Advertise on podcast: Immigrant Conversations

In episode 63 of Immigrant Conversations, Mehran Sorourian hosts Aisha Koroma, a Sierra Leonean-born refugee, licensed psychotherapist, and founder of the Safe Space Project. Aisha arrived in the U.S. as a young teen after surviving trauma during her refugee journey. Today, she serves as Assistant Director of Social Integration at HIAS, Refugee Congress Delegate for D.C., and leads global mental health initiatives. She holds certifications in Trauma-Informed Care, Gender-Based Violence, and MHPSS from Harvard, WHO, and Johns Hopkins. In this episode, Aisha discusses: Her harrowing refugee journey from Sierra Leone and traumas enduredStruggles arriving in America as a teenage refugeeThe mental health crisis in refugee communities and cultural stigmaWhy Western therapy models fail displaced populationsBuilding trauma-responsive, culturally grounded mental health carePractical advocacy for refugee mental health equity Keywords: refugee mental health, immigrant mental health, trauma-informed care, MHPSS, Sierra Leone refugee, mental health stigma, displaced communities, Safe Space Project, refugee resilience, immigration trauma, refugee experience Bio: Aisha Koroma is a Sierra Leonean-born, U.S. resettled refugee who arrived in her early teens and is now a licensed psychotherapist dedicated to advancing mental health equity for displaced and immigrant communities. She holds certifications in Trauma-Informed Care, Gender-Based Violence, and MHPSS in humanitarian settings, with advanced training from Harvard, WHO, and Johns Hopkins. Aisha serves as Assistant Director of Social Integration at HIAS, Refugee Congress Delegate for D.C., and founder of the Safe Space Project, an initiative to destigmatize mental health in refugee communities. She has led global MHPSS efforts with IOM in Qatar, co-founded Texas’ first refugee mental health clinic, and contributed to the field through publications such as The Handbook of Refugee Experience and research on refugee health equity. Her work bridges lived experience and clinical expertise to create trauma-responsive, culturally grounded systems of care. Connect with Aisha Koroma: www.projectsafespace.org https://www.instagram.com/akcenter4wellbeing?igsh=MWc2ZjdwNXBvbHBwMA== www.akcenterforwellbeing.com [email protected]

What happens when technology, philanthropy, and AI meet the immigrant journey? In this episode of Immigrant Conversations, host Mehran sits down with Bartlomiej “Bart” Skorupa—Polish immigrant, social entrepreneur, investor, and one of Dell’s 25 World Change-makers. We explore: •Bart’s inspiring immigrant journey from Poland and the lessons it holds for the future of America •Whether America is still a good country to migrate to today •The vision and impact of The Mobile Pathway, bringing access to justice through innovation •How technology, philanthropy, and AI can work together to solve global challenges •Bart’s insights on leadership, resilience, and building mission-driven organizations Tune in for an honest conversation on immigrant leadership, social change, and the power of innovation. Biography: Bartlomiej (Bart) Skorupa is an immigrant social entrepreneur, investor, and best-selling author dedicated to inspiring leadership and championing fair access to justice. With a passion for launching mission-driven organizations, Bart works at the intersection of technology, philanthropy, and artificial intelligence to create powerful opportunities for change. Bart's impactful work has been featured in prominent outlets such as NPR, Forbes, Men’s Journal, The San Francisco Chronicle, Bravo Network, and Bloomberg Businessweek. Dell recognized his contributions to global change in 2014, naming him one of the 25 World Change-makers alongside figures like Lauren Bush, Edward Norton, and Adam Braun. He is an active member of influential communities including the Fast Forward, SOCAP, Opportunity Collaboration, Salesforce Ohana, and Summit Series. Beyond his professional achievements, Bart finds inspiration in the joys of raising two disruptive daughters in a cabin in the woods. Suggested book: One Billion Americans www.mobilepathways.org https://www.instagram.com/bartjskorupa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartlomiejskorupa/

