Roots, Routes & Voices That Shape America

About Roots, Routes & Voices That Shape America

Born from lived experience and deep curiosity, Roots, Routes & Voices explores what it means to leave, to arrive, to adapt, and to thrive. From boardrooms to grocery store aisles, from mother tongues to second homes, the podcast delves into the layers of identity, integration, and belonging. It’s about the beauty and bravery of becoming, the messiness of culture, and the stories of people not just surviving immigration — but reshaping America through it.

Publisher

Heartcast Media

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Jun 2025

Latest episode

9 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Aug 2026

   Immigrant Identity and Belonging with Henry Hane

   He was told college was a waste of time. He answered in six languages. Some immigration stories start with a plane ticket. Henry Hane's starts in a Senegalese town built by strangers from everywhere, a rice growing project where his family's household doubled as the school of faith for the whole community, and where a boy learned early that knowledge opens doors that money and connections keep shut. Immigration stories in America often get flattened into a single arrival scene. This conversation restores the whole route: the colonial classroom where speaking your own language earned a sign of shame, the university that left a top student off the admissions list, the contest where he outcompeted 500 candidates for a spot nobody could take away, and the immigrant identity and belonging he built in Cincinnati without abandoning any part of himself. Henry Hane is the Executive Director of the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, one of the region's most established and visible Muslim institutions, and a leading voice in Cincinnati's African diaspora community. He speaks Fula, French, Wolof, and English, reads Arabic and Spanish, and has moved through corporate work, Islamic school leadership, and graduate research at IUPUI. He also serves the Fulbe community internationally through Tabitha Pulaku Americas and as Secretary General of the Nanka movement's United States chapter. Key Takeaways Mastery comes before advancement: in Henry's childhood education, students mastered the full text of the Quran before any other subject was opened to them. Colonial schooling punished children for speaking their own languages, and reclaiming those languages became a lifelong act of identity. Merit alone was not enough at home, so Henry made his path to America undeniable by taking first place against 500 competitors. Faith without action is incomplete, which is why the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati pairs worship with social services designed to move people toward independence, not dependence. Young immigrants do not have to choose between identities, they can mix them into one they can live by. Henry said, "Because if you don't know who you are, you cannot really achieve anything until you know who you are." Henry said, "But faith without action is not complete." Timestamps 0:00 Welcome and series intro 1:43 Living more than one identity at the same time 4:17 Growing up in a town built by many cultures 9:10 Inside the madrasa, mastery before advancement 13:16 Six languages and the colonial classroom 18:20 Choosing English literature and a professor's challenge 24:56 How America got on the radar 30:04 Milwaukee to Indianapolis 36:14 Two full time roles and STEM outreach 39:16 Leading the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati 49:28 Reclaiming the name Fulbe 56:42 Advice for young immigrants navigating identity 1:04:40 Closing gratitude Connect with Henry Hane Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henryamehane/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henry.pullo

2. 

   9 Aug 2026

   From Cape Town to Cincinnati with Janice Liebenberg

   A one-way ticket, a scholarship, and a life built around moving resources toward people who need them most. What does it mean to leave behind everything familiar and build something entirely new, not just for yourself, but for a whole community? That is the question at the heart of this episode of Roots, Routes and Voices That Shape America, and Janice Liebenberg answers it with a story that is equal parts grit, grace, and purpose. For anyone who has ever wondered how immigration stories America tells itself stack up against the ones lived quietly in our own neighborhoods, this conversation is essential listening. Janice is one of Cincinnati's most consequential voices in the world of equity and community development, and her journey from apartheid-era Cape Town to Over-the-Rhine is a reminder that the African diaspora podcast conversation is never just about where someone comes from. It is about what they choose to build when they arrive.Janice Liebenberg is Senior Vice President of Development at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. Before that, she spent a decade as Vice President of Equitable Arts Advancement at ArtsWave, stewarding more than twelve million dollars annually and building the region's most significant grants program for Black and Brown arts organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northern Kentucky University and lives in Over-the-Rhine with her husband Andy Holzhauser and their three children. Key Takeaways Growing up multiracial during apartheid in Cape Town, Janice moved through childhood feeling mostly normal until a family camping trip ended with her entire family being asked to leave a beach marked for whites only, a moment that cracked something open in her and never fully closed. She saved her own money and bought a one-way ticket to the United States as an au pair, drawn not by a dream of America but by the practical hope of earning enough to eventually pay for college back home. A scholarship from Northern Kentucky University changed the trajectory entirely, and Janice earned her degree in psychology, a discipline she says she has used every single day of her fundraising career. At ArtsWave for ten years, she helped channel more than twelve million dollars a year toward the arts community and championed the region's first grants for independent artists. She now serves as SVP of Development at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, an organization on a mission to end generational poverty through workforce development, credit building, financial education, and economic empowerment. Janice said, "I'm a risk taker and I love change." Janice said, "To tie it all together, I feel like my growing up in South Africa destined me in a way to do this work, and I'm exactly where I need to be at this very moment in time." Timestamps 0:12 Welcome and introduction from Clara and Bryan 5:10 Growing up multiracial under apartheid in Cape Town 7:33 The beach that changed everything, asked to leave for whites only 8:45 Khoisan, Dutch, and Malaysian heritage and the Cape Colored identity 20:46 Deciding to leave South Africa and come to America as an au pair 22:53 First call from Cincinnati, WKRP, and landing in the Queen City 30:21 UC Blue Ash, the NKU scholarship, and a psychology degree that became a fundraising superpower 34:34 First corporate job at E.W. Scripps and the National Spelling Bee 45:09 A decade building equity and arts funding at ArtsWave 52:43 Launching the first ever grants for independent artists in the region 58:27 Joining the Urban League in 2024 and the mission to end generational poverty 1:09:18 Choosing to live in Over-the-Rhine deliberately and raising three kids there 1:11:49 Closing reflections on purpose, legacy, and being exactly where she...

