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© Eye of An Immigrant
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Welcome to "From Home to Here," a podcast by Eye of an Immigrant. We share the rich and diverse stories of immigrants and first-generation individuals in Kansas City. Hosted by Komal Kaur, each episode features inspiring guests who bravely share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Our mission is to shift the narrative on immigration, break the silence barrier, and cultivate community advocacy. Join us as we explore the experiences shaping our multicultural landscape and celebrate the resilience, diversity, and contributions of immigrants and their families.
Produced by FiredUp Studios
Produced by FiredUp Studios
19 Episodes
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We sit down with Dwight Colerangle to unpack the idea of “you don’t know what you don’t know" and how it really hits different as an immigrant.Navigating life and a new country through an African mentality, staying close to community, and the culture shock of building a home away from home - and what it truly takes. Dwight shares an honest and refreshing perspective on growth, resilience, and hindsight that propelled him to where he is today.In this episode, we look at how staying grounded in your roots and previous experiences can help you thrive in unfamiliar environments.
We sit down with Ajayi Adeola and talk about the power of passion - loving what you do so much that you’ll show up no matter the circumstances.Whether it was playing under the hot sun without proper gear or pushing forward in less-than-ideal conditions, his passion and vision kept him going.This conversation is a dive into how America can be a space for opportunity, where people can carve their own path, and find safe spaces in the chaos. Before the opportunities or recognition come, the unseen dedication, dreams, and hard work are at the forefront. At the heart of it all, there’s a simple truth: sometimes we just have to respect what makes people happy, even if their journey looks different from ours.
Growing up with early cross-cultural experiences shaped Jennifer's worldview — giving her a global mindset and a deep empathy for people from every walk of life. Now, married to an entrepreneurial first-generation immigrant from Hong Kong, her days are steeped in big ideas, bold creativity, rich cultural flavors, and (let’s be honest) a bit of beautiful chaos.This week’s episode dives into how diverse backgrounds shape our perspectives — and how blending worlds can spark unexpected magic.
This week's upcoming episode we sit down with Milca Aguirre and learn what does it mean to grow up with immigrant parents who want to shield you from the world while also making sure you’re prepared to face it?In this episode, we explore the emotional complexities of growing up in Kansas City, Kansas as a child of immigrants. From learning adult realities too soon as the oldest sibling to balancing two cultures, this conversation dives into the weight, resilience, and identity of first-gen childhood.
This week's episode we sit down with Miranda Schultz to explore a question so many of us wrestle with: Where does true belonging begin?As immigrants, we often seek validation—from our communities, our families, our friends. But what if real belonging doesn’t come from the outside?Miranda, who was adopted from China and raised in the Midwest, shares how she’s learned that feeling “enough,” even when it feels weird or unfamiliar, is something that starts within.This conversation is a powerful reflection on the journey home to yourself, identity, and how others uplift us.
This week's episode is a real, honest conversation on identity, growing up an immigrant in American society, and finding your way back.Zaldy's story is one that highlights that as immigrants, we don't always need to conform to society or American standards to be "cool".Now? He’s owning his culture, loud and proud. Not only does he understand the WHY behind his heritage but sharing it in his everyday life as he continues to soar personally and professionally.
Chandler Johnson brings a perspective on immigration and identity that’s rarely highlighted in mainstream conversations. While many immigrant stories start with a family’s conscious decision to move to a new country, Chandler's story is shaped by a much longer, more complex history—one marked by displacement through the transatlantic slave trade, gaps in family history, and growing up in a mixed-race household. Today, we’re going to explore that story and the role that race and perception play in navigating life, identity, and home!
Neutrality may feel safe, but in reality, it often upholds the very systems we hope to change. In this episode of From Home to Here, Katie and Shivani explore the nuances of allyship—what it means, why it matters, and how to practice it with intention in our daily lives.Together, they discuss: Why neutrality isn’t truly neutral, the difference between performative and authentic allyship, and practical ways to show up for others, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Meet the mother-daughter duo who founded the local gem, Cafe Corazon in Kansas City. As a reflection of Miel, Dulcinea, and Curtis, Miel's husband and Dulcinea's father, Café Corazón reflects their families deep roots with the aim to give the bean a voice, introduce yerba mate to the midwest and to create a safe space for people of color as well as space where those who do not know their culture can be introduced to the smells, colors and flavors of Latin America! They embody what it means to bring community together and uplift one another, you don't want to miss this!
