Immigrant Conversations

Is home the place we are born, or the refuge we find? Can it be both? In this episode of Immigrant Conversations, we explore the meaning of "home" and discuss the challenges faced by refugees, including misconceptions about their experiences. Dr. Diya Abdo, a second-generation Palestinian refugee, shares her powerful story of migration and how she transformed her personal journey into advocacy for displaced communities. Key Topics in This Episode: >Dr. Abdo’s Migration Journey as a second-generation Palestinian refugee born in Jordan and her eventual move to the U.S. as a graduate student. >The displacement of her parents from Palestine, their struggles as refugees in Jordan, and how their story shaped Dr. Abdo’s perspective on migration. >The evolving concept of home—what does it truly mean to belong? The challenges faced by refugees today, including the impact of global crises on refugee resettlement and integration. >The mission of Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR)—Dr. Abdo’s nonprofit that helps college campuses host refugee families, fostering cultural integration and community support. >How storytelling and advocacy can help reshape perceptions of refugees and empower displaced communities. Bio: Dr. Diya Abdo is the Lincoln Financial Professor of English at Guilford College and the founding Director of Every Campus A Refuge. A second-generation Palestinian refugee born and raised in Jordan, Dr. Abdo’s teaching, research, and scholarship focus on Arab women writers and Arab and Islamic feminisms as well as refugee and immigrant issues. Her book AMERICAN REFUGE: True Stories of the Refugee Experience, was selected by the North Carolina Humanities as a North Carolina 2024 Reads Book and by Alamance Public Libraries as the Alamance Reads Book 2024. In 2015, inspired by Pope Francis' call on every European parish to host one refugee family, Dr. Abdo founded Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), which advocates for housing refugee families on college and university campus grounds and supporting them in their resettlement. The flagship chapter at Guilford College is now one of many ECAR campuses across the nation which have collectively hosted over 600 refugees and supported their inclusion in local communities. Dr. Abdo designed the minor Forced Migration and Resettlement Studies at Guilford College where students learn about refugee issues and receive credit for hosting refugees on campus and supporting them in their resettlement. Dr. Abdo is the recipient of the Emerson Collective Fellowship (2024), the J.M. Kaplan Fund’s Innovation Prize (2021), Campus Compact’s Thomas Ehrlich Civically Engaged Faculty Award (2019), Gulf South Summit’s Outstanding Service-Learning Collaboration in Higher Education Award (2017), and The Washington Center’s Civic Engagement in Higher Education Award (2017). Dr. Abdo sits on the Boards of Refugee Council USA and The Community Sponsorship Hub. Email Dr.Abdo: Abdod@guilford.edu Learn more about Every Campus is a Refuge: www.everycampusarefuge.net

Are you an aspiring leader looking to enhance your influence especially when you are the minority? Do you struggle with belonging in rooms where decisions are made? If so, this episode is for you! If so, this episode is for you. Mehran Sorourian the Immigrant Conversations host sits with Dr. Mira Brancu and talk about being a minority as an aspiring leader. "Are you an aspiring leader striving to enhance your influence, especially in spaces where you’re the minority? Do you struggle with finding a sense of belonging in rooms where crucial decisions are made? This episode is for you! In this insightful conversation, Mehran Sorourian, host of Immigrant Conversations, sits down with Dr. Mira Brancu to discuss the unique challenges faced by minority leaders. Together, they explore practical strategies for navigating leadership roles while overcoming barriers of inclusion and cultural adaptation. Tune in to hear about: >Overcoming imposter syndrome as a minority in leadership. >Developing your leadership identity and influence when you're underrepresented. >Finding your voice and confidence in predominantly non-minority spaces. >How to create a sense of belonging and advocate for others in similar situations. >Whether you're just starting out in your leadership journey or are looking for tips on how to expand your influence, this episode provides invaluable advice for anyone seeking to thrive as a minority leader." Bio: Dr. Mira Brancu is a consulting and coaching psychologist who specializes in women’s leadership identity development and building adaptive, high-performing teams. She is also an Associate Professor, author of the Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics and companion workbook, Psychology Today columnist of the series, A New Look at Women’s Leadership, and host of The Hard Skills live show and podcast. Her award-winning social impact firm, Towerscope, empowers and elevates women in leadership within disrupted, complex learning and innovation systems. Learn more: www.GoTowerscope.com https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBRIDM9zFt53CbF8-Y_LiHx_12xdIQpT1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-skills/id1706366751 Book Suggestions: -Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics -Professional Careers by Design by Sharon Hull -Teaming by Amy Edmondson -The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencion Find us on your favorite podcast app. contact Mehran: Mehran@MehranS.com https://www.mehrans.com/immigrantconversations

"Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, a job, or your home country? Are you seeking new tools and strategies to process your grief and recover more effectively? If so, this episode is for you. In this deeply insightful conversation, Mehran Sorourian, host of Immigrant Conversations, sits down with Kiana Naimi to explore the complex emotions of grief and recovery. Together, they discuss practical approaches to healing, how to navigate the grieving process, and how to embrace personal growth after loss. Tune in to hear about: >Effective tools for coping with grief and finding emotional resilience. >How to process loss in a healthy way, whether from the death of a loved one, a job, or even your country of origin. >The importance of self-compassion and creating space for healing during difficult times. >How to embrace recovery and move forward while honoring your pain. >Whether you're mourning a personal loss or facing the emotional challenges of immigration and displacement, this episode offers valuable insights for navigating grief and embracing a path to emotional recovery." Bio: Kiana Naimi is an Iranian_American Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California that specializes in grief and loss. Kiana has earned her Master's in Social Welfare from UCLA and has worked with diverse populations throughout her clinical experience. She currently provides therapy to individuals across the lifespan who have experienced various losses via Telehealth, her practice is called Soulh psychotherapy. www.Soulhpsychotherapy.com The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss by Mary-Frances O'Connor Key words: Grief Processing, Immigrant Journey, Iranian American, Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Informed, Dual Process Model, Disenfranchised Grief, Grieving Brain, Kubler Ross, Five Stages Of Grief, Resilience, Migration Stories, Emotional Healing, Support Groups, Grief Models, Neuroscience Of Grief, Loss And Healing, Coping Mechanisms, Cultural Adaptation, Mental Health Awareness

The son of Chinese immigrants, Dr. James Lin is a math professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). In 1986, he took an unexpected step and taught the first-ever Asian American Studies course at UCSD. Despite being a math professor, Dr. Lin’s passion for social justice and ethnic studies led him to break boundaries. Two years later, he succeeded in obtaining Academic Senate approval for a Minor in Asian American Studies, marking a significant milestone in academic history. Dr. Lin's journey didn't stop there. He teamed up with faculty from Chicano Studies and African American Studies to gain approval for an Ethnic Studies Department in 1990, which has had a lasting impact on both students and the wider community. In this episode, Dr. Lin shares his remarkable journey, his experiences as an immigrant, and the challenges and triumphs of creating an essential program that amplifies diverse voices and promotes cultural awareness and social justice. Tune in to hear about: >Dr. Lin's path from math professor to Ethnic Studies advocate. >His role in creating the first Asian American Studies course and later the Ethnic Studies Department at UCSD. >The importance of cultural representation and academic diversity in higher education. >How immigrant experiences shaped Dr. Lin’s commitment to social justice and education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in ethnic studies, academic diversity, and the intersection of immigrant identity and education. Jim's past interviews: https://youtu.be/1BxdlT2RC2g?si=JRfoQ3w2v5Xq7JoG Immigrant Conversations - 00:00:00 " Jim and I know each other through Toastmaster 00:01:02 " My father built the first modern airplane by a Chinese in China 00:11:18 " Lin family says I'm the lucky baby because within days of being born 00:20:18 " By the time I was 15, I had studied 8000 hours of math 00:27:03 " At 15, I scored perfect score on the math SAT 00:32:53 " You mentioned as an adult that there were a lot of somewhat isolating feelings 00:41:39 " The public doesn't know much about your immigration, Mehran 00:50:57 " UCSD faculty opposed creating a race-based ethnic studies minor 00:58:54 " Jim Mehran: I was inspired by a book called see no stranger Keywords: migration, Chinese-American, aviation pioneer, academic success, cultural identity, Asian American Studies, UCSD, resilience, podcast Jim's Biography: Jim is a Chinese-American who has made significant contributions to both academia and cultural representation. Born in Manhattan shortly after his parents emigrated from China, Jim's early life was marked by rigorous academic discipline and cultural challenges. He excelled in mathematics, earning a PhD from Princeton and becoming a full professor at UCSD by the age of 30. Jim played a crucial role in establishing the Asian American Studies minor at UCSD, which later became a full department. His work has been instrumental in promoting cultural awareness and education. Jim continues to inspire through his storytelling and dedication to fostering understanding and inclusion.