3. 

   9 Aug 2026

   From Refugee Camp to Hamilton County Honor with Mamta Bajgain

   What does it cost a family to arrive, and what does it take to stay and give back? There are stories that stop you mid-sentence, stories where you realize you have been holding your breath without knowing it. Mamta Bajgain's story is one of those. She was born in a refugee camp in Nepal and arrived in Cincinnati at age nine, placed in a quiet neighborhood in Colerain Township. This episode of Roots, Routes and Voices That Shape America sits at the heart of what immigration stories America gets wrong most often, the idea that arrival is the ending. For Mamta, and for so many Bhutanese Nepali refugee Cincinnati families, arrival was just the beginning of a much longer, much harder, and ultimately much more extraordinary chapter. Mamta Bajgain is a Program Coordinator with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, leading outreach specifically within Bhutanese Nepali communities across Ohio. She chairs the Cincinnati Nepali Language and Arts Center, sits on the board of the Asian Community Alliance, and was named a 2025 Ellis Island Honors Society Beacon Award honoree. Key Takeaways Mamta was born in a refugee camp in Nepal after her Bhutanese Nepali family was displaced from Bhutan, and she resettled in Cincinnati at age nine. Through her school years she hid her refugee story out of shame, until a college event featuring an author's book about refugee students helped her see her own journey as a source of strength rather than something to conceal. After noticing rising suicide rates among older men in the Bhutanese Nepali community, Mamta built listening sessions that brought community members together to name the problem directly. She helped grow the Cincinnati Nepali Language and Arts Center into a wraparound support hub that now assists families with green card applications, citizenship paperwork, and public benefits navigation. Hamilton County proclaimed a Mamta Bajgain Day in recognition of her sustained community leadership. Mamta said, "I was born in a refugee camp. I was a refugee, but that does not define me. I am so much more than that." Mamta said, "We come from a lot of hardships. We come from nothing. But that doesn't define us. We're here to work hard and give back in the best way we can." Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and welcome from Clara and Bryan 3:51 Born in a refugee camp in Nepal 13:53 The history of Bhutanese Nepali displacement 17:28 Learning the family would resettle 20:05 Arriving in Cincinnati and the quiet of Colerain Township 22:04 The corn dog mix up on the first day of school 26:13 The book event that gave her permission to claim her story as strength 33:15 Noticing rising suicide rates among older Bhutanese Nepali men 40:10 Building listening sessions and asking the uncomfortable questions 46:37 Growing the Cincinnati Nepali Language and Arts Center 59:12 What she wants young people to understand about mental health 1:07:06 What Cincinnati should know about the cost of arriving and the work of staying Connect with Mamta Bajgain LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mamta-bajgain

4. 

   15 Jul 2026

   Building a City From the Inside Out with Felicity Tao

   She came as a student. She stayed to change everything. There is a kind of quiet power that builds over decades, not in headlines or press releases, but in community rooms, volunteer hours, and the courage to stand up when your people are afraid. Felicity Tao knows that power intimately. When anti-Asian hate swept the country in 2021 and six Asian women were killed in Atlanta, she did not wait for someone else to act. She organized a rally in Cincinnati, and what she saw broke her heart open: a long line of AAPI community members who had held their fear and frustration inside for years, desperate for a platform to finally be heard. This episode matters because it is about what it truly means to belong somewhere, and what it costs to build that belonging for others. Felicity's story connects to anyone who has ever felt invisible in a place they call home, or wondered whether their voice counts in the city where they live and work and raise their children. Felicity Tao grew up in Wuxi, China, an hour from Shanghai, in a household where family dinners were sacred, neighbors were extended family, and her mother was the trusted go-to person for the entire community. She studied journalism in Beijing, came to the US in 1999 on a full scholarship to study at the University of Illinois, and eventually followed her husband to Cincinnati, planning to stay temporarily. She never left. Over more than 20 years, she built a career in marketing communications, rose to senior leadership at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, co-founded the Cincinnati Moon Festival, led the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association, launched a youth program that published a community cookbook called Our Family Kitchen, organized Cincinnati's response to the rise in anti-Asian hate, and was honored when Hamilton County proclaimed May 27th Felicity Tao Day. Now she has co-founded daoflo, an AI-powered marketing communications agency rooted in the Daoist philosophy of balance, harmony, and doing things the right way. Key Takeaways Belonging is built slowly, through decades of showing up. Felicity did not feel truly home in Cincinnati until 2006, when she bought a house and had her second son. Immigration is a long process of becoming. Visibility is not vanity. When Jason Dunn approached Felicity about the Moon Festival, he named something real: the Asian community was present but invisible in Cincinnati's public squares. Claiming space is an act of community health. You cannot wait for community to be built for you. Felicity's message to younger AAPI generations is direct: volunteer, participate, and have faith that the work compounds over time. ERGs work best when they are open to everyone. At Cincinnati Bell, every employee resource group welcomed all employees, creating genuine cross-cultural learning rather than siloed identity spaces. Home is where your loved ones are. Felicity defines family broadly and intentionally, and says Cincinnati became home because she found people here she would call family in the deepest Chinese sense of the word. Powerful Quotes "I think they stop thinking of it as staying. At some point, the city becomes theirs. They've put so much of themselves into it that leaving would mean leaving part of themselves behind." — Bryan Wright, Co-Host "We should have a voice in the community, not just working to support the community behind the scene quietly, as many, many Asians are." — Felicity Tao "You can't sit there and wait for this community to be built for you. You have to voluntarily participate in this process." — Felicity Tao "Home is where my loved ones are. Family are people you want in your life and the people who want you in their lives." — Felicity Tao Episode Timestamps 00:00...

