City Cast Boise: The Resettlement Program is Paused. Now What?

Mosaics

#Government #Society #Idaho Office For Refugees | SB Studios #News #Boise State

35:51

Diego Pavia and Paul Finebaum are this week’s Netflix Sports Club guests. Paul Finebaum, the voice of the SEC, drops a bold national championship prediction that might give the Big Tenners pause, and he reveals which SEC quarterback has him starstruck. Vanderbilt quarterback, Diego Pavia, gives a standout performance on and off the field in SEC Football: Any Given Saturday. He relives that improbable ‘Bama victory, including pre-game routine and why he thinks this victory changed the conversation about Vandy football - sorry Nick Saban. Paul Fineman and Diego Pavia gaze into the crystal ball of the 2025 season, and what do they see? Heisman Trophies, making Auburn pay, and LSU’s chances for glory. In this interview, Vandy QB, Diego Pavia: 🟥 Details the 2024 Vandy vs. ‘Bama Buildup 🟥 Discusses playing for Coach Lea and with his bestie 🟥 Reveals his true height In this interview, SEC Expert, Paul Finebaum answers: 🟥 Why the SEC’s staying power is unrivaled? 🟥 Who’s almost a bigger star than Taylor Swift? 🟥 Which team will win the 2025 National Championship? 00:00 Intro 01:24 Vandy QB Diego Pavia Is a Star 01:37 Beating Bama 03:19 Choosing Vandy And Coach Lea 04:58 Give Me The Ball 06:20 Dude Put In The Work 07:38 Nick Saban Said What?? 08:20 Underdogs 10:22 Watch Out Auburn 12:33 Recruits: Come To Vandy! 13:29 Kay and Dani Talk SEC 15:54 Paul Finebaum’s SEC Picks 16:40 All About Arch Manning 17:23 SEC: The Only Game In Town 18:25 South Carolina Should Be In The Playoffs 19:40 Shane Beamer Bounce Back? 20:14 Arch Manning Is No Taylor Swift 21:42 The Weight of Being a Manning 22:31 Finebaum: “Best Player Since Tim Tebow” 23:20 LSU QB1 + Championship Or Bust 25:39 Post Saban Alabama 27:42 Is Vanderbilt Legit? 28:44 Can Mississippi State Survive? 29:49 The Vols “Will Struggle This Year” 31:44 SEC: Natty. Little Tenners: Nothing 33:09 Outro 34:28 Up Next - America’s Team: The Gambler And His Cowboys 🏈 Diego Pavia Instagram - https://bit.ly/45uLND4 TikTok - http://bit.ly/4fsLY5p X - https://bit.ly/4ldwx2j 🏈 Vanderbilt Instagram - http://bit.ly/4lfo8eu X - http://bit.ly/4mCiaWt YouTube - @vucommodores 🏈 Paul Finebaum Instagram - https://bit.ly/45kVtPv X - https://bit.ly/46JQFWc 🎙️ Kay Adams Instagram - http://bit.ly/3GYp4Go TikTok - http://bit.ly/4m7KmR9 X - http://bit.ly/45nI2Ou 🎙️ Dani Klupenger Instagram - https://bit.ly/3HeGGxx TikTok - https://bit.ly/4lQSBkl X - https://bit.ly/4lWpufr 🟥 Netflix Sports Instagram - http://bit.ly/45CPAhL TikTok - http://bit.ly/4mti6Ia X - http://bit.ly/4mseqGH Facebook - http://bit.ly/45o5xqK YouTube - @NetflixSports We want to hear from you! Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/NetflixSportsClub Be sure to watch, listen, and subscribe to the Netflix Sports Club Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Tudum, and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Kay Adams, the Netflix Sports Club Podcast is an all-access deep dive into the Netflix Sports Universe. Join Kay as she speaks with athletes, coaches, and top sports correspondents to break down the latest Netflix Sports series. Expect bold opinions, insightful analysis, and candid conversations you won’t find anywhere else.…

about a year ago 24:23

MP3•Episode home

Join us for a conversation with local podcast City Cast Boise about Boise's rich history of resettlement and the current executive order that abruptly suspended the program. Where are things now? Moses Mukengezi was resettled with his family in 2007, and he’s talking about his story alongside Holly Beech from the Idaho Office for Refugees. City Cast Boise host Lindsay Van Allen is finding out the pause means on the local level — both for the families caught in limbo and the agencies scrambling to support them. Plus, what would a permanent pause in resettlement mean for Boise’s identity?