Ever wondered if certain nationalities have an easier path to migration? In this compelling episode of Immigrant Conversations, we delve into the inspiring journey of Sujata Yellaepeddi, who was born and raised in India before making the life-changing move to the United States. Sujata shares the personal challenges she faced in finding peace and a sense of belonging in her new San Diego home, as well as the hurdles her family encountered throughout their immigration journey. Her story sheds light on the emotional and practical difficulties of visa restrictions, family separation, and the emotional toll of being stranded abroad without her parents. Sujata also reflects on the missed opportunities her son faced due to visa limitations, highlighting the unique struggles immigrant families often endure. In this episode, we discuss: >The realities of the immigrant experience, including the emotional and logistical hurdles. >The impact of visa challenges and immigration policies on family life and opportunities. >How resilience and perseverance shape the immigrant journey, especially when navigating complex systems. >The emotional toll of family separation and the long-lasting effects on individuals and their loved ones. Whether you're an immigrant, have immigrant roots, or are interested in the complexities of migration, this episode offers valuable insights into the emotional journey of building a new life far from home. Sujata's Biography: Sujata Yellaepeddi was born and raised in India, surrounded by the warmth and support of a very loving family. In 2008, she made a significant life change by moving to the United States with her family, seeking new opportunities and challenges. Sujata's academic journey is marked by her pursuit of excellence, culminating in two master's degrees in computer science. Her strong educational background has been instrumental in securing a successful career in the United States, where she currently holds the position of Senior Manager at a leading software company. In 2011, Sujata's life took a transformative turn when she joined Toastmasters, an organization dedicated to improving public speaking and leadership skills. Her involvement with Toastmasters proved to be a pivotal experience, helping her develop confidence and communication skills that have been invaluable both personally and professionally. Sujata's dedication to leadership and personal growth led her to serve as the District Director of Toastmasters District 5, a role she recently completed. District 5, which covers San Diego and Yuma, Arizona, flourished under her guidance, benefiting from her vision and commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering community. Today, Sujata continues to excel in her professional career while also inspiring others through her journey of growth, resilience, and leadership.

As an immigrant or a person of color, have you ever felt that a comment was triggering? You couldn’t necessarily point out what it was about it, but it certainly didn’t feel right. In this episode of immigrant conversations, we will talk about microaggressions. How to identify them and what to do about them? We also talk about different forms of bias that immigrants and people of color experience and so much more. Biography: Samara Hakim, JD, is an international culture and inclusion thought leader, data strategist, speaker, writer, coach, and facilitator. For over a decade, Samara has equipped leaders with the mindset and skills to work with those who are different, by mitigating bias and integrating culture into business practices and metrics. She has extensive experience in communication, conflict transformation, diversity, equity, inclusion, implicit bias mitigation, and culture transformation. Samara is a dynamic speaker who engages people to think beyond their comfort zone and to work across differences. She draws on a range of experiences including her work across cultures, her legal career, and her personal background. Samara has worked on projects across many ecosystems, in multiple languages, at various levels in an organization, for multiple industries, in for-profits and non-profits, start-ups, and educational institutions. She has worked with Fortune 500 and 100 companies, including culture transformation, DEI integration, inclusive leadership, global marketing/sales, antiracism, leading courageous conversations, team building, and inclusive procurement. Among others, clients have included American Honda, Qualcomm, BD (previously Carefusion), San Diego Gas & Electric Co., San Diego County District Attorney's Office, RNDC Anheuser Busch, Irvine Co., Thales USA, Constellation Brands, GSD&M, UCSD, ASU, SDSU, MAAC, Stanford University, Spectrum Health, American University of Beirut, Rady School of Management, Asylum Access, KPBS, ResMed, Toyota, and iRobot. Samara thrives on working with people from all walks of life. She has coached leaders across all levels of an organization, in the private, public, and non-profit sectors, to exceed their goals and to thrive in their career journey and impact. Samara has been a member of Forbes Coaches Council for 3 years. Samara is the DEIB Director for NAWBO San Diego Board. She is a mentor in the SDSU Mentor Program, USD Kroc School Mentorship Program, and in Rising Women Leaders of San Diego. She sits on the Emerging Leaders Board and is a member of the Economic Development and Advocacy Advisory Council of the North San Diego Business Chamber. Samara was a consultant/instructor for Stella Labs, an accelerator for women entrepreneurs. She trains on Bias/Cultural Humility through the Academy of Professional Excellence at SDSU. She was a lead consultant/trainer for the National Conflict Resolution Center. Prior to founding CulturGrit, she was Director of Operations/Senior Advisor at a firm later acquired by Ernst & Young. Samara was honored with the 2019 American Honda Premier Partner Award, the 2018 Women of Excellence Award by Diversity Professional Magazine and the NAWBO San Diego 2021 Women’s Advocate BRAVA Award. Samara’s work has been copyrighted; she has been featured in books and in several media outlets and podcasts. Among her certifications, Samara holds an Advanced Certificate in Intercultural Management from the University of Notre Dame. She received a Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law and a BA in History and a BA in Political Science from the University of Portland. You can learn more or reach her through Key words: Immigrant Stories, Microaggressions, Diversity Equity Inclusion, Cultural Competence, Immigrant Challenges, Cultural Adaptation, Immigrant Resilience, Navigating New Cultures, Immigrant Identity, Cultural Values, Legal Profession, Intercultural Marriage, Cultural Negotiation, Immigrant Success, Cultural Collectivism

