Ukeme Awakessien Jeter: From Nigerian Immigrant to American Public Servant

Fran Frazier: “Eve Was Whole, All By Herself!”

In this episode of PLATFORMS, we sit down with Fran Frazier, educator, community leader, and founder of Black Girl Rising, to explore womanhood, belonging, healing, and the shared experiences women carry across generations and cultures. Fran shares how decades of work with girls, women, schools, and communities shaped her approach to mentorship, emotional wellness, and community building. Together, we discuss the importance of listening to young people, creating spaces where women feel seen and valued, and why storytelling can help heal division and build connection across communities. From pioneering one of the largest research studies focused on Black girls to organizing intergenerational spaces of prayer and belonging in Columbus, Fran reflects on faith, intuition, leadership, and the power of women supporting one another. This episode is a conversation about identity, community, sisterhood, and what it means to build spaces where people can fully belong.

Christy Staats: Inside America's Broken Immigration System

In this episode of PLATFORMS, we sit down with Christy Staats, Assistant Vice President at the National Immigration Forum, to unpack what is often misunderstood about America’s immigration system — and why so many believe it is broken. Christy shares how her personal faith, family immigration history, and years of advocacy shaped her work educating communities across the United States about immigration policy, public perception, and reform. Together, we examine how fear, misinformation, and political narratives influence immigration conversations, and why meaningful solutions require both compassion and clarity. Through personal stories and policy insight, this conversation explores belonging, responsibility, and the role everyday citizens play in shaping national dialogue. This episode is a conversation about identity, empathy, and what it means to build a system that reflects both law and humanity.

Ukeme Awakessien Jeter: From Nigerian Immigrant to American Public Servant

What happens when questions of belonging become a call to lead? In this episode of PLATFORMS, we sit down with Mayor Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, whose journey from Nigeria to American public office began with a deeply personal moment as a mother navigating identity, confidence, and community through her daughter’s experiences. Ukeme reflects on immigrating to the United States at 18, discovering new dimensions of identity, and ultimately stepping into public service — becoming the first Black mayor in her city’s history. Her story is one of courage, persistence, and redefining leadership beyond traditional pathways. Together, we explore belonging, democracy, immigrant identity, and the power of everyday people to shape the systems around them. This episode is a conversation about humanity, representation, and the courage to lead before you feel ready.

Anisa Liban: From Somali Refugee to U.S. Citizen & School Board Member

In this episode of PLATFORMS [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutube.com%2F%40platformsone%3Fsi%3DxL5Wqb8PDge5ZSFU%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn3NCvGco6ACfZolgSvXE_lpYcpFo6wuvDIQKOLWYD1zCMLL6iIYF_6jiPAqU_aem_bW6cuRy1QY1gwHpoVs2QBg&e=AT0wSwF8Bka-Ies_pUY92uGvfhhc0MGwANQvgqUN8vdSTyN44yKsXkzANwDn7sOTF1zVPkGEAr8Dm1Zzq84Dnz4ezGObShsbgTWahHLyKg], we sit down with Anisa Liban — entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and Westerville School Board member — to explore her journey from refugee roots to public leadership in Ohio. From navigating ESL as a child to shaping policy for over 14,000 students, Anissa shares thoughtful insights on immigration, representation, school funding, and why local civic engagement matters. A conversation about belonging, advocacy, and building stronger communities — together.

Ibrahima Sow: Born in Senegal, Leading in Ohio

In this episode of PLATFORMS, we sit down with Ibrahima Sow, Executive Director of the Ohio New African Immigrants Commission (ONAIC), to discuss immigrant integration, community empowerment, and building pathways to opportunity across Ohio. He shares his journey from Senegal to Ohio, the mission behind ONAIC, and how community-led advocacy is creating real change. This episode is for immigrants, first-generation individuals, educators, advocates, and anyone curious about global perspectives and lived experience. Listen, reflect, and share to help amplify stories that deserve space. CREDITS: Host: @DrRosaire Guest: @Ibrahima.B.Sow