Here’s more information on the lawsuit that was filed in federal court in Seattle seeking to reverse the Trump administration’s refugee resettlement order.

54 episodes

City Cast Boise: The Resettlement Program is Paused. Now What?

Mosaics

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Here’s more information on the lawsuit that was filed in federal court in Seattle seeking to reverse the Trump administration’s refugee resettlement order.

54 episodes

#Government #Society #Idaho Office For Refugees | SB Studios #News #Boise State

All episodes

1
Idaho Launches New Pathway for Internationally Trained Physicians 42:41

7 hours ago42:41

42:41

Doctors moving into the U.S. bring much needed skills but face barriers getting back to the medical field – including a competitive process to redo their residency training. A new law in Idaho is providing an alternative pathway for these physicians so they can complete a supervised apprenticeship and get back to the work they love. Today we’re joined by Dr. Scott Smith and Viktoriia‎ Siedikova ‎of Global Talent to learn how House Bill 542 is bringing a win-win solution to Idaho and providing a model for other states. Viktoriia Siedikova is a Career Advisor with Global Talent with a background in human resources, project management, and community advocacy. Originally from Ukraine and fluent in English, Russian, and Ukrainian, she brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers to the U.S. Dr. Scott Smith is a mentor with Global Talent working with a cohort of New American medical professionals in Idaho. He is an internal medicine doctor, educational researcher, and professor of medicine ‎‎(emeritus) with the University of Washington. Since 2019, Scott has mentored 42 internationally trained physicians from 21 ‎countries. Of those, seven are now practicing in the U.S. To learn more about Global Talent and how to get involved, please visit https://glotalent.org/ . Contact us at mosaics@idahorefugees.org with feedback, questions, and episode suggestions.…

1
Lena Contor: Idahoans Are Making a Difference in Ukraine 43:49

21 days ago43:49

43:49

Lena Contor grew up in Ukraine and moved to Pocatello, Idaho, after getting married. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Lena was presented with an opportunity to go back on a humanitarian relief trip. Her first thought was, “Who am I to do anything? I’m not rich. I’m not powerful.” But she couldn’t push the thought out of her mind, and she took the leap. She is now getting ready to go on her 10th trip back to Ukraine, and she has rallied the Pocatello community to fund solar panels that will power running water for devasted communities. Lena shows how overcoming self-doubt and thoughts of insignificance – and stepping up to do what we can in the moment – can have powerful ripple effects.…

1
Fredrick Shema: What Motivated Me to Study Law ‎ 44:07

7 weeks ago44:07

44:07

Fredrick Shema grew up in a refugee camp in Uganda before resettling in Boise with his ‎family in 2012 as a high school student. In college, he was able to go back to the camp ‎where he grew up for a research project, reconnecting with friends still living ‎there. Through this experience and working with Boise youth from refugee backgrounds, ‎Fredrick set his sights on becoming an attorney – wanting to make a tangible difference in ‎people’s lives. After earning his law degree this spring, Fredrick sat down with Mosaics to ‎share about his life, what he’s learned, and how he found his ‘why.’‎…

1
Meet Damir Subasic, Local Law Enforcement Officer From A Refugee Background 48:13

9 weeks ago48:13

48:13

Damir Subasic is a local law enforcement officer and trainer whose family came to Idaho many years ago through the refugee resettlement program. Damir and his family left former Yugoslavia when he was 9 on what he thought was going to be a visit to his grandma’s in Germany. But as war and violence escalated back home, it became clear they couldn’t return. Damir, the only Bosnian kid at school, faced intense bullying and isolation in those early years in Germany before making a few close friends who made life start to feel normal again. When Damir was 16, his family resettled in Boise, where his uncle had previously been sponsored as a refugee by the owners of a local deli. Damir went to school with his guard up, expecting to face more bullying and beatings. One day he met his first American friend – a seemingly small encounter that changed Damir’s perspective for the rest of his life. Damir went on to earn his degree in criminal justice and has worked in law enforcement for 15 years, including alongside other officers from refugee backgrounds. He now teaches at the police academy and speaks at schools and community events. “I try to be there for others,” he said. “There’s a trickle effect you don’t realize you might ‎have on someone way down the road.”…

