Bringing a Taste of Heritage: The Story of Layla Chen and Maya Congee Cafe

Bringing a Taste of Heritage: The Story of Layla Chen and Maya Congee Cafe

On today's show, we speak with Layla Chen, a first-generation Chinese-American and owner of Maya Congee Cafe. Layla shares her journey of living in Brooklyn and her passion for bringing a taste of her heritage to New Yorkers. From family traditions to cultural identity, Layla's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of immigrants everywhere. So, grab a bowl of congee, settle in, and get ready to be inspired by Layla's story on this episode of New Neighbors.

Positive Affirmations

On this episode, we talk with Cathy Sison: a Filipino Australian graphic designer and calligrapher based in Brooklyn. Cathy is the head of Shillington Education in New York, a graphic design Bootcamp that helps students become professional graphic designers in months. Cathy - or Kyashi, as she is known on social media - also enjoys curating words and positive affirmations through her calligraphy. Cathy and I met in Williamsburg, where I learned more about her life in Melbourne, her travels, what she’s passionate about and what comes next for her.

The Nature of Home

Hey Neighbors! In today’s program, we speak with Dina Shirin. Dina’s an incredibly talented photographer originally from Riga, Latvia. Dina now lives in the Bronx, in New York. Dina’s story with New York started at an early age when she was eight. Living in different boroughs of New York gave Dina a deep understanding of the city. The entirety of today’s program takes place in Riverdale, a neighborhood in the Bronx where Dina lives.   Stick around for more from Dina, our neighbor from Latvia, currently living in New York City.

A Nomad in New York

On this episode, we talk with Tamara Saade: a Lebanese born and raised journalist and photographer who was based in New York City for two years. Tamara’s beat is human rights in both Lebanon and the US, with an additional focus on the ever-changing political landscape in her home country. I invited Tamara to my home to learn more about her experience as a nomad in New York City and what identity meant to her at this point in her life. Join us as we uncover these topics and more.

Aking Kultura

A trip through Ridgewood (Queens) and Filipino culture with Mark Libatique.