Naserian Rises

Naserian Axis
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Series

Real talk for African, immigrant, and diaspora women building while raising, mothering, and holding it all. Nobody warns you what it actually costs to build a business, a career, or a movement while you're also raising children, and carrying a whole family's expectations on your back. Naserian Rises is the conversation we wish someone had handed us years ago. Hosted by Iman R. Hatibu, with Jamila Lugembe — co-founders of Naserian Axis Consulting, an African women-led advisory firm, this podcast pulls up a seat for African, immigrant, and diaspora women building in the U.S. and beyond. Every episode brings in real voices: partners, practitioners, guests from every corner of world. This isn't a lecture. It's a table. Pull up. New episodes soon. Come as you are.

Season 1

  1. Episode 1

    What Doesn't Kill You: Motherhood, Migration, and Making a Home

    In today's global landscape, the stories of immigrants are often filled with challenges, resilience, and triumph. If you are an African, American woman or anyone from a diverse background trying to navigate a new life in a different country, this podcast is for you. We, Iman Hatibu and Jamila, co-founders of Naserian Axis, share our personal journeys of leaving our homes in Africa and settling in the United States, exploring the complexities of culture, community, and motherhood through our experiences. The Journey Begins: Leaving Home The decision to leave home is never easy. Iman packed her bags and left Tanzania for Minneapolis, while Jamila made her way from Tanzania to Annapolis. Both of us moved to the U.S. for love, embarking on a new chapter filled with hope and uncertainty. Leaving behind our friends, family, and familiar surroundings was challenging, but it motivated us to create a new support system in our new homes. Understanding Community Dynamics One of the significant hurdles we faced was the need to build a community from scratch. In Tanzania, we had family and friends who were integral to our daily lives, helping us navigate the ups and downs of parenting and personal challenges. In contrast, settling in the U.S. meant grappling with loneliness and the struggle to find connections. We learned that community support is crucial, especially for mothers, as it eases the transition and fosters a sense of belonging. The Culture Shock Moving to a new continent can be a culture shock. Both Iman and Jamila experienced the stark differences in lifestyle and social norms. From the way people interact to the pace of life, everything felt new and sometimes overwhelming. For Jamila, the transition from European countries to the U.S. was particularly jarring. The realization that everything in the U.S. requires driving, unlike the walkable cities she was used to, added to her adjustment struggles. Embracing New Roles As mothers in a new country, we found that our roles expanded beyond just parenting. The challenges of motherhood in a foreign land pushed us to become stronger and more determined. The phrase "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" resonated deeply with us, as we faced various obstacles that ultimately shaped our identities. Instead of succumbing to the pressures of adapting, we embraced them as opportunities for growth. Building Naserian Axis: A Shared Vision Our individual journeys converged when we realized our shared experiences and aspirations. We decided to create Naserian Axis to empower other immigrants, particularly women, who are navigating similar paths. Our organization focuses on providing resources, support, and a platform for voices that often go unheard. Through this venture, we aim to foster community and collaboration among diverse groups. Key Takeaways for Immigrants - Embrace Your Story: Your journey is unique and valuable. Share your experiences to connect with others. - Build Your Community: Seek out local organizations and groups that resonate with your values and experiences. - Adapt and Overcome: Embrace the challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. - Support Each Other: Collaborate with fellow immigrants to create a network of support. In conclusion, our experiences as immigrant mothers in the U.S. have taught us the importance of resilience, community, and the power of shared stories. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we continue to learn, grow, and support one another through Naserian Access. Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and our families. --- [INTERNAL LINK: Explore more about building community as an immigrant woman www.naserianaxis.com https://www.instagram.com/naserianaxisconsulting?igsh=aGttYmJ1Y2llbDZk&utm_source=qr ] [INTERNAL LINK: Read about our experiences in the U.S. and how to navigate cultural differences https://www.instagram.com/jamila_naserianaxis?igsh=MW9wZjRxN2pzazFjMg== https://www.instagram.com/mrs.binger?igsh=eXJsem9rOGdxa2F0&utm_source=qr] [EXTERNAL LINK SUGGESTIONS: Link to credible resources on immigrant support services https://www.upwardlyglobal.org/ https://careerforce.mn.gov/] Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: BN5AQOWIMIGWPVMA

