For the season finale of R Stories we are joined by Payal Patel, a seasoned professional in strategic communications and a UN Global Goals Ambassador. Payal joins Ali and Chris to talk about something close to her heart: leveling the playing field for immigrant and refugee women, especially in education and the economy. With over 15 years of experience in PR and crisis management, Payal shares real-world stories and practical advice on how to drive change.

Rstories is honored to welcome Deputy Mayor Beatriz Ponce de León, the first to hold this unique role dedicated to serving Chicago’s immigrant, migrant, and refugee communities. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Beatriz is known for putting people first in her approach to policy and leadership. In this episode, Chris, Ali, and Deputy Mayor Beatriz talk about our collective responsibility in supporting families and new arrivals to our community, and building equity and inclusion in Chicago.

This week on Rstories, our guest Emma Yaaka talks about the challenges of displacement and how he found solace and rebuilt his life in the United States after fleeing persecution in his home country of Uganda. As a dedicated advocate, Emma tirelessly supports others navigating similar challenges, working to create a more welcoming and inclusive community for refugees. Tune in to hear the full story!

Abdul Subhan Misbah is a beacon of hope for the Afghan community in the United States. In this episode he shares the story of his harrowing escape from his home in Kabul, and the inspiring journey that led him to establish Chicago's first Afghan Cultural Center.

In this episode of R Stories, we hear from John Slocum, the Executive Director of Refugee Council USA. RCUSA is a coalition advocating for just and humane laws and policies for refugees. John shares insights from his extensive career in migration and refugee advocacy, discussing the evolving landscape of refugee resettlement and the power of coalition-building in creating positive change.

In this episode of R Stories, we hear from Carlos, a Venezuelan asylee whose journey has led him from extreme adversity to entrepreneurial success in the United States. Carlos shares how he leveraged his entrepreneurial spirit to launch a thriving accounting career, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and opportunity.

In the first episode of the Rstories podcast, co-hosts Chris Shue and Ali Tarokh are joined by Dr. Moshood Olanrewaju, a renowned community psychologist and scholar-activist dedicated to advancing human rights. The conversation explores the complexities of immigration, the psychological impact of life as a refugee, and the importance of building supportive communities and emphasizes the necessity of direct connections among refugees.

In the first episode of Rstories, hosts Ali and Chris introduce themselves and share the story of their friendship and professional partnership. As co-workers and close friends, they have inspired each other through their shared dreams and mutual support. In this episode, Ali and Chris give us a powerful introduction to Rstories, setting the stage for a podcast dedicated to refugees and resilience.

The mission of Rstories is to build a community and foster a safe space where people can share their journeys, experiences, successes, and lessons learned from failure. Ali and Chris aim to highlight the vibrant tapestry of Chicago's migrant and refugee communities, celebrating their diversity and the complexities of their stories.