Shows
Zaka Presents: My Journey#173 Zaka Presents My Journey Vivian OtaborIn this compelling episode, we sit down with Vivian Otabor, a seasoned career coach, business consultant, and founder of Resilient Immigrant to explore the often-overlooked challenges skilled immigrants face when starting over in the United States. Vivian opens up about the emotional and professional hurdles she encountered after leaving a successful career in Nigeria, only to find her qualifications questioned and doors closed.Now a Harvard-certified leader and Career Strategist for Agile Career Consulting, Vivian has transformed personal setbacks into platforms for systemic change. Through her nonprofit, she has helped hundreds of immigrants gain access to workforce...2025-05-0852 minZaka Presents: My Journey#172 Zaka Presents My Journey Guadalupe GonzalezIn this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Guadalupe Gonzalez, an Argentine-born accountant turned emotional intelligence and leadership coach, whose immigrant journey is a blueprint in adaptability, purpose, and inner strength. Guadalupe reflects on her transition to the U.S., the weight of working in a demanding analytical field, and how emotional intelligence became not just a leadership tool but a life-saving compass.She shares how she's intentionally using emotional intelligence to prepare her children to navigate the social and academic pressures of school, and how she herself learned to manage the emotional toll of a numbers-driven...2025-05-0550 minZaka Presents: My Journey#171 Zaka Presents My Journey Sherece BrownIn this episode, we sit down with Sherece Brown, the visionary founder of Dr. Pabs Pineapple is a Berry. Born to Jamaican immigrant parents and a proud Howard University graduate, Sherece shares her powerful journey from a 16-year career in corporate America to launching a purpose-driven wellness brand. Motivated by her passion for health, wellness, and community impact, Sherece created Dr. Pabs to deliver high-quality, plant-based vitamins designed for children’s growth and well-being. Tune in as she opens up about embracing her immigrant roots, navigating major career transitions, and building a brand that stands for inclusion, resilience, and tr...2025-04-2854 minZaka Presents: My Journey#170 Zaka Presents My Journey Mina BrowerWe sit down with Mina Brower, a distinguished Mexican-American attorney, author, and advocate whose journey captures the strength and complexity of the immigrant experience. Mina shares how coming to the United States at a young age, without speaking the language, forced her to grow up quickly. As the first in her family to learn English, she became the default advocate, translating documents, navigating public systems, and even taking the lead at grocery store checkouts. These early responsibilities laid the foundation for her passion for justice and advocacy, ultimately shaping her path to becoming a partner at her law firm...2025-03-2147 minZaka Presents: My Journey#169 Zaka Presents My Journey Kathryn RossIn this episode, Kathryn takes us through her journey from growing up in Jamaica to breaking barriers, driving multimillion-dollar growth, and creating opportunities for others in the corporate and startup worlds. She shares the mindset, strategies, and lessons that have shaped her success from launching Accenture’s Black Founders Development Program to leading billion-dollar innovation initiatives. As an immigrant, she navigated challenges with resilience and vision, proving that bold leadership and innovation can create lasting impact. 2025-03-091h 01Zaka Presents: My Journey#168 Zaka Presents My Journey Lauren BrockettIn this uplifting episode, we sit down with Lauren Brockett, an immigrant, HR leader, and determined advocate for economic empowerment. Lauren has dedicated her life to helping immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities build brighter futures creating pathways to employment, financial stability, and long-term success. From establishing Atlanta’s first career center for war survivors to launching community lending circles during the pandemic, her impact is both profound and personal.As someone who has walked this journey herself, Lauren knows firsthand the struggles of finding purpose and opportunity in a new country. She’s turned her chal...2025-02-281h 07Zaka Presents: My Journey#167 Zaka Presents My Journey Brigitte JollietWhat happens when a young girl in foster care refuses to let the system define her future? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Brigitte Jolliet, an attorney, advocate, and policy expert who is breaking stereotypes and proving that foster youth have the resilience, skills, and drive to succeed. Brigitte takes us through her extraordinary journey, from navigating instability in the foster care system to fighting for children’s rights, clerking on Capitol Hill, and now advocating for justice as a personal injury attorney. Along the way, she shatters misconceptions about foster youth, shares the pivotal moments that sh...2025-02-2257 minZaka Presents: My Journey#166 Zaka Presents My Journey Micha Cooper EdwardsBorn and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, Micha Cooper-Edwards built a powerhouse career in corporate America, leading global marketing for brands like Nike and Jordan before taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship. As the founder & CEO of Soleil Space, she’s on a mission to dismantle the systemic barriers that keep independent filmmakers especially creators of color from owning their work. In this episode, she reveals the hard truths about Hollywood’s gatekeeping, the power of controlling distribution, and how creatives can reclaim their narratives in an industry designed to keep them out. We also dive into the lessons she lear...2025-02-1451 minZaka Presents: My Journey#165 Zaka Presents My Journey Farah AllenFarah Allen, a remarkable Jamaican-American tech entrepreneur and CEO of The Labz, who has redefined digital innovation and built powerhouse partnerships with Google, Microsoft, and Delta Airlines. Farah takes us through her incredible journey, from her Jamaican roots and early influences that shaped her love for technology to breaking barriers as a woman of color in