Landed: Stories of Newcomers
By Global Cleveland
This podcast was created by Global Cleveland, an organization that attracts, welcomes, and connects international newcomers to economic, social, and educational opportunities in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
Leading Heart Innovation with Dr. Jellis
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Christine Jellis, an Australian-born cardiologist and physician leader at Cleveland Clinic, about her journey from medical training in Australia to building a career and life in Cleveland.
Dr. Jellis shares insights into the future of cardiac imaging, minimally invasive heart procedures, and the growing role of AI in healthcare, while also reflecting on why Cleveland has become home for her family. Tune in for a conversation about innovation, international talent, and the opportunities that make Northeast Ohio a global hub for healthcare and research.
Music: Purple Planet
Revolutionizing the Future of Medicine - Dr. Lara Jehi
Dr. Lara Jehi is leading the way in healthcare innovation! As the inaugural Chief Research Information Officer at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Jehi bridges technology and research to transform patient care. Discover how quantum computing is set to revolutionize drug discovery and patient care, making the impossible possible. #HealthcareInnovation
Music: Purple Planet
Marketing with Purpose with Daniela Goncalves
In this episode, we chat with Daniela Goncalves, Marketing Manager at Open Doors Academy, about the power of storytelling in the nonprofit sector. With over a decade of experience in marketing, business development, and community engagement, Daniela shares insights on strengthening connections between organizations and the communities they serve.
From boosting scholar and family engagement to aligning corporate and nonprofit goals, Daniela’s expertise is shaping meaningful impact in Northeast Ohio. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on marketing with purpose and driving change.
Music: Purple Planet
Sponsored by: David B. Chilcote and Yellowcake Shop Clothing
Planting Seeds of Change with Tanisha Velez
In this episode, we sit down with Tanisha Velez, a trailblazer in food accessibility and sustainable agriculture in Cleveland. As the owner of Cleveland Fresh and Urban Agriculture Operation, Tanisha is transforming local farming with innovative indoor growing practices like microgreens. She’s also the co-director of Jardin 4 Life Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering communities through food access, education, and entrepreneurship.
From leading La Marketa, a thriving community market, to educating youth through “Garden Like It’s 1890”, and organizing the Roberto Clemente League for young athletes, Tanisha is deeply committed to creating lasting change. In this inspiring conversation, she shares her journey, the challenges of fighting food deserts, and how she’s building a more sustainable and connected Cleveland.
Music: Purple Planet
Sponsored by: David B. Chilcote and Yellowcake Shop Clothing
Building Latino-Ready Workplaces with Marcia Moreno
In this episode, we sit down with Marcia Moreno, a culture and strategy consultant dedicated to fostering diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplaces. As the founder of AmMore Consulting, Marcia has spent years helping organizations become Latino Ready while empowering Latino professionals to thrive in their careers.
We discuss her journey from Chile to Northeast Ohio, her passion for leadership development, and how her “100+ Latinos Cleveland Must Know” initiative has grown into the region’s largest Latino professional network. Plus, Marcia shares insights on what companies can do to embrace diversity in a meaningful way.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, culture, and the future of inclusive workplaces!
Music: Purple Planet
Sponsored by: David B. Chilcote and Yellowcake Shop Clothing
Beatriz Dunai | Honoring Hispanic Leaders in NEO
In this special International Women's Month episode, we speak with Beatriz Dunai, a visionary leader, advocate, and entrepreneur, to explore women’s empowerment, leadership, and resilience. With a background in engineering, finance, law, and real estate, Beatriz shares insights on navigating careers, breaking barriers, and making an impact. Tune in for inspiring stories, expert advice, and conversations that spark change.
Music: Purple Planet
Uniting for Tahini - Dana Harary
Guest Dana Harary is the Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of SoCo Tahini, a company rooted in an Israeli - Palestinian partnership, dedicated to bringing authentic, high-quality tahini-based products to the American market.
SoCo Tahini:www.eatsoco.com |Use code LANDED for 20% off!
Hosted by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Edited by: Zachary Nelson
Music:www.purple-planet.com
Local Action, Global Impact
In this special Welcoming Week podcast, we speak with Andrew Long-Higgins, a Minister and Team Leader at Global H.O.P.E. – United Church of Christ. We discuss the importance of “welcoming the stranger” and United Church of Christ’s global and local impact.
International Women's Month 2024: Selamawit Abreha: S3 E5
International Women's Month 2024:
In this episode, we speak with Selamawit Abreha of Ethiopia! Join us for our fourth highlight from International Women's Month 2024.
