Divorce and a cancer diagnosis are two of the most life-altering events any person can go through. Now, imagine going through both within a short time frame, in a new country away from your family and friends, all while trying to navigate the American healthcare system. Those were the cards that we dealt to Joey Kowailw (Ko-wall-ee-oh) when he moved from Leicester, England all the way to Northeast Indiana 14 years ago. To kick off the second season of The I In Immigrant Joey talks with Ahmed about finding his way in the United States, finding solace in logic, and where he can get a decent cup of tea.

​Ahmed Abdelmageed, an immigrant himself, asks these question and more in this new podcast "The I in Immigrant". In collaboration with 89.1 WBOI'sKaty Anderson, they interview members of the Fort Wayne Indiana community and delve a bit deeper into the person we often don't see behind a label our society imposes on them.

Conversations about what it means to be an immigrant.

The I In Immigrant

Joey Kowailw From England

Elton Skendaj grew up under communist rule in Albania, where there was limited freedom of speech, resources, and access to information.  

Despite growing up under repressive authoritarian rule, Elton's curiosity about the world never diminished. His interests led him to becoming a professor of Peace Studies at Manchester University in Northeast Indiana. He now serves an Assistant Teaching Professor and the Associate Director of the Democracy and Governance Program at Georgetown University. 

In his conversation with Ahmed, he talks about growing up in Albania, his journey to the United States, and the challenges and perks of being bicultural.

Elton Skendaj grew up under communist rule in Albania, where there was limited freedom of speech, resources, and access to information.   Despite growing up under repressive authoritarian rule, Elton's curiosity about the world never diminished. His interests led him to becoming a professor of Peace Studies at Manchester University in Northeast Indiana. He now serves an Assistant Teaching Professor and the Associate Director of the Democracy and Governance Program at Georgetown University.   In his conversation with Ahmed, he talks about growing up in Albania, his journey to the United States, and the challenges and perks of being bicultural.

Elton From Albania

Kidane Amare Sarko is a Fort Wayne resident who immigrated from Ethiopia in pursuit of education.  

In his conversation with Ahmed he talks about how he ended up here, homesickness, switching career paths, and why he's so passionate about public health education.

Kidane Amare Sarko is a Fort Wayne resident who immigrated from Ethiopia in pursuit of education. In his conversation with Ahmed he talks about how he ended up here, homesickness, switching career paths, and why he's so passionate about public health education.

Kidane From Ethiopia

Ifedapo, AKA Mike, lives in Michigan with his wife and four children.  Originally from Nigeria, Ifedapo made his way to the United States by way of England, where he had been pursuing his education.  

Nigeria is very diverse, with over 370 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages. Ifadepo spoke with Ahmed about what it means to him to be Nigerian.  His wife, who hails from Wisconsin, also joined in on the conversation to talk about their relationship, what it means to "blend in", and raising biracial children during a time of racial and social justice reckonings.

Ifedapo, AKA Mike, lives in Michigan with his wife and four children. Originally from Nigeria, Ifedapo made his way to the United States by way of England, where he had been pursuing his education.   Nigeria is very diverse, with over 370 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages. Ifadepo spoke with Ahmed about what it means to him to be Nigerian. His wife, who hails from Wisconsin, also joined in on the conversation to talk about their relationship, what it means to "blend in", and raising biracial children during a time of racial and social justice reckonings.

Joey Kowailw From England

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