1
Tap Dancer Andrew Nemr on Enduring the Dark Night 1:00:54

13 weeks ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Andrew Nemr is an international performer, speaker, author, and teacher. His parents are originally from Lebanon, and in 2015 when civil war escalated in neighboring Syria, Andrew started exploring the idea of what it means to endure and encounter hope in the midst of darkness. His vision will come to fruition in August, when Andrew will tap dance for 12-hours straight in an immersive experience called Dark Night . Visitors are invited to reflect on and honor the enduring spirit within us all. (Find tickets at https://www.darknightlive.com/ . ) Andrew, who has been tap dancing since the age of 3, has a new book out this year, The Tap Dance Method , a practical exploration of tap dance land. Join our conversation to reflect more on what dark nights can mean for our lives and for who we are becoming.…

1
Run for Refugees: Uniting for Welcome 41:19

16 weeks ago41:19

41:19

All are welcome to join the Pace for Peace Run for Refugees in Boise on May 24, 2025, in support of Agency for New Americans. The agency has been resettling refugees in Boise for many years. Community support is even more important this year as federal funding has been frozen. Proceeds from the race will help new refugee neighbors afford rent, utility, and medical expenses as they get on their feet in Boise. Brandee Robles from the Agency for New Americans shares with us how her agency is navigating the new national changes and continuing to support the hundreds of people who have been welcomed over the past year. Sayed Mirbacha, an organizer with Pace for Peace, shares why he is passionate about helping fellow refugees adjust to their new lives with hope, health, and community. Pace for Peace Run for Refugees: http://www.anaidaho.org/runforrefugees.html…

1
Lok Darjee: Preserving American Democracy Takes All of Us 41:36

20 weeks ago41:36

41:36

Lok Darjee works to empower others from refugee and immigrant backgrounds to use their vote and their voices to help shape and preserve the American democracy that he cares deeply about. His family is originally from Bhutan, but they were among the more than 100,000 Nepali-speaking people who were displaced in the early 1990s due to government persecution and attacks on their language, culture, religion, and citizenship. Lok resettled in Twin Falls, Idaho, as a teenager. While in Twin Falls, he founded a program to pair refugee students with American-born mentors. He now runs Refugee Civic Action in Pennsylvania ‎and is a fellow at Foreign Policy for America. Lok holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia ‎University and has written extensively on immigration, policy, and identity.‎ Lok said pausing the refugee resettlement program goes against who we are as Americans. The program “gives a lot of hope to kids like me who are refugees, gives a second chance to people like ‎my family to come to this nation and build up again,” he said. Check out his recent powerful op-ed in the Inquirer .…

1
Displaced for her Baha'i faith, Mona Heern holds on to joy 42:37

24 weeks ago42:37

42:37

Mona Heern shares with Mosaics about her experiences as a young girl growing up during the Iranian revolution of 1979. Mona’s family and other members of the Baha’i faith - Iran’s largest non-Muslim religious minority – became the targets of intense persecution and restrictions, which continue to this day. Mona, her mother, and younger sister fled Iran after her father was murdered in prison simply for being Baha’i. Mona shares how she has found healing through sharing her story and serving alongside her community to maintain joy and hope. Mona is now an educator and public speaker. She currently serves as an instructor and field experience coordinator at Idaho State University in Pocatello, preparing the next generation of teachers. “I come from a country where it’s against the law for Baha’is to be teachers, so to having come to the United States where I can be a teacher, and now being part of that training process of future teachers, just means so much to me,” she said. Through her public speaking engagements, Mona sheds light on the challenges faced by refugees in various forums, including school assemblies, community groups, and the media. Her hope is that through education and dialogue, we can build communities that embrace refugees and human rights in all social and institutional settings. Mona was the recipient of the Freedom Festival Award and the NAACP Ron Timpson Award for her “significant contribution to the community through volunteerism and dedication to human rights."…

