Interviews

Kirth Bobb: Guyanese-American Photographer

July 14, 2017

kirth bobb guyanese american

The Caribbean is home to many countries including The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago. But there’s one that’s unique in its geographical position: Guyana – the birthplace of Kirth Bobb. Read more

Olutosin Araromi: Nigerian-American Model + Beauty Queen + Mental Health Professional

July 3, 2017

Olutosin Araromi nigerian american

“I believe that in life, you have to explore all opportunities.” Olutosin Itohan Araromi, also known as Ola, is living out this thought exactly. As a former reigning Miss Nigeria USA, her love for pageantry has permeated just about every aspect of her life. Read more

Jessica Chou: Taiwanese-American Photographer

June 28, 2017

jessica chou taiwanese american

Constance Wu, Gwen Stefani, Beyoncé, Steve Aoki, Yves Saint Laurent, Airbnb, UNESCO, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Buzzfeed, ESPN – these are just some of the clients that Jessica Chou has worked with. With a stroke of luck Jessica delved right into the world of... Read more

Kunbi Tinuoye: British-Nigerian CEO, UrbanGeekz

June 20, 2017

Kunbi Tinuoye

Born and raised in London, Kunbi Tinuoye was surrounded by diversity and a strong sense of self and her Nigerian culture. She’s now on U.S. soil using her journalism background to her advantage as she builds a global digital empire with an earnest mission. Read more

Bärí A. Williams: Black-American Tech Esq.

June 13, 2017

bari williams black american

For months, I’ve gotten a chance to follow the greatness of Bärí A. Williams, Esq. – a leading Black woman in Silicon Valley who is causing a diversity shift in aspects of tech that many don’t even consider. At Facebook, she developed and implemented their Supplier Diversity Program... Read more

SWEEDiSH: Swedish-American Musician

June 6, 2017

sweedish american

Goosebumps is what I got when I first heard SWEEDiSH’s cover of “Issues.” Straight away, I wanted to know: what has this girl gone through? American-born, Swedish-raised, Jennifer Newberry is the daughter of an American father and Swedish mother – both White, but from two different cultures. Read more

Rafael Paiva: Brazilian-born, L.A.-based Photographer

May 30, 2017

Rafael Paiva Brazilian

Fortaleza – the capital of Ceará, located in Northeastern Brazil, and the hometown of Rafael Paiva. As one of the biggest cities in Brazil, Fortaleza boasts beautiful beaches and a sprawling nightlife that attracts both tourists from Brazil and overseas. Read more

Naomi Wachira: Kenyan-American Singer + Songwriter

May 23, 2017

naomi wachira kenyan american

Naomi Wachira was born and raised in Kijabe Mission Station. At the time, the small town was anchored by a bible college, a hospital and a printing press, which were owned by the African Inland Church. Naomi’s parents would cross paths at the college, later marry and settle down... Read more

Victor Chen: Chinese-American Martial Artist + Actor

May 16, 2017

victor chen chinese american

Myanmar – the birthplace of Victor’s parents. China – their paternal and maternal ancestry. In search of a better life, the Chen’s moved to California about 35 years ago. They left behind memories of a world so different, yet continued to uphold their birthright of Chinese traditions... Read more

Nathaniel Kweku: Ghanaian-American Actor + Filmmaker

May 9, 2017

nathaniel kweku ghanaian american

Ghana – the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence from European colonization – and the ancestral home of Nathaniel Kweku. His mother was born in Cape Coast, and father in Accra, the capital of Ghana. Strangers prior to leaving the country in their early-mid 20s... Read more

Jessie Prez: Puerto Rican • Assyrian Actor + Comedian

May 2, 2017

jessie prez puerto rican assyrian

Yes. Assyrian. Not Syrian. Assyria was an empire of ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq, Kuwait, southeast Turkey, southwest Iran and northeast Syria), which existed as early as 25th century B.C. And at its height, Assyria was the hub for technological, scientific and cultural achievements. Read more

Noramay Cadena: Mexican-American Engineer + Entrepreneur

April 25, 2017

noramay cadena mexican american

Noramay’s childhood is flushed with memories of a humble beginning. “I remember our neighbor taking her garden hose and putting it through our bathroom window so that we’d have water to brush our teeth and flush the toilet...It wasn’t weird or embarrassing. It was just life.” Read more

