Azaad Singh
Where are you from?
Singapore
What was it like growing up?
Growing up in Singapore was exciting – racial riots, communist insurgency, independence, British withdrawal, industrialization, urbanization, rapid modernization, rigorous school system, compulsory military service, law and order, growth of an international financial center, one of the busiest ports in the world.
What brought you to Cleveland?
Cleveland is a small city and its suburban school system was good for my daughter.
What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?
America is the center of the universe. It is heaven on earth. Everybody still wants to come to America, its dynamism, self-renewal, innovation and creativity through International Newcomers keeps America young.
What challenges did you face transitioning here?
Recognition of foreign law degree. Outdated system that makes it difficult for foreign law degree holders to stay. My degree was from United Kingdom. Still it was difficult.
What is your occupation?
Legal Assistant/Community Outreach Representative with Margaret Wong Law firm
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
Generally, my fellow Clevelanders are very warm and welcoming. As a former elected official, I have made a number of house visits. They were all good.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
Cleveland hosts two Gurudwaras, Sikh places of worship, in its suburbs of Bedford and Richfield. Richfield is the oldest in Ohio and Bedford is the largest. Interestingly, I became a born-again Sikh in Cleveland.
What do you love about Cleveland?
What is there not to love about Cleveland – RNC Convention, access to great lakes, Rock & Roll Museum, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, one of the oldest Chinatown in America, Cleveland Cavs, Lebron James, no traffic, snow.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?
Cleveland needs International Newcomers – our population has gone down from 1 million to less than 400k, also its aging; we need International Newcomers to reverse the increase in dependency ratio – more seniors depending on a declining workforce, we also need International Newcomers to attract high-tech industries, we need investors to create jobs for Americans, we need entrepreneurs to create jobs, we need international students to work in our STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics based industries. Look at the city’s regrowth in University Circle in a few years – expansion of CASE University with the recruitment of international students.
What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?
Cleveland needs more international events like Indian International Film Festival to attract the biggest movie industry in the world, its Bollywood not Hollywood, which produces 1,000 movies per year to do location shooting here/we need international flights connecting to Asia, if we don’t want to miss the fruits of globalization/we need to hold events to attract International Newcomers like Cleveland International Soccer Competition and promote foreign languages in our school systems like Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Urdu, Farsi, Pashtoo, Tamil, Vietnamese, Thai.
Seyma Saritoprak
Where are you from?
My name is Seyma Saritoprak and I am from Istanbul ,Turkey.
What is your occupation?
PhD Student -at Case Western University-Clinical Psychology
What was it like growing up?
Growing up in the United States was a unique experience because I was not only from a different ethnic background, but also from a different faith background than the majority of the population. I would often get comments of questions regarding where I was from and what I believed in. At first I wanted to be like everyone else, however, as I grew up I realized the importance of diversity and took pride in my background. To this day, being different than others has positively influenced how I developed my identity as a Muslim woman living in the United States.
What brought you to Cleveland?
I came to Cleveland when I was in7th grade due to my father’s new job. Therefore, I did not have a say in coming to Cleveland. However, since the earliest days I have come to make great friendships and love Cleveland.
What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?
When we first arrived to US, I was only 6 years old. I remember that everyone around me was speaking a different language that I could not understand. I felt scared at times but because of my connection with my family, I never felt alone. Gradually, I learned the English language and the American culture. My thoughts since childhood have definitely changed. I came to incorporate and assimilate the American views and values into my own beliefs and practices and became more comfortable with those around me.
What challenges did you face transitioning here?
I would say the biggest challenge I have faced living in the United States as been living as female Muslim without feeling judged or associated with terrorism by others. Unfortunately, the media shows Muslims in such violent and hatred manners that some Americans have become fearful of Muslims. This only perpetuates polarization among individuals of different backgrounds. Nevertheless, I have noticed that the more people get to know me and my values, the more they realize how more alike we are than different. This gives me hope that through friendship and dialogue we can truly get to know one another.
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
Cleveland is a great city with people of many backgrounds. People are aware of the importance of diversity and are open in discussing global issues. I have felt very welcomed here in Cleveland. Because of the authenticity of friendship of Clevelanders, Cleveland has become my second home.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
First, because I am a practicing Muslim, I practice the things modesty in clothing and praying five times a day. In addition, we celebrate two major religious holidays every year. The first one is celebrating the end of Ramadan, which is the month in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. This celebration is called eid al fitr. The second one we celebrate is the festival of the sacrifice which is calle id al adha. During these times, we get together with family and friends. We visit each other’s homes and celebrate the holidays together. And of course, we eat many delicious Turkish food!
What do you love about Cleveland?
What I love most about Cleveland is the people, food and Metroparks.
What is your favorite thing to do in Cleveland?
We love spending time at Edgewater park when the weather is nice. We go on walks and have picnics with families.
What is the best thing about living in Cleveland?
The best thing about living in Cleveland is that it has a city feeling, however, it’s not huge enough where you feel overwhelmed by the city life. It also has great suburbs that make Clevelanders have a taste of the country life.
Why is Global Cleveland a great resource?
Global Cleveland is great resource because it provides a platform from which people of varying backgrounds can connect and interact. Through organizations such as Global Cleveland, people have the opportunity to not only know more about a different faith or tradition, but also interact and create innovate ideas together to advance and globalize Cleveland.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?
