ism the podcast is here to amplify immigrant voices and tell the stories that deserve to be heard but have been overlooked; because just like the title states... immigrant stories matter! Host Sarah deSouza, a first generation Brazilian-American, sits down with immigrants from all over the world to discuss their triumphs, hardships, and everything in-between that came with moving to a foreign country. You'll laugh, you'll cry, but most importantly you'll LEARN. Our goal is to end the negative stigmas around immigrants and ignite real change, one story at a time.
Vasil Nikolla moved to the United States from Albania at just 12 years old with his family. Knowing only a couple words of English, Vasil started school and quickly had to adapt to his new environment. Vasil's story shows the importance of having a good support system and being in a school that supports immigrants and ESL (English as a Second Language) kids. Thanks to the help of his teachers, great friends, his family, and the will to dream big and work hard, Vasil is now chasing his dreams ...
5 Oct 2021
the story of the makeup guru
Xhenisa Gjonaj migrated to the United States over 22 years ago with her mother and sister from Germany. Her mother and father moved to Greece from Albania with Xhenisa when she was young and then lived in Germany for a couple years where her sister was born. Xhenisa grew up with a single mother who worked extremely hard to give her and her sister the best life she possibly could. Xhenisa, as the older sibling, learned a lot from her mother and started to work very young while going to school ...
22 Aug 2021
the story of the fashion designer
Carolina Espaillat is making her name known as a fashion designer in Boston and beyond. But her love for fashion didn't start in the states, it started back home, in Santiago, Dominican Republic. From a young age Carolina remembers taking leftover fabric from her grandmother and using it to make little garments for her Barbie dolls. At 19 years old, her family decided to give her and her siblings more opportunity and a brighter future, which is how she ended up in Massachusetts. She worked ha...
16 Aug 2021
the story of the boss stager
Larissa Santana thought she was only coming to the US for a vacation, but when she landed in Boston, she realized this is where she belonged. It was hard leaving her family in Brazil behind along with everything she knew and loved, but she saw an opportunity to make her life better as well as her families so she went for it. At first she struggled, working two jobs and sometimes working 12 hour days. Not to mention she didn't know a word of English when she got here. But she didn't give up, a...
2 Aug 2021
the story of the queen of new york
When Andreia Gibau first landed at Boston Logan Airport at just seven years old, she came across a pamphlet with a picture on the cover of a city with tall buildings and bright lights. It was so different than anything she had ever seen on her tiny home island in Cape Verde; it was New York City. And little did she know, that city was going to change her life. Andreia is now a speaker, philanthropist, and the reigning Miss New York USA. She is an inspiration to all immigrants, showing that an...
26 Jul 2021
the story of the italian mom
Michelle Borriello grew up spoiled by the picture perfect coast line and warm sunshine of Naples, Italy. But at just eleven years old, she had to say good bye to the city and people she loved and say hello to Boston, Massachusetts; and unfortunately, it was not a warm welcome. She came to realize that the land of opportunity would not provide the American Dream without hard work and perseverance. But throughout all of her hardships, Michelle was able to create a life with children that she lo...
6 Jul 2021
the story of nonna teresa
What an honor to interview Nonna Teresa, my boyfriend Nico’s grandmother, for ism. Nonna was born and raised in Italy, where she faced many hardships; from her mother and father both passing when she was young, working as a house maid for her foster family, and living in very poor conditions during the war. Her story is one of many tragedies, but through love, hard work, and courage she was able to bring her family to the land of possibilities. She now tells her story with pride, knowing that...
29 Jun 2021
the story of miss mass usa
And the winner of Miss Massachusetts 2020 is... Sabrina Victor! It was such an honor to sit down with this retired beauty queen, actress, model, activist, singer, speaker, and the list goes on! Sabrina is a first generation Haitian-American and PROUD. In this interview she talks about how her Haitian roots shaped her into the person she is today, but not without encountering some struggles along the way. She is an inspiration to so many people, showing us that embracing who you truly are is t...
22 Jun 2021
the story of the brazilian beauty queen
Luara dos Santos moved to the United States at 12 years old, excited for the glitz and glamour that she saw in the American movies growing up. But when she arrived in snowy Boston, Massachusetts, she quickly realized that the American Dream was going to take a lot of work. Listen to her story of resilience and empowerment to learn how this little girl who couldn’t even say “water”, ended up speaking in front of hundreds of people and placing second at her first pageant ever at Miss Massachuse...
8 Jun 2021
the story of the rising artist
Masha Keryan is incredible artist based in Boston, Massachusetts. Masha moved to the United States at a young age but continues to embrace her Armenian heritage and lets it shine through everything she does. Her beautiful art is just a part of what she does, but her true beauty lies in her story. It is such an honor to have her on this weeks episode. Find her on instagram @mashakeryan to see her all of her incredible work.
31 May 2021
the story of the resilient russian
In this episode, we talk to Masha Petrova, better known as Masha Challenge, and talk about her struggles and successes as an immigrant in the United States. From moving from Russia as a young 21-year old with only $400 in her pocket, to now being a successful workout trainer in Boston, we see her risks turn into rewards. Listen to be inspired! You can find Masha on instagram @mashachallenge.
24 May 2021
the story of the super mom
In today's interview, we sit down with Emmanuelle Paiva, and discuss her life as young Brazilian immigrant in the United States. Despite all of her struggles, she manages to juggle multiple jobs in the bio-tech field, go to school for her masters, teach classes, and take care of her four kids. To say that she is a super mom is an understatement. This woman can do it all.
13 May 2021
the story of the boss blogger
In todays interview, we talk to Ariadne Carvalhais, aka Ari, about what it was like moving from the colorful, sunny streets of Brazil to snowy Massachusetts, USA. She describes her struggles navigating a new world as a young pre-teen, like getting a hot dog thrown at her face, and how she was able to turn her hardships into opportunities for growth. Today she is a successful fashion blogger and can't imagine life any other way. Follow Ari on instagram at @___fashionably_late
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