Sunny Daga
Where are you from?
India
What was your childhood like?
It was normal- studious- but nothing inspirational.
What brought you to Cleveland?
I came to Cleveland to complete my MBA at CWRU
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States? Did those change?
Coming to the best place………….we will find that soon.
What challenges did you face transitioning here?
Different culture, took almost 3-4 years to get used to this culture.
What is your occupation? Are you a member of a sorority, fraternity, or any other civic or social organization?
Business owner- no member of any other organization.
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
YES
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
Regular customs/traditions that Indians would follow- like Diwali, being respectful to elders etc.
What do you love about Cleveland?
Cold weather, good warm hearted people.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
They bring diversity, new ideas and always fill a gap which will not be filled with other people.
Why is it important to travel abroad?
To get to learn another culture.
Chinonso Aladi
Where are you from?
I am from Imo State, Nigeria.
What was your childhood like?
My childhood was a lot of fun, I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria which is a big Metropolitan city where I learnt to work hard for everything, respect and appreciate everything and everyone around me.
What brought you to Cleveland?
I moved to the Cleveland area because of Kent State Fashion School, I had read reviews about it being the best in the country and it definitely is.
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States? Did those change?
My first thought about coming to the US was everywhere would be like New York City, filled with skyscrapers and people. I was so disappointed when the first city I lived in was real country. My views about the US changed after I discovered there are different stories, people and things that make America unique in its on way.
What challenges did you face as transitioning here?
One of the many challenges I encountered was a lot of people having a belief that an "African" couldn't speak English or was from a poor and starving nation. A lot of people did not even know where Nigeria was on the map. One of the other challenges was the cultural shock and different seasons. But, seeing snow for the first time was pretty cool.
What is your occupation?
I am a full time student at Kent State and also work at the Center for Student Involvement on campus part time.
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
Clevelanders are really friendly and it’s nice to know some of them are willing to have conservations with you about my background.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
I continue to cook my local dishes, play the music and practice my religion.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
It’s important to welcome International Newcomers because you never know what struggle made them leave everything behind to start over.
Why is it important to travel abroad?
Traveling teaches you more about the world than a textbook or a media outlet will. It opens your mind to different people, culture and customs. So it is important to travel abroad because you learn and in the process cultivate an open mind.
Moatasem Al Bitar
Where are you from?
I am from Alexandria, Egypt born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
What was your childhood like?
My childhood has been traveling back and forth regularly between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. I attended an international school for 11 years.
What brought you to Cleveland?
Initially, my academic goals were to pursue a medical career with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States? Did those change?
First thoughts were being skeptical of how successful I'd be to assimilate in the U.S. while maintaining my own culture, identity and set of values. This skepticism has changed to optimism based on achievements and experience.
What challenges did you face transitioning here?
My biggest challenge was to pack my bags, leave my family and start a new challenge in a completely foreign environment to me. I transferred here and did not have any connections or family members in Cleveland. I basically had to start my way up with absolutely no assistance or guidance.
What is your occupation? Are you a member of a sorority, fraternity, or any other civic or social organization?
I am currently pursuing a full-time position as I had recently graduated with a double masters degree in global politics and global business in management and human resources. I was a member/officer of a number of organizations at Cleveland State like Student Government, Arab Student Union, Muslim Student Association. I am also a member of Phi Sigma Iota honor society for foreign languages. In Cleveland, I am an active member of a number of International, Middle Eastern and Arab organizations. I am a regular participant in events and function of Global Cleveland and the Cleveland Council on World Affairs.
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
My most successful experience and fondest memory of feeling welcomed was getting elected as the first international student body president at Cleveland State for two successive terms.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
I regularly attend events organized by the Egyptian, and Arab, community in Cleveland, including holiday celebrations, social gatherings etc. I am a regular attendee of services held by several mosques in Cleveland. I also practice soccer regularly, currently competing in three different leagues.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
Displaced Personss and International Newcomers bring in new ideas; new ideas means new ways and opportunities; new opportunities means progress and advancement. This pretty much applies to all aspects of life.