  2. Episode 2

    Culture Meets Community: Bridging East African Identity in America

    Welcome to our podcast, where we explore the intersection of culture and community. Today, we are honored to have Elon, a passionate advocate for East African culture, with us. In this post, we'll delve into the insights and experiences shared during our conversation about the importance of cultural representation and community support. Understanding the Inspiration Behind Culture Meets Community Elon started Culture Meets Community in March 2026, inspired by the need for solidarity within the East African community in Minnesota following the events of Operation Metro Surge. As Elon reflects on this period, she recognized that while the community faced similar challenges, there was a lack of mutual support. This realization sparked her desire to create a platform that would celebrate East African culture and foster connections among community members. The Need for Cultural Representation Elon expressed her personal journey as an amateur writer who struggled to find spaces that reflected her identity as an Ethiopian and East African American. This lack of representation in mainstream media further fueled her mission to create spaces that encapsulate the diverse identities within the East African community. By highlighting the unique aspects of East African culture, Elon aims to create an inclusive environment where individuals feel a sense of belonging and pride in their heritage. The Richness of East African Culture Why Focus on East African Art? During our conversation, Elon addressed the importance of focusing on East African art rather than African art as a whole. She emphasized that while West African culture is widely celebrated, East African traditions often remain underrepresented. The diversity within East Africa, including shared borders, food, and cultural practices, provides a rich tapestry that deserves recognition and celebration. Exploring Commonalities and Differences Elon pointed out that despite the differences among East African countries, there are significant similarities that bind the communities. From shared ethnic groups to common political challenges, understanding these connections is essential for fostering unity among East Africans. By celebrating both the commonalities and differences, Culture Meets Community aims to create a platform for dialogue, learning, and appreciation. Navigating Dual Identities One of the challenges discussed was the navigation of dual identities as East Africans in America. Elon shared her experiences as a third culture kid, balancing her Ethiopian heritage with her American upbringing. This journey is often fraught with challenges, as individuals strive to maintain their cultural integrity while adapting to a new environment. The Journey of Finding Cultural Balance Elon highlighted the importance of finding a balance between retaining one's cultural roots and embracing new experiences. She explained that many individuals face the risk of losing their cultural identity due to assimilation pressures in the United States. However, by creating spaces like Culture Meets Community, Elon hopes to encourage individuals to embrace both their East African heritage and their American experiences, fostering a sense of belonging in both cultures. Conclusion: Embracing Complexity In conclusion, our conversation with Elon underscored the significance of fostering community and celebrating cultural diversity. By addressing the complexities of East African identity in America, Culture Meets Community serves as a vital platform for dialogue and connection. As we continue to explore our cultural roots, we can create spaces that honor our histories while building bridges for future generations. Key Takeaways: - The need for community support and solidarity in the East African diaspora. - The importance of cultural representation in media and art. - Navigating dual identities as East Africans in America. - Celebrating both commonalities and differences within East African communities. For more on the intersection of culture and community, check out our other posts on related topics! --- [INTERNAL LINK: Explore more about East African culture and art www.naserianaxis.com https://www.instagram.com/mrs.binger?igsh=eXJsem9rOGdxa2F0&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/naserianaxisconsulting?igsh=aGttYmJ1Y2llbDZk&utm_source=qr] https://www.instagram.com/jamila_naserianaxis?igsh=MW9wZjRxN2pzazFjMg== [EXTERNAL LINK: Link to a credible source on East African cultural history https://www.instagram.com/culturemeetscommunity?igsh=eHh3bHI0ZmFseHh5] Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: BN5AQOWIMIGWPVMA

  • 2 Episodes

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Real talk for African, immigrant, and diaspora women building while raising, mothering, and holding it all. Nobody warns you what it actually costs to build a business, a career, or a movement while you're also raising children, and carrying a whole family's expectations on your back. Naserian Rises is the conversation we wish someone had handed us years ago. Hosted by Iman R. Hatibu, with Jamila Lugembe — co-founders of Naserian Axis Consulting, an African women-led advisory firm, this podcast pulls up a seat for African, immigrant, and diaspora women building in the U.S. and beyond. Every episode brings in real voices: partners, practitioners, guests from every corner of world. This isn't a lecture. It's a table. Pull up. New episodes soon. Come as you are.

Information

  • Creator
    Naserian Axis
  • Episodes
    2
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Naserian Axis
  • Show Website
    Naserian Rises