Born and raised in Kansas City, Paul Chandi is the first-generation son of Indian immigrants and the founder of Detail Doctors, an automotive protection company he’s been building since 2019. In this episode, Paul shares the crossroads moment where he had to choose between pursuing a college degree or committing fully to his growing business. He walks us through the pressures of being a child of immigrants, the weight of honoring his parents' sacrifices, and how staying connected to his Punjabi roots keeps him grounded. It’s a story of risk, resilience, and redefining success on your own terms.🎧 From Home to Here shares the stories of immigrants and children of immigrants in Kansas City and beyond — shifting narratives, breaking silence, and building community.PRODUCED BY EYE OF AN IMMIGRANT x FIREDUP STUDIOS
In this week's powerful episode, Edgar J. Palacios and Alex sit down with host Brandon McAnderson for a deeply vulnerable conversation about identity, healing, and the importance of building community within ourselves.Edgar, born in Florida to Nicaraguan parents and a leading voice in educational equity, reflects on what it means to show up for others while learning to show up for himself. Alex, born in Mexico and a practitioner of Indigenous Medicine and Energy Work, shares how ancestral wisdom and sacred remembrance guide their work and personal healing. With roots in the Dominican Republic, Brandon brings curiosity and heart to this dialogue, weaving their stories together with intentionality and grace.Together, they explore the intersections of leadership, mental health, and cultural identity—offering reflections that are honest, tender, and necessary.🔊 Tune in for:– Redefining community and leadership– Healing across generations– Navigating identity as first- and second-gen children of immigrants– The power of stillness, embodiment, and sacred spaceThis episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and remember: the most important relationship we have is the one we cultivate with ourselves.PRODUCED BY EYE OF AN IMMIGRANT x FIREDUP STUDIOS
This week on From Home to Here, we sit down with David Zacarro — a senior financial analyst at Cboe Global Markets, proud first-generation immigrant from Tela, Honduras, and someone who knows firsthand the balancing act of striving for success while honoring your roots.At just 17, David moved to the U.S. in pursuit of opportunity. He went on to earn his degree from Kansas State University and is now pursuing his MBA at the University of Kansas—all while building an impressive career in finance. But behind the resume is a story filled with resilience, identity shifts, and responsibility.We talk about:💭 Imposter syndrome as a first-gen, highly assimilated immigrant in the corporate world🌎 The emotional weight of being the “chosen one” in immigrant families💬 Language barriers and serving as the advocate for loved ones💡 Leading with adaptability, connection, and cultural prideDavid’s story is a reminder that behind every title is a journey worth listening to. Tune in now to hear how he’s using his experiences to uplift others and help create spaces of belonging in every room he walks into.PRODUCED BY EYE OF AN IMMIGRANT x FIREDUP STUDIOS
In this episode of From Home to Here, we sit down with Iqbal Singh, a Kansas City-born photographer and videographer whose passion for visual storytelling has shaped his career.Iqbal shares how his immigrant family’s values of hard work and honesty fueled his journey—from studying Film and Media Arts at UMKC to capturing life’s most meaningful moments through journalism, sports, and wedding photography. He also reflects on the power of family and the role it plays in shaping his artistry and identity.Tune in to hear his inspiring story and how he turns fleeting moments into timeless works of art! PRODUCED BY EYE OF AN IMMIGRANT x FIREDUP STUDIOS#FromHomeToHere #StorytellingThroughTheLens #ImmigrantVoices #PhotographyPassion #PowerOfFamily
Welcome to a brand-new season of From Home to Here! In this episode of From Home to Here, we sit down with Stephanie, a Kansas City native, licensed nail technician, and proud first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrants. With years of experience in intricate nail art and a passion for creative expression, Stephanie shares how her culture influences her career, family, and daily life. We dive into her journey as a mother, her work in social media marketing for her sister’s coffee shop, Café Ollama, and the ways she honors her heritage while building a life rooted in creativity and resilience. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about artistry, family, and the immigrant experience.PRODUCED BY EYE OF AN IMMIGRANT x FIREDUP STUDIOS
In this powerful episode of From Home to Here, host Alejandra Villalobos McAnderson speaks with Mariana Figueroa and Christian Anderaos, two immigrants whose passion for soccer brought them to the United States. Mariana, a dedicated advocate for women’s soccer, shares her journey from Cali, Colombia, to Kansas City, where she now works as KC Current’s Community Relations Coordinator. She highlights the cultural obstacles she faced and the pride she feels in using sports to inspire youth and promote inclusivity.
