Walk Talk Listen Podcast Maurice A. Bloem

In this enlightening episode of "Walk Talk Listen, Abdi Iftin, a remarkable storyteller and author, discusses his journey from war-torn Somalia to a new life in the United States. This episode delves deep into themes of resilience, hope, and navigating the uncertainties that life presents. Abdi shares poignant memories of his childhood in Mogadishu, painting a vivid picture of life amidst conflict and the challenges he faced growing up in a war zone. We discover how Abdi's passion for storytelling became a lifeline, and he recounts the perilous journey that brought him to the U.S., highlighting the moments of uncertainty and the incredible resilience required to navigate such a path. Maurice and Abdi discuss the cultural and personal adjustments Abdi had to make upon arriving in the United States, including the new challenges he faced and how he overcame them. Abdi offers inspiring advice for anyone facing their own uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of hope, perseverance, and the power of community support.
Abdi Nor Iftin was born in Mogadishu to nomadic parents and survived famine, war, and child soldiering. Teaching himself English through American action films, Abdi became a guerrilla journalist, sharing his life stories through the series "Messages from Mogadishu" on NPR, the BBC, and This American Life, and was shortlisted for a Peabody Award.
After surviving a bombing at his house in 2009, Abdi fled to Kenya, where he and his brother lived as refugees. In an incredible stroke of luck, he won entrance to the U.S. in the 2014 annual visa lottery, although his journey to America was fraught with challenges that nearly stranded him in Nairobi.
Now based in Maine, Abdi is a bestselling and award-winning author with ten years of experience in refugee resettlement and currently works as the communications specialist at Church World Service. As an advocate for the rights of newly arrived immigrants, he is dedicated to uniting people through his stories of survival and resilience. Abdi became a United States citizen in 2020 and graduated from Boston College with a degree in Political Science in 2022 and now pursuing his law degree. He is also a regular columnist for the Portland Press Herald.
 
For more information on Abdi's work at CWS, check this link.
Listener Engagement:

Discover the songs picked by Abdi and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. 


Connect with Abdi: Instagram, Facebook and  Twitter.


Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us.

Follow Us:

Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by liking and following us on Twitter and Instagram.


Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.


Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All" featuring CWS, and as well as the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

In this special episode, recorded live at the Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2024 in Washington, D.C., we explore the intersection of the Black Church, racism, and immigration. Moderated by Maurice Bloem, this workshop features an insightful panel discussion with Dr. José Wilson, Director of Facilitation and Organizational Learning, North Lawndale Employment Network, Rev. Reuben Eckels, Faith and Partnership Hub Coordinator, CWS, Rev. Noel Andersen, National Field Director, CWS and Amena Elamin, National Youth Organizer, BAJI.
 
Our apologies in advance, because the reflections from the audience at the end are not always very clear.
The workshop delves into the multifaceted challenges of systemic racism, misinformation, and societal division, particularly their impact on marginalized communities. Maurice Bloem sets the stage with an introduction that emphasizes the need for both systemic and inner changes to navigate these crises. He draws on principles from innerdevelopmentgoals.org and Ken Wilber's integral theory to create a safe and learning-focused environment for all participants.
Two key themes were discussed: Key Themes Discussed: DEI Initiatives in the Face of Backlash and The Role of Faith Leaders in Bridging Divides.
 
The participants are encouraged to actively engage by sharing their insights and reflections on the discussions. The session includes a plenary segment where attendees share their key takeaways and reflect on the shared human experiences discussed during the workshop.
We invite you to listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive and supportive communities. Share your thoughts and continue the dialogue on our social media platforms or send us an email.
For more information on EAD Spring 2024, check this link.
Listener Engagement:

Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us.

Follow Us:

Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by liking and following us on Twitter and Instagram.


Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.


Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All" featuring CWS, and as well as the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

 

In this episode, we are joined by Noel Andersen who recently spoke at the Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2024 Spring Summit domestic workshop. As the National Field Director for Church World Service he has been at the forefront of mobilizing faith communities across the United States to support immigrants and refugees through actionable solidarity. He brings a rich background of community development and organizing from his time in Central America and along the U.S.-Mexico border. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC), Noel is also a co-founder of the UCC National Collaborative on Immigration, a grassroots initiative aimed at galvanizing UCC leaders in the fight for immigrants' rights. His commitment to social change is further evident in his work with the Refugee Leadership Development for Social Change project at CWS, which has empowered thousands of refugees with skills in community organizing.
For more information on Noel's work at CWS, check this link.
Listener Engagement:

Discover the songs picked by Noel and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. 


