Podcast
Immigrant Conversations
Hosted by Mehran · EN
Welcome to Immigrant Conversations, the podcast that brings you inspiring stories from immigrants who have turned challenges into triumphs. Join Mehran Sorourian, a Middle Eastern immigrant woman as she dives deep into the experiences of first-generation and diaspora individuals, exploring their unique journeys, cultural identities, and the hurdles they’ve overcome. We discuss everything from immigrant entrepreneurship, cross cultural experiences, as well as the dark side of migration such as isolation, bias, and more. We aim to provide a platform for voices that often go unheard and aim to bring people closer together.
Join us as we explore topics ranging from immigrant entrepreneurship, first-generation struggles, and cross-cultural experiences to the impact of immigration policies and advocacy. Whether you are an immigrant, a descendant of immigrants, or simply interested in compelling human stories, "Immigrant Conversations" offers a unique perspective on the immigrant experience.
Tune in to discover how individuals from diverse backgrounds overcome obstacles, achieve success, and enrich our communities with their unique perspectives and talents. Subscribe now to "Immigrant Conversations" on your favorite podcast platform, and be inspired by the extraordinary journeys of those who have built new lives from the ground up.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Mental Health in Refugee Communities with Aisha Koroma
Dec 2000:26:17Tap to summarizeIn episode 63 of Immigrant Conversations, Mehran Sorourian hosts Aisha Koroma, a Sierra Leonean-born refugee, licensed psychotherapist, and founder of the Safe Space Project.Aisha arrived in the U.S. as a young teen after surviving trauma during her refugee journey. Today, she serves as Assistant Director of Social Integration at HIAS, Refugee Congress Delegate for D.C., and leads global mental health initiatives. She holds certifications in Trauma-Informed Care, Gender-Based Violence, and MHPSS from Harvard, WHO, and Johns Hopkins.In this episode, Aisha discusses:Her harrowing refugee journey from Sierra Leone and traumas enduredStruggles arriving in America as a teenage refugeeThe mental health crisis in refugee communities and cultural stigmaWhy Western therapy models fail displaced populationsBuilding trauma-responsive, culturally grounded mental health carePractical advocacy for refugee mental health equityKeywords: refugee mental health, immigrant mental health, trauma-informed care, MHPSS, Sierra Leone refugee, mental health stigma, displaced communities, Safe Space Project, refugee resilience, immigration trauma, refugee experience Bio:Aisha Koroma is a Sierra Leonean-born, U.S. resettled refugee who arrived in her early teens and is now a licensed psychotherapist dedicated to advancing mental health equity for displaced and immigrant communities. She holds certifications in Trauma-Informed Care, Gender-Based Violence, and MHPSS in humanitarian settings, with advanced training from Harvard, WHO, and Johns Hopkins. Aisha serves as Assistant Director of Social Integration at HIAS, Refugee Congress Delegate for D.C., and founder of the Safe Space Project, an initiative to destigmatize mental health in refugee communities. She has led global MHPSS efforts with IOM in Qatar, co-founded Texas’ first refugee mental health clinic, and contributed to the field through publications such as The Handbook of Refugee Experience and research on refugee health equity. Her work bridges lived experience and clinical expertise to create trauma-responsive, culturally grounded systems of care.Connect with Aisha Koroma: www.projectsafespace.orghttps://www.instagram.com/akcenter4wellbeing?igsh=MWc2ZjdwNXBvbHBwMA==www.akcenterforwellbeing.comInfo@Akcenterforwellbeing.com
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Immigration, AI, and the Fight for Justice with Bartlomiej Skorupa