5. 

   15 Jul 2026

   Navigating Two Worlds | Immigration, Justice, and Identity with Mayra Casas Jackson

   Some conversations stay with you long after they end, and this is one of them. In this episode, we sit down with Mayra Casas Jackson to talk about what it really means to build a life across borders — and what it takes to navigate a system that can shape a family’s future in an instant. Mayra brings both professional insight and lived experience to the conversation, sharing a perspective that is deeply grounded, compassionate, and clear-eyed. If you’ve ever wondered how immigration law touches everyday life, or what resilience looks like inside and outside the courtroom, this episode will give you a lot to think about. From Cusco to Cincinnati and from legal aid to leading the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, Mayra’s journey is a powerful reminder that immigration is never just a policy issue — it’s about people, families, and the places we call home, and this conversation invites you to listen closely to that human story. In This Episode Mayra’s path from Cusco, Peru, to immigration law in Cincinnati How legal aid and advocacy shaped her calling What immigration court and deportation defense look like Why asylum and legal help are so hard to access How immigrants shape Cincinnati’s families, work, and culture Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 02:30 – Growing Up in Cusco 07:15 – Coming to the U.S. on a Student Visa 11:00 – Learning Life’s Hidden Rules 14:45 – Starting in Legal Aid 19:00 – First Immigrant Liaison Role 23:10 – Leading the Law Center 28:00 – Inside Immigration Court 34:20 – Client Story: Resilience & Graduation 39:10 – Myths About Immigration 46:00 – Cincinnati, Community & the Economy 51:00 – Home, Identity & Closing Key Takeaways Immigration is a family, housing, and community issue. Many people face the system without a lawyer. Lived experience builds stronger service and advocacy. Immigrants help build communities rather than drain them. Notable Quotes "I think the difference is whether you've ever needed what you're trying to provide." — Bryan Wright "I have so much respect for people that come here without speaking the language... and they are successful, they are opening businesses." — Mayra Casas Jackson "This is just a test from God, and I will overcome this." — Mayra Casas Jackson's client Resources & Links @mayracasasjackson (https://instagram.com/mayracasasjackson) irlawcenter.org (https://irlawcenter.org/) cincinnaticampass.org (https://cincinnaticampass.org/) Immigrant and Refugee Law Center Roots, Routes & Voices That Shape America Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Roots, Routes & Voices That Shape America and follow Cincinnati Compass for more conversations on immigration, identity, and community. 🎙️ Guest: Mayra Casas Jackson, Executive Director, Immigrant and Refugee Law Center | DOJ-Accredited Representative 🎧 Hosts: Clara Matonhodze, Creator & Host | Bryan Wright, Co-Host, Cincinnati Compass 🔗 Connect: @mayracasasjackson (https://instagram.com/mayracasasjackson) | irlawcenter.org (https://irlawcenter.org/) | cincinnaticampass.org (https://cincinnaticampass.org/)

6. 

   15 Jul 2026

   From the Lab to the Kitchen | Culture, Food, and the Science of Belonging with Chef Gabi Odebode