Connect with Noel: Instagram, Facebook and  Twitter.


Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us.

Follow Us:

Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by liking and following us on Twitter and Instagram.


Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.


Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All" featuring CWS, and as well as the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

In Episode 151 of Walk Talk Listen, we sit down with Sharmagne Taylor, the President and CEO of On-Site Partners Inc., and the coordinator of the Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD), an event focused on social justice and advocacy. Sharmagne brings her rich expertise from 15 years in hotel operations, and now leads her own successful consulting firm providing technology solutions and logistics management, in her own words,  "events that really matter".
 
This episode explores her journey in hospitality and how she uses her platform to break down barriers for minorities, women, and disabled veterans. Her commitment to advocacy shines through as she coordinates the Ecumenical Advocacy Days, an event bringing together people dedicated to promoting justice and change.
Join us to learn more about Sharmagne's vision for the hospitality industry and the role that EAD plays in empowering diverse voices to take action.
 

Join Sharmagne and many others at the Ecumenical Advocacy Days, May 17-19, 2024 in the DMV area in the US. Or check out there website.

 
Listener Engagement:

Discover the songs picked by Sharmagne and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. 


Connect with EAD: Instagram, Facebook and  Twitter.


Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us.

Follow Us:

Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by liking and following us on Twitter and Instagram.


Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.


Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All" featuring CWS, and as well as the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

Alejandra Schrader is a Los Angeles-based chef, author, entrepreneur, and activist renowned for her commitment to sustainability and healthy living. She authored the award-winning "The Low-Carbon Cookbook and Action Plan," which offers over 140 sustainable plant-based recipes aimed at reducing food waste and promoting environmental health. Alejandra’s expertise has led her to speak on global stages, including the United Nations, advocating for nutrition, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems. Her work emphasizes the deep connection between our food choices, personal health, and the health of our planet.
 
In this enlightening episode of Walk Talk Listen, we sat down with Alejandra Schrader to explore her profound connection to sustainable cooking and its impacts on both planetary and personal health. Alejandra shares her journey from architecture to culinary arts, highlighting how her Venezuelan roots and professional transitions influenced her approach to cooking and sustainability. She discusses the inspirations behind her cookbook, emphasizing the importance of minimizing our carbon footprint through mindful cooking and eating practices.
 
Alejandra also delves into the significance of food security and how personal experiences with food insecurity have shaped her advocacy for accessible and healthy food for all. She reflects on the role of food in fostering community and cultural connections and shares practical advice on how individuals can make significant environmental impacts through small, everyday decisions.
 
Listener Engagement:

Discover the songs picked by Alejandra and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. 


Connect with Alejandra: Instagram, Facebook,  Twitter and LinkedIn.


Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us.

Follow Us:

Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by liking and following us on Twitter and Instagram.


Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.


Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All" featuring CWS, and as well as the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

Carolina Pozo, an economist, innovation expert, and speaker, hails from Quito, Ecuador. She studied Economics at York University and holds a Master's in Public Management from Università SDA Bocconi. Carolina founded Cacao EcoVillage, MUZE Chocolate, and Avanti, focusing on innovative social impact projects. Her accolades include being a former member of the Global Shapers Community and being recognized by The McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Carolina led Quito's first open government and innovation lab and has been involved in creating the Public Innovation Lab in Honduras. Currently, she is driving initiatives in the chocolate industry and mobile banking for financial inclusion.
 
In this episode, Carolina discusses the transformative power of open innovation in government and how it can foster significant societal improvements. She shares insights from her time as the Director of LINQ, Quito's Innovation Lab, emphasizing the lab's role in pioneering open government policies. Carolina's stories from the front lines of innovation highlight the challenges and triumphs of implementing new policies that are transparent and citizen-centric.
 
Carolina also delves into her current projects, which marry her expertise in economics and her passion for social entrepreneurship. She talks about the creation of MUZE Chocolate, a social business aimed at transforming the chocolate industry by prioritizing sustainability and community involvement. Furthermore, she explains her role in advancing mobile banking solutions to enhance financial inclusion, detailing the impacts of these services on underserved populations in Ecuador.
Listener Engagement:

Discover the songs picked by Carolina and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. 


Connect with Carolina: Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, Muza: Twitter and Instagram and Avanti: Instagram and Twitter.


Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us.

Follow Us:

Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by liking and following us on Twitter and Instagram.


Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.


Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All" featuring CWS, and as well as the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).