leadership. She shares how her first job set the foundation for her career, the bold leap she took from corporate to entrepreneurship, and the resilience that kept her moving forward despite c...2025-02-0949 minZaka Presents: My Journey#164 Zaka Presents My Journey Victoria TollossaIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Victoria Tollossa, the Founder and CEO of Illume, a personal branding agency helping entrepreneurs and executives amplify their impact. But Victoria’s path to success was anything but conventional.Born bi-racial and navigating cultural challenges, Victoria migrated to the U.S. in pursuit of opportunity only to face homelessness. Despite the hardships, her passion for storytelling led her to a successful career as a professional songwriter, where she collaborated with top artists in the music industry. But a pivotal moment inspired her to shift gears, leveraging her expertise in br...2025-01-3151 minZaka Presents: My Journey#163 Zaka Presents My Journey Illiana AcostaIlliana Acosta is the Make It Happen Master, a leader with over 20 years of experience in tech, global partnerships, and media sales. Currently a Senior Manager at LinkedIn’s Business Development organization, Illiana shares her journey from growing up in New York City as the daughter of immigrant parents to becoming a leadership strategist and thought leader in career development, ERG and DEIIlliana opens up about the challenges she faced as a Latina in the corporate world, including overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating spaces where she was often the only woman or person of color in th...2025-01-2549 minZaka Presents: My Journey#162 Zaka Presents My Journey D'Angelo SenatWe sit down with D’Angelo Senat, a visionary Haitian-American entrepreneur and founder of AllPeeP, to explore his inspiring journey of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. From growing up in Broward County, Florida, and witnessing his parents’ entrepreneurial struggles, to redefining his path after a sports injury and leading a mission to revolutionize online communities, D’Angelo’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and mentorship. He shares how winning Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize transformed his work, the importance of cultural heritage in his leadership, and his dedication to creating inclusive...2025-01-1749 minZaka Presents: My Journey#161 Zaka Presents My Journey Miles MendesWe welcome Miles Mendes, a remarkable student-athlete whose maturity, faith, and passion for basketball set him apart. At probably the youngest age of any guest we’ve hosted, Miles shares a life journey filled with wisdom and lessons that resonate well beyond his years. Growing up in a culturally diverse household and attending a Christian university, Miles reflects on how his background, faith, and love for the game have shaped his outlook on life.Miles dives into his childhood dreams, the values he carries into his collegiate career, and how basketball became more than just a game, it...2025-01-1035 minZaka Presents: My Journey#160 Zaka Presents My Journey Dr. Yves Salomon-FernándezWe sit down with Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández, a visionary leader in higher education and the President of Urban College of Boston. She shares her extraordinary journey from immigrating to the United States from Haiti at the age of 12 to breaking barriers in academia as a first-generation college graduate and leader. With degrees from the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, and Boston College, Dr. Salomon-Fernández has built a career dedicated to expanding access and creating opportunities for underrepresented students. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to equity and inc...2025-01-0354 minZaka Presents: My Journey#159 Zaka Presents My Journey Nancy DouyonIn this inspiring episode, we sit down with Nancy Douyon, a well accomplished immigrant professional who has redefined success at the intersection of technology, ethics, and inclusion. From her journey as an immigrant breaking barriers in Silicon Valley to leading groundbreaking initiatives at Google, Facebook, and Uber, Nancy’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and impact. As the founder of Incluversal, she’s harnessing the power of AI and inclusive design to accelerate career growth and create opportunities for underrepresented professionals. Her insights will inspire anyone striving to carve their own path in a comp...2024-12-131h 03Zaka Presents: My Journey#158 Zaka Presents My Journey Samarra St. HilaireAuthor and occupational therapist Samarra St. Hilaire shares her journey of growing up Haitian-American in Brooklyn, self-publishing her debut YA novel Brushed Between Cultures, and balancing cultural expectations with personal dreams. Discover how her 22 years as a therapist shaped her storytelling and the powerful themes of resilience, identity, and friendship in her work. Perfect for anyone navigating tradition and independence.2024-11-2753 minZaka Presents: My Journey#157 Zaka Presents My Journey Zuleka FraserToday, we celebrate resilience, vision, and the power of purpose. Our guest is Zuleka Fraser, an immigrant leader from St Kitts & Nevis, in the affordable housing industry who has turned challenges into opportunities that have transformed lives. From navigating the complexities of public housing finance to spearheading game-changing programs like the 4% Bond LIHTC initiative, Zuleka’s journey is one of grit, determination, and heart.In this episode, Zuleka shares how her personal experiences ignited her passion for equity and led her to dedicate her career to creating accessible housing for underserved communities. You'll hear how she transformed ro...2024-11-2252 minZaka Presents: My Journey#156 Zaka Presents My Journey Ukeme Awakessien JeterHow does an engineer turned attorney become the Mayor and Council President of Upper Arlington, Ohio? In this episode, we sit down with the amazing leader, Ukeme Awakessien Jeter to explore her incredible journey from immigrant professional to community leader. Ukeme shares how her diverse experiences and immigrant background have shaped her unique leadership style and fueled her passion for driving innovation