Some conversations are hard to have for immigrants especially when it comes to racism and sexism. They could be easily misunderstood for lack of communication skills or cultural differences. They might be unaware of ways to respond when racist comments are made. That’s why I invited Maame Afon Yelbert-Sai who is an internationally recognized thought leader, passionate activist on anti-racism and anti-sexism work. As an immigrant, she is sharing with us -Ways to educate ourselves and increase our awareness. -How to define the boundaries between ignorance and racism/sexism. -How to have race-related conversations in our personal and professional lives. her bio: Exuberantly embracing her calling as a consummate connector and networker, Maame Afon enjoys her work as an activist, facilitator, executive/life coach, and mentor, supporting leaders internationally. She is an internationally recognized thought leader, passionate advocate for women and girls and a leadership development enthusiast. She is also a recording artist who uses music to promote social change and philanthropy. Maame Afon currently serves as the board chair of African Women’s Development Fund, USA and We Care Solar, and sits on the board and advisory council of other international organizations including Cocoa360, Ghana Bamboo Bikes, Days for Girls-Ghana, Moremi Initiative, Street Business School, Women Leaders for the World, and Nurturing Minds/SEGA among others. She holds a B.A. in French and Spanish and an M.A. in human rights, gender, and international development. She was named among 100 African Women in Development by Donors for Africa (2020) and has been recognized as one of the 18 African Feminists to know by For Harriet (2015). She has also been featured in AfroElle Magazine (2015) and the #Pretty-Period Campaign that celebrates black women. In 2019 she was featured in Leading Ladies Africa (LLA) as part of the release of her #RightNowAfrica single. Maame Afon is the recipient of several fellowships namely, 2020 Perennial Fellow, 2019 Rise Up Leader, 2017 Hive Global Leader, 2016 Cordes Fellow, and 2009 Woman Leader for the World. Furthermore, Maame Afon contributed her story to We Will Lead Africa - Volume Two: Women (African Everyday Leadership Stories) – 32 stories by 36 contributors, available now on Amazon. She is currently working on a full chapter titled “Steward Transformation” as part of her contribution to “The Palgrave Handbook of Learning for Transformation.” As a Whole Woman, she brings all of who she is to her work as Chief Steward of MILT (Management for Impact Leadership and Transformation), the organization she founded in 2017. She also enjoys her calling as mother and wife, raising her three children with her husband. Social Media Handles Website: www.themiltedge.com | www.maameafon.com FB: Maame Alice Yelbert-Sai; @themiltedge IG: @MaameAfon @themiltedge T: @Maameafon @themiltedge Subscribe to Empowering conversationZ podcast on your favorite app: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz follow us on Instagram: @mehran.sorourian or FB https://www.facebook.com/Empowering.conversationZ.podcast

In this deeply personal episode of Immigrant Conversations, host Mehran Sorourian opens up about her two-and-a-half-year break, experiencing five significant losses, and battling debilitating depression. She shares her emotional healing journey and the unique challenges that immigrants face in processing grief. Whether you’re navigating loss yourself or supporting a grieving loved one, this episode offers insights into the immigrant grief process, mental health struggles, and practical ways to support healing. Tune in to hear Mehran’s powerful story and learn how to approach grief with understanding and resilience. Learn more about Mehran: https://www.mehrans.com/about Complex Grief: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/complicated-grief/symptoms-causes/syc-20360374 Grief books I enjoyed reading: -Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant -The Friend by Sigrid Nunez -I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One by Brook Noel and Pamela Blair PhD -Finding Me by Viola Davis