Why is it important to travel abroad?
"Travel is the only thing that you buy that makes you richer"...
Eva Szabo
Where are you from?
I was born after World War II in Innsbruck, Austria to Hungarian born parents, Displaced Personss from Hungary.
What was your childhood like?
My childhood was very happy, poor, but happy. I distinctly remember having school children shout the words “DP, DP” at me while very young. I also remember one instance when someone threw pebbles at me, shouting the same. Although the U.S. is the land of International Newcomers, prejudices did exist, especially against a country which was on the losing side of WWII. Otherwise, I always felt safe, because we were living in safe times. I always was welcomed in new schools – there were many. My parents moved 10 times between 1951 and 1962, when they were finally able to afford a loan for their first house.
What brought you to Cleveland?
I arrived with my parents and sister at age three to America.
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States?
I was too young to remember.
What challenges did you face as transitioning here?
From what I remember, I had a terrible time with the language. I was slow in starting to speak (age 3) which was right around the time we emigrated. Then, at age 5, when I went to kindergarten, I had major difficulties with English. By grade three, however, I had become a good student.
What is your occupation?
I am a retired school teacher (23 years) and a small business consultant now for 40 years.
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
Kids in the schools I attended were always welcoming. Friends of my parents, as well as parents of my school friends were welcoming.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
I still espouse many cultural traditions and customs, such as the ones revolving around religious holidays. I also cherish and guard Hungarian handcrafts and fine porcelain. I believe I have become richer by doing this. Cleveland is the perfect place for this since it has a relatively large Hungarian population.
What do you love about Cleveland?
I have always loved the diversity in Cleveland. It is not just in the various cultures, but the city and surrounding suburbs have so much to offer educationally, culturally, and environmentally.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
The “welcome mat” provides an International Newcomer with a steady assurance of acceptance, which eventually helps with the assimilation process. The step towards assimilation helps the individual as well as the society as a whole.
Why is it important to travel abroad?
By traveling elsewhere, one recognizes the vast differences among the people, but also recognizes the ONE similarity: we are all alike as human beings and fundamentally are the same. It is only the environment and culture manifested outwardly that make us different.
Rosa Beltre
Where are you from?
Dominican Republic
What was your childhood like?
Very happy childhood, but one full of challenges. My father had immigrated to the States before I was born and didn’t meet him in person until he was able to go back to DR 4 years later.
What brought you to Cleveland?
New opportunities, received an offer from National City at the time while looking to relocate. I had also met some extraordinary people that were from Cleveland, who offered my children and I more than a house- a community of support and love.
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States? Did those change?
The fear of the unknown, having to adapt without losing my identity, my culture was very important, but confident that it was the right thing to do, for my family, for my future. Moving forward with no regrets.- Life is a constant change and you overcome your fears with preparation and taking a leap of faith.
What challenges did you face transitioning here?
Enrolling the kids in a good school, but most of my friends lived in areas I was not too impressed with, so had to bite the bullet until I was able to know my way around.
What is your occupation? Are you a member of a sorority, fraternity, or any other civic or social organization?
I am currently the Interim Executive Director of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, which is a social justice statewide coalition that oversees sexual assault victims rights, advocate for justice, trains, educates and help shape laws that will impact our State and our survivors.
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
Clevelanders have made me fall in love with the Midwest. I find beauty, character, history, survivorship in Clevelanders.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
I still eat Dominican food, all the time; celebrate Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day), Speak my language- not as a career advancement, but with all the people that surround me away from work and being able to fellowship and go to church with my community.
What do you love about Cleveland?