and inclusivity.Drawing from her book, ImmiGRIT: How Immigrant Leadership Drives Business Success, Ukeme uncovers the superhero qualities of immigrant professionals such as adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness and how these traits can transform organizations and...2024-11-161h 01Zaka Presents: My Journey#155 Zaka Presents My Journey David "Moze" BaptisteIn this episode, we sit down with David “MOZE” Baptiste to explore the incredible journey of a boy from New York City, raised in a Grenadian-American household, who rose to legendary status in the entertainment industry. Known for promoting icons like Kool G. Rap, Erykah Badu, Jay Z, Naughty By Nature, and Mary J. Blige in the 90s, David’s career is a masterclass in adaptability and reinvention. Hear firsthand how he transitioned from managing hip-hop and R&B greats to becoming a multi-industry entrepreneur, now leading a commercial cleaning company and Roll It Forward Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to rol...2024-10-3152 minZaka Presents: My Journey#154 Zaka Presents My Journey Alan d’EscragnolleJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Alan d’Escragnolle, CEO and Co-Founder of Filmhub, the tech-powered platform transforming film distribution. Born in San Diego to Brazilian and American parents, Alan opens up about the challenges of navigating two cultures. After leaving San Diego at a young age to connect more deeply with his Brazilian roots, Alan’s journey eventually led him to Silicon Valley, where he’s now empowering filmmakers globally.From growing up in Brazil to earning his degree at Wharton, Alan shares how his immigrant background fueled his entrepreneurial spirit and shaped his leadership approa...2024-10-2555 minZaka Presents: My Journey#153 Zaka Presents My Journey Ty Richardsonwe are joined with Dr. Ty Richardson, a Trinidadian-American entrepreneur who boldly left a thriving corporate career to pursue his vision of building impactful ventures that empower others. From turning his start-up, YoPro Global, into a global social enterprise supporting youth and young professionals, to founding Pinnacle & Beyond Enterprises and leading One Global Index Consulting, Dr. Ty has become a leader for emerging markets and underrepresented communities worldwide. His journey of resilience, innovation, and strategic leadership offers a powerful entrepreneurs striving for success. Our inspiring conversation is packed with insights on overcoming obstacles, building impactful businesses, and making a g...2024-10-2151 minZaka Presents: My Journey#152 Zaka Presents My Journey Shawna Kaye LesterWe sit down with Shawna Kaye Lester, an entrepreneur and founder of Memorable Essay, who has dedicated her career to helping ambitious students and international medical graduates secure spots in their dream schools and residencies. Shawna’s journey from Jamaica to the U.S. is one of grit, determination, and relentless pursuit of growth.She opens up about her personal story of navigating cultural differences, her diverse career path across multiple industries, and the challenges of building her business as an immigrant entrepreneur. Shawna shares her best tips for standing out in competitive application processes, and offers ke...2024-10-1255 minZaka Presents: My Journey#151 Zaka Presents My Journey Karoll-Ann FanfanWe dive into the inspiring journey of Karoll-Ann Fanfan, CEO of TaxFit LLC and Kouka's Closet LLC. Forced to leave her native country after a traumatic event, Karoll-Ann shares how she turned adversity into success as a leading tax consultant and entrepreneur in the U.S. Through vulnerability and resilience, she opens up about her challenges, triumphs, and her passion for helping others. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation on overcoming obstacles and thriving in the face of hardship.2024-10-0354 minZaka Presents: My Journey#150 Zaka Presents My Journey Richardson PierreIn this episode, we highlight the inspiring success story of Richardson Pierre, a first-generation Haitian immigrant who defies negative stereotypes with his entrepreneurial journey. Richardson shares how the determination and grit he absorbed from watching Haitian merchants as a young boy shaped his mindset and fueled his ambitions. From his early days in Haiti to building multiple successful businesses, including U.S. One Tax Services, Versailles Home Solutions, and Lionhart Truck Company.Richardson opens up about his path to success. He also reflects on the valuable lessons he learned during his time in Corporate America and how...2024-09-2742 minZaka Presents: My Journey#149 Zaka Presents My Journey Julio ManteigaIn this episode, we sit down with Julio Manteiga, the Head of Content and Communications at the National Basketball Retired Players Association. Born to immigrant parents from Cuba and Spain and raised in Queens, NY, Julio's story is one of grit, perseverance, and passion. From his humble beginnings to becoming a key figure at the NBA, Julio opens up about his journey, sharing how his cultural background influenced his career and the challenges he faced as he ascended through the ranks.We explore Julio’s time at the NBA, where he served as Director of Latin America Co...2024-09-191h 20Zaka Presents: My Journey#148 Zaka Presents My Journey Judi JohnsonWe explore the extraordinary journey of Jamaican-born actress Judi Johnson, who went from Clarendon to Hollywood, starring in projects like Magic Mike XXL and Double Cross.In this episode, Judi shares how she transitioned from corporate work to starring in over 40 projects. She speaks on the challenges and strengths of being a Black actress and how she defied the expectations of her immigrant upbringing, where careers in entertainment were often discouraged. Her mantra, “Live Alive”, inspires us all to chase our dreams, no matter the obstacles.2024-09-1258 minZaka Presents: My Journey#147 Zaka Presents My Journey Samantha Ramirez HerreraWe’re beyond excited to share our conversation with Samantha Ramirez-Herrera, a talenter filmmaker, advocate, and the founder of OffThaRecord. Sam’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and relentless advocacy. As a former undocumented immigrant, she has dedicated her career to addressing some