n this episode of Immigrant Conversations, we dive into the art of making difficult changes—especially when it comes to navigating cultural differences, beliefs, and assumptions. How do you successfully negotiate change, both with yourself and others? Our guest, Reut Schwartz-Hebron, an immigrant from Israel, shares her journey from working as an HR director, where she was blindsided by non-verbal cues and workplace dynamics, to becoming a seasoned expert in change management. Learn about: >The challenges of adapting to new cultural environments and how to make necessary changes without losing your authentic self. >How to negotiate change with yourself and others, especially when dealing with cultural misunderstandings and workplace communication barriers. >Insights from Reut’s books: Outswim the Sharks and The Art and Science of Changing People Who Don’t Want to Change. >How negotiation skills can be applied in both professional and personal contexts to help you overcome challenges and thrive in any environment. Whether you're an immigrant navigating cultural shifts, a professional dealing with workplace communication challenges, or someone seeking to improve your negotiation skills, this episode offers valuable insights into managing change and adapting to new circumstances. Reut Schwartz-Hebron is a change management expert and author of Outswim the Sharks and The Art and Science of Changing People Who Don’t Want to Change. With a background in HR leadership and behavioral psychology, she helps individuals and organizations navigate cultural adaptation and communication barriers in the workplace. Connect with Reut on LinkedIn here or learn more about her work at her website. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when new episodes air: https://mehrans.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6dfc4750bd3f20b3caae4503f&id=0329b857f8 List of episodes: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz Contact Mehran: Mehran@MehranS.com Reut Schwartz-Hebron Bio: In her role as Certifying Partner with KCI, Reut has trained and certified hundreds of HR leaders, coaches, consultants, and other change professionals to use powerful Neuroscience-based models for guiding people through difficult change. She started her career at the rank of a Lieutenant Commander working with elite training teams in the Israeli military, and was the first woman consultant to be offered a prestigious field position with a combat unit. She has a BA in Psychology, an MBA in Business and Organizational Development, and has been collaborating with Neuroscientists for the last 17 years to develop a neuroscience-based Unlearning Model. While she supports coaches and change leaders to use a wide range of Neuroscience-based models, she is internationally renowned as one of the top experts in this specific field of guiding people to unlearn and relearn as part of making transitions and transformations.  For the past 25 years Reut coached and consulted in organizations that range from Fortune 500s such as NIKE, Avaya, GSK, Comcast, and Philips Medical to medium sized companies in a large variety of industries including financial, high-tech, telecom, universities, hospitals and other health organizations, retail, manufacturing, and government agencies. She is a published author of books and numerous articles, but perhaps most importantly, she is a mother, a wife, a sister, and an avid supporter of human rights.  To learn more about Reut’s work and the Certification in Applied Neuroscience, please visit: www.KCIcertification.com

"In this episode of Immigrant Conversations, we sit down with Dr. Pavna Sodhi to discuss the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community—particularly within BIPOC immigrant communities. We explore the complex process of coming out, the role of family, community, and the host culture in this journey, and the unique struggles LGBTQ+ individuals face in these contexts. Dr. Sodhi shares her insights on: >The emotional and social challenges LGBTQ+ individuals and their families experience, especially as immigrants in BIPOC communities. >How family dynamics and cultural expectations influence the coming out process. >The impact of the host culture on the LGBTQ+ experience and the complexities of living between cultures. >Strategies for educating children about LGBTQ+ issues and fostering an inclusive environment. >How to support LGBTQ+ individuals in overcoming barriers and building a sense of belonging. Whether you're an LGBTQ+ individual, an ally, or a parent looking to better understand and support your children, this episode offers valuable insights into immigrant LGBTQ+ experiences, cultural identity, and family dynamics. Resources: https://positivespacenetwork.ca/ https://egale.ca/ https://www.rainbowrefugee.com/ https://lgbtq.wvu.edu/state-and-national-resources/-resources-for-queer-and-transgender-black-indigenous-people-of-color https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/lgbt https://www.strongfamilyalliance.org/parent-guide/ Dr.Sodhi’s last episode: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c2a4e1fa/ez28-managing-covid-trauma-for-immigrants List of books for children: https://www.readbrightly.com/9-great-lgbtq-books-kids/ & https://www.familyequality.org/family-support/lgbtq-books/early-elementary/ Dr. Pavna Sodhi Bio: With over 20 years of psychotherapeutic and research experience, Dr. Pavna Sodhi (she/her) has interacted with a multitude of populations in both clinical and academic spaces. Her professional background and personal narrative offer a unique research perspective regarding culturally responsive trauma work, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities, and immigrant mental health. Her research has been featured in national and international scholarly journals and books. In 2017, she wrote, Exploring Immigrant and Sexual Minority Mental Health: Reconsidering Multiculturalism (Routledge). Content from her book is supported by first- and second-generation immigrant narratives, who share their experiences of migration, trauma, overt/covert racism, identity formation, and mental health concerns. She is currently authoring a book regarding decolonizing mental health and trauma-informed practices. Insta : @sunotherapy Website: www.pavnaksodhi.com Twitter: @DrPavnaKSodhi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavna-k-sodhi-67b81615/?originalSubdomain=ca Book: https://www.routledge.com/Exploring-Immigrant-and-Sexual-Minority-Mental-Health-Reconsidering-Multiculturalism/Sodhi/p/book/9780415841870