Sep 400:37:45Tap to summarizeWhat happens when technology, philanthropy, and AI meet the immigrant journey? In this episode of Immigrant Conversations, host Mehran sits down with Bartlomiej “Bart” Skorupa—Polish immigrant, social entrepreneur, investor, and one of Dell’s 25 World Change-makers. We explore:•Bart’s inspiring immigrant journey from Poland and the lessons it holds for the future of America•Whether America is still a good country to migrate to today•The vision and impact of The Mobile Pathway, bringing access to justice through innovation•How technology, philanthropy, and AI can work together to solve global challenges•Bart’s insights on leadership, resilience, and building mission-driven organizationsTune in for an honest conversation on immigrant leadership, social change, and the power of innovation.Biography:Bartlomiej (Bart) Skorupa is an immigrant social entrepreneur, investor, and best-selling author dedicated to inspiring leadership and championing fair access to justice. With a passion for launching mission-driven organizations, Bart works at the intersection of technology, philanthropy, and artificial intelligence to create powerful opportunities for change. Bart's impactful work has been featured in prominent outlets such as NPR, Forbes, Men’s Journal, The San Francisco Chronicle, Bravo Network, and Bloomberg Businessweek. Dell recognized his contributions to global change in 2014, naming him one of the 25 World Change-makers alongside figures like Lauren Bush, Edward Norton, and Adam Braun. He is an active member of influential communities including the Fast Forward, SOCAP, Opportunity Collaboration, Salesforce Ohana, and Summit Series. Beyond his professional achievements, Bart finds inspiration in the joys of raising two disruptive daughters in a cabin in the woods.Suggested book: One Billion Americanswww.mobilepathways.orghttps://www.instagram.com/bartjskorupa/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartlomiejskorupa/
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Life Under the Taliban: Women’s Rights, Culture, and Courage with Anita Omary
Aug 1500:33:35Tap to summarizeOn the fourth anniversary of Taliban returning to power in Afghanistan, Mehran, host of Immigrant Conversations podcast, speaks with Anita Omary, an Afghan advocate who came to the U.S. just two years ago with a mission to fight for women’s rights. Anita offers a rare and personal perspective on:What women’s rights looked like in Afghanistan before and after the Taliban takeoverWhy the support of fathers and brothers is so critical in a patriarchal societyHow culture is shifting as global connections reshape even the most traditional communitiesThe heartbreaking story of Halima, a woman Anita knew—forced into marriage with a Taliban fighter, abused, and ultimately killedThis is a raw, moving conversation about loss, resilience, and the fight for justice that continues far from the spotlight.Bio:Anita Omary is an Afghan storyteller, public speaker, and Master of Public Administration student at the University of New Haven. Originally from Afghanistan, Anita came to the United States in 2023 after years of working with non-governmental organizations supporting refugee communities. Her lived experience of forced displacement informs her current work, where she advocates for refugee and immigrant rights, women's empowerment, and inclusive policy. Anita is a speaker with the New American Speaker Program and is currently writing a collection of true stories exploring the complex relationships between Afghan fathers and daughters under patriarchy, tentatively titled Being Father of a Daughter Is Not Easy. She speaks Dari, Pashto, Urdu, and English, and continues to use her voice to bridge cultures and raise awareness about the realities many Afghan women face today.https://medium.com/me/stories/public
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Mohammed Diouf, story of Political Asylee
Jun 30, 202500:34:24Tap to summarizeWelcome to Immigrant Conversations, the podcast where we explore the untold stories behind migration — stories of courage, sacrifice, and transformation.In this powerful episode, Mehran speaks with Mohammed Diouf Heubo, a life coach and immigration and wellness advocate who fled political persecution in Cameroon. His migration journey took him through dangerous terrain, harrowing experiences in U.S. detention centers, and ultimately, to a place of healing and purpose.In this episode we explored:Mohammed’s escape from political violenceThe emotional and physical toll of detention centers in the U.S.The resilience and the flexibility it takes to be a refugeeThe misconceptions around immigration and refugeesListen and stay connected by subscribing to "Immigrant Conversations" on your favorite app!Bio:I'm a life coach, Immigration/wellness advocate, and storytelling expert with lived immigrant experience. I help individuals and organizations grow through coaching, fitness, and narrative clarity. I have had the honor of presenting on national stages like Dreamforce, one of the largest tech conferences in the world, and Demo Day with Mobile Pathways and Twilio.