On the fourth anniversary of Taliban returning to power in Afghanistan, Mehran, host of Immigrant Conversations podcast, speaks with Anita Omary, an Afghan advocate who came to the U.S. just two years ago with a mission to fight for women’s rights. Anita offers a rare and personal perspective on: What women’s rights looked like in Afghanistan before and after the Taliban takeoverWhy the support of fathers and brothers is so critical in a patriarchal societyHow culture is shifting as global connections reshape even the most traditional communitiesThe heartbreaking story of Halima, a woman Anita knew—forced into marriage with a Taliban fighter, abused, and ultimately killed This is a raw, moving conversation about loss, resilience, and the fight for justice that continues far from the spotlight. Bio: Anita Omary is an Afghan storyteller, public speaker, and Master of Public Administration student at the University of New Haven. Originally from Afghanistan, Anita came to the United States in 2023 after years of working with non-governmental organizations supporting refugee communities. Her lived experience of forced displacement informs her current work, where she advocates for refugee and immigrant rights, women's empowerment, and inclusive policy. Anita is a speaker with the New American Speaker Program and is currently writing a collection of true stories exploring the complex relationships between Afghan fathers and daughters under patriarchy, tentatively titled Being Father of a Daughter Is Not Easy. She speaks Dari, Pashto, Urdu, and English, and continues to use her voice to bridge cultures and raise awareness about the realities many Afghan women face today. https://medium.com/me/stories/public

Welcome to Immigrant Conversations, the podcast where we explore the untold stories behind migration — stories of courage, sacrifice, and transformation. In this powerful episode, Mehran speaks with Mohammed Diouf Heubo, a life coach and immigration and wellness advocate who fled political persecution in Cameroon. His migration journey took him through dangerous terrain, harrowing experiences in U.S. detention centers, and ultimately, to a place of healing and purpose. In this episode we explored: Mohammed’s escape from political violenceThe emotional and physical toll of detention centers in the U.S.The resilience and the flexibility it takes to be a refugeeThe misconceptions around immigration and refugees Listen and stay connected by subscribing to "Immigrant Conversations" on your favorite app! Bio: I'm a life coach, Immigration/wellness advocate, and storytelling expert with lived immigrant experience. I help individuals and organizations grow through coaching, fitness, and narrative clarity. I have had the honor of presenting on national stages like Dreamforce, one of the largest tech conferences in the world, and Demo Day with Mobile Pathways and Twilio.

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Immigrant Conversations, host Mehran sits down with Marcela Rada Trujillo and Kerstin Kirchsteiger— two inspiring immigrant professionals and mothers — for an honest fireside chat about the realities of raising children in a new country. We explore the unexpected freedoms of parenting outside cultural norms, the heartbreak of raising kids far from extended family, and the emotional toll of navigating motherhood in intercultural relationships . While immigrant mothers carry a huge burden at the moment, in the spirit of Mother’s Day, this episode is a celebration: of strength, resilience, and beauty in reclaiming your story. Grab your cup of tea Plus, Mehran shares a personal resource that’s helped her reconnect with herself — a journal created by a second-generation immigrant mom, linked in the show notes. ✍Visit thedivineselfbyjosieanderson.com/journal to grab your copy today. https://thedivineselfbyjosieanderson.com/journal/ Marcela Bio: I was originally from Colombia. I studied engineering and moved to the Netherlands to do my masters in Management of Technology. I work full time, have two little kids, and I’m married. Kerstin Bio and Contact info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkirchsteiger/ FB:https://www.instagram.com/kerstin_kirchsteiger/ https://www.facebook.com/kkirchsteiger/ www.kerstinkirchsteiger.com Kerstin Kirchsteiger, Ph.D. is a Scientist turned Executive Coach for ambitious women who want to build a wildly successful career and make the impact they desire WITHOUT burning out. She is a GENOS-certified Emotional Intelligence practitioner and ICF-ACC-certified executive coach. Kerstin has been coaching emerging and seasoned female leaders to unlock their full potential and prepare them for the next step in their careers while integrating the demands of work and life. In her Consulting, she focuses on Leadership development specifically on Emotional Intelligence and the interpersonal sphere. She is passionate about equipping leaders with research-backed, proven tools that make their jobs more enjoyable and impactful, leading to higher performance and improved talent attraction and retention. She has worked with international clients from Leaders Lounge Australia, Thermo Fisher, Boeing Leadership Network, Quidel, Exelixis, Aprio, and Elemis. When Kerstin is not working with clients, you can find her mountain biking or enjoying the outdoors with her family.