Home away from home, able to find a bodega (corner store), that carries all we need for our traditional meals, the investment in the revitalization of this City, but most of all its people. City of Champions (much more than winning an NBA)- Cleveland has overcome financial hardships, housing scandals, being on the news for the worst crimes committed in history, police brutality, etc.- but we have THRIVED. Cleveland is home, family, laughter, tribute of persistence, proud ownership, friendly people, We are the Ellis Island of the Midwest.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
GCIR defines International Newcomer integration as “a dynamic, two-way process in which newcomers and the receiving society work together to build secure, vibrant, and cohesive communities.” With International Newcomer integration, there is an “emphasis on the two-way process of change by both International Newcomers and members of a receiving society.” It’s about adapting and receptivity. It’s important to understand how vital International Newcomers and Displaced Personss are for society, economy and social justice- but the key word is “welcome”; it’s already hard enough having to learn a new language, other customs, leaving so much behind, even those that are in terrible conditions and situations in their homeland, you still have love and pride from where you were born, you don’t need hateful comments, or people looking down at you, or judgment on your choices- You need to be celebrated, ensured, loved, respected for all you are, where you have been, what you have endured to come, you need to be accepted and welcome.
Why is it important to travel abroad?
When you travel abroad it allows you to get out of your comfort zone. You learn the most about yourself and others in uncomfortable, unfamiliar situations. You learn to connect with people despite your differences. When you are able to navigate foreign environments with grace and maturity, you become a smarter, stronger, well-rounded and competent individual.
Walid Negm
Where are you from?
I am from Egypt
What was your childhood like?
It was very beautiful for me everything was nice for me. I had a good job over there before I came here. I was playing for my Olympic team over there before I came here. I played Judo (wrestling).
What brought you to Cleveland?
It is very quite, I like it. I was in New York and it was very expensive. One bedroom is $950. I came here to visit one month and I liked it. I was looking to the future, when I bring my wife or get married and have kids. Here is very nice I like it.
What were your first thought about coming to the United States? Did those change?
First time I came to the United States was on December, 27 2001. When I put my feet in New York I wanted to go back to my country. I was scared because I didn’t know anything around me. I always thought if I wanted to go somewhere how would I get around. It was a new land for me. I visited a lot of countries with my Olympic team. But the first time for me in New York was scary.
What challenges did you face as transitioning here?
When I came to the United States everything was different. I didn’t have a job like I did in Egypt. I worked in the kitchen and warehouse in New York I carried boxes because I needed the money. I didn’t like asking my family for money because everybody in Egypt didn’t want me to come to the United States. Before I came here I didn’t need the money. My life was good; my family was good I had my car, my house and everything before I came here. It was my dream to come to the United States, when I came here I found everything different it was hard to start a new life here. It changed everything; everyday I was fighting myself to stay here. I wanted to go back but I was shy to go back because everybody will talk about me and say I am a loser. It was like a war between me and myself. Now I am happy here I have my kids and wife from Egypt everything is nice for me.
What is your occupation?
I work two jobs. In the morning I work at the gas station and at night I work at a store.
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcome?
Its okay, it is not bad you know. Some people are okay, some people say “go back to your country” and a lot of people say that to me if they are angry with me.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
Sports. I still play Judo I go once a week. I started doing that because I want to teach my son.
What do you love about Cleveland?
It is quite.
Why is it important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
It is a good thing because the people can help with jobs. With more people working and having jobs the country would be better and have a good life for all.
Why is it important to travel aboard?
Know other people and know other cultures. I like to know people I love people it doesn’t matter the nationality or religion.
Patrycja Ajdukiewicz
Where are you from?
I was born in Warsaw, Poland and came to the USA when I was 14
What was your childhood like?
Polish customs of raising children were very different of the ones observed in the USA. Kids are much more independent and given the freedom to explore the world. I was able to run around the street of Warsaw without supervision when I was 6/7 years old.
What brought you to Cleveland?
My childhood dream was to go to Harvard and it was much easier to get to coming from an American high school (did not actually end up going there). My mother’s friend married a guy who lived in Middleburg Heights and having a friend in a new country was definitely a plus
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States? Did those change?