   She Quit Her Science Career to Cook African Food in Cincinnati. Here Is What Happened Next. Have you ever been so far down a path that felt right on paper but wrong in your gut, and then realized the thing you were meant to do was waiting for you all along? This episode is a warm, moving reminder that sometimes the most honest life comes from following what truly feeds you. This conversation matters because it sits at the intersection of identity, belonging, immigrant entrepreneurship, and cultural representation through food. It is a story about what gets carried across borders, what gets lost, and how food can become a powerful way to preserve culture, build community, and create opportunity. Chef Gabi Odebode shares her journey from Ghana to Maryland to Cincinnati, where she left molecular biology behind and built Afromeals from the ground up. What started as a personal calling became a business, a cultural bridge, and a platform for West African food, education, and community care. "At the end of my life, I want to be able to say I did something that I wanted to do and I was fulfilled doing it." -- Chef Gabi Odebode KEY TAKEAWAYS Food Is Culture, Not Just Cuisine: Growing up in Ghana, food was communal. Her tagline is "Experience the Culture," not "Taste the Food." Science Meets the Kitchen: Her molecular biology background gave her an edge in recipe development and product R&D. Immigrant Entrepreneurship Is a Gift: Gabi built a for-profit business AND a nonprofit, serving domestic violence survivors, foster youth, immigrant families, and seniors. African Cuisine Is Still Fighting for Its Seat: Africa has 54 countries and 54 culinary traditions. Gabi's work with the Food Network and her Amazon #1 cookbook are part of a larger fight for recognition. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 03:00 Roots in Ghana: communal eating, compound houses, her aunt's cooking, and the family chop bar 10:30 Arriving in America: culture shock, bullying, and a high school class that changed everything 13:00 The Science Detour: molecular biology, mice brains, and a career that didn't fit 16:00 The Pivot and the Partner: community shame, a supportive husband, and the leap to food 21:00 Biology Meets the Kitchen: R&D instincts, spice blends, and the Puff Puff Mix origin story 27:30 Building Afromeals in Cincinnati: cooking classes, catering, Jungle Jim's, Findlay Market, and an Amazon #1 cookbook 34:00 African Cuisine and the Mainstream: 54 countries, limited access, and the Food Network door 40:00 The Afromeals Foundation: nutrition education as a right, not a privilege 44:30 Immigrant Entrepreneurs and Advice: bet on yourself, build community, don't be in a silo 47:00 Raising the Next Generation: showing kids they can thrive as chefs and cultural ambassadors 52:00 Rapid Fire Round: Waakye, ginger, jollof rice, and what home smells like ABOUT CHEF GABI ODEBODE Chef Gabi Odebode is the founder of Afromeals, a Cincinnati-based culinary brand offering cooking classes, catering, and African and Caribbean spice blends. She also founded the Afromeals Foundation, which expands access to nutrition education and culturally relevant meals for underserved communities. CONNECT WITH CHEF GABI Website: https://afromeals.com/ (https://afromeals.com/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabi-odebode-b9113b1a5/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabi-odebode-b9113b1a5/) Instagram: @chefgabio | @afromeals | @afromeals.foundation SUBSCRIBE AND STAY CONNECTED Subscribe to Roots, Routes & Voices That Shape America...

7. 

   15 Jul 2026

   The Boy Who Became the Banker | Faith, Finance, and Building a Life From the Ground Up with Frederick Odame

   Imagine being 13 years old, unable to read or write, lying on a cement floor after being crushed by a tractor, with no pain medication and no clear future. That is where Frederick Odame’s story begins, in pain, uncertainty, and sheer survival. This episode matters because Frederick’s journey speaks to anyone who has ever felt behind, overlooked, or unsure whether their start in life will define their finish. It is a story about resilience, faith, discipline, and learning how to keep moving forward when the odds seem stacked against you. Hosts Clara Matonhodze, Creator and Host, and Bryan Wright, Co-Host of Cincinnati Compass sit down with Frederick to trace the road from rural Ghana to a top banking career in the United States. Along the way, they talk about family, education, mentors, credit, leadership, and the long journey of becoming who you are meant to be. In This Episode Growing up in Afram Plains, Ghana, with very limited access to school and electricity The tractor accident that changed Frederick’s life and pushed him toward education Bullying, belonging, and the people who helped him rise in school How a handwritten letter brought him to Northern Kentucky University Banking, credit, APNET, family, and building a legacy in Cincinnati Key Takeaways Drum your pain away. After his accident, Frederick found healing and purpose through drumming, showing how hardship can open the door to a new gift. Find a few people who will help. Mentors and allies made a huge difference in Frederick’s journey, reminding us that growth is rarely a solo effort. Prepare before the opportunity arrives. From memorizing lessons to staying disciplined, Frederick shows how readiness creates momentum when doors open. Use credit wisely. He reframes credit as a tool for access and growth, especially for immigrants learning how the system works in America. Never forget where you came from. Frederick’s roots shaped his survival instincts, his work ethic, and the way he leads today. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Introduction: Clara and Bryan set the stage for Frederick’s story. 03:08 Who Is Frederick Odame?: His role at PNC and community leadership. 06:09 Growing Up in Ghana: Life on the island of Afram Plains. 08:09 The Accident That Changed Everything: The tractor accident and its aftermath. 18:31 Bullied in the City, Finding His People: Adjusting to school in Accra. 27:49 Pope John Secondary School and Running for Office: Leadership at a top boys school. 32:23 The Letter That Brought Him to America: A handwritten application to NKU. 38:25 NKU, His Mother, and Finding Home in Cincinnati: Building a life in the U.S. 46:21 Banking, Immigrant Entrepreneurs, and Access to Credit: Lessons on financial character. 57:25 Why APNET Was Founded: Creating community for African professionals. 01:03:11 Family, Faith, and Identity Today: Choosing family and staying grounded. 01:07:28 A Message to His 13-Year-Old Self: Keep driving forward. 01:10:36 What Is Next for Frederick Odame: The book, the mission, and the next chapter. Quotes from This Episode Frederick Odame: "There is a reason why we call something the American dream. And I believe in that American dream." Frederick Odame: "Don't forget where you come from. Any stage you get, find the right people to mentor you." Clara Matonhodze: "You are evidence. That's really what it is." Bryan Wright: "The path from a 13-year-old boy who could not read to a vice president at PNC is not a straight line." About Frederick Odame Frederick Odame is a Vice President and Senior Business Banking Officer at PNC Bank, where he has...

8. 