Hosted by: Zachary Nelson
Edited by: Zachary Nelson
Music by: Purple Planet
International Women's Month 2024: Temitope Adeniyi: S3 E4
International Women's Month 2024: Temitope Adeniyi: S3 E3
In this episode, we speak with Temitope of Nigeria! Join us for our third highlight from International Women's Month 2024.
Hosted by: Zachary Nelson
Edited by: Zachary Nelson
Music by: Purple Planet
International Women's Month 2024: Lauretta Amanor: S3 E3
In this episode, we speak with Lauretta Amanor of Ghana! Join us for our second highlight from International Women's Month 2024.
Hosted by: Zachary Nelson
Edited by: Zachary Nelson
Music by: Purple Planet
International Women's Month 2024: Judge Sherrie Miday - S3 E2
In this episode, we speak with the United States' first Egyptian-American elected official, Judge Sherrie Miday. Join us for our first highlight of International Women's Month 2024.
Hosted by: Zachary Nelson
Edited by: Zachary Nelson
Paprikash and Democracy - A Conversation About Hungary: S3 E1
Join us as we dive into a deep and engaging conversation with Elizabeth Papp-Taylor and Amanda Harnocz about promoting Hungarian culture in Northeast Ohio and the state of democracy in modern-day Hungary.
Hosted by: Zachary Nelson
Edited by: Zachary Nelson
Music by: Purple Planet
Immigrants Never Stop Learning - S2 E7
Meet Arisandy, an immigrant originally from Indonesia. Ari is a Fulbright Scholar who has dedicated his life to learning, teaching, and giving back. The Global Cleveland team met Ari when he joined Global Rising, a year-long leadership program for international newcomers.
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Edited by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Music by: Purple Planet
Consul General of Ireland - Helena Nolan
Welcome to a special Ambassador and Diplomat episode where we speak with Madame Helena Nolan, Consul General of Ireland about the ties between Cleveland and Ireland.
Hosted and Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Music: Purple Planet
It Makes You Stronger - Ukrainian Episode - S2 E5
We speak with two Ukrainians turned Clevelanders, Iryna and Oksana.
Hosted by Joe Cimperman and Gwendolyn Kochur
Edited by Gwendolyn Kochur
Music: Purple Planet
Learn more about Global Cleveland at globalcleveland.org
Second Generation American MΔgic - S2 E4
Sixteen-year-old Natasha is changing the world, one child at a time, by offering free STEM education to middle and elementary school children. As a daughter of immigrants, she was inspired by her childhood and the work ethic instilled in her by her parents to create M∀th MΔgic!
Produced and hosted by Gwendolyn Kochur
Music: Purple Planet
Learn more about Global Cleveland at globalcleveland.org
When Women Thrive - S2 E3
Ansir and Sufia Junaid are the founders of the Junaid Family Foundation. They have a vision to empower vulnerable populations, especially women, adolescents, and children, to reach new levels of economic and social growth and stability. Learn more in this special International Women's Month episode.
Hosted By: Joe Cimperman
Produced By: Gwendolyn Kochur
Music: Purple Planet
Culture and Cuisine - S2 Ep. 2
Charene moved to Cleveland from Panama when she was very young. Growing up with a small, but passionate, Panamanian community helped Charene embrace her roots, and her love of cuisine inspired her to share her culture's food with others. She is the founder of Vegan Vybez and will soon be opening La Chomba restaurant.
Hosted By: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Part of Something Bigger - S2 E1
Welcome to the first episode of season 2 of Landed: Stories of Newcomers. This episode features Jizal Seikali, originally from Lebanon. Jizal is a veteran and entrepreneur, and a fantastic feature during International Women's Month.
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Music: Purple Planet
Opening Arms and Hearts - Ep. 13
This special Welcoming Week & Hispanic Heritage Month episode features Verónica Tomaschek. Born in Mexico City to a multicultural family, Verónica speaks - and now translates - English, Hungarian, and Spanish.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Breathing The Same Air - Ep. 12
In this episode, we speak with Anand Natarajan, the energy manager for the Office of Sustainability for the City of Cleveland. Originally from India, Anand is now driving and leading change in the energy efficiency and renewable sector with a focus on sustainability and climate change in Northeast Ohio.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Clothing, Culture, and Cleveland - Ep. 11
This episode features Nina Setrakian. Originally born in Beirut, Lebanon, Nina's family left the country during Lebanon's civil war. She has called many places home, but chose to settle down in Cleveland, where she now works for the clothing company Nagada. Based in Cairo, Egypt, Nagada is a fashion company that features unique, beautiful textiles from around the world in their clothing. We speak to Nina about her experience as an immigrant, her home country, and the unique ways that culture - and clothing - can bring us together.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Guardians Of Cleveland - Ep. 10
In this episode, we speak with one of the "Guardians of Cleveland" - and we're not talking about the baseball team! Dornat 'Wayne' Drummond, the City of Cleveland’s 41st Chief of the Cleveland Division of Police, came from a humble background. He was born in Jamaica in a shack that had no running water. Thanks to his mother's hard work and his ambition, he is now leading the police force of a major metropolitan city. We speak with Chief Drummond about his upbringing and how it guides his police work and leadership.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Bringing Crikey To Cleveland - Ep. 9
Crikey! In this episode, we speak with Eden Giagnorio, the Senior Communications Strategist at Cleveland City Hall. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Eden played an integral role in Mayor Justin Bibb’s campaign after arriving in the states in 2020. Eden talks to us about the self-belief it takes to be an immigrant, how she's helping make the city of Cleveland more welcoming, America's excuse for coffee, and so much more!
