Happy New Year! In this special episode recorded on December 31, 2024, Astrid Kurniawan, a Portland professional who won her gender pay gap battle with a former employer, shares her full story and learning with us.

"This type of stuff (gender pay gap) is so systemic...   it is on purpose that we can only fight one person at a time." - Astrid Kurniawan

" This experience has transformed me and galvanized me to, um, think about how I can help other people that are facing similar situations." - Astrid Kurniawan

Connect with Astrid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astridak/

Rihana Mungin and Zhou Fang have been friends for years and they both learned how important intentional joy and living a life are in hard ways. In this end-of-year special episode, Rihana and Zhou talk about how practicing intentional joy and taking living seriously make their lives better. And how they support and love each other with the power of joy and enjoyment.

We believe that we can find hope in joy and community. If you or loved ones are struggling, please know that help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Line is 988.

Find and follow Rihana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rihana-mungin/

Nick Mendez is a human-centric  photographer and videographer in Portland, Oregon. Nick also exercises journalistic values in their creative work. In this episode, Zhou learns how joy, pleasure, and being present can do wonders to one's business.

Follow and work with Nick:

https://www.nickmendez.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nickmendez.photography/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmendezphotography/

Mujidat Saaka is our first returning guest. She is a sophisticated Data Analyst and Entrepreneur. Mujidat returns to The Intersection to continue our conversation on community building, abundance, family, and "being home". In this episode, Mujidat shares her learning and growth in 2024, including buying a home in the Portland metro, building a community of abundance, and creating her home in the Pacific Northwest.

Connect with Mujidat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mujidat-saaka-5a4a401a9/

Paul Brown is a senior leader in people and culture with an extensive background in tech. As a white, male presenting person, Paul spent years learning about the myth of meritocracy, white supremacy, capitalism, racism and other systemic oppressions. In this episode, Paul shares with Zhou about his journey of learning and unlearning, showing up as a real ally and coconspirator, and making real culture changes.

Follow Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-cinder/

Subscribe to Paul's podcast Connecting Awesome People: https://open.spotify.com/show/1wXZqwi0GekbP8BtWEvsaJ

Tâm Hixson is a successful realtor helping 1st time homebuyers find their homes in Portland, Oregon. She's also an Operations Manager at Habitat for Humanity of Oregon. In this thoughtful, intimate conversation, Zhou learns about Tâm's journey from higher education to real estate, helping 1st time homebuyers start accumulating generational wealth, practicing the abundance mindset and meaningful excellence, as well as advising young Asian women who are interested in taking a different path from their ancestors.

Follow and work with Tâm Hixson:

https://www.instagram.com/tamhixson/

https://tamhixson.withwre.com/

https://www.areaa.org/portland

Chone Poe is a serial entrepreneur from Myanmar, now pursuing her MBA at Portland State University. In this episode, Zhou learns about Chone's journey from Myanmar to Portland, being a fashion entrepreneur who wants to create a brand that's sustainable and inclusive, pursuing an MBA at PSU, and adjusting to a culture that's different from home.

Follow and connect with Chone:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chonepoe/

Jeff Lynott is the District Manager supporting the Foster Area Businesses in Portland, Oregon. He's been involved in the neighborhood businesses for 15+ years, with the last 6+ years working full-time helping local businesses thrive. In this episode, Zhou learns from Jeff about Hyper-locality and what it means for neighborhood businesses, building lasting relationships, and collaborations.

Follow Jeff's work:

www.fosterarea.com

https://www.instagram.com/fosterareapdx/

Professor Joanna Deshay is an educator at Arizona State University, the Executive Director at Diversity Leadership Alliance (Arizona), and the owner and designer at Black Russian Label. In this energizing, thoughtful, and fun conversation, Zhou learns from Joanna about the vital importance of Intentionality and Time Management when one has 3 jobs and is a parent, the meaning of DEI in fashion, and building and serving in community.

Find and follow Professor Joanna Deshay:

https://www.diversityleadershipalliance.org/about-us/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-deshay-b4450759/

https://www.blackrussianlabel.com/about-us

Lana Zumbrunn is a series entrepreneur and software developer. She's an expert and advocate for "a new way of working" and "bringing more women and girls into tech". She is passionate and deeply involved in the AI industry. In this episode, Zhou learns about Lana's approach to working remotely, her taking a deep dive in AI: understand it, get involved in the industry, and make it better. This conversation gives Zhou a fresh perspective on an industry that's seen as controversial and full of uncertainty.

Follow and connect with Lana:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanazumbrunn/

*Disclaimer: no monetary values exchanged in this collaboration.