   15 Jul 2026

   The Dance She Never Left Behind | Art, Identity, and Building Cincinnati's Cultural Soul with Padma Chebrolu

   What holds a community together when everything else is in flux - when the language is different, the food is unfamiliar, and your people are thousands of miles away? For Padma Chebrolu, the answer has always been the same: dance. She started at age three in Guntur, India, and never stopped. Not through graduate school at the University of Cincinnati, not through nearly 30 years as a global portfolio manager at Procter and Gamble, and not through founding the Cultural Centre of India - now 30 years strong and running 70+ events a year in greater Cincinnati. This episode of Roots, Routes and Voices is one of those conversations that reminds you what it looks like when someone refuses to limit themselves. Padma is a classical Indian dance master, filmmaker, adjunct professor at Xavier University, and a 2025 Ohio Governor's Award for Arts Education recipient - and she will be the first to tell you none of it was a strategy. It was just being herself. "Human beings can be a symphony. We shouldn't tell ourselves - or others - that we can only be one note. We are full of talents and we need to let those talents out." - Padma Chebrolu "I'd say it's the thing you carry that nobody can take away from you. A practice, a belief, a way of being - something you keep doing even when nothing else makes sense." - Bryan Wright, Co-Host Episode Chapters 00:00 - Welcome and Opening Question: Clara and Bryan ask what holds community together when everything is in flux. 01:20 - Introducing Padma: From Guntur, India to Cincinnati - dancer, P&amp;G executive, and cultural institution founder. 02:56 - Childhood in Guntur: Neem trees, train stations, grandparents' mansions, and a little girl with brass bells on her ankles. 07:43 - Art in Indian Culture: Dance and music as DNA - how community celebration shaped Padma's early confidence and identity. 17:17 - Arriving in Cincinnati: A full scholarship to UC, an Atlas book, and a father helping spell "Cincinnati" for the first time. 21:32 - Founding the Cultural Centre of India: How a search for a dance teacher became a 30-year institution - starting around 1994. 26:08 - Art and Corporate Life: Why Padma never felt tension between P&amp;G and dance - and why "limiting beliefs" are the real problem. 39:58 - Passage of the River: Her award-winning film - 53 international awards, 18 countries - bridging Native American and Indian culture on the Ohio River. Free on YouTube. 44:20 - What's Next: A sequel film, a new expanded center in Lebanon, Ohio, and a woman who says she's "just getting started." 45:40 - Lightning Round: On Home: "Home is where you feel relaxed, peaceful, and can just be yourself." Key Takeaways You don't have to choose between art and career. The discipline, creativity, and strategic thinking required by classical dance are the same skills that drive corporate excellence. Cultural identity is a gift, not a liability. Padma's instructor at UC told her: don't abandon what you know - use it to enrich the community around you. Community is built through art. When people experience heritage art forms, biases dissolve. The Cultural Centre of India's 70+ annual events are proof. Home is not a place - it is where the community embraces you as you are. For Padma, that is Cincinnati, Ohio. Awards and Recognition 2025 Ohio Governor's Award - Arts Education, the state's highest recognition in the field. 2021 Ohio Heritage Fellowship - Recognizing her role as a master tradition bearer of classical Indian dance. 2022-23 OAC Master Artist Award - Ohio Arts Council recognition for sustained artistic excellence. 53 International Film Awards - Passage of the River, honored across 18 countries, available free on YouTube. About the Guest<br...

9. 

   15 Aug 2025

   The Voice She Became: Shakila Ahmad’s Journey as a Muslim Woman in America

   In this episode of Roots, Routes, and Voices, Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright engage with Shakila Ahmad to explore the journey that has defined her as a Muslim woman in America. Moving to Cincinnati from Pakistan at nine years old, Shakila faced the challenge of being the only brown Muslim girl in her class. Her experiences during these formative years fostered a sense of resilience and belonging, ultimately leading her to become the first woman to chair the board of a mosque in the United States. Shakila reflects on adapting to a new country, overcoming language and cultural barriers, and building meaningful friendships across different faiths and backgrounds. She highlights the critical moments that encouraged her to embrace leadership roles instead of retreating during tough times. Her commitment to servant leadership and her efforts to build trust within interfaith, civic, and professional communities are central to her story. Through her initiative, Empowering Spaces, Shakila combines decades of experience to help organizations cultivate more welcoming and engaged communities. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the significance of authentic voices and the bravery required to make oneself heard. Join us for a thoughtful discussion about the roots that ground us, the paths we navigate, and the voices that contribute to shaping America's future. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:40 - Navigating Identity and Adaptation 09:23 - Discovering Community in America 14:46 - Classroom of Shared Core Values 20:58 - Grassroots Spirituality and Community Building 21:49 - Cincinnati's Foundation: Welcoming Islamic Community 29:20 - Cultural Fusion and Faithful Gathering 34:03 - Building Community Through Relationship Education 38:38 - Finding Your Voice Amid Threats 44:32 - "Mentorship and Immersion Impact" 50:50 - Grounded by Faith, Family, Community 59:46 - Launching Consulting Career 01:05:27 - "Hope Through Inspirational People" 01:06:09 - Podcast Credits and Acknowledgments 01:06:48 - Outro Quotes: "Being vulnerable is being brave. If I hadn't spoken up, others would define me. I chose to step forward because being truly seen is the first step to belonging."- Shakila Ahmad "We all seek community and understanding. By truly listening to each other's stories, we discover our shared humanity."- Clara Matonhodze "At the heart of migration and leadership lies trust and community. Through vulnerability and learning, we foster lasting belonging and change."- Bryan Wright Key Takeaways Roots and Routes The Power of Belonging and Authentic Friendship Discovery of Universal Values Hybrid Identity Building Inclusive Community Stepping Forward in Times of Crisis Trailblazing Leadership Faith, Family, and Community as Anchors Emotional Labor and the Importance of Self-Care Empowering Spaces Hope in Community Connect with Shakila Ahmad: LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakila-ahmad-57a286179?utm_source=share&amp;utm_campaign=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=ios_app)https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakila-ahmad-57a286179/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakila-ahmad-57a286179/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlaboldery/ (https://www.instagram.com/karlaboldery/) Website: https://empowering-spaces.com/ (https://empowering-spaces.com/) Call To Action: Visit Home - Cincinnati Compass (https://www.cincinnaticompass.org/) to sign up...