of today’s most pressing issues such as economic justice, immigration, and reproductive rightsWith election season upon us, public discourse around DACA, Dreamers, and immigration are in full swing. Sam’s story brings a deeply personal perspective to these important topics, humanizing the conversation and remi...2024-09-0559 minZaka Presents: My Journey#146 Zaka Presents My Journey Tina RodriguezWe sit down with Tina, Senior Director of Content Strategy, Programming, and Acquisition at AspireTV. With over 20 years in the media industry, Tina shares her journey, how she found her voice, the evolution of content strategy, and the importance of diversity in storytelling. She also offers advice for emerging professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.2024-08-2931 minZaka Presents: My Journey#145 Zaka Presents My Journey Kamala Avila-SalmonJoin us as we sit down with Kamala Avila-Salmon, the dynamic Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate, who is redefining representation in Hollywood. In this episode, Kamala shares her journey from Jamaica to Harvard, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and how she’s using storytelling to drive social change. Get inspired by her insights on diversity in film, her groundbreaking initiative, Story Spark, and her commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. Don’t miss this powerful conversation with one of the entertainment industry’s leading voices on inclusion and equity.2024-08-2343 minZaka Presents: My Journey#144 Zaka Presents My Journey Jevic MutebaJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Jevic Muteba, a former NCAA student-athlete from Zaire (now the DRC) turned successful entrepreneur. Jevic shares his journey of founding businesses, raising over $35 million, and driving key partnerships in high-growth tech companies. We'll explore how his immigrant upbringing shaped his path, his challenges as a student-athlete, and his impactful work in DEI, Talent Acquisition, and Employer Branding with Fortune 500 companies.2024-08-1542 minZaka Presents: My Journey#143 Zaka Presents My Journey Linda KugblenuLinda Kugblenu is an award-winning Vice President at JPMorganChase and a leader in finance and payments innovation. As an immigrant leader, Linda is committed to expanding access to capital for social and economic impact, leading groundbreaking initiatives in cross-border payment strategies.In this episode, Linda shares her journey from empowering small businesses in Uganda to becoming a thought leader at JPMorgan. Her achievements have earned her accolades like the Rising Star in Payments and the RiseUp Award for Women in Payments.Beyond her corporate success, Linda founded Foreign at Work, a career coaching business dedicated...2024-08-0252 minZaka Presents: My Journey#142 Zaka Presents My Journey Johanne JosephWe sit down with Johanne Joseph, the powerhouse behind J’Organic Solutions (J.O.S). Born in Haiti and faced with the challenge of an autoimmune disease that led to hair thinning, Johanne transformed her personal struggle into a thriving beauty brand. Immigrating to the U.S. at just 14, she defied the odds to become a master hairstylist and entrepreneur. Drawing from her family’s tradition of using herbs and natural resources, Johanne meticulously developed her all-natural hair care line, which now boasts over 20 products designed to nourish and hydrate dry, brittle hair. Since its launch in 2016, J.O.S ha...2024-07-1841 minZaka Presents: My Journey#141 Zaka Presents My Journey Marc Edwin RigaudIn this motivating episode, we sit down with Marc-Edwin Rigaud, a talented Software Developer at Ally Financial. From his miraculous birth with his twin brother Carl to overcoming numerous challenges, Marc-Edwin's journey is guided by his life creed, "Kaizen," meaning continuous improvement.Marc-Edwin shares inspiring childhood memories from Haiti, the obstacles he faced, and how his cultural background shaped his perseverance. He highlights his educational path and the blueprint he followed to forge a successful career in financial technology.Marc-Edwin discusses working alongside his twin brother, his current role, and offers invaluable advice to aspiring...2024-07-0537 minZaka Presents: My Journey#140 Zaka Presents My Journey Ajayi Pickering Haynes"Model What You Want to Attract" is the motto that Ajayi lives by. He is a remarkable first-generation immigrant from St. Thomas who has made significant strides in both public health and authorship. Ajayi's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication, having witnessed firsthand the disparities in youth and family outcomes in his hometown. This experience fueled his passion for advancing health equity, leading him to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Biology from American University and pursue a Master's in Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Ajayi has excelled academically and become a powerful...2024-06-2750 minZaka Presents: My Journey#139 Zaka Presents My Journey Carl Edwin RigaudIn this inspiring episode, we sit down with Carl Rigaud, a Senior Analyst at Ally Financial. Born prematurely alongside his twin brother, Carl’s early life defied the odds, earning them the nickname “miracle babies.”Carl’s journey takes us from the vibrant streets of Haiti to overcoming the challenges of a massive earthquake and personal adversity. Despite these obstacles, Carl has built a remarkable career in software engineering, driven by his passion for innovation and a thirst for knowledge.Join us as Carl shares his childhood memories, the hurdles he faced, and the mentors who guid...2024-06-2144 minZaka Presents: My Journey#138 Zaka Presents My Journey Michelle Manglal LanMichelle Manglal-lan is the Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Samsung Electronics. With over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, Michelle is a powerhouse in Talent Management & Development, DEI, Engagement, Employer Branding, and Employee Mobility.Michelle’s journey is deeply inspired by her parents, who emigrated from the Philippines. Their resilience and strength have fueled her dedication to creating inclusive and equitable workplaces. In this episode, Michelle shares her insights on the transformative