Derek Portea: Filipino-American Singer+Producer+RN

April 18, 2017

derek portea filipino american

From a very early age, Derek’s diverse upbringing in Los Angeles afforded him comfort in accepting his dual cultures as a Filipino and American. Born in Koreatown and raised in West Covina, it would be his personal struggles with English, traditionally conservative parents... Read more

Edidiong Emah: Nigerian-American Performer

April 11, 2017

edidiong emah nigerian american

Most of us never think about the people behind the scenes that put in work to bring artists’ vision to reality: producers, audio engineers, vocalists, glam squad...the list goes on and on. But in front for the world to see, are the fearless performers that transform songs to reality... Read more

Moses Bhatti: Pakistani-American Model + Entrepreneur

April 4, 2017

moses bhatti pakistani american

“My goals and endeavors are limitless…surpass your potential.” This is Moses Bhatti's motto. A Pakistani-American who has been called everything from Puerto Rican to Guyanese, Indian, Black-Italian and a mix of Native American. Although these assumptions have existed most of his life... Read more

Noam Manor: Israeli-American Comedian + Improviser

March 28, 2017

Noam Manor Israeli American

Noam is not only a comedian, improviser that dishes her latest sets on stage, but she’s also an immigrant who is proud of her Israeli, Persian and Eastern European roots. She credits her heritage and personal struggles for equipping her with the tools to tell jokes. Read more

Anthony Oshinuga: Nigerian-American Air Race Pilot (Part 2)

March 24, 2017

anthony oshinuga nigerian american

Earlier this week, we got a look into Anthony's upbringing and hustle: simultaneously working full-time, launching AirOshi, and taking flying lessons. PART 2 goes deeper into his world of aerobatics. But before we jump in, you have to understand a few things...Read more

 

Anthony Oshinuga: Nigerian-American Air Race Pilot (Part 1)

March 20, 2017

anthony oshinuga nigerian american

As the first African-American Air Race Pilot, Anthony's journey is full of moments where it’s honestly hard to believe that he even sleeps. For PART 1 of my interview with Anthony, you will see how his ambition and upbringing has played a vital role towards his success. Read more

Anjali Shah: Indian-American Food Blogger

March 14, 2017

Anjali Shah Indian American

When I think of Anjali, I’m impressed with her passion and love for sharing personal recipes with the world. She incorporates her appreciation of diversity through food and has shared around 300 recipes on her blog to date...but how did she get to this point in life? Read more

Christine Hà: Vietnamese-American Winner of MasterChef

March 7, 2017

Christine Ha vietnamese american

The word “inspiring” can’t even begin to describe Christine Hà. Born seeing all colors of the rainbow, life threw her a curveball when she was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica, which caused her vision loss at the age of 28. Read more

Marco Guzman Jr.: Mexican-American Entrepreneur

February 28, 2017

marco guzman mexican american

“Don’t tell us the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” This motto embodies Chosen WAN Apparel, and fuels its Creator, Marco Guzman Jr. – a cool visionary who is breaking down the stereotypical views of what it means to be a nerd. Read more

Amani May: Afro-Latina/Garifuna Social Worker

February 21, 2017

amani may afro latina garifuna

Amani's a millennial, educated, charismatic, and has a story to tell. As a Garifuna, her journey towards cultural redemption and defying colorism has gotten her to a necessary place of self-acceptance. Read more

 

Abeer Hoque: Nigerian • Bangladeshi-American Author

February 14, 2017

abeer hoque nigerian bangladeshi american

I learned so much about Abeer's struggles during our candid interview, but reading her memoir "Olive Witch" afterwards, took my emotions to another level. Single handedly, Abeer is able to prove that cultural identity is not one dimensional, and that only you possess the power to dictate who or what you become. Read more

 

Awkwafina: Chinese • Korean-American Rapper-Actress

February 7, 2017

awkwafina-chinese-korean-american

The journey to reclaiming cultural identity is not immune to celebrities. It’s a part of everyday life that takes no prisoners. Queue in Chinese-Korean-American Nora Lum – also known by her stage name, Awkwafina. A born and bred New Yorker, tell-it-like-it-is chick with a witty persona that is breaking down barriers in the rap game and Hollywood. Read more