1
City Cast Boise: The Resettlement Program is Paused. Now What? 24:23

26 weeks ago24:23

24:23

1
Sisters from Afghanistan Stand in Solidarity 44:25

31 weeks ago44:25

44:25

Razma and Hasina are sisters who resettled in Idaho with their family in 2022. Razma is continuing her education at Boise State, where she is majoring in computer science, and Hasina is a senior in high school. They are pursuing dreams of education and future careers that would not be possible for them under new rules in Afghanistan banning girls and women from school and work opportunities and even leaving the house without a male escort. The sisters are sharing their stories because they care deeply about advocating for Afghan women and girls. Their voices offer hope and encouragement to others facing hardships. Their journey hasn’t been easy, but they have learned to stay determined and work toward making a difference for themselves and for others. National Update: Also in this episode is an update on the recent changes to refugee admissions to the United States. A presidential executive order issued on Jan. 20 suspends the arrival of refugees into the U.S. for at least 90 days, at which point it will again be under review by the president. The pause creates painful delays for refugees who have been approved for resettlement or who were about to reunite with their families after years of separation. The order does not impact the status of those who have already arrived, and the Idaho Office for Refugees and local resettlement agencies in Idaho are continuing our work to support them. Please share Mosaics and your support for resettlement with your networks to show that Americans care about our heritage of being a nation of hope, welcome, and freedom.…

1
Understanding Immigration With Attorney Chris Christensen 30:32

35 weeks ago30:32

30:32

Immigration attorney Chris Christensen provides insight into where we’ve been and what we might expect in the U.S. immigration system in the year ahead. “I think it’s important for immigrants to understand that regardless of their legal status, that they have rights in this great country,” he said. In this episode, Chris shares valuable Know Your Rights information and practical steps people can take to reduce their risk if they are undocumented or have temporary immigration status. “The government doesn’t have the funds, the resources, to remove (every undocumented resident),” Chris said, “and I think most of society would agree that it doesn’t make sense to deport the hardworking farmworker who has no criminal record and who has a family full of U.S. citizen children, who pays taxes and contributes, who goes to the local church every Sunday.” Chris founded Christensen Legal PLLC in December 2017 so that he could continue serving the ‎immigrant community in Idaho and beyond. A Caldwell native and graduate of ‎Caldwell High School, Chris always had a passion for Spanish and started learning early. ‎From 2013-2015 he directed the Migrant Farmworker Law Center ‎at Indiana Legal Services, visiting labor camps in Indiana and talking to ‎migrant field workers about their rights, housing, pay, taxes, immigration options, and more.‎ Chris said, “It is that human connection, the life-altering impact that I can have to better somebody’s life, that keeps me doing this.”…

1
Raquel Reyes of PODER: Where We Are, and What’s Next 43:27

38 weeks ago43:27

43:27

Join us to hear from Raquel Reyes, director of programs & operations at PODER of Idaho. We talk about the daily anxieties experienced by families of mixed immigration status, reflections on the recent election, and the many ways immigrant communities contribute to a vibrant economy and culture. You can connect with PODER on Instagram (poder_idaho) and find Platicas con Poder, hosted by Raquel, on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@PlaticasConPoder. Raquel, born in Los Angeles, has lived in Idaho since she was 2 years old. She attended elementary and high school in Wilder, a small agricultural town about 40 miles from Boise. Her life’s work has been in social justice, and she has been a vocal advocate about the injustices she has seen in the workplace. Her background is immigration, and she helped found an immigration program at the Community Council of Idaho known as Familias Unidas, Immigration Legal Services. Raquel has been married to her husband for 19 years. She has 3 adult children, 6 grandchildren, 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 goats and lots of poultry.…