In this episode of Immigrant Conversations, we sit down with Meenakshi Iyer to discuss the challenges immigrants face in professional settings, especially when it comes to language and accents. Immigrants often encounter microaggressions related to their language skills and how they speak, leading to discrimination and bias. Meenakshi shares insights on: >Why it's essential to celebrate cultural diversity and how cultural identity enhances professional environments. >The importance of language inclusion and how it fosters a more equitable and inclusive society. >Real-life examples of microaggressions around language and accents that immigrants experience daily. >How organizations can adopt practices to create an environment where all employees, regardless of accent or language proficiency, feel respected and valued. If you've ever felt the sting of a language-related microaggression or want to learn more about language inclusion, this episode offers valuable insights into building a more inclusive, respectful workplace and society. Bio: Meenakshi Iyer thrives at the intersection of People, Process, and Technology. She is a T-shaped servant leader with an international and interdisciplinary career in IT, Agile/Business Process Transformation, international healthcare, HR, and Training, in India and the USA, spanning more than two decades. “Stop, breathe, think, act.” is her motto. Meenakshi is the Founder and Principal of NorthStar Solutions and Services - a future-of-work oriented, virtual coaching, training and consulting practice serving clients globally. She is an ICF-certified Personal Agility and Self-Leadership Coach. She specializes in supporting People and Technology leaders in co-creating their personal transformation and leadership development journeys. Meenakshi is fluent in four languages, and has lived and worked in 10+ cities in India and the US. Connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenakshi-iyer-northstar/ More about her and her work - https://www.northstaratwork.com/ Here are the TED talk links: Taiye Selasi: Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCKzpXEW6E Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg Sir Ken Robinson - Do schools kill creativity? - https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity?language=en

Mehran is a communication coach helping countless immigrants and minorities improve their communication skills at work. In this episode, I, Mehran the host of the Empowering conversationZ podcast share the story of the very first time I spoke English with a native English speaker. How it felt, the shame, and how I became fluent in English plus the 4 tips that I give my clients on improving their language while using the wisdom from my previous guests and many conversations I've had with successful immigrants, refugees, and Dreamers. Listen, Subscribe and share! EZ3 Attitudes on climbing the corporate ladder: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c0a6d889/ez03-on-attitude-for-climbing-in-corporate EZ10 Born Twice, CEO's Story https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c1174648/ez10-born-twice-a-ceos-story EZ Frederic Cherau on Accent and Culture https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c23901b0/ez15-frederic-chereau-on-accent-and-culture EZ08 Perfectionism, know it & manage it: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c119a0f0/ez08-perfectionism-know-it-and-manage-it EZ35 Upwardly and their role in supporting you get your first job as an immigrant https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/9159709c/ez35-immigrants-and-first-professional-job Sign up for our mailing list to be notified when an episode is released. https://mehrans.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6dfc4750bd3f20b3caae4503f&id=0329b857f8 Booking a complimentary session: https://www.mehrans.com/service-page/explore-coaching?referral=service_list_widget

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong, that you are an imposter waiting to be found? If so, this episode is for you. We have Kim Meninger who's an expert in the area of imposter syndrome with years of training corporate women and men on the podcast. She shares her experience about: -What imposter syndrome is, -The history behind it, -Who suffers from it, -How men and women suffer from it differently -The underlying racism - and what can we do about it. Both as an individual and as a manager. Kim Meningers bio: As a women’s leadership coach, Kim Meninger is passionate about empowering women to become more confident, visible and influential leaders. Having spent over 10 years in the high-tech industry, she experienced first-hand the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in traditionally male-dominated environments. She strives to be the resource to women that she did not have during her own corporate career. Kim has a BA in psychology and an MBA from Boston College. She is an ICF Associate Certified Coach and CCE Board Certified Coach with certifications in career, executive and leadership development coaching. The Impostor Syndrome Files Podcast – Listen to the stories of women who have struggled with and have learned to manage Impostor Syndrome. If you are a new listener, make sure you subscribe here: Sign up for our mailing list to be notified when an episode is released. https://mehrans.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6dfc4750bd3f20b3caae4503f&id=0329b857f8 Nominate our next guest: Suggested episodes: EZ08 Perfectionism, know it & manage it: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c119a0f0/ez08-perfectionism-know-it-and-manage-it EZ16 Aftermath of accepting verbal offer: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c0b492e1/ez16-aftermath-of-accepting-verbal-contract EZ22 Creating your leadership advantage: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c31f426c/ez22-creating-your-leadership-advantage EZ33 Immigrants guide to Racist comments: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/8e97f693/ez33-immigrants-guide-to-racist-comments

Migrated at 18, faced an identity crisis as a Japanese Brazilian living in Utah, tried many jobs, pivoted multiple times until she found her desirable career. My guest this week is Fabiola Fujiwara. She is an HR professional with 10+ years of experience in developing, implementing, and administrating corporate policies and procedures. Fabiola shares with our audience her migration journey as well as the many valuable insights as an HR professional. One must listen to this episode if they don't know -How to negotiate, -How to start conversations when they are happy with their jobs, -How to build their network -Why it's important to keep your resume up to date.  Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when new episodes air: https://mehrans.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6dfc4750bd3f20b3caae4503f&id=0329b857f8 Resources: Fabiola’s Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiola-fujiwara/ Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/brand-studio/wp/2020/11/30/feature/culture-fit-is-outdated-its-time-to-think-about-culture-add/ Mehran email: Mehran@MehranS.com Podcast website: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz Episode 3:https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c0a6d889/ez03-on-attitude-for-climbing-in-corporate Episode 40: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/90f54071/ez40-hr-addressing-immigrants-common-issues

