Description

For the next weeks, we will be re-sharing the top 6 episodes of Peruvians of USA Season 2!

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Elena is an Andean adoptee from Peru. Her family is from Puno, Peru, though she was born and adopted from Lima. Elena was adopted during the Fujimori regime right after Alan Garcia was out of office. Finding community has been a long journey. Reconnecting with her biological family has given Elena a sense of connection back to Peru. Elena is raising an Afro-Indigenous daughter whom she absolutely adores. Her daughter is the reason Elena loves her people and community that much harder. Elena wants her daughter to have representation as she grows up and to see the beauty in our people. Learning to accept that adoption IS part of the diaspora has been liberating. Elena has found herself within a community that is accepting and understanding. If you find yourself in Azángaro, Puno, Peru – check out Elena’s mom’s restaurant called, Solé. El saborcito criollo.

Connect with Elena via IG @brooklynwarmidesigns

In this episode:

• How Brooklyn Warmi Designs jewelry is helping the Peruvian diaspora reconnect with their indigeneity, honor our ancestors, and connect with each other
• Elena’s adoption story, identity crisis, and choosing community above all else 
• Elena’s advice to people thinking about adopting and how it’s a lifetime commitment to healing 
• Shoutouts to fellow Peruvian creators and small business owners, such as Black Flowers Grow, Love Supay, Cholita Nuyorquina, So Sweet by Michelle,  T's Designs, and photographer Bonny Melendez.

Ways to support the podcast:

1. Give us a review on Apple Podcast
2. Become a Listener Supporter, see link in bio
3. Visit our Online Store and help us change the narrative with our t-shirt: “El Mejor Amigo de un Peruano es otro peruano.” Also available in feminine (“peruana”) and gender-neutral (“peruanx”) versions
4. Follow Peruvians of USA Podcast on IG: @peruviansofusa 
5. Like our page on Facebook!
6. Check out our scholarship "Javier Bardales Huaripata"