1
Ukrainian Welcome Center: Building Trust & Connection 28:56

42 weeks ago28:56

28:56

The Ukrainian Welcome Center in Nampa has served more than 700 people displaced by the war in Ukraine. The center's Executive Director Tina Polishchuk and recent School Impact Coordinator Joni Leipf share how their summer program brought a sense of normalcy and an opportunity for healing for students who haven't had a normal school year since before Covid. Learn more about the center's Adopt-a-Family Christmas campaign at www.ukrainianwelcomecenter.org.…

1
Global Gardens Research: A Connection to the Land 32:26

43 weeks ago32:26

32:26

A research team from Boise State University is studying the ecological knowledge of Boise farmers from refugee backgrounds and learning how they adapted to farming in a new location. The project will bring more understanding of how Global Gardens farmers are using knowledge from their home countries here in Boise and contributing to the local food scene and farming techniques. Hear from two of the student researchers on the project: Alice Mwamba – a nursing major and former refugee from the DRC – and Maci Mattravers, an ethnic studies major from Boise. Both are sophomores with minors in refugee studies. Also joining the conversation is professor and researcher Lisa Meierotto, Boise State Global Studies Program Lead. Hear more from Lisa on global trends and perspectives on episode 39. Join the research team in February at Boise State for a community event to share in the results of the project. And check out Global Gardens for seasonal produce! The title of the research project is: Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Communities: A Study of the Social, Ecological, and Economic Factors Shaping Experiences of Global Gardens Farmers It is funded by Boise State Resource Nexus for Sustainability Grand Challenges Participants: Dr. Rebecca Som Castellano is the principal investigator. Ben Brock, Program Manager, Global Gardens Deanna Dupuy, City Design Manager, Planning and Development Services, City of Boise Dr. Kelly Hopping, Assistant Professor, Human-Environment Systems, Boise State University Dr. Lisa Meierotto, Associate Professor, School of Public Service, Boise State University Oliver Nsabimana, Farm Manager, Global Gardens Dr. Rebecca L. Som Castellano, Professor, Sociology, Boise State University Dr. Laura Villegas-Ortiz, Economist, Boise State University Affiliate A public event featuring the research will be held at Boise State during the Spring 2025 semester. Stay tuned!…

1
Lisa Meierotto: Global and Local Perspectives 34:02

44 weeks ago34:02

34:02

Lisa Meierotto is the Program Lead of Boise State University’s Global Studies program, which she helped create. Along with teaching, Lisa researches intersections between global migration, human rights, and environmental justice. Lisa grew up in Idaho and lived in Ecuador, Cuba and Costa Rica while earning her degree in global studios and anthropology. She has a master’s degree in international development and a Ph.D in cultural and environmental anthropology. In our conversation, Lisa shares about what drew her to global studies, what it’s like to be a newcomer in a different country, her research at the southern U.S. border, and displacement trends facing communities around the world. We focus on the history of colonialism and ongoing resource extraction in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the top country of origin for refugees resettling in Idaho.…

Mosaics

1
Pace4Peace 5K: Meet the Student Organizers 52:41

46 weeks ago52:41

52:41

The Pace4Peace 5K was founded by a local group of people with the goal of raising awareness for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and bringing the community together. Boise has a strong Congolese community, and the DRC has been the top country of origin for refugees resettling in Idaho for several years. Hear from some of the race organizers - Boise State students Ani Carnell, Sayed Mirbacha, and Samuel Bisoka - on their vision for this community event and how you can be involved. The 5K is on Saturday, October 19th in Boise with music, food, and activities. Funds raised will go through the African Community Development Inc. to meet needs in the DRC. Register on Eventbrite and follow @pace4peace5k on Instagram for updates.…

Mosaics

1
Chandra Upreti: Giving Back to the Community that Welcomed Me 39:44

48 weeks ago39:44

39:44

Chandra Upreti is a dedicated advocate for refugee rights and resettlement. Born in Bhutan, he experienced displacement at a young age, fleeing to Nepal as a refugee. After spending 17 years in Refugee Camps, Chandra was eventually resettled in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he found a new home and purpose. With over a decade of experience in refugee resettlement, Chandra was recently named the field office director of the resettlement agency in Twin Falls, which is affiliated with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. Chandra also serves on the board of directors for nonprofits including the Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho, EveryBody House, and Housing Coalition Region 4. Chandra holds a bachelor's degree in Human Resources and a Master of Business Administration from Idaho State University. He and his wife own the Saffron Indian Cuisine restaurant in Twin Falls.…