Migrated despite her will, slept on cardboard boxes, and left her house at the age of 15 because she couldn’t tolerate her abusive father anymore. My guest this week is Dr.Bahareh Sahebi who talks about her migration journey and the different elements that make leaving abusive relationships difficult especially for immigrants. She also educates us on the steps to take to prepare. Dr. Bahareh Sahebi Bio: https://www.family-institute.org/therapists-locations/staff/bahareh-sahebi Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology with specialization in the treatment of trauma Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Illinois and a practicing clinician at The Family Institute · Assistant Program Director, Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, in the Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies at Northwestern University · Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Northwestern University Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy · Teaching Faculty in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University · Clinical Supervisor of the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program at the Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic Dr. Sahebi is a researcher, educator & consultant of the ParentLENS.com project that she co-developed with one of the most prominent figures in the profession of Marriage and Family Therapy, Dr. Mudita Rastogi She is also the recipient of Dr. Christine Bard, Compassion and Skill in Rehabilitation Practice Award; nominated by the Illinois Chapter of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals In the more recent 2 years: Associate Editor for the Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy Co-author of the Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) Handbook currently in press Published the preliminary article on telehealth clinical supervision practices and clinical supervision during a global pandemic published in Family Process Sahebi B. (2020). Clinical supervision of couple and family therapy during COVID-19. Family Process, Vol. 59(3) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12591 Co-authored series of 4 published articles for caregivers, teachers, and psychotherapists related to E-learning for children during the global pandemic You can sign up for our mailing list to be notified when an episode is released. Please write us a review: https://mehrans.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6dfc4750bd3f20b3caae4503f&id=0329b857f8https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empowering-conversationz/id1502034147 You can connect with Mehran: Mehran@MehranS.com Resources for domestic abuse: https://www.womenslaw.org/about-abuse/abuse-specific-communities/abuse-immigrant-communities & https://www.thehotline.org/ & https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/userfiles/file/Children_and_Families/Immigrant.pdf

Setting goals can be hard for us immigrants. Most of us haven't learned how to set them right and how to achieve them. That's why in this episode, Mehran, Empowering conversationZ host talks about a personal experience that made her aware of setting balanced goals in life. and the culprit behind her failure in reaching her 40th birthday goals. In this episode, you will hear about the importance of goal setting. several techniques in setting goals. achieving them while living a balanced life. As a career coach, she helps her clients set goals and reach them feeling supported and in this special episode, she is sharing the many techniques that she uses in her practice. my email: Mehran@MehranS.com Read more about Mehran: https://www.mehrans.com/about subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about her group sessions: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz Goal setting by Jim Rohn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOOYeMDLgC0 Explore coaching with Mehran https://www.mehrans.com/book-online

Immigrants rarely are aware of their rights and the resources available to them. Most often they choose silence for cultural and personal reasons feeling unsatisfied at work. In this episode Sarah Calfee, an experienced Human Resource professional with over 20years of experience, educates our listeners on the following topics: -When to seek HR help and when to start searching for your next job -How can immigrants discuss difficult conversations with HR -Different strategies to speak up You can connect with Sarah via https://www.calfeehrconsulting.com/ Her Bio: Sarah Calfee, Principal Consultant, Calfee HR Consulting Sarah is an HR Consultant with more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources. Over the years, she has earned an MBA, the SHRM Senior Certified Professional certification, and a diversity trainer certificate. Since 2009, Sarah has maintained a passion and focus on developing increased awareness in diversity, equity, and inclusion matters. She was the 2020 Diversity Committee Chair for the San Diego Society of Human Resource Management, working with HR professionals on how to address DEI concerns in their organizations and communities. Most recently, Sarah has been designated President-Elect for the 2022 San Diego SHRM board of directors. Using her education and experience, Sarah understands business objectives and how they tie to people. She helps organizations and individuals work through sensitive scenarios to anticipate the people's impact and to translate communications so different parties hear the right message. Her goal through this approach is to help others develop higher emotional intelligence, successfully navigate sensitive topics, and foster an intentional culture. In addition to her consulting work, Sarah is a speaker for organizations about a variety of HR and DEI topics, volunteers as an HR Guru for Hera Hub, and is a part-time nanny for her infant grandson. 👉Subscribe to Empowering conversationZ podcast and hear immigrant stories and issues important to immigrants on your favorite app by searching Empowering conversationZ or through our page https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz Don’t forget to subscribe to our email list and receive information that is beneficial to you and your growth! Recommended episodes: -EZ16 Impacted by undocumented contract https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c0b492e1/ez16-impacted-by-undocumented-contract -EZ33 Immigrants guide to Racist comments https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/8e97f693/ez33-immigrants-guide-to-racist-comments -EZ24 Immigrants and "Bad Bosses" https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c329a6d8/ez24-immigrants-and-bad-bosses

