Finding Our Voices Today

Lisa Sandstrom
  • 5.0 (20)
  • Social Sciences

This podcast is committed to celebrating the immigrant's journey to the U.S.A. and the process of learning how to navigate a new culture, new language, and finding resources that lead to a happy and independent life. From newly arrived friends, or those who have been in the country for years, you will hear inspiring interviews with adults and their family members. Additionally, you will hear from non-profit leaders, educators, and volunteers who are deeply committed to making impact on these inspiring people. Moving to a new country is a unique and daunting experience that takes courage and trust, but our mission is to include ALL voices, and to provide equitable space and an opportunity for them to be heard and celebrated as well as to learn from professionals how we can effectively support them.

  1. Pilar Illanes - Dream, Build, Grow: Entrepreneurship for Immigrant Communities

    May 19

    Pilar Illanes - Dream, Build, Grow: Entrepreneurship for Immigrant Communities

    Pilar Illanes is returning for her second interview as she headlines our entrepreneurship series. This podcast episode specifically focuses on entrepreneurship for immigrants. As a native of Bolivia, Pilar has worked in the U.S. for years as a case manager helping women and men with workforce readiness preparation and digital literacy skills. From consulting on resume and interview formation for clients as well as job search strategies, it is her professional experience in her role as a Training, Learning, and Outreach Facilitator with the CT Small Business Development Center that is the focal point of this episode. Pilar explains the the various steps, including local resources and programs available to new business owners. She addresses the barriers that can occur in the beginning stages of building a business model, but provides relevant and attainable solutions for each step. This episode showcases essential information for the entrepreneurship pathway infused with words to encourage and build confidence. Her commitment to community partners and support for aspiring entrepreneurs make her a reliable resource for anyone considering starting a business, especially those who are new to business ownership. As a bilingual professional, her ability to support native Spanish speakers in this process is an immeasurable resource. Her credibility and objective counsel with those curious about entrepreneurship is an asset to the small business community.

    47 min
  2. Jacob Zacharia - The Language of Belonging: Culture, Diaspora, and a First-Generation Story

    May 12

    Jacob Zacharia - The Language of Belonging: Culture, Diaspora, and a First-Generation Story

    Jacob Zacharia is a first-generation American born into a loving Greek-Jewish family with beautifully diverse roots. His mother, Rivca, featured on the podcast in season 3, immigrated from Israel at six years old with her family. He shares openly about growing up in a Jewish home honoring the dynamic cultural and religious customs that his parents had also grown up with. He speaks about his entrepreneurial grandparents who paved the way for him while modeling a persistent and tenacious work ethic that he takes very seriously and feels he’s inherited. His maternal grandparents are survivors of WWII and the holocaust but they sheltered him from the horrific stories of their experiences. He has learned more about their past and their personal experiences since their passing than he did hearing it from them directly. He speaks about his fascination with the language, Ladino spoken by Sephardic Jews throughout the Ottoman Empire This special language blends Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, French, and Greek, while its written form uses Solitreo, a form of Hebrew cursive, or Rashi script. A type of “intra language” typically spoken by minority communities, it’s still spoken in more than 30 countries. Jacob eloquently shares about Jewish diaspora which cultivates a community unrelated to a specific geographic location and the gifts this brings to his life. His “quilt” of the different communities and cultures that make us his identity are built on a foundation of resilience and grit…components he takes seriously and will respectfully take into his future. He expresses deep respect and humility for his family and ancestry, and honors the struggles they successfully persevered. There is no doubt their influence and the many life lessons he has learned from them have impacted and shaped his viewpoint and global awareness, inclusive lens and empathetic viewpoint of the immigrant experience. As a musician (drummer), audio engineer and producer, along with his love and passion for the arts, Jacob is a lover of languages and while he speaks candidly about languages, he sees them as a portal to human connection providing insight into culture, values and history. Growing up in a family flush with proficiencies in numerous languages, he understands how the immigrant and first-generation experience is embedded in the foundation of community and connection through literacy and the ability to use your voice to advocate for self and others.

