Roots, Routes & Voices That Shape America

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&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_apphttps://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 for our newsletter and stay connected about upcoming community events.

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 & 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 & 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&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_apphttps://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 Home - Cincinnati Compass [https://www.cincinnaticompass.org/] to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected about upcoming community events.

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 & 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.

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

For over thirty years, Daniela 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.

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.