennessee, Wendy had to learn the difference in food in both places. However, Wendy learned the importance of food culture in both places and developed an appreciation for both, joining the catering business. Winner of "Chopped 420" on Discovery Plus, Wendy also manages to be an executive at Red Bull. Wendy talks about how important it is to have fun while working and the importance of staying interested and motivated. Do not push yourself too hard and make sure to set boundaries, but also do not sell yourself short when reaching for your goals.
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Tiago de SiIva joins us to speak about his journey helping others. Born in Brazil, Tiago always had a dream of wanting to help others. He continues that dream today assisting others at New York Life Insurance, where he is a partner. Tiago gives listeners financial advice and speaks on how important it is to invest in yourself. He highlights that we are more capable than we think, and the first challenge starts with us today. His resiliency drove him to become a financial advisor and transition from shining people's shoes to closing deals with them.
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Dr. Davisson Edmond joins us to speak on his journey on being a positive influence. Moving from Haiti, there were definitely some hardships in the beginning, both in immigrating and the community. He found himself when he started to work with medicine. Dr. Davisson speaks about the importance of nourishing and taking care of your body instead of relying on medications only. Listen to get educated on both your health and your body.
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Alexandra joins us to talk about her journey in gaining confidence and having a community to rely on. Having her parents move to the United States from Korea, Woo struggled with many hardships with identity and fitting in. She learned the importance of having a community, network, and mentors who believe in you during these struggling times. It is extremely important to have someone to talk to, a safe space, when dealing with the world around us. This is why she wants to be that safe space by mentoring others based on the experiences she has had to get to where she is today. Woo also speaks on working with Spotify to help build platforms and infrastructure internationally, where the company respects and appreciates her time as an employee. It is so important to know your worth and have a community that backs you up and supports you along your journey.
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Kalsang Tanzin joins us to talk about her journey with the struggles of making connections as an immigrant and the responsibilities of becoming a leader. Moving from India, Kal thought she immediately stood out, where it was hard to find people without a network. However, when interviewing with LinkedIn, they saw she was open to giving up a lot for this opportunity. This strengthened her relationship with LinkedIn, currently as the Head of Enterprise Relationship Management, North America for LinkedIn’s Sales Solutions Business.
At LinkedIn, she continues to find connections and constantly be inspired by them. She also speaks on leadership, and how important it is to be led by great leaders in order to become one in the future. With leadership, you learn the importance of confidence and how you can achieve more.
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Veronica De Santiago, Navy Veteran and Head of the talent acquisition and technical staffing firm DeSanti, shares her journey coming back to the U.S. from Mexico, and the trials she went through to get to where she is today. Being the oldest child of an immigrant family, Veronica had to set a great example for her younger siblings, and she did that through her hard work and fearlessness to go into fields where people not only of her gender but also her ethnic background. Coming to America as a 15-year-old who didn’t speak the language, Ms. De Santiago shares experiences where sheshe was fired from her first job from a law firm for having a thick accent, and how she powered through these setbacks to get into the position she is now in today.
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Circe Saint Louis, a Co-Founder of Zaka, joins us to talk about his journey and the challenge of stepping out of his comfort zone. Circe had the opportunity to finish his college degree in the United States, where he learned the importance of both education and believing in yourself. Circe is always looking for a challenge and Zaka is exactly what he needed. Coming to Zaka you are looking for something, and in return you find a community. You can always do more and be more.
Using the power of storytelling, Zaka showcases the often untold personal and professional experiences of immigrant leaders through articles, podcasts, video content and live workshops. The mission behind telling these stories and sharing insights is to inspire and provide the blueprint for how first and second-generation immigrants can attain their professional vision versus figuring it out for themselves. Zaka is helping create the world’s future leaders and scaling diversity across all industries
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This week we were joined by transformation coach and holistic nutritionist Anita Nosworthy. Born in Kingston Jamaica and moving to Toronto Canada at the age of 5, Anita was introduced to a new culture that took some time to get used to, specifically with the type of foods she was eating. She speaks on the several health benefits that can come from proper exercise and diet, as well as sharing how her experience as a kinesiologist inspired her to create her own business, and gives some tips for a healthy life.
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Petula Skeete is on a mission to empower women and girls with the #beautyFull movement. Growing up in St Kitts Nevis, her experience affected her self worth, her personal search for beauty has transformed into an illustrious career. She is one of the most reputable Emmy Award Winning celebrity hairstylists in the industry, best known for creating signature looks for Robin Roberts, lead anchor of Good Morning America
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Reddit's Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Program Manager, Afua Donkor joins us to speak about why people are her passion. She speaks about he growth from Target to Reddit, the importance of self advocacy for underrepresented minorities in the corporate setting and of course, reminds us why Ghana has the best Jollof Rice
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Cesar Alejandro Vega emigrated from Peru when he was 10 years old. He refused to let the early struggles of learning a different language and not being classified as a "regular" student interfere with his ultimate life goals. Given tradition is important to the Peruvian culture, he followed the trajectory of his parents by becoming an attorney. Today, Cesar aspires to be a man his community can be proud of and an inspiration to individuals who have been classified as "others".
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Medical Director and Cardiologist, A Garvey René MD, FACC FSCAI joins us to walk us through his journey from growing up in Haiti to becoming one of the most sought after leaders in cardiology.
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Newly appointed CMO of DoorDash, Kofi Amoo Gottfried, joins us to talk about the benefits of representation and mentorship. Growing up in Ghana and surrounded by Black professionals across various industries helped Kofi visualize his ability to become a leader. Because of that experience, he did not question his belonging as the only minority in the room, even in situations where he was assumed to be the wait staff and not the executive. Kofi is passionate about using his influence and personal experiences to empower other minorities in the workforce through mentorship.