Evelyn Perez migrated to the United States from Guatemala at a very young age after crossing the Rio Grande River. In this episode, she talks about her immigration journey, the nights she locked the doors to stay safe while her mom worked, the days she had to try to fit in and many incidents that made her feel like an outcast both as a child and as an adult. One of the main parts of the conversation was her divorce process. How her immigrant family finally supported her decision despite their cultural norms, alcoholism, abuse, and the process that enabled her to stand up on her feet while supporting her boys as a single mother. Her Bio: Evelyn Perez is a leader who is passionate about advocating, equipping, and raising young Latina women leaders. She is originally from Guatemala but has called the Bay Area home since immigrating at the age of 2. She has served her community throughout several stages of life. Perez currently serves as director of ministries to an organization in California. In 2018 she decided to pursue her calling to ministry and is now attending North Park Theological Seminary. Perez experiences deep joy when hanging at the skatepark, with her two sons Andres and Fernando or simply taking a day to enjoy all nature has to offer. Subscribe to Empowering conversationZ podcast and hear immigrant stories and issues important to immigrants on your favorite app by searching Empowering conversationZ or through our page https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz Immigrant platform story: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/9101fbc6/ez38-educational-platform-i-build-during-pandemic Website for becoming a teacher: https://khoshhaulam.com/ EZ25 episode: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c1b79b7b/ez25-refuge-for-rape-victim

In this special episode, Mehran talks about her newfound cause and how the pandemic helped her find it & bring it to life. -The struggles of building an educational platform -How can the audience support her cause -How immigrant educators can benefit from this platform If you have any questions or suggestions send her an email Mehran@MehranS.com Website of her platform: https://khoshhaulam.com/ Join their newsletter to learn more and receive coupons.

Mehran, your host, has the honor to share with you another immigrant story. My guest today is Ilya Somin who migrated as a young child with his parents from Russia. In this episode, as always we will talk a little about Ilya's migration journey, what foot voting means, and how as an immigrant you can get a better education for your child or have a greater impact on your community. in the end, we will hear about Ilya’s opinion on Afghanistan and what he is doing to help Afghan refugees. Link to Khoshhaulam: https://khoshhaulam.com/ Link to vote for Mehran until October 8th: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BRAVARisingStar2021 Link to Ilya's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Free-Move-Migration-Political-Freedom/dp/0190054581 Ilya's Memoire: https://www.law.gmu.edu/assets/files/faculty/Somin_HIASMemoir.pdf Ilya's Biography: ILYA SOMIN is Professor of Law at George Mason University. His research focuses on constitutional law, property law, democratic theory, federalism, and migration rights. He is the author of Free to Move: Foot Voting, Migration, and Political Freedom (Oxford University Press, 2020), Democracy and Political Ignorance: Why Smaller Government is Smarter (Stanford University Press, revised and expanded second edition, 2016), and The Grasping Hand: Kelo v. City of New London and the Limits of Eminent Domain (University of Chicago Press, 2015, rev. paperback ed., 2016), coauthor of A Conspiracy Against Obamacare: The Volokh Conspiracy and the Health Care Case (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013), and co-editor of Eminent Domain: A Comparative Perspective (Cambridge University Press, 2017). Democracy and Political Ignorance has been translated into Italian and Japanese. Somin’s work has appeared in numerous scholarly journals, including the Yale Law Journal, Stanford Law Review, Northwestern University Law Review, Georgetown Law Journal, Critical Review, and others. Somin has also published articles in a variety of popular press outlets, including the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, the New York Times Room for Debate website, CNN, The Atlantic, USA Today, US News and World Report, Newark Star Ledger, South China Morning Post, Legal Times, National Law Journal and Reason. He has been quoted or interviewed by the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Time, Newsweek, The Economist, the Christian Science Monitor, The Guardian, the Associated Press, CBS, MSNBC, NPR, BBC, Reuters, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Al Jazeera, and the Voice of America, among other media. Somin’s writings have been cited in decisions by the United States Supreme Court, multiple state supreme courts and lower federal courts, and the Supreme Court of Israel. He has testified on the use of drones for targeted killing in the War on Terror before the US Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights. In 2009, he testified on property rights issues at the United States Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Somin writes regularly for the popular Volokh Conspiracy law and politics blog, now affiliated with Reason magazine (previously affiliated with the Washington Post from 2014 to 2017). From 2006 to 2013, he served as Co-Editor of the Supreme Court Economic Review, one of the country’s top-rated law and economics journals.