10. 

    11 Aug 2025

    The Cost of Freedom: Bao M. Nguyen’s Story from Saigon to Cincinnati

    In this episode of Roots, Routes, Voices, Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright engage with Bao M. Nguyen to explore his transformation from the vibrant streets of Saigon to the serene neighborhoods of Cincinnati. Bao shares his enduring memories of life in Vietnam, the upheaval of immigrating to the United States, and his quest for a sense of belonging in the Midwest. His story highlights his family's resilience amid war and separation, his rise and subsequent departure from Procter &amp; Gamble, and how redefining success inspired him to foster community through initiatives like Cincinnati’s Asian Food Fest and Asianati. Through Bao’s experiences, the episode examines the true cost of freedom, the challenges of establishing a new home, and the intricate layers of identity formed between cultures. Driven by his grandparents’ tales of snow, Bao moved to Dayton, Ohio from Vietnam at fifteen. After graduating from Miamisburg High School, he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Bao began his career at Procter &amp; Gamble as an automation engineer and advanced to become the North America Sales Manager for Swiffer. Despite his success, he felt compelled to pursue a path that aligned more closely with his values and experiences. Bao emphasizes that his achievements are a product of his family and community support rather than being self-made. Recognizing the numerous individuals who aided his journey, he chose a career in financial services to help guide multi-generational and under-served families through their own challenges. Bao is committed to making a meaningful impact in his community, building on the foundation laid by those who supported him. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:40 – Adjusting to Isolation in California 08:29 – Family Reunification Journey 15:52 – "Many Moms Shaped My Childhood" 17:01 – Self-Made or Community-Built? 26:07 – Conflicting Leadership Realizations 31:04 – "Empowerment Through Financial Impact" 34:29 – Financial Guidance: A Reluctant Mentor 39:26 – "Asian Food Fest Celebrates Community" 43:45 – "Family Mealtime: A Sharing Negotiation" 52:01 – "Global Belonging Among Asian Identities" 55:40 – Evolving Through Struggles 01:02:05 – Cultivating Legacy and Self-Worth 01:04:41 – Podcast Credits and Acknowledgments 01:05:20 – Outro Quotes: "Sometimes the ladder leans on the wrong tree. Find your roots and create a sense of belonging for others."- Bao M. Nguyen "We never truly arrive; we're always evolving. Building a community is as powerful as finding a home."- Clara Matonhodze "Every journey shapes our landscape. By sharing our roots and supporting each other, our community grows stronger."- Bryan Wright Key Takeaways The Sound and Soul of Home From Displacement to Reunion Redefining Success and “Making It” in America The Power of Pivot: Owning Your Path Building Bridges and Community Roots The Ever-Evolving Meaning of Belonging Legacy, Responsibility, and Planting Seeds Inspiration for the Next Chapter Connect with Bao M. Nguyen: LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakila-ahmad-57a286179?utm_source=share&amp;utm_campaign=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=ios_app)https://www.linkedin.com/in/bao-m-nguyen/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bao-m-nguyen/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bao_down4what/ (https://www.instagram.com/bao_down4what/) Website: https://www.asianati.com/ (https://www.asianati.com/) Call To Action: Visit<a...

11. 

    1 Aug 2025

    Bridging Continents, Building Community: Fatou Souare and the Power of Cultural Advocacy