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Entrepreneur, DJ, Hot 97 alumnus, DJ Spynfo joins us to talk about his upbringing in the Bronx. His humility and work ethic come from his Honduran father who worked as a Maintenance Man at Emigrant Savings Bank. Spynfo became one of the most popular Djs in the college scene, he used that opportunity to build his portfolio as an entrepreneur. His venue Sankofa Haus is bringing the community together through education to combat crimes in the inner city.
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Munya Choga who is a Principal Solutions Consultant @ LinkedIn joins us to talk about his evolution from Zimbabwe to the United States. Munya stresses that a great support system was the key to his career growth. Because of his upbringing and the people who invested in his potential at Goldman Sachs Facebook and Linkedin, he is passionate about doing the same by giving back his time and resources through mentorship.
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Professional Tennis Player, Victoria Duval, joins us to speak about her rigorous tennis training, her academic achievements, her aspirations to pursue the highest degree of study possible, and how overcoming Hodgkin's lymphoma has shaped her as a person.
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Sonya Kay George stops by to discuss her journey from childhood in Guayana to being the Vice President Client Solutions at Great Play to Work US. She breaks down some of the leadership skills that underrepresented minorities need from their manager to succeed. Beside being a high rank executive, Sonya is also a mother of a child actor, she talks about balancing both work and traveling with her child when he is shooting a project.
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Cindy Fernandez Nixon drops by to speak about the obstacles she overcame in her childhood after she moved from the Dominican Republic. As a mother who is used to multitasking, she has mastered the ability to balance her engineering career and acting career simultaneously.
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Sana is an independent film sales and distribution executive in Washington, DC, originally from Budapest and New Delhi. She has an extensive background in film and TV sales from multiple studios and independents in both Los Angeles and London, including Discovery, Warner Bros, NBC Universal, Signature Entertainment, National Geographic, and Walden Media. A UCLA and New York Film Academy graduate, she brings market expertise to features and series in development or those looking for distribution
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David Carlor is one of roughly 1400 Black Registered Financial Advisors practicing in the United States, which means it can be challenging for minorities to find representation among financial professionals. David uses his immigrant background to empathize with his clients. 95% of Financial Advisors look like their clients, that has a real impact on the racial wealth gap, because it means the underserved community may be less likely to seek out professional financial advice if they struggle to find a trusted expert who understands their specific, unique situation and struggle.
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Cardio Anesthesiologist, Dr Valery André from the Mayo Clinic joins us today to go over the obstacles he overcame and what kept him motivated to become one of the best in his field. A lot of us are doing incredible things out there and we aim to highlight the immigrant leaders who are making a difference in the world.
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Being in law was the goal, why did Osei change his mind the day before taking the LSAT? Facebook's Recruiting Specialist, Osei talks about empowering Black voices and how he utilizes his experience and classic training to better himself and people around him.
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Mental Health Advocate, Dailyn Santana drops by to discuss her battle with bipolar and how she is leading in that field by creating workshops and collaborating with teachers, psychologists, and influencers to create poetry and classic storytelling pieces. She is leaning in her vulnerability to create a safe space and to educate the youth. 1 out 5 people will suffer a mental health breakdown in their lifetime, it takes one person to open up and it's an invitation for everybody else to liberate themselves.
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Lena speaks about the success behind her first book, the true crime best seller, "My Daddy is a Hero" How Chris Watts Went from Family Man to Family Killer". She walks us through her journey and how she was shaped by her Palestinian father who moved the States at the age of 15 without speaking English. He worked in the grocery store and was able to receive his master's degree at The Fletcher School-Tuft University
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In this week's episode, Jeff Pierre from the hit series "Walker" on CW drops by to talk about season 2 and his journey to become one of the most sought actors in Hollywood. He spoke about his Haitian pride, the obstacles that he overcame and more importantly the values that his single mother instilled in him.
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Sahib believes that a diverse environment always fosters growth if you want to attract the best of the best to your company. He shares his journey with Paul on the challenge that he faced in high school for wearing a turban and his dedication to make an impact in the Information Technology Business world.
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In this episode, Tel Ganesan emphasizes the power of manifestation, time management and positive mindset to become a disruptor in several industries. He has already taken the biggest risk from leaving his home country India to move to the States, he is enjoying the process and not worrying about the final destination.
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Zaka's Co-Founder, Francois M Jean Noel sits down with our host, Paul Herman to go over his journey from Haiti to the States. He overcame the obstacles that he faced from switching to a different school system and not having a blueprint to get into engineering. He also paints his vision for Zaka's purpose and the inspiration behind everything.
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Hedy Wong breaks down how she got started in the entertainment industry and what inspired to overcome all the obstacles she faced. The different cultures in the inner city where she grew up and the Crenshaw album from Nipsey Hussle are still influencing her.
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Musical phenom, Oli Duret walks us through his journey how he started in music with T-Vice to becoming one of the most sought out hitmakers in the industry. He is working non-stop to advocate and contribute to his birth nation Haiti, he recently helped raise $30,000 to the earthquake relief effort in Haiti.
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Paul Herman interviews Julia Moraes who is the Global Operations Strategy Lead at Cisco. From Brazil, to Denmark, to Chile and finally settling in the US, Julia thrives to be a Latina woman who uses empathy to build relationships and bring team together.
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Paul Herman interviews the founder of Spark Engine to discuss her journey. Zeina is a Lebanese American professional who climbed the corporate ladder while also being an entrepreneur. She is curiously and creatively bringing people together to develop products with purpose
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Paul Herman interviews the founder of Zaka to discuss his journey. Greg Maurice is a Haitian American professional who spent 15 years of his career in film acquisitions and sports marketing. He specializes on up-leveling the stories of underrepresented communities through digital content and film.
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