Mosaics

1
Sangam Kumari: Learning through Life’s Transitions 42:03

51 weeks ago42:03

42:03

Sangam Kumari has experienced many transitions in her life. When she was 4 years old, her family moved from India to Nepal. She took an even bigger leap at the age of 8, moving without her family to America with a family friend. Sangam’s career has also transitioned from environmental engineering, in which she has a Ph.D., to social work, where she feels a true heart calling. She’s currently earning her master’s degree in social work from Boise State. Six years ago, Sangam transitioned into motherhood. She has also experienced the transition from a collectivist to an individualistic society, and learning to hold space for both. She is the first to say she is still on the journey of finding herself and her community. Sangam shares her insights and ongoing learnings with us in today’s episode. She will also lead a workshop at the Idaho Office for Refugees’ upcoming conference, the Northwest Conference on Resettlement, focused on gentle yoga and meditation techniques in the lens of conscious, compassionate community.…

Mosaics

1
Thara Rita: How It Feels to Rebuild - Twice 30:26

1 year ago30:26

30:26

Today we share in a powerful conversation with Rita Thara, who owns Thara Fashions with her mother, Veronique. They import fabrics from Africa to design and create modern clothing, handbags and accessories with a traditional African twist. Veronique learned to sew from her own mother at the age of 7 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She studied sewing and worked as a model in Switzerland before going on to start her own Business, JOLIE MODE, designing clothes for women and children back home in Africa. Rita began following in her mother’s footsteps at the age of 6, dressing up, designing outfits, and dreaming of a career in fashion. But when JOLIE MODE was destroyed by the war, Rita and Veronique had to put their dreams on hold. The two designers were given a second chance when they moved to Boise in 2012 and opened a successful retail shop in the Boise International Market. When it burned down in 2015, the two women were more determined than ever. Veronique learned to sew handbags at Artisans for Hope, a nonprofit that helps new refugees gain skills to help them be self-sufficient and integrate in Boise. Likewise, Rita developed her talents sewing beautiful bags at Asana, where she works. Now Thara Fashions is a thriving online and pop-up shop, creating unique designs and made-to-order clothing and accessories for women and children. Visit www.thara-fashions.com/ .…

Mosaics

1
Singaporean Mental Health Expert Visits Idaho 35:39

1 year ago35:39

35:39

Friends call Yi Feng the "Mental Health Guy" for doing many things relating to mental health for the ‎past 12 years. He is a Registered Social Worker, Certified Master Solution Focused Practitioner, ‎Certified Narrative Therapist, and Organization Development enthusiast, seeking to build mentally healthier workplaces and more socially impactful ‎organizations. ‎ Yi Feng hails from Singapore and visited Idaho in May 2024 as a fellow with the Young Southeast ‎Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI).‎ While in Boise he worked with Mike Krause, Chief Coaching Officer of Global Bound LLC, to 'make good trouble' ‎and improve workplace mental health. Yi Feng shares interesting insights about Singapore, his first impressions of Idaho, and his approach to belonging and well-being.…

Mosaics

1
Joel Ntando: What World Refugee Day Means to Me 39:05

1 year ago39:05

39:05

Today we hear from Joel Ntando, coordinator of the Refugee Speakers Bureau at ‎the Idaho Office for Refugees. Joel has a background in theater and academia. He ‎lived and worked in South Africa for 14 years before resettling in Idaho and is ‎originally from the Democratic of Republic of Congo. He shares what World ‎Refugee Day means to him personally and what it means for everyone on a global ‎level.…

Mosaics

1
Aanish Shamim: Perspectives from a ‘Third Culture Kid’ 41:18

1 year ago41:18

41:18

Aanish Shamim is a first-generation immigrant from Pakistan who has called Idaho home since he was 3. Aanish has a degree in international political economy from The College of Idaho and is the City of Boise’s Community Engagement Coordinator. He previously worked closely with students at the College of Western Idaho and helped empower marginalized communities through his role at Jannus Economic Opportunity. In our conversation, Aanish shares about navigating life as a ‘Third Culture Kid,’ and how his Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca helped shape his perspective on religion and identity. Aanish highlights the importance of amplifying individual voices and celebrating the richness of cultural diversity within society. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends, playing cricket, laughing with his family, and doting on his cherished cat, Taara, meaning ‘Star’ in his primary language of Urdu.…