The suburbs of Cleveland are much different than Warsaw; not a lot of people walk and public transport is used primarily by the less fortunate ones. Coming from a bustling city I was used to people sitting outside in the café, or visiting parks and museums. You didn’t see that a lot when I first moved to Cleveland
What challenges did you face transitioning here?
I went to international schools in Poland so language wasn’t an issue, however I realized that the USA isn’t always is it is portrayed in the movies and there are many more nuances to the traditions and holidays that are observed in real life.
What is your occupation? Are you a member of a sorority, fraternity, or any other civic or social organization?
I am a relationship manager at ECDI, a non-for-profit micro-lender that helps entrepreneurs access capital to start or grow their business as well as education needed to ensure their success
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
Everybody is excited to learn a new culture, especially when some of them already know of few polish traditions (Dyngus day)
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
Not many; occasionally make a polish dish
What do you love about Cleveland?
Cleveland has changed a lot since when I first moved here. It has become a much more cultured city with a lot of festivals, art galleries, and vibrant districts. Downtown has become a destination and is bringing many younger people who see Cleveland for all the opportunities it provides.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem is also growing, and there are many dedicated individuals who want to see the city succeed and are pledging their resources to make it happen.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
Cultural diversity makes for a stronger community. Being able to welcome people from different walks of life with different customs and traditions helps people broaden their horizons and step out of their comfort zone. I have lived in New York City for many years and being able to discuss issues with individuals of so many backgrounds allowed be to look at issues from perspectives I would never consider. I think it really is the best way to solve conflicts, knowing what the other side might be thinking/ have gone through
Why is it important to travel abroad?
Culture, architecture, people! Seeing foreign cultures first-hand barely compares to what is portrayed on TV. There is so much to be learned from others, that we shouldn’t limit ourselves to what we already know.
Rita Hargrove
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I am from Trinidad & Tobago. My child hood was great. I came to Cleveland with my husband. We met while living in Italy. I was an exchange student and he was in US Navy. He was from Cleveland. My first thought about Cleveland was "it's cold". My thoughts about Cleveland didn't change, it's still cold lol. The only challenge I faced was the different cultures. The food wasn't the same, and my family was far away. I am a dietitian for nutrition services. I've met a lot of people over the years, from my husbands friends and family, our church family, as well as people from different islands in the Caribbean. They all treat me like family. The main customs I continue here is America is traditional West Indian cooking. My family enjoys eating both the American and Trinidadian cuisine on holidays. I love everything about Cleveland. It's my home. I chose to raise my family here, and of course we are the Champs! I think it's important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss because America is a melting pot. We all come from all around the world. And we learn to work together. That's what makes our country so wonderful. I think it's important to travel abroad to see how other cultures live. Very humbling experiences come from traveling. People who aren't fortunate to have the materialistic items can show you a way of living that you may have never experienced. |
David Delgado
Where are you from?
Originally from El Paso, Texas. Ethnicity: Mexican, Spaniard, Italian.
What was your childhood like?
I am a 3rd and 4th generation American born and raised in El Paso, Texas of Mexican, Italian, and Spanish heritage. El Paso was a multi-cultural city then and even more so now with a greater than 50% hispanic heritage.
My mother came from a military family that was transferred to Ft. BlissTexas (El Paso) during WWII. After my grandfather was killed in action, her family permanently settled in El Paso where she met my father and the rest is history as they say.
I’d say my childhood was quite normal surrounded by a loving family and close family friends. Since El Paso was very much a military town back then, and since my two grandfathers were WWII vets (one deceased) we'd spend national holidays visiting Ft. Bliss National Cemetery and then on to family gatherings. Other holidays and special celebrations too were spent with family and friends. Due to the proximity to Mexico, we would frequently cross the border into Mexico to visit for the day or evening.
Since the desert southwest has an abundance of history and interesting mountainous geography, I spent many hours and days exploring the region camping, hiking, and even climbing some of the surrounding mountains.
