Machalapon: Conversations from the CHamoru Diaspora Heather

Schyuler Lujan is a 31-year-old senior analyst at a Seattle area tech firm. In addition to being an avid reader, sketchbook enthusiast, and lifelong learner, Schyuler is also a grad student pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics.  In this conversation, we touch on the importance of strong family bonds and extended family, navigating education and workplace dynamics as a CHamoru woman, the generational loss of heritage language, and the struggle for its reclamation while living in the Diaspora.

Alicia Aguigui Dart is a 34-year-old hoop dancer and flow artist who currently resides in Washington state with her spouse Kailin and her four young children whom she homeschools. In this conversation, we touch on growing up in a military family, learning about Guam while growing up in the Diaspora, defining Chamorro pride, being biracial and raising multiracial children, navigating interracial marriage and family issues, reclaiming lost culture, revitalizing the CHamoru language, and customizing our children's educational opportunities.