Mosaics

1
Klaudia Saric: What Happened in Bosnia & Herzegovina Could Happen Anywhere 53:44

1 year ago53:44

53:44

Klaudia Saric is a Business Development Specialist at Jannus Economic Opportunity in Boise, Idaho. She works with aspiring entrepreneurs from many backgrounds, including former refugees like herself. Klaudia and her husband are from Bosnia & Herzegovina, which they fled in the 1990s due to war and ethnic cleansing. Klaudia saw firsthand the damage that is done when people are manipulated into seeing each other as less than human based on religion or nationality. Throughout her career, Klaudia has helped many people become successful business owners. As a former business owner and holder of a bachelor's in business administration, she values the entrepreneurial spirit. Becoming a refugee is like having your wings clipped, she said, and that drives her to help others regain their sense of choice and empowerment. Reach MOSAICS with questions and story suggestions: mosaics@idahorefugees.org Mosaics is recorded and produced by SB Studios…

Mosaics

1
Joe & Kim Mitchell: Welcoming Refugees to Idaho Falls 38:58

1 year ago38:58

38:58

Welcome Corps Allows Private Americans to Help Resettle Refugees Joe & Kim Mitchell are part of a private sponsor group in Idaho Falls that welcomed refugees to the city for the first time in decades. In April 2022, through the Operation Allies Welcome program, their Sponsor Circle welcomed three Afghan Air Force pilots, allies of the U.S. military operation. The community response was so overwhelmingly positive that the group formed a nonprofit, Idaho Falls Bridge Builders , which in 2023 welcomed another refugee family, from Ukraine. Joe & Kim were inspired to be involved in a private sponsor group because they know what it’s like to be newcomers in a foreign country. Their family spent a total of seven years living in rural China, and the way they were welcomed into the community with open arms inspired them to provide a similar welcome to others in their home state of Idaho. Connect with Idaho Falls Bridge Builders: https://sites.google.com/view/idaho-falls-bridge-builders/home Learn more about Welcome Corps: https://welcomecorps.org/ Reach MOSAICS with questions and story suggestions: mosaics@idahorefugees.org Mosaics is recorded and produced by SB Studios…

Mosaics

1
Eliza Shabire Reunites With Her Dad After Years Apart 36:33

1 year ago36:33

36:33

Eliza Shabire was a young girl when she and her sisters were separated from their father when he had to flee the Democratic Republic of Congo for his safety. She lived with relatives in Rwanda for many years before reuniting with her father in her early 20s in Idaho. Eliza is now a mother to 1-year-old Mina. They are waiting for her husband's case to process so he can join his family in Idaho. Eliza is studying social work at Boise State University with dreams to be a clinical social worker and help immigrants and refugees in mental health and social justice. Mosaics is produced by SB Studios, fundung from M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and special thanks for the theme music to The Afro Sonics.…

Mosaics

1
Sakhi Hasmati on His Work and Experience in Refugee Resettlement 43:29

2 years ago43:29

43:29

Sakhi Hasmati was born in Afghanistan and lived in Pakistan, India, and United Arab Emirates before moving to Idaho to reunite with his parents and siblings about seven years ago. “My parents, one of the reasons they were moving around, is because they had concerns about their children’s safety,” he said.Now, Sakhi helps other people who are earlier on in their resettlement journey, as the Idaho Community Advisor Network Supervisor at the International Rescue Committee in Boise. When Sakhi first moved to Idaho, his goal was to move on quickly to a place with more earning potential. But he found a closeness within his family and community that’s made Idaho feel like home. Sakhi’s wife is awaiting approval to resettle here, too. “I deeply appreciate the culture and kindness prevalent in this state,” Sakhi said. “In my free time, I cherish moments with family and friends, often enjoying a game of soccer.” Sakhi loves learning about the laws and history of any country where he lives. (Sidenote from the episode: there are 27 amendments in the U.S. Constitution!) Sakhi’s goal is to advocate, support, and deliver services to asylees, refugees, and immigrants. Recognizing the importance of families seeking and achieving long-term happiness and self-sufficiency, he’s passionate about bringing consistency to these families and aiding them in attaining a fulfilling, normal life.…

