What happens when questions of belonging become a call to lead?

In this episode of PLATFORMS, we sit down with Mayor Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, whose journey from Nigeria to American public office began with a deeply personal moment as a mother navigating identity, confidence, and community through her daughter’s experiences.

Ukeme reflects on immigrating to the United States at 18, discovering new dimensions of identity, and ultimately stepping into public service — becoming the first Black mayor in her city’s history. Her story is one of courage, persistence, and redefining leadership beyond traditional pathways.

Together, we explore belonging, democracy, immigrant identity, and the power of everyday people to shape the systems around them.

This episode is a conversation about humanity, representation, and the courage to lead before you feel ready.

In this episode of PLATFORMS, we sit down with Anisa Liban — entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and Westerville School Board member — to explore her journey from refugee roots to public leadership in Ohio.

From navigating ESL as a child to shaping policy for over 14,000 students, Anissa shares thoughtful insights on immigration, representation, school funding, and why local civic engagement matters.

A conversation about belonging, advocacy, and building stronger communities — together.

In this episode of PLATFORMS, we sit down with Ibrahima Sow, Executive Director of the Ohio New African Immigrants Commission (ONAIC), to discuss immigrant integration, community empowerment, and building pathways to opportunity across Ohio. He shares his journey from Senegal to Ohio, the mission behind ONAIC, and how community-led advocacy is creating real change.

This episode is for immigrants, first-generation individuals, educators, advocates, and anyone curious about global perspectives and lived experience.

Listen, reflect, and share to help amplify stories that deserve space.

CREDITS:

Host: @DrRosaire

Guest: @Ibrahima.B.Sow

PLATFORMS is a podcast amplifying immigrant stories from around the world.

Through intimate conversations and counterstories, we explore identity, culture, migration, and belonging—while challenging stereotypes and dominant narratives often taken for granted. Each episode features guests with unique lived experiences and expertise who share stories that push back against “sticky” assumptions shaped by media, language, and social conditioning.

Created for immigrants, first-generation individuals, educators, advocates, and curious listeners seeking deeper understanding, PLATFORMS offers storytelling that is educational, emotional, and deeply human.

🎙 New episodes featuring global perspectives

🌍 Stories that connect, challenge, and educate

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more

Episode 1: Teresa Edoja — 31 Years in the U.S. Prison System

In this episode of PLATFORMS, we sit down with Ms. Teresa Edoja, a leader and mentor in the Columbus community, to explore identity, migration, culture, and contributions to society.

Ms. Edoja shares her journey of moving to the U.S., introduction to corrections, navigating grief, and how these moments have shaped her understanding of self, others, and her faith.

This episode is for immigrants, first-generation individuals, educators, advocates, and anyone curious about global perspectives and lived experience.

Listen, reflect, and share to help amplify stories that deserve space.