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Motherhood and Migration with Marcela Rada Trujillo & Kerstin Kirchsteiger
May 11, 202500:54:38Tap to summarizeIn this special Mother’s Day episode of Immigrant Conversations, host Mehran sits down with Marcela Rada Trujillo and Kerstin Kirchsteiger— two inspiring immigrant professionals and mothers — for an honest fireside chat about the realities of raising children in a new country.We explore the unexpected freedoms of parenting outside cultural norms, the heartbreak of raising kids far from extended family, and the emotional toll of navigating motherhood in intercultural relationships .While immigrant mothers carry a huge burden at the moment, in the spirit of Mother’s Day, this episode is a celebration: of strength, resilience, and beauty in reclaiming your story.Grab your cup of teaPlus, Mehran shares a personal resource that’s helped her reconnect with herself — a journal created by a second-generation immigrant mom, linked in the show notes.✍Visit thedivineselfbyjosieanderson.com/journal to grab your copy today. https://thedivineselfbyjosieanderson.com/journal/Marcela Bio:I was originally from Colombia. I studied engineering and moved to the Netherlands to do my masters in Management of Technology. I work full time, have two little kids, and I’m married.Kerstin Bio and Contact info:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkirchsteiger/FB:https://www.instagram.com/kerstin_kirchsteiger/https://www.facebook.com/kkirchsteiger/www.kerstinkirchsteiger.comKerstin Kirchsteiger, Ph.D. is a Scientist turned Executive Coach for ambitious women who want to build a wildly successful career and make the impact they desire WITHOUT burning out. She is a GENOS-certified Emotional Intelligence practitioner and ICF-ACC-certified executive coach.Kerstin has been coaching emerging and seasoned female leaders to unlock their full potential and prepare them for the next step in their careers while integrating the demands of work and life.In her Consulting, she focuses on Leadership development specifically on Emotional Intelligence and the interpersonal sphere. She is passionate about equipping leaders with research-backed, proven tools that make their jobs more enjoyable and impactful, leading to higher performance and improved talent attraction and retention.She has worked with international clients from Leaders Lounge Australia, Thermo Fisher, Boeing Leadership Network, Quidel, Exelixis, Aprio, and Elemis.When Kerstin is not working with clients, you can find her mountain biking or enjoying the outdoors with her family.
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My Mother's Memoire with Richard Hsung
May 3, 202500:33:10Tap to summarizeImmigrant conversations Guest is Richard Hsung, born and raised in China to a Chinese mother who considered America home. Together, they migrate to the States. Richard studied chemistry and became a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. One day he made a promise to his ailing mother, a promise that helps his mom die peacefully but leaves him with a huge responsibility that causes tremendous pain but also healing. Biography:Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Richard spent ten years editing and completing "Spring Flower," written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir, published by Earnshaw Books (https://earnshawbooks.com), chronicles his mother's life as an adopted child of American medical missionaries, which began shortly after the catastrophic Yangtze River Flood in 1931 that killed millions.https://richardperkinshsung.comwww.linkedin.com/in/richard-perkins-hsung-2378752abSpring Flower: A Tale of Two Rivers: https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Flower-Book-Tale-Rivers/dp/9888552848
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Where Is Home? Exploring Identity & Belonging with Dr. Diya Abdo
Feb 15, 202500:28:54Tap to summarizeIs home the place we are born, or the refuge we find? Can it be both? In this episode of Immigrant Conversations, we explore the meaning of "home" and discuss the challenges faced by refugees, including misconceptions about their experiences. Dr. Diya Abdo, a second-generation Palestinian refugee, shares her powerful story of migration and how she transformed her personal journey into advocacy for displaced communities.Key Topics in This Episode:>Dr. Abdo’s Migration Journey as a second-generation Palestinian refugee born in Jordan and her eventual move to the U.S. as a graduate student.>The displacement of her parents from Palestine, their struggles as refugees in Jordan, and how their story shaped Dr. Abdo’s perspective on migration.>The evolving concept of home—what does it truly mean to belong?The challenges faced by refugees today, including the impact of global crises on refugee resettlement and integration.>The mission of Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR)—Dr. Abdo’s nonprofit that helps college campuses host refugee families, fostering cultural integration and community support.