    1 hr
  3. Dr. Srianee Dias- Accomplished Doctor Spreading "Ayubowan" Around the World

    Apr 28

    Dr. Srianee Dias- Accomplished Doctor Spreading "Ayubowan" Around the World

    Dr. Srianee Dias arrived in the United States from her native country of Sri Lanka in the 1970’s. She was part of a program of doctors who were recruited from S. Asia during a time when there weren’t enough medical students graduating from the U.S. medical schools. Traveling with her two very young daughters and arriving in NYC was a big tremendous life change for her. Uprooted from her loving family at home to her tiny apartment in Brooklyn, she was ready to embrace this opportunity and chose to pursue the area of pathology. As a pathologist she began her residency in southern CT and later moved north for a larger role. Learning English under the British model in Sri Lanka, she often critiqued the grammar of her colleagues only to quickly understand that not all “English” was the same. Her diligent work ethic, coupled with her warm personality, made her a highly desirable practitioner and deeply respected by fellow doctors and staff. She worked with unwavering focus and persistence, and was licensed in thirteen states as a pathologist traveling extensively for her work. She speaks candidly about the COVID pandemic and how as a retired pathologist she conformed to protocols in place. Srianee especially loved when her mother would visit and help with caring for her daughters. These occasional visits were supportive and affirming to her and keeping traditional Sri Lankan customs alive was a priority. She loved gathering with her community of friends and medical colleagues and was eager to share authentic Sri Lankan food and recipes with her non-Sri Lankan friends. After over 4 decades living and working in the U.S., she recently returned to Sri Lanka to live near her siblings and cousins but she describes both places as “home”, embracing the fact that it doesn’t have to be just one place. As a curious and truly global-minded person, Srianee sees opportunity in travel and exploration and visits her daughters, grandchildren and friends as often as possible. Her love for her country is beautifully expressed as she shares the term, “Ayubowan”, a greeting that translates to “wishing you long life and an aura of happiness and grace”. This quote exemplifies how you feel when you meet and listen to Srianee’s story.

    37 min
  4. Lissette Andino - A Latina Trailblazer in Community and Corporate Impact

    Apr 14

    Lissette Andino - A Latina Trailblazer in Community and Corporate Impact

    Lissette Andino was born in Rochester, NY to a loving family who were proudly from Puerto Rico. Growing up in her home meant speaking Spanish and eating authentic and traditional meals that her mother made in honor of their heritage. She began learning English in kindergarten when she attended school and alongside other Spanish speaking children, she excelled and bloomed into a bright bilingual student. Later in her childhood, her family relocated to a different neighborhood where she felt challenged to be accepted as a Latina. While she was grateful for a different learning experience and opportunity, she felt strongly about attending a public technical school across town, to return to a more diverse community. With a more inclusive environment she felt reenergized and inspired to learn but finding support from the administration to talk about pathways to college and career was limited and challenging. Then Lissette met Dr. Miriam Vasquez who would change her perspective. Dr. Vasquez guided her through the process of obtaining financial aid and enrolling in community college. She continues to be an inspiration for her leadership and dedication to Latino communities to this day. Starting her family and moving for a new job changed her life dramatically and launched her impressive career in the utility industry. Today she serves as Director of Community Partnership and Engagement. As one of a handful of Latino leaders at the Director level, she brings broader representation to leadership. Her work spans three states (CT, MA, NH), giving her a regional footprint and expanding diverse leadership across the communities she serves. Additionally, her commitment to champion the Latino community remains at the core of her life’s mission. She was the co-founder of the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network which provides many services, information and support across the region. She also serves on the board of directors for Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, ARTE Inc, and collaborates with a range of nonprofit organizations focused on community advancement. Lissette’s family is her greatest source of inspiration, and her gratitude for being part of the Puerto Rican and Latino communities and contributing in a deep and meaningful way brings her immense joy and purpose. This interview is lovingly dedicated to Lissette’s dear friend and inspiration, Mrs. Raquel Santiago-Martinez, who selflessly contributed to the Latino community. Her legacy will live on in others for generations to come.

