EP 106: Belonging Beyond Borders: Immigrant Stories of Courage & Reinvention

Episode Description To close out Global Diversity Month, Thriving in Intersectionality presents a special storytelling episode — three powerful stories of courage, transition, and belonging shared live during the “Belonging Beyond Borders” virtual event on October 29, 2025, hosted by Immigrants in Corporate Inc. In this reflective and inspiring episode, host Dr. Lola Adeyemo brings together voices from around the world whose immigrant journeys redefine what it means to succeed, to belong, and to be seen. Through stories of reinvention, purpose, and resilience, these storytellers remind us that belonging is not something we wait to find — it’s something we build together. This conversation is a tapestry of humanity — honest, layered, and full of hope — and a fitting close to Global Diversity Month. What You’ll Hear 🌍 Redefining Success Beyond Immigrant Expectations How Ambition, Family, and Cultural Pressures Intersect for Global Professionals. 💫 Courage in Transition Stories of starting over, navigating identity, and pursuing growth in unfamiliar spaces. 💖 Owning Your Worth The power of self-acceptance and belonging without needing to prove your value. 🤝 Community as Catalyst Why shared stories are essential to building inclusive workplaces and societies. About Our Storytellers ✨ Bami Iroko — Redefining Success Beyond Immigrant Pressures A marketing and communications strategist, talent manager, and creative consultant, Bami helps brands and artists tell impactful stories that connect across cultures. Her work bridges marketing, entertainment, and technology, championing inclusive innovation and responsible AI. Bami’s story explores the invisible expectations placed on immigrant professionals — and the liberation of defining success on your own terms. Her new book, “All In: Choosing Faith over Fear,” is available now on Amazon.  🔗 Connect with BAMI IROKO on LinkedIn:  📘 Link to her book.  ✨ Joe Kyaw Kyaw Htin — Courage in Transition A globally experienced chartered accountant from Myanmar, Joe has led internal audit and finance teams across Asia and the U.S. His story reflects the resilience of rebuilding a career abroad and the quiet strength that comes from choosing growth over comfort. 🔗 Connect with Joe Kayw Kyaw Htin on LinkedIn ✨ Raneen Rheem — The Power of Self-Worth As CEO of RISE (Refugee Immigrant Student Embassy), Raneen empowers refugee and immigrant youth to lead with confidence and purpose. A student of Political Science and Human Rights at the University of Iowa, she reminds us that belonging begins when we stop trying to prove our value — and start embracing it. 🔗 Connect with Raneen Rheem on LinkedIn About the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants in Corporate Inc. She helps organizations move inclusion from intention to impact through strategy, storytelling, and workplace communities. A scientist-turned-ERG strategist, speaker, and author, Lola is passionate about amplifying the voices of leaders and professionals navigating layered identities at work. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Lola Adeyemo on Linkedin   Join the Conversation If today’s episode resonated with you: ⭐ Please rate and review the podcast to help others discover these stories. 📲 Share your takeaways and tag us on LinkedIn @ThrivinginIntersectionality podcast 🌍 Immigrant and first-gen professionals: Join our free community at www.immigrantsincorporate.org for career support, networking, resources, and to be a part of our monthly events. Keep thriving in your intersections — your story matters. Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.