Immigrant Conversations

Immigrant Conversations

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Immigrant Conversations episodes

  • Navigating Uncertainty: Immigrant Journeys & Resilience with Sujata Yellaepeddi

    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.

    56 min
  • Unpacking Microaggressions and Cultural Adaptation with Samara Hakim

    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

    59 min
  • Immigrants guide to Racist comments with Maame Afon Yelbert-Sai

    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

    46 min
  • Overcoming Loss and Finding Healing: Mehran’s Personal Story

    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

    41 min
  • Neuroscience of Change with Reut Schwartz-Hebron
    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: [email protected]
    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
    42 min
  • LGBTQ+ Immigrants & The Journey of "Coming Out" with Dr. Pavna Sodhi
    "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
    44 min
  • Language Inclusion & Overcoming Microaggressions in the Workplace with Meenakshi Iyer
    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
    46 min
  • EZ45 Tips to Speak with Confidence with Mehran Sorourian
    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
    18 min
  • EZ44 How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome with Kim Meninger
    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
    41 min
  • EZ43 Grow Professionally by Implementing These Techniques with Fabiola Fujiwara
    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: [email protected]
    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
    41 min

About Immigrant Conversations

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Immigrant Conversations, the podcast that brings you inspiring stories from immigrants who have turned challenges into triumphs. Join Mehran Sorourian, a Middle Eastern immigrant woman as she dives deep into the experiences of first-generation and diaspora individuals, exploring their unique journeys, cultural identities, and the hurdles they’ve overcome. We discuss everything from immigrant entrepreneurship, cross cultural experiences, as well as the dark side of migration such as isolation, bias, and more. We aim to provide a platform for voices that often go unheard and aim to bring people closer together.