    47 min
  5. Marjolijn de Jager & Claudia Connor - Mother & Daughter on Hope and Resilience Across Generations

    Apr 7

    Marjolijn de Jager & Claudia Connor - Mother & Daughter on Hope and Resilience Across Generations

    In their first podcast interview together, mother and daughter, Marjolijn de Jager and Claudia Connor, talk openly about culture, education, language, finding “home” and the importance of connection to family and community. Marjolijn de Jager is an immigrant from the Netherlands who lived in 4 different countries before the age of 9. She shares details about her experience living in Japanese POW (prisoner of war) camps in Indonesia at a young age and learning to read and do basic math from her mother who taught her using a stick in the dirt when the military guards weren’t watching. Her first college experience was when she came to the U.S. as a Fulbright Scholar attending Stephens College, in Columbia, MO.. After attaining multiple degrees and a Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literature, education was a focus in the household as Marjolijn raised her children- first generation Americans. Her focus on parenting and mothering was intentionally much different than how she herself was raised. For years Marjolijn wasn’t sure how to define “home” for herself and it wasn’t until returning to Amsterdam that she felt the foundational roots inside of her light up with familiarity. It was her loving daughter, Claudia, who witnessed and saw this light in her mother for the first time. Claudia, in her second interview on this podcast, shares with us a more personal side of her life as she sits side by side with her mother. Being raised by a strong immigrant mother from Europe, she explains how her viewpoint was more global and gave her a broader perspective of the world. Her memories of growing up include moving quite a bit after the family landed in Chapel Hill, NC. In her words, “change is hard but it builds capacity and resilience”. This is likely what fostered her courage, curiosity and eagerness to live abroad and start her family there. Her commitment and compassion for civil rights and social justice are rooted in her work and daily life and is likely in part the result of her mother’s influence. This multigenerational duo shares a depth of closeness and intimacy that is palpable with every word…supportive, loving, joyful, soulful and authentic…teaching us that HOME is in your heart. Marjolijn’s shared quote at the end of the interview sums it up best, “walk the line between joy and grief to illuminate the sheer relentlessness of hope”.

    52 min
  6. Starting Over, Rising Higher: Dr. Lorraine Shikapwashya’s Journey from Zambia to Change Agent for Global Health

    Mar 24

    Starting Over, Rising Higher: Dr. Lorraine Shikapwashya’s Journey from Zambia to Change Agent for Global Health

    Dr. Lorraine Shikapwashya’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and unflappable purpose. In her early 20s, she made the bold decision to move from Zambia to the United States, leaving behind a professional role as a physician’s assistant to begin again in a new country. Like many who start over, she was met with unexpected challenges—her credentials and experience were not immediately recognized in the way she had hoped. While this was both surprising and disheartening, it never defined her path. As she began building her life in the U.S., she also began building something even more meaningful—a family, a community, and a deep sense of belonging. While navigating a new culture and environment, she cultivated strong friendships and a faith-centered support system that became her “chosen family.” Though she deeply missed her loved ones in Africa, she created a network rooted in understanding, encouragement, and love. Her time at home raising her children was filled with purpose and joy, yet she remained driven by a desire to grow, learn, and re-enter the professional world. With remarkable determination, she returned to college as an adult learner, earning her Bachelor’s degree from Mercy University and her Master’s in Global Health from Northwestern University. She earned her doctoral degree from the University of Bridgeport while balancing family life, community service, and working on impactful projects. She often reflects on waking at 3:00 a.m. each day to study—an experience she now holds with deep gratitude, as it shaped her strength, discipline, and vision. Today, as a faculty member in the School of Health and Natural Sciences at Mercy University, Dr. Shikapwashya brings her journey full circle. As a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), she is deeply committed to creating inclusive, engaging learning environments that reflect her global perspective and lived experiences. She is passionate about mentoring students, building meaningful community partnerships, and advancing global health initiatives across Cameroon, Zambia, and West Africa. Through her story, her work, and her unwavering dedication, Dr. Lorraine Shikapwashya continues to inspire and empower the next generation of global health leaders—reminding us all that with resilience, purpose, and heart, it is always possible to rise, rebuild, and thrive.