    Welcome to "Roots, Routes, Voices," the Cincinnati Compass podcast showcasing stories that shape America's diverse community. In this episode, host Clara Matonhodze and cohost Bryan Wright interview Fatou Souare, an HR professional, cultural advocate, and co-founder of the Kentucky African Women's Association (KAWA). Originally from Senegal, Fatou shares her journey of moving to the United States, navigating cultural shifts, and overcoming the challenges of starting anew. She discusses her transition from Senegal to Louisiana and eventually to Kentucky, highlighting her experience as a single mother balancing personal ambitions with family responsibilities. Through KAWA, Fatou has become a key figure in Northern Kentucky’s African immigrant community, providing essential resources, mentorship, and celebrating cultural identity. Her role as the Senior Specialist of Talent Acquisition at Cincinnati Children’s complements her work with KAWA, allowing her to advocate for diversity and help individuals find meaningful employment. This conversation delves into the importance of community building, preserving cultural roots, and leading with both compassion and strategy. Fatou’s dedication to supporting other immigrants offers valuable insights into resilience and the immigrant experience. Whether you're interested in leadership, cultural advocacy, or community development, this episode provides a meaningful look at Fatou’s efforts to make a positive impact. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:11 - Reality Beyond School: A Life Education 08:15 - Journey Through Education and Relocation 12:33 - "Respect and Helping Others" 18:14 - Protective Aunt at School 21:21 - Open-Minded Family Defies Cultural Norms 31:01 - Kawa Initiative: Cultural and Resource Support 32:36 - Community Health and Resource Collaboration 38:57 - Irene's Effective Leadership Skills 45:01 - Balancing Cultural Integration and Authenticity 49:05 - Understanding Immigrant Integration Challenges 53:46 - Amplifying Immigrant Voices Publicly 01:01:03 - Exploring American Identity Transition 01:03:20 - Podcast Acknowledgments &amp; Credits 01:04:00 - Outro Quotes: "By helping one, we light the way for many to find hope and belonging."- Fatou Souare "Our traditions anchor us, enabling us to thrive and create beauty together."- Clara Matonhodze "Every voice shapes our cities. Communities grow through shared stories and built bridges."- Bryan Wright Key Takeaways: Embracing Dual Roots Leap of Faith and New Beginnings The Power of Women’s Leadership Community as a Lifeline Bridging Cultures and Building Understanding Navigating Challenges with Heart Dreaming Bigger, Together Passing the Torch Connect with Fatou Souare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentucky-african-women-association-453641311 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentucky-african-women-association-453641311) Website:https://kawaus.org/about/ (https://kawaus.org/about/) Call To Action: Visit https://www.cincinnaticompass.org/ (https://www.cincinnaticompass.org/)   to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected about upcoming community events.

12. 

    29 Jul 2025

    From Two Continents To One Heart: Daniela Patterson’s Love Story

    For over thirty years, Patterson has spearheaded marketing, branding, and communication strategies that build, expand, and rejuvenate global brands for startups, midsize firms, and Fortune 500 companies. With extensive experience both in-house and within agencies, Patterson has managed and led projects across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, bridging developed and emerging markets. Welcome to Roots, Routes, and Voices: Voices That Shape America, a Cincinnati Compass podcast that explores the journeys of immigrants shaping the United States. In this episode, we talk with Daniela Patterson, Chief Marketing Director at Eighty Four Fifty One, who shares her remarkable love story that led her from Switzerland to America. Hosts Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright recount how Daniela’s romance began during a boat ride in Virginia Beach and flourished across continents and cultures. Daniela discusses the transition from her established career and life in Switzerland to embracing a new existence in the U.S., highlighting the unexpected challenges of adapting to American customs, such as understanding local bread varieties and Southern lifestyles. She emphasizes the crucial role of communication in maintaining a relationship that overcomes significant distance and cultural differences. Daniela’s experience of sustaining a long-distance relationship through costly international calls and adjusting to the cultural nuances of daily American life offers both personal insight and universal inspiration. This episode highlights how love can transcend borders and the determination required to establish new roots in a foreign land. Join us for an engaging discussion on building connections, forming a family, and creating a sense of home no matter where life takes you. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:11 – "Memorable Return to Virginia Beach" 04:57 – Unexpected Date Request 07:16 – "Reunion and Introduction" 12:52 – Cultural Adjustments: Bread Challenges 15:02 – "Accented Icebreaker in Marketing" 17:18 – Choosing Atlanta for Direct Flights 21:22 – Interracial Marriage Challenges 25:45 – Brief Baseball Experience Ends Quickly 28:20 – Inspirational Stories of Strength 29:59 – Outro Quotes: “Our relationship thrived on open communication and unwavering faith, even in the unfamiliar.”- Daniela Patterson “Love across borders is truly unparalleled.”- Clara Matonhodze “Daniela’s journey shows that courage and love can lead to beautiful new beginnings.”- Bryan Wright Key Takeaways: Love Knows No Borders Roots and Routes Intertwined Communication is Everything Navigating Cultural Expectations Embracing Change and Finding Community Staying Connected to Your Roots Resilience and Positivity Connect with Daniela Patterson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-patterson/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-patterson/) Call To Action: Visit https://www.cincinnaticompass.org (https://www.cincinnaticompass.org) to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected about upcoming community events.

13. 

