Accentuate! Podcast
Conversations with immigrants and refugees from around the globe.
Building Systems, Changing Lives: A Conversation with Dr. Olusimbo Ige
Dr. Olusimbo "Simbo" Ige reflects on her journey from Nigeria to leading public health initiatives that have improved the lives of millions across the globe. This inspiring conversation explores leadership, resilience, belonging, and the power of building systems that create lasting change.
Beyond the Echo Chamber: A Conversation with Hira Aftab
In this conversation, Hira Aftab — founder of Our World Too and a self-described third culture kid — reflects on navigating bias, challenging echo chambers, and finding her voice in spaces that did not always make room for it.
Staying Anchored While Crossing Cultures: A Conversation with Dr. Armine Arustamyan
In this episode of the Accentuate! Podcast, Rhonda Gardner sits down with Dr. Armine Arustamyan to explore what it really means to navigate life across cultures without losing yourself in the process. From her early years in Armenia to building a meaningful career in the U.S., Armine reflects on migration not as a single moment of arrival, but as an ongoing journey of adaptation, discernment, and values-driven decision-making.
When Curiosity Becomes Belonging: A Conversation with Cassandra Patrovani
In this reflective episode Cassandra Patrovani shares a perspective on belonging that feels especially relevant in today’s workplace—despite being shaped long before it became part of the mainstream conversation.
The Power of Preparation & Identity: A Conversation with Nicole Blanc
Nicole Blanc has over 25 years of experience in HR and Recruitment; has worked in well-known multinational organizations, is a Senior Recruiter at Optum and is a wife and mom. She migrated about 5 years ago from my home country Trinidad and Tobago. She was also the last supervisor I had before I migrated to the US. In this episode, Nicole shares her experiences and insights as both an immigrant and a recruiter. Super excited to share this conversation with you because I think there is something in it for everyone.
Turning Adversity into Impact: - A Conversation with Hourie Tafech, PhD.
Growing up in a refugee camp, daily, she was reminded she was a refugee. Going to and from the camp she had to show her ID. Her family didn’t have to live in the camp, but like many other refugee families, they couldn’t afford to live outside the camp. Within the camp it was very insecure - physical and armed clashes, Lebanese vs refugees and Palestinians vs Palestinians. It was a harsh reality for a young girl and for the many refugee children who lived in that environment. However, Hourie reasoned that if she did her part, by pursuing her education as far as she could, if things didn’t work out, it wouldn’t be for lack of trying. It wouldn’t be her fault.
Working for the Life You Want - A Conversation with Katarina Spackova
Katarina has had many successes in America, we know that being an immigrant is challenging. Katarina, like many of you reading this, has shed many tears during the uncertainty, struggling through times of lack or loneliness or the pain of just not understanding the US education, immigration or housing system or just getting lost on the subway system. On multiple occasions she had to ask for help and Katarina says people were always willing to help. But you have to ask, she admonishes. As immigrants, sometimes we are too proud or ashamed to ask for help. But it is impossible to succeed in a foreign country without support
Resilience Through Community - A Conversation with Samuel Agyeman
Moving from the tropical climate of Ghana to the frigid temperatures of Michigan was a culture shock for Samuel. He not only had to get acclimatized to the weather, but also to the individualistic culture of the US. There is a strong communal culture in Ghana; everyone is your brother or sister. Samuel came from a very tight-knit family. Growing up, there were no distinctions like stepbrothers/sisters or even cousins. Therefore, the first two years in Michigan were very difficult for him, especially during the Christmas season when he found himself surrounded by snow and not by family.