shift in HR, her experience in recruiting, training, performance management, ergs, employee engagement, and promotion, and the critical importance of diversity in toda...2024-06-1339 minZaka Presents: My Journey#137 Zaka Presents My Journey Yasir KurtYasir Kurt, a first-gen Turkish-American who turned the seeds of grit and resilience into a flourishing career in counseling and education. Yasir's story begins in a household where education beyond middle school was a distant dream, yet the drive to achieve more was deeply instilled by his visionary parents a tailor and a farmer.Today, Yasir serves as the Director of Life Design Graduate Programming at The Johns Hopkins University . Armed with a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, his approach is shaped by his strengths: Activator, Futuristic, Learner, Ideation, and Achiever. Yasir is embracing challenges and...2024-06-0649 minZaka Presents: My Journey#136 Zaka Presents My Journey Srijita Ghosh We explore the remarkable journey of Srijita Ghosh, a distinguished venture advisor based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. From her early days overcoming personal challenges with anxiety to becoming a driving force for entrepreneurship in the Midwest, Srijita's story is a compelling testament to resilience and visionary leadership.Discover how Srijita's early experiences in India, influenced by her mother's bold decision to defy traditional gender roles by introducing her to tennis, shaped her identity and fortified her resolve. Learn about the pivotal injury that ended her sports career but also catalyzed her transition into the entrepreneurial world with h...2024-05-3045 minZaka Presents: My Journey#135 Zaka Presents My Journey Devika BrijDevika Brij, Founder of Brij the Gap Consulting, shares her inspiring career journey in tech, including her impactful roles at Google and LinkedIn, and how these experiences led her to launch her own firm. Brij the Gap Consulting specializes in empowering underrepresented employees and their leaders through career advancement strategies, self-advocacy, and personalized coaching. Devika's expertise has made a significant difference for key clients like Visa, Nike, NerdWallet, Great Place to Work, Meta, Reddit, Saks, and Morgan Stanley.Devika is also the author of the newly released book Thrive in Color: How to Master Self Advocacy and...2024-05-241h 13Zaka Presents: My Journey#134 Zaka Presents My Journey Bala Arjunan MuthiahAs the Head of Engineering at a leading tech company in Silicon Valley, Bala Arjunan Muthiah shares his remarkable journey from leaving India 15 years ago to becoming a prominent leader in the tech ecosystem. His story is one of resilience, navigating the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and turning those experiences into valuable lessons in real leadership. Bala's unwavering commitment to leadership, people development, and entrepreneurship propels him forward. Through active involvement in tech startups and nonprofit organizations as an advisory board member and mentor, he helps shape the trajectory of progress and inspires others to achieve...2024-05-1638 minZaka Presents: My Journey#133 Zaka Presents My Journey Taonaya Fleury GhazarianTaonaya Fleury Ghazarian's story is one of resilience and determination. She shares how her diverse career path, from real estate to being a flight attendant, has given her a unique cultural perspective and prepared her for the tech industry's challenges. Her groundbreaking mental health tech company, PhrenTech, leverages cutting-edge virtual reality technology, making high-quality therapy accessible and engaging for everyone. Our conversation with the PhrenTech CEO covers it all: mental health challenges for immigrants, colorism, sexism, racism, and being a mother.2024-05-091h 06Zaka Presents: My Journey#132 Zaka Presents My Journey Castelline TilusWe bring you the story of Castelline Tilus, a Haitian American visionary who exemplifies the potential of immigrant professionals. Castelline's journey, from her arrival in the United States at age 6 to becoming a leader in sustainable development, serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to make an impact.As the Founder of Akademi and Co-Founder of Ayiti Analytics, Castelline has played a pivotal role in advancing Haiti's tech industry. Her leadership at Ayiti Analytics led to the creation of its flagship data science bootcamp, which partnered with local institutions and placed 90% of graduates in jobs with local...2024-05-0244 minZaka Presents: My Journey#131 Zaka Presents My Journey Mischka CrichtonJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Mischka Crichton, CEO of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, as she shares her journey from Deloitte to leading North America's largest attended event. Discover how her cultural heritage and lessons from her immigrant family inspired her to defy conventional career paths and embrace a life of passion and cultural celebration. Tune in to learn about the Carnival's mission, Mischka's role as CEO, and her invaluable advice for those considering a bold career change. Don't miss this episode filled with motivation and insights into following your dreams!2024-04-2556 minZaka Presents: My Journey#130 Zaka Presents My Journey Jean D PierreJean D. Pierre, the Executive Vice President and Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Community Health of South Florida Inc., educates us on the diverse career paths within social work and the strategic advantages of social work certification. Jean emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the Licensing for Social Worker test incorporates DEI principles to foster culturally competent care. Starting his career as a government analyst focused on children and families, Jean now oversees a $13 million budget at Community Health of South Florida Inc. In his current role, he serves as a crucial liaison with other social service agencies and...2024-04-1844 minZaka Presents: My Journey#129 Zaka Presents My Journey Sandie BonwinkorLiberian-American Sandie Bonwinkor's story embodies resilience and adaptability. Raised by a single mother in the US, Sandie learned the value of hard work and perseverance early on, driving her to