>How storytelling and advocacy can help reshape perceptions of refugees and empower displaced communities.Bio: Dr. Diya Abdo is the Lincoln Financial Professor of English at Guilford College and the founding Director of Every Campus A Refuge. A second-generation Palestinian refugee born and raised in Jordan, Dr. Abdo’s teaching, research, and scholarship focus on Arab women writers and Arab and Islamic feminisms as well as refugee and immigrant issues. Her book AMERICAN REFUGE: True Stories of the Refugee Experience, was selected by the North Carolina Humanities as a North Carolina 2024 Reads Book and by Alamance Public Libraries as the Alamance Reads Book 2024. In 2015, inspired by Pope Francis' call on every European parish to host one refugee family, Dr. Abdo founded Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), which advocates for housing refugee families on college and university campus grounds and supporting them in their resettlement. The flagship chapter at Guilford College is now one of many ECAR campuses across the nation which have collectively hosted over 600 refugees and supported their inclusion in local communities. Dr. Abdo designed the minor Forced Migration and Resettlement Studies at Guilford College where students learn about refugee issues and receive credit for hosting refugees on campus and supporting them in their resettlement. Dr. Abdo is the recipient of the Emerson Collective Fellowship (2024), the J.M. Kaplan Fund’s Innovation Prize (2021), Campus Compact’s Thomas Ehrlich Civically Engaged Faculty Award (2019), Gulf South Summit’s Outstanding Service-Learning Collaboration in Higher Education Award (2017), and The Washington Center’s Civic Engagement in Higher Education Award (2017). Dr. Abdo sits on the Boards of Refugee Council USA and The Community Sponsorship Hub.Email Dr.Abdo: Abdod@guilford.eduLearn more about Every Campus is a Refuge: www.everycampusarefuge.net
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Redefining Your Leadership Identity as an Immigrant with Dr. Mira Brancu
Jan 28, 202500:38:15Tap to summarizeAre you an aspiring leader looking to enhance your influence especially when you are the minority? Do you struggle with belonging in rooms where decisions are made? If so, this episode is for you! If so, this episode is for you. Mehran Sorourian the Immigrant Conversations host sits with Dr. Mira Brancu and talk about being a minority as an aspiring leader. "Are you an aspiring leader striving to enhance your influence, especially in spaces where you’re the minority? Do you struggle with finding a sense of belonging in rooms where crucial decisions are made? This episode is for you!In this insightful conversation, Mehran Sorourian, host of Immigrant Conversations, sits down with Dr. Mira Brancu to discuss the unique challenges faced by minority leaders. Together, they explore practical strategies for navigating leadership roles while overcoming barriers of inclusion and cultural adaptation.Tune in to hear about:>Overcoming imposter syndrome as a minority in leadership.>Developing your leadership identity and influence when you're underrepresented.>Finding your voice and confidence in predominantly non-minority spaces.>How to create a sense of belonging and advocate for others in similar situations.>Whether you're just starting out in your leadership journey or are looking for tips on how to expand your influence, this episode provides invaluable advice for anyone seeking to thrive as a minority leader."Bio: Dr. Mira Brancu is a consulting and coaching psychologist who specializes in women’s leadership identity development and building adaptive, high-performing teams. She is also an Associate Professor, author of the Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics and companion workbook, Psychology Today columnist of the series, A New Look at Women’s Leadership, and host of The Hard Skills live show and podcast. Her award-winning social impact firm, Towerscope, empowers and elevates women in leadership within disrupted, complex learning and innovation systems. Learn more:www.GoTowerscope.com https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBRIDM9zFt53CbF8-Y_LiHx_12xdIQpT1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-skills/id1706366751Book Suggestions:-Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics -Professional Careers by Design by Sharon Hull-Teaming by Amy Edmondson -The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencion Find us on your favorite podcast app. contact Mehran: Mehran@MehranS.comhttps://www.mehrans.com/immigrantconversations
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The ‘Perpetual Foreigner’ Stereotype & Its Impact with Dr. Jim Lin