Chris, originally from São Paulo, Brazil, discusses his path as a professional indoor soccer player for the Kansas City Comets and founder of Playmaker Soccer Academy. Known as the "Tasmanian Devil" on the field, Chris also serves as a Portuguese broadcaster for KC Current. Both guests dive into the challenges of adapting to a new country, the strength they draw from their roots, and their shared commitment to giving back to the community.
Mariana and Chris reflect on the cultural values and traditions they've brought from home, as well as their dreams of creating pathways for future generations in sports and education. This episode is a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and the unifying power of soccer.
PRODUCED BY FIREDUP STUDIOS x EYE OF AN IMMIGRANT x ULOM APP
In this powerful episode of From Home to Here, we sit down with Aman Malhotra, the Senior Director of Revenue Operations at myKaarma and Co-Founder of KC Bhangra. With her extensive experience in building teams for startups, Aman brings a unique perspective to the conversation about identity and belonging.
Join us as she shares her personal journey, including her father’s story of leaving Punjab and the challenges faced in a new country. Aman opens up about navigating the complexities of the school system, encountering racist remarks, and the struggles she faced in high school as she worked to redefine her identity amidst various challenges.
As a passionate advocate for community and culture, Aman also discusses her role as the Director of Marketing on the Eye of an Immigrant Board of Directors and her commitment to teaching North Indian folk dance to the next generation at KC Bhangra.
Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that explores the intersection of culture, community, and the ongoing quest for belonging. Whether you're navigating your own identity journey or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is not to be missed!
Listen now and discover the power of storytelling in shaping our identities.
PRODUCED BY FIRED UP STUDIOS x EYE OF AN IMMIGRANT x ULOM APP
In this episode of From Home to Here, Komal sit's down with Jackie Nguyen, a first-generation daughter of a Vietnam War refugee and former Broadway actor who made a bold pivot into entrepreneurship during the pandemic. Jackie spent over 10 years in New York City, performing on Broadway, but when the arts came to a halt, she found herself on a new path that led to the creation of Café Cà Phê, Kansas City’s first Vietnamese coffee shop.
Jackie shares her inspiring immigrant journey, the challenges of transitioning from the stage to owning a business, and how Café Cà Phê amplifies the Asian American narrative while uplifting marginalized communities. With a mission rooted in culture and inclusivity, Café Cà Phê has become more than just a place for great coffee—it’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and community in the Midwest.
Tune in to hear Jackie’s incredible story of reinvention, determination, and the power of cultural representation.
PRODUCED BY FIREDUP STUDIOS x EYE OF AN IMMIGRANT X ULOM APP
In the premiere episode of From Home to Here, join us as we explore the journeys of Komal Kaur and Zik Nwanganga, two passionate advocates for immigrant voices.
Komal Kaur, Executive Director and Founder of Eye of An Immigrant, was born and raised in Queens, New York, to immigrant parents from Punjab, India. In 2017, she moved to Olathe, Kansas, where her personal experiences as a daughter of immigrants ignited a deep passion for public advocacy. Her dedication to elevating the stories of immigrants inspired her to transform the organization’s storytelling campaign into this powerful podcast.
Zik Nwanganga, the talented producer behind From Home to Here, immigrated to the United States from Nigeria as an international student. As the CEO and Founder of Fired Up Studios, Zik is dedicated to helping organizations tell their unique stories. With his technical expertise and love for storytelling, Zik brings a dynamic and engaging touch to the podcast, ensuring that each episode resonates with our listeners.
Tune in to hear their stories, learn about their work, and discover the driving forces behind their commitment to immigrant advocacy.
Eye of An Immigrant x FiredUp Studios x Ulom App
🎙️ From Home to Here is launching its very first episode! 🎉
We’re kicking off this journey by exploring the joys and complexities of growing up in a big family with Komal and Zik. Our founder, Komal, reflects on her mom's touching words: "If there's space in your heart, there's space in your home." 💕
Get ready to hear stories that will warm your heart and connect you to the immigrant experience like never before.
Tune in to our premiere episode and join us in celebrating the power of family and community. #FromHomeToHere #BigFamilyLove #EOAI #ImmigrantStories #PodcastLaunch
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