I attended the University of Texas at El Paso and became a city police officer in the process.
What brought you to Cleveland?
I was transferred here by a local company where I assumed the position of vice president of international marketing and sales.
What were your first thoughts about coming to the United States? Did those change?
As a 3rd and 4th + generation American, I can't answer this question.
What is your occupation?
Vice President International for a Cleveland based consumer products company. Host and co-producer of an internet based radio program called "Going Global with David Delgado" on VoiceItRadio.com
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
Cleveland, like any other urban area of it's size has it's share of problems and challenges from structural, to institutional, to social; however, the strength of the city is it's multi-cultural diversity and the benefits and advantages that such diversity offers when assimilated into an interactive blend of business, educational, and socially enlightening achievements, accomplishments, and opportunities. That diversity, in my opinion, has served to make the attitude of it's residents generally open and welcoming to all.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
Love of ethnic foods and respect for cultural traditions and customs, regardless of ethnicity.
What do you love about Cleveland?
It's multi-cultural diversity and of course wonderful Lake Erie and the endless mind enhancing possibilities that being on such a lake offers.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
The caveat that I would offer here is that I favor legal International Newcomers and refugees. Yes, we are a nation of International Newcomers that was forged by ancestors fleeing our native lands for opportunities of a new life. Migration that was unfettered as recently as the early 20th century as this nation was being forged and solidified. But that was a different time in history. It was a time of growth and expansion, a time of exploring and settling new lands, a time of seeking and establishing new national identities guided by commonly shared ideals of self-reliance and self-determination. We are now a sovereign nation of laws. As with all sovereign nations, I believe we have the indisputable right to establish Migration policies consistent with our domestic and foreign policy objectives.
I favor inviting International Newcomers and Displaced Personss to our country vetting in the same way as we would vet those whom we would invite into the privacy of our own home because afterall, the United States is our home. To do otherwise and to allow unfettered and indiscriminate Migration would be a travesty of justice to those millions who have otherwise been law abiding in their quest to legally immigrate to the United States.
Why is it important to welcome International Newcomers and Displaced Personss?
The answer is because of the incalculable benefit that diversity brings. Freedom of thought, freedom of action, freedom for creativity unleashed. The benefit of knowledge and experiences developed and gained in native lands that may have been stymied or suppressed in those lands now brought to bear in the new host country. Witness Albert Einstein, Werner Von Braun, Irving Berlin, Madeleine Albright just to name a few.
Why is it important to travel abroad?
Foreign travel increases ones human awareness. We are all aware of our humanness but we have a tendency to think that we are all alike and people all behave the same. The reality is that we are alike in many respects but in others, we differ significantly. Louis V. Gerstner Jr., the former head of IBM once said that "Culture isn't just one aspect of the game it is the game." For those who work in international business, it is sometimes amazing to us how differently people in other cultures behave. We tend to have a human instinct that 'deep inside' all people are the same will behave in the same given the same set of circumstances) but they aren't (but they don't) . Therefore, if we go into another country and make decisions based on how we operate in our own home country - the chances are we'll make some very bad decisions.
International travel exposes us to the nuances of different cultures and the people in those cultures. It widens our understanding of the human experience from different perspectives sown from the seeds of those who have experienced life from social, cultural, and geo-political factors different from our own. In other words, it not only widens our world, but opens our eyes.
Mona Alag
I come from the land of teeming millions,
Colorful festivals,
An ancient culture steeped in invaluable values.
India.
My childhood was like any other young girl growing up in India.
Second daughter, one of four children.
We were educated in Convent of Jesus and Mary in Poona.
Even though my father travelled for work/ business,
our mother stayed with us in Poona itself most of the time.
This was to make sure we were not uprooted, and had a good education.
Marriage to an Engineer Harjit Alag,
living in Cleveland brought me here.
Like most in our families, ours was also an arranged marriage.
There were a lot of fears about the move.
Not all of them were about a new land, a new people or being
far from my comfort zone.
