Zaka Presents: My Journey Paul Herman

We bring you the story of Castelline Tilus, a Haitian American visionary who exemplifies the potential of immigrant professionals. Castelline's journey, from her arrival in the United States at age 6 to becoming a leader in sustainable development, serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to make an impact.
As the Founder of Akademi and Co-Founder of Ayiti Analytics, Castelline has played a pivotal role in advancing Haiti's tech industry. Her leadership at Ayiti Analytics led to the creation of its flagship data science bootcamp, which partnered with local institutions and placed 90% of graduates in jobs with local employers. Castelline's success is bolstered by her education at Stanford University and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, fueling her passion for leveraging technology for economic development. Castelline's remarkable story demonstrates how immigrant professionals can overcome challenges, build thriving careers, and contribute to the global community.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mischka Crichton, CEO of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, as she shares her journey from Deloitte to leading North America's largest attended event. Discover how her cultural heritage and lessons from her immigrant family inspired her to defy conventional career paths and embrace a life of passion and cultural celebration. Tune in to learn about the Carnival's mission, Mischka's role as CEO, and her invaluable advice for those considering a bold career change. Don't miss this episode filled with motivation and insights into following your dreams!

Jean D. Pierre, the Executive Vice President and Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Community Health of South Florida Inc., educates us on the diverse career paths within social work and the strategic advantages of social work certification. Jean emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the Licensing for Social Worker test incorporates DEI principles to foster culturally competent care. Starting his career as a government analyst focused on children and families, Jean now oversees a $13 million budget at Community Health of South Florida Inc. In his current role, he serves as a crucial liaison with other social service agencies and participates on area councils and professional boards, shaping the future of healthcare services with his extensive expertise and visionary leadership.

Liberian-American Sandie Bonwinkor's story embodies resilience and adaptability. Raised by a single mother in the US, Sandie learned the value of hard work and perseverance early on, driving her to achieve success. Her profound understanding of Gen Z dynamics, coupled with her corporate experiences, now fuels her mission to craft compelling brand narratives. This positions her clients as industry leaders and influencers. She excels at creating authentic brand narratives that resonate in today's digital landscape, helping her clients establish themselves as thought leaders in their respective fields. She joins us to speak about her transition from banking to brand strategy.

Christian McKenzie shares her inspiring journey from navigating the challenges of growing up in an immigrant household to carving a path in the world of venture capital. Starting as a retail buyer for Macy's, Christian's passion for supporting founders propelled her into venture capital, driven by a strong work ethic instilled by her immigrant background. Faced with obstacles, she showcased resilience through strategic networking and seizing opportunities, leading her to make waves in venture capital and become a champion for diversity in an industry where Black women represent only 1%. Don't miss this compelling conversation with Christian, a true leader reshaping the landscape of venture capital.

On Air Personality, Jaylah Sandoval, followed her passion to work in a field that she loves and can still be able to inspire and motivate others. As a Costa Rican and Salvadorian, she speaks about being a Latina  in her industry and the challenges and perseverance it took  to break into the entertainment industry.  Her experience includes working with MTV and Billboard and Univision

She offers insightful perspectives on the importance of diverse representation in the entertainment industry. Additionally, she uses her platform to create Cafe Cultura,  a south florida based community organization focused on connecting cultures and building businesses through technology and innovation. It's tailored around the idea of internet cafes whereby diverse cultures from all over the world come together to support each other’s businesses, create job opportunities, and support one another along the founder journey.