Mosaics

1
Sadia Abdulkadir on Social Work, Fashion, and Family 40:05

2 years ago40:05

40:05

Sadia Abdulkadir is a social work student at Boise State University. Born in Kenya, Sadia is part of a large, tight-knit family who resettled in Boise in 2008, when she was 4. “Since I was young, I was able to kind of adapt and change into the culture a bit more,” she said. Fashion is a way for Sadia to stay connected to her cultural roots. “I just appreciate people representing themselves,” she said. “Sometimes they can feel like they don’t belong unless they look a certain way, and most of the time that means getting rid of a certain aspect of their culture. I wish it was different, because for me I’m really into my culture and I love representing it.” Sadia looks forward to using her social work degree to help people. She’s thankful to her parents for what they endured so she and her siblings could have opportunities. “When I was younger the word ‘refugee,’ like the stigma around it, I didn’t really like it,” Sadia said. “But now I am definitely proud of being a refugee, and to me there’s a lot of pride within the word because it just reminds me what my family went through, especially my parents.”…

Mosaics

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Moses Mukengezi: ‘I am more than a refugee, but it’s also part of me’ 43:31

2 years ago43:31

43:31

Moses Mukengezi is a dad, husband, soccer coach, commercial real estate broker, nonprofit board member and former resettlement worker in Boise. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Moses’ family resettled in Boise, Idaho, in 2007 when he was 13. It was through soccer that he first felt connection to the community. He went on to play for Boise State University, where he earned a bachelor’s in sociology. Moses has enjoyed several years of coaching refugee youth through Nations United Soccer and speaks six languages; he is especially fond of French. Moses has presented as a member of the Refugee Speakers Bureau , a program of the Idaho Office for Refugees (IOR). He is a board member for Jannus, Inc. , which IOR is a part of, and for the Idaho Museum of International Diaspora . Hear more from Moses on StoryCorps , where did an interview with his wife, Kathleen, in 2022.…

Mosaics

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From the Philippines to Pocatello with Andrea Soleta Schmutz 37:30

2 years ago37:30

37:30

University professor Andrea Soleta Schmutz moved to Pocatello, Idaho, in 2022 and wanted to do something to connect and empower other immigrants. She founded Empowering Immigrant Women, has helped launch a weekly mental health clinic for immigrants and refugees, and will teach a community course to help New Americans navigate higher ed. Andrea, who is originally from the Philippines, collaborates with partners including Bridges, the Rotary Club of Pocatello, and University of Utah psychiatry residents. To other immigrants, Andrea says, “It might take you a lot of years to finally be established, but please be patient. … The rejections, failure – that’s not a weakness, that’s a strength, because you’ll be more powerful at the end.” CONNECT Empowering Immigrant Women website Hear Andrea on CEWT Talk – Idaho State University's Continuing Education/Workforce Training podcast Join Empowering Immigrant Women on Jan. 26, 2024, for a light dinner and to hear current students share about the class offered at CEWT this spring called Higher Education in the U.S. (geared towards refugees, immigrants, and first-gen) taught by Andrea Soleta Schmutz. We will also learn about the Idaho Launch, a program that provides grants for education and training programs. Starts at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the ISU Diversity Resource Center, 921 S. 8 th Ave., Pocatello. RSVP to empoweringimmigrantwomen@gmail.com Keep an eye out for the International Women's Day Event from 5:30–7 p.m. March 8 at the ISU Diversity Resource Center (invitation upcoming). We will celebrate International Women's Day by featuring local immigrant and refugee women in ‎Pocatello selling their home-baked goods and handmade items.‎…

Mosaics

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Global Talent Docs: The Journey for New American Doctors 36:42

2 years ago36:42