Dec 17, 202401:05:48Tap to summarizeThe son of Chinese immigrants, Dr. James Lin is a math professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). In 1986, he took an unexpected step and taught the first-ever Asian American Studies course at UCSD. Despite being a math professor, Dr. Lin’s passion for social justice and ethnic studies led him to break boundaries. Two years later, he succeeded in obtaining Academic Senate approval for a Minor in Asian American Studies, marking a significant milestone in academic history.Dr. Lin's journey didn't stop there. He teamed up with faculty from Chicano Studies and African American Studies to gain approval for an Ethnic Studies Department in 1990, which has had a lasting impact on both students and the wider community.In this episode, Dr. Lin shares his remarkable journey, his experiences as an immigrant, and the challenges and triumphs of creating an essential program that amplifies diverse voices and promotes cultural awareness and social justice.Tune in to hear about:>Dr. Lin's path from math professor to Ethnic Studies advocate.>His role in creating the first Asian American Studies course and later the Ethnic Studies Department at UCSD.>The importance of cultural representation and academic diversity in higher education.>How immigrant experiences shaped Dr. Lin’s commitment to social justice and education.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in ethnic studies, academic diversity, and the intersection of immigrant identity and education.Jim's past interviews: https://youtu.be/1BxdlT2RC2g?si=JRfoQ3w2v5Xq7JoGImmigrant Conversations - 00:00:00 " Jim and I know each other through Toastmaster00:01:02 " My father built the first modern airplane by a Chinese in China00:11:18 " Lin family says I'm the lucky baby because within days of being born00:20:18 " By the time I was 15, I had studied 8000 hours of math00:27:03 " At 15, I scored perfect score on the math SAT00:32:53 " You mentioned as an adult that there were a lot of somewhat isolating feelings00:41:39 " The public doesn't know much about your immigration, Mehran00:50:57 " UCSD faculty opposed creating a race-based ethnic studies minor00:58:54 " Jim Mehran: I was inspired by a book called see no stranger Keywords: migration, Chinese-American, aviation pioneer, academic success, cultural identity, Asian American Studies, UCSD, resilience, podcast Jim's Biography: Jim is a Chinese-American who has made significant contributions to both academia and cultural representation. Born in Manhattan shortly after his parents emigrated from China, Jim's early life was marked by rigorous academic discipline and cultural challenges. He excelled in mathematics, earning a PhD from Princeton and becoming a full professor at UCSD by the age of 30. Jim played a crucial role in establishing the Asian American Studies minor at UCSD, which later became a full department. His work has been instrumental in promoting cultural awareness and education. Jim continues to inspire through his storytelling and dedication to fostering understanding and inclusion.
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Processing Grief: Cultural Perspectives & Healing Strategies with Kiana Naimi
Dec 17, 202400:37:50Tap to summarize"Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, a job, or your home country? Are you seeking new tools and strategies to process your grief and recover more effectively? If so, this episode is for you.In this deeply insightful conversation, Mehran Sorourian, host of Immigrant Conversations, sits down with Kiana Naimi to explore the complex emotions of grief and recovery. Together, they discuss practical approaches to healing, how to navigate the grieving process, and how to embrace personal growth after loss.Tune in to hear about:>Effective tools for coping with grief and finding emotional resilience.>How to process loss in a healthy way, whether from the death of a loved one, a job, or even your country of origin.>The importance of self-compassion and creating space for healing during difficult times.>How to embrace recovery and move forward while honoring your pain.>Whether you're mourning a personal loss or facing the emotional challenges of immigration and displacement, this episode offers valuable insights for navigating grief and embracing a path to emotional recovery."Bio: Kiana Naimi is an Iranian_American Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California that specializes in grief and loss. Kiana has earned her Master's in Social Welfare from UCLA and has worked with diverse populations throughout her clinical experience. She currently provides therapy to individuals across the lifespan who have experienced various losses via Telehealth, her practice is called Soulh psychotherapy.www.Soulhpsychotherapy.comThe Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss by Mary-Frances O'ConnorKey words: Grief Processing, Immigrant Journey, Iranian American, Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Informed, Dual Process Model, Disenfranchised Grief, Grieving Brain, Kubler Ross, Five Stages Of Grief, Resilience, Migration Stories, Emotional Healing, Support Groups, Grief Models, Neuroscience Of Grief, Loss And Healing, Coping Mechanisms, Cultural Adaptation, Mental Health Awareness
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