PLATFORMS

In this episode of PLATFORMS, we speak with Dr. Cora Munoz — Professor Emeritus, nurse educator, and leading voice in transcultural nursing and cultural competency in healthcare. Dr. Munoz shares her journey from the Philippines to New York City and eventually to Columbus, Ohio, reflecting on immigration, motherhood, loss, and the role of community in shaping her life and work. Through decades of...

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...

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 immig...

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...

In this episode of PLATFORMS , 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....

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,...

PLATFORMS is a podcast amplifying immigrant stories from around the world. Through intimate conversations and counterstories, we explore identity, culture, migration, and belonging—while challenging stereotypes and dominant narratives often taken for granted. Each episode features guests with unique lived experiences and expertise who share stories that push back against “sticky” assumptions shape...

Episode 1: Teresa Edoja — 31 Years in the U.S. Prison System In this episode of PLATFORMS, we sit down with Ms. Teresa Edoja, a leader and mentor in the Columbus community, to explore identity, migration, culture, and contributions to society. Ms. Edoja shares her journey of moving to the U.S., introduction to corrections, navigating grief, and how these moments have shaped her understanding of se...