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Global Spirit - Ep. 8
Welcome to another special International Women's Month episode of Landed: Stories of Newcomers. In this episode we speak with the incredible Marilyn "Mimi" Anne McDonald Hendricks and Kelem Tariku-Shotts. We chat about their global identities, discrimination, and how we can better pursue equity and understanding.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Intentional Immigrant Growth - Ep. 7
Welcome to a very special episode of Landed: Stories of Newcomers. This is Global Cleveland’s second annual International Women’s Month Celebration, where we recognize the contributions, struggles, and successes of international women throughout March. Our next few episodes will feature incredible international women who call Northeast Ohio their home, beginning with Marcia Moreno. Marcia came to the U.S. in 2005 and has dedicated her career to empowering Latinos to become a true economic and cultural force in their communities.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
The Cleveland Optimist - Ep. 6
In this episode we speak with Kwame Botchway, "The Cleveland Optimist." Kwame was born in Ghana and calls Cleveland his "home in the U.S." Kwame has written for the Huffington Post and other media outlets on topics like economic development, social justice, environmental sustainability, poverty, and politics. Currently, Kwame spends his time consulting for non-profit organizations in Africa, helping them to grow and scale their impact. He also works with the Global Shapers Hub in Cleveland (globalshaperscle.com).
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
An Irishman In Cleveland - Ep. 5
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mark Owens. Mark is the Board President for the Cleveland Irish Network and is an Irish Network USA Board Member. He is a marketing and business development consultant with the Irish firm RelateCare and is very involved in the local community. We speak with Mark about his journey to the U.S., his work with the Irish Network, recruiting international talent to Northeast Ohio, and the uniting power of soccer.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Seeing The Whole Picture With Melaak - Ep. 4
In this episode, we speak with Melaak Rashid, the co-founder and development director for Smart Development. Melaak has used her time and talents to give back to people within the international community, whether that be by acting as a cultural competency consultant, by securing over 10 million dollars in grants for various non-profits, or by translating vaccine information so that those in her community may keep themselves healthy and safe.
For more info about Global Cleveland's mission, visit www.globalcleveland.org.
Connect with us on social media - @globalcleveland
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
Finding Home Again With Leen - Ep. 3
Leen Ajlouni grew up in Jordan and received a full scholarship to a prestigious American school in her home country. After, she moved to the U.S. to attend Smith College in Massachusetts on a full scholarship. Once she graduated with a degree in engineering, she moved to Cleveland to work at BioMotiv, and later, North Coast Ventures, the largest angel fund in the country. Despite her achievements and having made a home for herself in Cleveland, Leen’s visa expired, forcing her to leave the U.S.
For more info about Global Cleveland's mission, visit www.globalcleveland.org.
Connect with us on social media.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
The Power of Welcoming With Baiju - Ep. 2
In this episode, we speak with Baiju Shah, the President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership. Baiju was a founding member of Global Cleveland. With parents who immigrated from India, Baiju has grown up with two cultures: being an American-Indian and being a Clevelander.
For more info about Global Cleveland's mission, visit www.globalcleveland.org.
Connect with us on social media.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur
DACA Dreaming With Fatima - Ep. 1
In our pilot episode, we interview Fatima Rahman. Fatima currently serves as the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellow for Global Cleveland. Fatima was born in Honduras, but she has lived in the U.S. for practically her whole life. She is what is referred to as a DACA Dreamer, someone who was brought to the U.S. as a child and has grown up in the U.S., but has no way to gain legal residency. Fatima's protected status in the U.S. is always in question, and she has had to overcome many barriers to be find the success that she has now. But her work isn't done yet.
For more info about Global Cleveland's mission, visit www.globalcleveland.org.
Connect with us on social media.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hosted by: Joe Cimperman
Produced by: Gwendolyn Kochur