achieve success. Her profound understanding of Gen Z dynamics, coupled with her corporate experiences, now fuels her mission to craft compelling brand narratives. This positions her clients as industry leaders and influencers. She excels at creating authentic brand narratives that resonate in today's digital landscape, helping her clients establish themselves as thought leaders in their respective fields. She joins us to speak about her transition from banking to brand...2024-04-1229 minZaka Presents: My Journey#128 Zaka Presents My Journey Christian McKenzieChristian McKenzie shares her inspiring journey from navigating the challenges of growing up in an immigrant household to carving a path in the world of venture capital. Starting as a retail buyer for Macy's, Christian's passion for supporting founders propelled her into venture capital, driven by a strong work ethic instilled by her immigrant background. Faced with obstacles, she showcased resilience through strategic networking and seizing opportunities, leading her to make waves in venture capital and become a champion for diversity in an industry where Black women represent only 1%. Don't miss this compelling conversation with Christian, a true leader...2024-04-0446 minZaka Presents: My Journey#127 Zaka Presents My Journey Jaylah SandovalOn Air Personality, Jaylah Sandoval, followed her passion to work in a field that she loves and can still be able to inspire and motivate others. As a Costa Rican and Salvadorian, she speaks about being a Latina in her industry and the challenges and perseverance it took to break into the entertainment industry. Her experience includes working with MTV and Billboard and UnivisionShe offers insightful perspectives on the importance of diverse representation in the entertainment industry. Additionally, she uses her platform to create Cafe Cultura, a south florida based community organization focused on connecting cultures and...2024-03-2846 minZaka Presents: My Journey#126 Zaka Presents My Journey Neelu KaurBorn in India and raised in the US, Neelu Kaur shares her immigrant story. She moved with her parents at a young age with only $75. As an Executive Leader Coach, Speaker, and Author, she grew up in a traditional Indian culture that valued the collective "we" over the individualistic "I". Advocating for herself and acknowledging her own accomplishments was incredibly uncomfortable. This struggle is shared by many immigrants working in Corporate, and Neelu is on a mission to empower all individuals with the tools to become effective self-advocates both in their professional and personal lives. Her professional challenges led h...2024-03-2133 minZaka Presents: My Journey#125 Zaka Presents My Journey Lester MosesMeet Lester Moses, a Senior Customer Solutions Manager (CSM) supporting the Salesforce.com account at AWS. In his current role, he is responsible for building trust and serving as a key advisor for Salesforce. Leveraging his expertise in program management, technical skills, organizational acumen, and transformational leadership, Lester translates Salesforce's business and strategic goals into executable plans, driving successful implementation. Additionally, Lester is a founding board member of the Caribbean Connections group at Amazon.Before achieving success and earning accolades at Boeing and Amazon, Lester grew up in Guyana and Botswana before settling in the US after...2024-03-141h 07Zaka Presents: My Journey#124 Zaka Presents My Journey Danica S. NelsonDanica S. Nelson, an award-winning marketer with over 10 years of experience, transitioned from her roles at TELUS and Shopify to become a successful content creator, teaching people how to make and manage money. Born to Jamaican parents, Danica shares insights into her journey—from corporate professional to entrepreneur and how she successfully worked remotely in over 10 countries. As a content creator guiding individuals on financial management, she offers insights on steps to financially prepare yourself after a layoff. Despite not growing up wealthy, Danica has always been curious about money management and dedicated to sharing financial education with her co...2024-03-0754 minZaka Presents: My Journey#123 Zaka Presents My Journey Aaron PadinAward-Winning Design Director and former Head of Art and Design at J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, Aaron Padin unveils the untold stories behind his iconic projects, revealing how his unique cultural journey influenced his approach to design and branding. From the pulsating energy of NYC streets to leading global competitions in China, Aaron's narrative is a mesmerizing blend of heritage, innovation, and social impact. His extensive portfolio includes projects with PUMA , Starbucks, Energizer, Smirnoff, General Mills, Jet Blue, Virgin Mobile, and more.2024-02-2957 minZaka Presents: My Journey#122 Zaka Presents My Journey Bryan WoodenBryan Wooden shares his extraordinary life story on the latest episode. From growing up in a Bahamian and Dominican household to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Bryan's cultural background has been a driving force in his life. Learn about the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to DEI leadership and entrepreneurship, and how he overcame challenges in the early stages of his career.Discover the secrets behind Bryan's first startup, Applify, and the remarkable success of selling it for a multimillion-dollar value. Uncover the influence of his immigrant background on his entrepreneurial spirit and the valuable lessons he...2024-02-2259 minZaka Presents: My Journey#121 Zaka Presents My Journey Adriene BuenoAdriene Bueno is a trailblazing Latina excelling in the sports industry. With over a decade of experience, Adriene has left an indelible mark on major brands like the NBA, Adidas, LA Clippers, Electronic Arts. On top of that she is also the Founder of Baller Careers, guiding business professionals in landing sports jobs in a competitive market.In this episode, Adriene highlights her cultural background and upbringing, emphasizing the pivotal role it plays in her daily life. Adriene mastered the art of standing out in interviews and networking, shaping her educational journey for a successful sports