    50 min
  7. Guiding the Journey to Citizenship: Alice Warren’s Commitment to Immigrant Communities

    Mar 17

    Guiding the Journey to Citizenship: Alice Warren’s Commitment to Immigrant Communities

    This episode features Alice Warren who is a retired middle school social studies and history teacher. In her retirement she finds herself very busy with a variety of community projects but she is deeply committed to helping immigrants and refugees with the citizenship and naturalization process. It started in 1998 when she assisted a school custodian with his preparation for the civics test. He passed - and she was hooked - thus adapting her curriculum to include giving the citizenship test to all of her students. In her current role, she works to empower adult learners in weekly classes with information about U.S. history, critical thinking about the constitution and various areas of the test, as well as extensive preparation for the oral interview with USCIS. She has fostered community partnerships with agencies who provide legal services to eligible green card holders and personally assists students with the various application components. Throughout her citizenship course she reminds students of the comprehensive documents that are mandatory to certify their work and immigration status, including tax returns, pay stubs, and marriage certificates. She personally drives many students to legal appointments and always celebrates when someone achieves naturalization. She is a true mentor handling each case with deep care, immense support, and confidentiality. She shares recent changes in the naturalization process including a long list of countries where immigrants and refugees now face enormous obstacles and delays when applying for citizenship. Additionally, she shares the frustration over the prolonged wait times for appointments and the difficulty in gaining general information with the many changes in USCIS policies.

    47 min
  8. Julianne Furniss-Green, LCSW - Normalizing Grief: Finding Community in Loss

    Mar 10

    Julianne Furniss-Green, LCSW - Normalizing Grief: Finding Community in Loss

    Julianne Furniss-Green is a licensed clinical social worker focused on grief and loss. As a clinician in her private practice, JFG Therapy, she works closely with individuals of all ages and backgrounds as they navigate the challenging pathway of grief and loss. In our conversation, she shares that grief doesn’t have to be “gloom and doom” and often times someone isn’t feeling grief because of a death but from a life transition, chronic illness, estrangement and much more. She provides definitions of terms like “collective grief” and “compounded grief” that many listeners will undoubtedly relate to. She explains grief in a way that normalizes the experience, rather than the heavy stigma often attached to it. Julianne’s expertise, knowledge and research is impressive, but it’s her personal experience and commitment to deep connection with her clients that creates an atmosphere of empathy and healing. Her website reads, “Normalize Grief. Provide Support. Create Community.” As our podcast focuses on building community and supportive resources for immigrants—many of whom are grieving their country of origin and family left behind—her approach to healing was the perfect fit for us. She offers manageable ways to cope with the big feelings that grief can bring to the surface, presenting them in a way that feels attainable and empowering. jfgtherapy.com

    47 min
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5
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About

This podcast is committed to celebrating the immigrant's journey to the U.S.A. and the process of learning how to navigate a new culture, new language, and finding resources that lead to a happy and independent life. From newly arrived friends, or those who have been in the country for years, you will hear inspiring interviews with adults and their family members. Additionally, you will hear from non-profit leaders, educators, and volunteers who are deeply committed to making impact on these inspiring people. Moving to a new country is a unique and daunting experience that takes courage and trust, but our mission is to include ALL voices, and to provide equitable space and an opportunity for them to be heard and celebrated as well as to learn from professionals how we can effectively support them.

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