    18 Jul 2025

    From Mexico City to Midwest Powerhouse: Karla Boldery’s American Rebuild

    In this episode of Roots, Routes, and Voices That Shape America, hosts Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright engage with Karla Boldery—a business advisor, media leader, and founder of the Latino Entrepreneur Academy in Cincinnati. Karla details her journey from the vibrant streets of Mexico City, where she cultivated independence and resilience, to becoming a pivotal figure empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs in Ohio. Transitioning from a childhood dream of becoming a nun, Karla navigated unexpected challenges that led her to redefine service, create her own opportunities, and establish a presence in environments where her community was underrepresented. The conversation explores Karla’s experiences with survival, identity, and leadership, as well as her impactful efforts to give back to her community. This discussion illustrates how immigrants like Karla are not only pursuing the American dream but actively transforming it through their dedication and leadership. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:12 - "Growing Up in Mexico City" 05:16 - Early Entrepreneurial Aspirations 07:16 - Growing Up Catholic 12:53 - Pivot from Art to Business 15:14 - "Pursuing a New Life Chapter" 17:58 - "Immigration Hurdle Before U.S. Wedding" 21:17 - Journey of Self-Preservation 24:57 - "Inspired or Reactive Entrepreneurship?" 28:40 - Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places 33:24 - "Balancing Cultural Identity and Success" 36:59 - "Earned Authenticity in Career Growth" 39:19 - Importance of Academic Credentials 40:57 - Navigating Cultural Identity Publicly 44:23 - "Embrace Learning and Engagement" 48:27 - "Hispanic Star: Claudia Romo Edelman's Initiative" 51:10 - Podcast Credits and Acknowledgments 51:30 - Outro Quotes: “Finding your place can mean building your own table. Courageously stepping into the unknown transforms both you and your community.”- Clara Matonhodze “Embracing challenges shapes your future and others’. Sometimes, preparation is simply saying yes and giving your all.”- Bryan Wright “Survival becomes purpose through community. By owning my story, I inspire others to embrace their own power.”- Karla Boldery Key Takeaways: Redefining Leadership From Survival to Service Building for Others Cultural Roots as Strength Representation Matters The Power of Community “Be Yourself”—With Courage and Intention Owning Your Voice Connect with Karla Boldery LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlaboldery/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlaboldery/) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/karlaboldery/ (https://www.instagram.com/karlaboldery/) Call To Action: Visit https://www.cincinnaticompass.org/ (https://www.cincinnaticompass.org/)  to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected about upcoming community events.

14. 

    11 Jul 2025

    Model, Diplomat, CEO: Sarah Tsai’s Unbelievable Journey To America

    Join Clara Matonhodze Strode and Bryan Wright on "Roots, Routes &amp; Voices that Shape America" as they converse with Sarah Tsai—model, diplomat, CEO, and founder of Sarah Tsai Consulting. Sarah shares her journey from Taiwan to Cincinnati, highlighting her multicultural upbringing and early aspirations in diplomacy. She discusses the challenges of changing careers as an immigrant and her successful integration into Cincinnati’s business and start-up scene. Through honest reflections on her family's influence and her diverse experiences in academia and global industries, Sarah illustrates her resilience and sense of identity. From pet sitting after earning a master’s degree to navigating boardrooms and personal relationships, this episode delves into the immigrant experience in America, demonstrating how each unique path contributes to the community we call home. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:37 - "Sarah Tsai: Global Impact Leader" 05:49 - Taiwan Political Analyst Experience 11:41 - Rethinking College's Financial Impact 18:26 - Village Life: Free &amp; Happy 23:52 - Pet Sitting and Life Journeys 30:59 - Corporate Innovation &amp; Networking Experiences 33:48 - Navigating Gender Dynamics and Parenthood 41:51 - Dating Cultural Differences Explored 47:30 - Balancing Parental Expectations 50:38 - Future Skills &amp; Entrepreneur Insights 53:34 - Solopreneur Financial Pressures 01:00:42 - Startup Exit Strategies Explained 01:08:13 - "Cincinnati's Unique Food Traditions" 01:12:58 - "Embracing Growth and Community" 01:15:13 - Podcast Acknowledgments and Credits 01:15:39 - Outro Quotes: "Discover your strengths, cultivate empathy, and remember: our children's future careers are yet to be imagined. Live authentically, not by others' expectations."- Sarah Tsai "Roots are more than our origins—they're the stories and journeys that shape our voices and our community."- Clara Matonhodze Strode "Every story and voice can ignite change. By listening deeply, we create an inclusive future for all."- Bryan Wright Key Takeaways: Redefining Ambition Across Continents The Courage to Pivot Breaking Barriers, Defying Stereotypes Building Community, Honoring Heritage The Immigrant Hustle, Unseen and Universal From Innovation to Authenticity Raising the Next Generation Finding Your Voice in the Midwest and Beyond Call To Action: Visit https://www.cincinnaticompass.org/ (https://www.cincinnaticompass.org/)   to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected about upcoming community events.

15. 

    4 Jul 2025

    Breaking Barriers: Dr. Kotagal Shashi Kant On Medicine, Immigration, And The American Dream

    Dr. Kotagal Shashi Kant discusses his journey from India to a distinguished nephrology career in the United States, sharing insights on cultural adjustments and community investment in this interview.

16. 

    27 Jun 2025

    From Ghana To True Shea: Manny Addo On Building A Business With Soul

    True Shea CEO Manny Addo discusses his journey from Ghana to building a successful shea butter business in the US, emphasizing cultural connections and community impact in an interview with Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright.

17. 

    20 Jun 2025

    Belonging Beyond Borders: Nazly Mamedova's Journey From Post-Soviet To Cincinnati

    Immigration attorney Nazly Mamedova shares her journey from the Soviet Union to establishing a legal practice in Cincinnati, supporting immigrant communities and navigating complex immigration laws in this interview with Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright.

18. 

    13 Jun 2025

    The Holy, The Hilarious & The Hall: David Chimusoro’s Cincinnati Trilogy

    Host Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright interview David Chimusoro, who shares his journey from Zimbabwe to Cincinnati, highlighting his work in ministry, city hall, and comedy, revealing the importance of storytelling and humor.

19. 

    7 Jun 2025

    Pilot Episode

    The pilot episode of "Roots, Routes & Voices" examines the multifaceted experiences of immigrants as they navigate identity, integration, and belonging in America.

Who has been a guest on Roots, Routes & Voices That Shape America

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr Kotagal Shashi Kant
• Manny Addo
• Nazly Mamedova
• David Chimusoro

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

72

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Roots, Routes & Voices That Shape America

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.