11 Apr 2026
Navigating Identity as Women of Color
EP.33 In this episode, I’m joined by Urmi Hossain, a self-published author, speaker, podcast host, and finance professional based in Canada, for a candid and reflective conversation on navigating identity as women of color.
Together, we explore our cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, the messages we received growing up, and how our identities have evolved over time. We also reflect on unlearning harmful messages tied to beauty standards and colorism, how language shapes identity, and what it means to move through different environments while holding all parts of who we are.
An honest and empowering dialogue on identity, growth, and showing up authentically.
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Guest information:
Urmi Hossain is a self-published author, speaker, podcast host, and finance professional based in Canada. She holds the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) designations and works in the financial services industry, while using her platform to advocate for women’s empowerment, identity, and self-leadership.
Her first book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle, reflects her journey as a third-culture woman navigating questions of belonging, culture, and self-worth. Through her writing, Urmi encourages honest conversations around identity, representation, and choosing yourself in a world that often asks women to shrink or conform.
Urmi is the host of Stories Beyond Borders, a podcast that amplifies diverse voices and stories on identity, migration, language, and what “home” truly means. Her work centers on helping individuals—especially women—embrace their lived experiences as strengths rather than limitations.
Passionate about leadership development and community building, Urmi serves as the Co-Chair of Women in Leadership’s Montreal Chapter. She is also a dedicated public speaker and has been an active Toastmasters member since 2019, having served as both Vice President of Education and Club President.
Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Urmi enjoys reading thrillers and mystery novels, practicing boxing, running, and staying active through HIIT workouts.
Connect with Urmi Hossain
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmihossain/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmihossain/)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain (https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urmamio/ (https://www.instagram.com/urmamio/)
Women in Leadership (Montreal): https://www.womeninleadership.ca/montreal (https://www.womeninleadership.ca/montreal)
Stories Beyond Borders Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesbeyondborderspodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/storiesbeyondborderspodcast/)
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-beyond-borders/id1831413373 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-beyond-borders/id1831413373)
Urmi’s Book
Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle – Available on Amazon (https://www.amazon.ca/Discovering-Your-Identity-Interracial-Struggle/dp/B0B6XJ6Y3Q)