Immigrant conversations Guest is Richard Hsung, born and raised in China to a Chinese mother who considered America home. Together, they migrate to the States. Richard studied chemistry and became a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. One day he made a promise to his ailing mother, a promise that helps his mom die peacefully but leaves him with a huge responsibility that causes tremendous pain but also healing. Biography: Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Richard spent ten years editing and completing "Spring Flower," written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir, published by Earnshaw Books (https://earnshawbooks.com), chronicles his mother's life as an adopted child of American medical missionaries, which began shortly after the catastrophic Yangtze River Flood in 1931 that killed millions. https://richardperkinshsung.com www.linkedin.com/in/richard-perkins-hsung-2378752ab Spring Flower: A Tale of Two Rivers: https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Flower-Book-Tale-Rivers/dp/9888552848

Is home the place we are born, or the refuge we find? Can it be both? In this episode of Immigrant Conversations, we explore the meaning of "home" and discuss the challenges faced by refugees, including misconceptions about their experiences. Dr. Diya Abdo, a second-generation Palestinian refugee, shares her powerful story of migration and how she transformed her personal journey into advocacy for displaced communities. Key Topics in This Episode: >Dr. Abdo’s Migration Journey as a second-generation Palestinian refugee born in Jordan and her eventual move to the U.S. as a graduate student. >The displacement of her parents from Palestine, their struggles as refugees in Jordan, and how their story shaped Dr. Abdo’s perspective on migration. >The evolving concept of home—what does it truly mean to belong? The challenges faced by refugees today, including the impact of global crises on refugee resettlement and integration. >The mission of Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR)—Dr. Abdo’s nonprofit that helps college campuses host refugee families, fostering cultural integration and community support. >How storytelling and advocacy can help reshape perceptions of refugees and empower displaced communities. Bio: Dr. Diya Abdo is the Lincoln Financial Professor of English at Guilford College and the founding Director of Every Campus A Refuge. A second-generation Palestinian refugee born and raised in Jordan, Dr. Abdo’s teaching, research, and scholarship focus on Arab women writers and Arab and Islamic feminisms as well as refugee and immigrant issues. Her book AMERICAN REFUGE: True Stories of the Refugee Experience, was selected by the North Carolina Humanities as a North Carolina 2024 Reads Book and by Alamance Public Libraries as the Alamance Reads Book 2024. In 2015, inspired by Pope Francis' call on every European parish to host one refugee family, Dr. Abdo founded Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), which advocates for housing refugee families on college and university campus grounds and supporting them in their resettlement. The flagship chapter at Guilford College is now one of many ECAR campuses across the nation which have collectively hosted over 600 refugees and supported their inclusion in local communities. Dr. Abdo designed the minor Forced Migration and Resettlement Studies at Guilford College where students learn about refugee issues and receive credit for hosting refugees on campus and supporting them in their resettlement. Dr. Abdo is the recipient of the Emerson Collective Fellowship (2024), the J.M. Kaplan Fund’s Innovation Prize (2021), Campus Compact’s Thomas Ehrlich Civically Engaged Faculty Award (2019), Gulf South Summit’s Outstanding Service-Learning Collaboration in Higher Education Award (2017), and The Washington Center’s Civic Engagement in Higher Education Award (2017). Dr. Abdo sits on the Boards of Refugee Council USA and The Community Sponsorship Hub. Email Dr.Abdo: [email protected] Learn more about Every Campus is a Refuge: www.everycampusarefuge.net

Are you an aspiring leader looking to enhance your influence especially when you are the minority? Do you struggle with belonging in rooms where decisions are made? If so, this episode is for you! If so, this episode is for you. Mehran Sorourian the Immigrant Conversations host sits with Dr. Mira Brancu and talk about being a minority as an aspiring leader. "Are you an aspiring leader striving to enhance your influence, especially in spaces where you’re the minority? Do you struggle with finding a sense of belonging in rooms where crucial decisions are made? This episode is for you! In this insightful conversation, Mehran Sorourian, host of Immigrant Conversations, sits down with Dr. Mira Brancu to discuss the unique challenges faced by minority leaders. Together, they explore practical strategies for navigating leadership roles while overcoming barriers of inclusion and cultural adaptation. Tune in to hear about: >Overcoming imposter syndrome as a minority in leadership. >Developing your leadership identity and influence when you're underrepresented. >Finding your voice and confidence in predominantly non-minority spaces. >How to create a sense of belonging and advocate for others in similar situations. >Whether you're just starting out in your leadership journey or are looking for tips on how to expand your influence, this episode provides invaluable advice for anyone seeking to thrive as a minority leader." Bio: Dr. Mira Brancu is a consulting and coaching psychologist who specializes in women’s leadership identity development and building adaptive, high-performing teams. She is also an Associate Professor, author of the Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics and companion workbook, Psychology Today columnist of the series, A New Look at Women’s Leadership, and host of The Hard Skills live show and podcast. Her award-winning social impact firm, Towerscope, empowers and elevates women in leadership within disrupted, complex learning and innovation systems. Learn more: www.GoTowerscope.com https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBRIDM9zFt53CbF8-Y_LiHx_12xdIQpT1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-skills/id1706366751 Book Suggestions: -Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics -Professional Careers by Design by Sharon Hull -Teaming by Amy Edmondson -The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencion Find us on your favorite podcast app. contact Mehran: [email protected] https://www.mehrans.com/immigrantconversations

"Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, a job, or your home country? Are you seeking new tools and strategies to process your grief and recover more effectively? If so, this episode is for you. In this deeply insightful conversation, Mehran Sorourian, host of Immigrant Conversations, sits down with Kiana Naimi to explore the complex emotions of grief and recovery. Together, they discuss practical approaches to healing, how to navigate the grieving process, and how to embrace personal growth after loss. Tune in to hear about: >Effective tools for coping with grief and finding emotional resilience. >How to process loss in a healthy way, whether from the death of a loved one, a job, or even your country of origin. >The importance of self-compassion and creating space for healing during difficult times. >How to embrace recovery and move forward while honoring your pain. >Whether you're mourning a personal loss or facing the emotional challenges of immigration and displacement, this episode offers valuable insights for navigating grief and embracing a path to emotional recovery." Bio: Kiana Naimi is an Iranian_American Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California that specializes in grief and loss. Kiana has earned her Master's in Social Welfare from UCLA and has worked with diverse populations throughout her clinical experience. She currently provides therapy to individuals across the lifespan who have experienced various losses via Telehealth, her practice is called Soulh psychotherapy. www.Soulhpsychotherapy.com The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss by Mary-Frances O'Connor Key words: Grief Processing, Immigrant Journey, Iranian American, Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Informed, Dual Process Model, Disenfranchised Grief, Grieving Brain, Kubler Ross, Five Stages Of Grief, Resilience, Migration Stories, Emotional Healing, Support Groups, Grief Models, Neuroscience Of Grief, Loss And Healing, Coping Mechanisms, Cultural Adaptation, Mental Health Awareness

The son of Chinese immigrants, Dr. James Lin is a math professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). In 1986, he took an unexpected step and taught the first-ever Asian American Studies course at UCSD. Despite being a math professor, Dr. Lin’s passion for social justice and ethnic studies led him to break boundaries. Two years later, he succeeded in obtaining Academic Senate approval for a Minor in Asian American Studies, marking a significant milestone in academic history. Dr. Lin's journey didn't stop there. He teamed up with faculty from Chicano Studies and African American Studies to gain approval for an Ethnic Studies Department in 1990, which has had a lasting impact on both students and the wider community. In this episode, Dr. Lin shares his remarkable journey, his experiences as an immigrant, and the challenges and triumphs of creating an essential program that amplifies diverse voices and promotes cultural awareness and social justice. Tune in to hear about: >Dr. Lin's path from math professor to Ethnic Studies advocate. >His role in creating the first Asian American Studies course and later the Ethnic Studies Department at UCSD. >The importance of cultural representation and academic diversity in higher education. >How immigrant experiences shaped Dr. Lin’s commitment to social justice and education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in ethnic studies, academic diversity, and the intersection of immigrant identity and education. Jim's past interviews: https://youtu.be/1BxdlT2RC2g?si=JRfoQ3w2v5Xq7JoG Immigrant Conversations - 00:00:00 " Jim and I know each other through Toastmaster 00:01:02 " My father built the first modern airplane by a Chinese in China 00:11:18 " Lin family says I'm the lucky baby because within days of being born 00:20:18 " By the time I was 15, I had studied 8000 hours of math 00:27:03 " At 15, I scored perfect score on the math SAT 00:32:53 " You mentioned as an adult that there were a lot of somewhat isolating feelings 00:41:39 " The public doesn't know much about your immigration, Mehran 00:50:57 " UCSD faculty opposed creating a race-based ethnic studies minor 00:58:54 " Jim Mehran: I was inspired by a book called see no stranger Keywords: migration, Chinese-American, aviation pioneer, academic success, cultural identity, Asian American Studies, UCSD, resilience, podcast Jim's Biography: Jim is a Chinese-American who has made significant contributions to both academia and cultural representation. Born in Manhattan shortly after his parents emigrated from China, Jim's early life was marked by rigorous academic discipline and cultural challenges. He excelled in mathematics, earning a PhD from Princeton and becoming a full professor at UCSD by the age of 30. Jim played a crucial role in establishing the Asian American Studies minor at UCSD, which later became a full department. His work has been instrumental in promoting cultural awareness and education. Jim continues to inspire through his storytelling and dedication to fostering understanding and inclusion.

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.

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...

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

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

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