From Home to Here

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 space

This 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