career. A...2024-02-1550 minZaka Presents: My Journey#120 Zaka Presents My Journey Shermin Lakha, esqWhat does a Lawpreneur look like? Join us as we sit down with the phenomenal Shermin Lakha, Esq., Founder, and Managing Attorney of LVLUP Legal! In this engaging conversation, Shermin shares her incredible journey, unveiling the story of how she embarked on the path to starting her own law firm at a remarkably young age.Driven by the immigrant narrative of her parents, we uncover the layers of Shermin's story, exploring her unique perspective, commitment to proving herself, and the lasting impact she strives to make. Attorneys come from different socioeconomic classes and backgrounds. Shermin's journey is...2024-02-0838 minZaka Presents: My Journey#119 Zaka Presents My Journey Seneca WilliamsSeneca Williams, LMHC, a resilient soul who transformed job loss into a thriving career. From paralegal to Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Seneca's journey is one of triumph. She dives in her immigrant experience, cultural insights, and pivotal career moments. Learn how she tackles high-functioning anxiety, coaches entrepreneurs, and imparts wisdom through mental health training.Seneca previews her upcoming workshop, "Stressed By Success," guiding immigrant professionals to claim success without guilt. Uncover practical steps to celebrate achievements confidently and navigate emotional conflicts. Seneca shares advice on burnout, career transitions, and balancing 9-5 with entrepreneurship. 2024-02-011h 00Zaka Presents: My Journey#118 Zaka Presents My Journey Zynara NgEmbark on a journey of empowerment with Zynara Ng, a self-growth and TEDx speaker, and public speaking coach. From a once timid young girl, Zynara evolved into a powerhouse in both traditional media at DreamWorks and LucasFilms, and the tech industry at Google and YouTube. Her transformative career, rooted in unlocking individuals' potential and amplifying their voices. In this interview, Zynara shares invaluable insights into self-development, healing, and the profound impact of finding one's voice— a compelling narrative of resilience and inspiration. 2024-01-2647 minZaka Presents: My Journey#117 Zaka Presents My Journey Sophearay A SmithSophearay A Smith is a Senior Program Manager and the CO President Caribbean Connection at Amazon. Born in Trinidad, she embodies the spirit of "Trini to de bone!" From a Public Health degree to Amazon's leadership, Sophearay's journey defies expectations. Discover her resilience, successful programs at Amazon, and insights on navigating corporate America as a Black woman and immigrant. In this impactful episode, she shares advice for aspiring leaders and reflects on defining success. Don't miss this empowering conversation with Sophearay – where nothing is impossible!2024-01-1855 minZaka Presents: My Journey#116 Zaka Presents My Journey Chantel PierreStep into the captivating world of Chantel Pierre, a seasoned and visionary designer whose multicultural roots have shaped a pioneering approach to fashion. Hailing from London with British and Jamaican heritage, Chantel's illustrious career spans a decade, etching her mark across renowned UK and US fashion brands. However, it was her profound realization of the excessive waste plaguing the industry that sparked a transformative mission.Through her ethical fashion studio, TBOU Chantel redefines style, crafting one-of-a-kind pieces from vintage wear, Deadstock fabrics, and leather scrap waste. Each creation is a testament to nostalgia and sustainability, inviting you...2024-01-1132 minZaka Presents: My Journey#115 Zaka Presents My Journey Shahira QudratShahira Qudrat, an extraordinary advocate for multicultural individuals and author of "Authenticity in America: A Memoir of Rebellion and Dual Identities." Shahira shares her remarkable story, navigating the complexity of immigration, feminism, religion, and discrimination.Drawing from her Afghan-American/Muslim-American heritage, Shahira enlightens us on the challenges of adapting from a collectivist upbringing to the individualistic fabric of American culture. Her narrative resonates deeply with the immigrant experience, celebrating the resilience and strength found in embracing one's identity.As a TEDx speaker and Director of HR at the University of Denver, Shahira's accomplishments are awe-inspiring. H...2024-01-0456 minZaka Presents: My Journey#114 Zaka Presents My Journey Celeste LeonCeleste Leon, acclaimed Public Speaking and Confidence Coach, shares her journey from Peru to becoming a source of empowerment for all of us in the US. With her 'Articulate Mind, Confident Speaker' course, she's breaking barriers, empowering non-native English speakers to own their voices confidently. Celeste's passion for her Peruvian heritage fuels her mission to shatter stereotypes and celebrate cultural diversity. Celeste shares her career journey and her partnership with Zaka developing workshops for 1st gen, 2nd gen immigrants. Tune in for invaluable insights, personal anecdotes, and actionable tips to embrace your unique voice and speak with unwavering confidence2023-12-2854 minZaka Presents: My Journey#113 Zaka Presents My Journey Sharnell P DelmohammedSharnell P Delmohammed, the VP of DEI at JP Morgan Chase, shares her remarkable journey rooted in Jamaican heritage and fueled by an unyielding belief in limitless possibilities. Discover how her cultural resilience has propelled her through challenges, guiding her to excel professionally and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. Gain valuable insights into her educational path, career growth within JP Morgan Chase, and her passionate commitment to empowering students. Sharnell's dedication to bridging gaps and fostering cross-sector collaboration is a testament to her vision of creating equitable opportunities for all. 2023-12-2148 minZaka Presents: My Journey#112 Zaka Presents My Journey Christina AshfordChristina Ashford is a proud Haitian-American with an unwavering commitment to education and community impact.From her roots in New York, surrounded by educators who instilled the value of education, to her current roles as Assistant Director for Grants Accounting & Finance at Kennesaw State University and Founder of Impactlytics, Christina