Rather, it was about being responsible for running a household in a
new environment.
All that changed very soon.
An angelic silver haired neighbor,Mrs Gable took it upon herself
to show me the ropes.
Trips to the grocery stores, department stores, west side market
we're all initiated by her.
I remember my first experience with a store credit card.May Company.
When the sales person explained that I could buy things and not pay
on the spot,I went crazy.
I loved the " cash or charge?"
Returning home, laden with bags galore, I was brought to reality by a horrified
husband.
My challenges were interesting.
I remember getting a call from a Plain Dealer reporter.
I was asked to comment on a political situation in(now)Bangladesh.
I spoke my mind.The next thing I knew, a half page report,
complete with a picture was flashing on news stands.
Again, a horrified husband!!
I got a call from the legendary Dorothy Fuldheim to appear
on the afternoon news with her.Of course I didn't.Too scared.
I was turned down for two jobs, because I had an English accent!!
I couldn't understand the spelling changes.
Tyre,was tire,cheque was check.
The most interesting experience was when I went to a Mom 'n Pop store
and asked for aluminum foil but pronounced it "alloominium foil."and lady fingers,
And brinjal. aka okra and eggplant.
There were no challenging situations as such.
I was quite fascinated with my new home, eager to learn and absorb.
Language not being a barrier, things were not that difficult.
I'm basically a home maker.
Raised two beautiful children.Our son Deepak Alag,an executive in a
firm in California.Our daughter Pooja Bird,of Twinsburg
an attorney with Timken Steel.
I'm a compulsive volunteer.I have been an active member of
The Federation of India Community Associations.
Serving on the Executive Board for 4 years in the 1980ies
Returning later,to serve as President for two terms.
I now serve on its Board of Trustees.
Chaired Project Seva.
On the Board of Church Women United.Founding member of
of Association of Asian Indian Women of Ohio.
Founding member of Helping Hands.
I also helped my husband in his Engineering firm,
H2L1 Engineering Inc.
I work for Global Services of The Cleveland Clinic,
as an interpreter. Counsel patients from India on financial aid, grants etc.
The money I make from there,is donated to Project Seva( service to humanity)
Where we serve meals once a month in areas where there is a need.
God and America has been very good to us,we need to give back.
I have always maintained that Americans are the friendliest, most helpful
People under the sun.
Cleveland has proven my belief over and over again.
Other than a few stray incidents, when a neighbor didn't want to meet me
because I was Indian, one gentleman telling me to go back to where I came from.
We will always find that element in society wherever we go.
We practice all our festivals in Cleveland, that we did back home.
Be it collectively as a community, as a family or in our Sikh Temple.
We do cling to our identity as Indians, while celebrating the customs of
the country that adopted us, many years ago.Thanksgiving,Christmas,
Mothers Day,Fathers Day, are big in our family.
The Midwest family values and healthy diversity is what I love about Cleveland.
Traveling exposes us to whole new set of cultures and customs.
It expands our horizon,teaches us the value of diversity.
It fundamentally transforms us.
The contribution of International Newcomers to the United States is phenomenal.
Statistics show that, International Newcomers are more likely to start businesses,
excel in their endeavors.
The list of International Newcomers went on to make America their
home and employ thousands of people is endless.
Comcast,AT&T,Google,Yahoo,Kohl's DuPont,Sara Lee, Big Lots etc.
These are just a few examples.
In addition to creating jobs,they have taken their
ventures to dizzying heights and contributing to the prosperity of the nation.
In addition, International Newcomers complete the rainbow.
They bring with them,their values, cultures,and of course their deep rooted
commitment to pursue higher education and dedication to hard work.
I'm very proud to call Cleveland my home.
It has shaped the strong character of many a young
mind from our community.
Many years my husband had an off from a firm in Texas,
I couldn't bear to leave Cleveland.
It would have been like leaving home for a second time.
Mona Alag.
Kirtland.
Ohio.
