Immigrant Conversations

What 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/

On 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

Welcome 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.

In 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 tea Plus, 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.com Kerstin 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.

Immigrant 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.com www.linkedin.com/in/richard-perkins-hsung-2378752ab Spring Flower: A Tale of Two Rivers: https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Flower-Book-Tale-Rivers/dp/9888552848