embodies the immigrant superpower of resilience and determination. Her passion for math and serving others drives her mission to effect change within education and local communities.Her strategic acumen aligns funding and resources to magnify organizations' impacts. With a track record that spans directing multi-million-dollar grants at...2023-12-071h 18Zaka Presents: My Journey#111 Zaka Presents My Journey Cuauhtzin GutierrezUpon meeting Cuauhtzin, his humility and kind spirit become immediately evident. Cuauhtzin Gutierrez stands as a visionary leader, impassioned in advocating for increased Latino and Indigenous representation in media. His mantra of "Be good to others and be good to yourself" resonates throughout his impactful career, emphasizing the essence of kindness and respect in every interaction.As a seasoned professional, Cuauhtzin’s leadership shines brightly from his tenure overseeing Hulu and YouTube channels for FX and FXX originals. He spearheaded the digital distribution efforts for an impressive 19 original series and managed The Simpsons library, showcasing his expertise in...2023-11-1648 minZaka Presents: My Journey#110 Zaka Presents My Journey Shaina PoulardIn this current episode, Shai Poulard, a staunch advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging shares invaluable insights on the critical role of prioritizing DEIB initiatives to retain a diverse workforce within companies. With a diverse background spanning banking, biotechnology, and entertainment, Shai highlights how these experiences influenced her career approach. She sheds light on her educational journey, detailing how her pivot into people engagement post-MBA perfectly aligned with her passion for inclusion and belonging.As the current Head of Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Nerdwallet, Shai clarifies on the overall responsibilities of the DEIB division i...2023-11-1059 minZaka Presents: My Journey#109 Zaka Presents My Journey Dujon C. SmithDujon Smith, is a visionary leader, global change-maker, and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to empowering marginalized communities. In this thought-provoking episode, Dujon shares his phenomenal life story and explores the creed that defines his resiliency: 'Let's Build Bridges, Not Barriers.'Dujon's path wasn't always smooth. He faced a tough childhood, including periods of adoption while his mother dealt with mental health issues. But these challenges only strengthened his resolve and molded his indomitable spirit. Today, he stands as the Global Co-Lead for Accenture's Black Founder's Development Program, where he's instrumental in amplifying wealth creation in...2023-11-0250 minZaka Presents: My Journey#108 Zaka Presents My Journey Jean Paul LaurentFrom a turbulent youth in Haiti to becoming an award-winning social entrepreneur, global oral health expert, TEDx Lead Organizer, and Inventor. Jean Paul's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.What ignited that transformation? He was inspired by the unwavering smiles of children amidst Haiti's earthquake, and that moment sparked a passion to make a difference. Jean Paul founded Unspoken Smiles, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the oral health and economic security of disadvantaged communities, impacting over 10,000 children in 10 countries across 4 continents.Join us as Jean Paul shares how he turned...2023-10-261h 07Zaka Presents: My Journey#107 Zaka Presents My Journey Kathryn MeksavanhKathryn Meksavanh, a remarkable first-generation Laotian American shares her family's incredible journey to the United States. Her parents' escape from communist Laos, swimming across the Mekong River and finding refuge in Thailand before finally being sponsored to the U.S., serves as a powerful backdrop to her story.Kathryn beautifully articulates the difference in the American dream as perceived by her parents and herself. While her parents made enormous sacrifices for a better life, Kathryn knows her worth and refuses to settle for anything less. She's a shining example of determination and ambition.As an...2023-10-1942 minZaka Presents: My Journey#106 Zaka Presents My Journey Mich-love PierreMichlove Pierre is a true embodiment of resilience and success. Hailing from Haiti and arriving in the United States in her late twenties, Michlove's path was initially that of a dedicated nurse. However, her unwavering determination and passion for empowering women through hair care led her to create a thriving hair and skincare business that now generates seven figures.Michlove shares her inspiring story, from working as a nurse to building her business from her kitchen while balancing the roles of a mother and wife. She emphasizes the profound importance of hair for Black women and how the...2023-10-0533 minZaka Presents: My Journey#105 Zaka Presents My Journey Dominique Chevon DoyleDominique "SoChevon" Doyle is an inspiring immigrant entrepreneur who defied traditional norms and carved her own path to success. Born to Trinidadian parents, Dominique's initial career in healthcare seemed like the expected route. However, fate had other plans.Discover how Dominique's life took a dramatic turn when she faced a layoff during the government shutdown 8 years ago. This unexpected twist became the catalyst for her to dive headfirst into her true passion: makeup artistry. In a world where Caribbean children are often encouraged to pursue safer careers in health, law, or finance, Dominique's choice to follow her...2023-10-0554 minZaka Presents: My Journey#104 Zaka Presents My Journey Melissa CartagenaAutoNation’s Head of Advertising, Melissa Cartagena shares her remarkable journey, embracing her Puerto Rican heritage and developing resilience growing up in Brooklyn as a Latina. Melissa speaks about finding her voice as a woman in the corporate world and making a significant impact in the digital advertising and marketing realm.With over two decades of experience, Melissa has managed 8-figure ad budgets and excelled in Paid Search, Content Marketing, Display Advertising, SEO, Paid Social Media, email, and Reputation Management. Her passion for the digital media industry is unwavering, and she's known for her transformational leadership style.2023-09-2956 min