International Newcomers can bring a sense of intellectual diversity. When we are around other that act, think, and look like us, we will never develop creative innovative ideas. However, when we bring people of different backgrounds into our cities and businesses, it opens up a whole array of opportunities to flourish as a city, both economically and culturally.
What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?
I suggest promoting more interfaith and intercultural events. In addition, I suggest opening up business that promote getting to know different cultures such as more ethnic restaurants and shops!
Asim Datta
I moved to Cleveland in the summer of 1981 directly from one of the largest, and most densely populated, cities in the world – Kolkata (previously Calcutta) India. It was family connections that persuaded me to come to Cleveland.
Growing up was in a close-knit family of six, with four siblings – me being the youngest. It was a typical life in a big city, with plenty of global exposure. A good part of my education was in a school run by Belgian Jesuits, and that helped to acquire mastery of the English language, even American dialect. I was very familiar with culture and lifestyle in America long before I came to the US, through friendships with Americans and family connections, American literature and magazines, Hollywood movies and TV shows, sports, TGIF parties at the American consular residences, and so much more.
At first sight, Cleveland offered few shocks and surprises. I felt at home pretty quickly. Many people expressed surprise that I was a newcomer. Yes, I spoke with a different accent, but much of what I said was not outrageous.
The surprise was the physical landscape – taller buildings, wider streets, more cars, interstates and high speed traffic. Seemed like fewer poor people.
Interestingly, there were very few challenges as I settled in. I was fortunate to immerse myself into the local lifestyle very quickly. Not much adjustment needed. From the moment of my arrival in Cleveland, I was incredibly fortunate to walk through any door as a stranger, but pretty much coming out appreciated, understood and loved. I was struck by the warmth and welcome from most of my encounters. Life in Cleveland has truly been gratifying for me, to have been welcomed and included into the vast network of Clevelanders from all walks of life. So, today, I am a self appointed champion and ambassador for my hometown. I spread the values of living in Cleveland every opportunity I can create, encouraging Migration.
When I first arrived in Cleveland, it was like a ghost town. Economy was bad; businesses and people were leaving in droves for better opportunities elsewhere. Poverty was such a challenge. Crime and safety were major concerns.
There were times when moving away would have made good economic sense for me personally. But I made discoveries that were so compelling that the thought of moving away quickly exited my thinking. First, the character of this community, warm friendliness, the compassionate and giving attitude, and the beauties of so many cultures in one place made me feel at home. I was different, but not really so!
And just as importantly, the priceless jewels that are the museums, the orchestra, cultural gardens, the Browns and the Cavs and the Indians, the theatre, comfortable lifestyle and manageable cost of living, the diverse population – it was all so overwhelmingly attractive. Add to that the optimism of the Clevelanders!! The forward looking spirit of the people. Together, we Clevelanders always believe in the hope for tomorrow. And the promises come true. The Cavs this year. Perhaps the Indians too?
It has been heart-warming, and a joy, to watch Cleveland grow over the years, the fire and the beauty re-emerging, the pride returning! Loyalty getting stronger. Today, it is all so personal.
I have spent almost all of the time in Cleveland, engaged in making difference in the lives of regular people. Worked in inner-city education. Owned and operated an international travel business. However, large portion of my life has been spent involved in Community building. Bringing people of many cultures together on a single platform to transform Cleveland into an attractive and desirable place to live.
As much as I have embraced and celebrated the beauty of the American culture, I have continued to practice most aspects of my Indian heritage. The large Indian community made that possible.
In order to continuing to make Cleveland a welcoming destination, we should, first and foremost, engage the entire community, in all its glorious diversity, to be part of the process of welcoming and settling of newcomers, in every conceivable way. The more the old and the new intermingle, the easier the understanding and appreciation of each other. Displaying and sharing of individual cultures uncover the skills and talents that benefit social and economic growth.
The strength of a hand comes from all five fingers TOGETHER!! Not all fingers are same but there is strength in each.
Fareed Siddiq
Where are you from?
Karachi, Pakistan
What was it like growing up?
It was very different than what it is now. I grew up in a city that is now 24 million people. I think, when I was living there, it was four million.
What brought you to Cleveland?
I had a sister who had gotten married. She and her husband immigrated to the Cleveland area (Westlake). I followed them here soon after, in 1972.
What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?
The thing that I was pleasantly surprised about was how green Cleveland was. I came here in the summer, and it was beautiful. I had never been alone until I moved to the United States. I grew up with five sisters. I was the only son. So, I was a little overprotected growing up. I had never even warmed the water to make a cup of tea before. There was a cultural shock.
What challenges did you face transitioning here?
I didn’t have a tremendous amount of challenges, because I spoke English.
What is your occupation?
I’m an Executive Director with Morgan Stanley. I’ve worked at Morgan Stanley for 36 years.
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
I’m a Muslim. Since 9/11, there have been times when people say things that are pretty hurtful. It’s been a struggle, because people don’t understand that Pakistan is a very large country with a huge population, so it’s not the same everywhere.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
We have our Independence Day celebrations. The Pakistani American community in Cleveland is large enough that we are able to get together often.
What do you love about Cleveland?
Cleveland has all of the facilities of a major city at half the price. All the major sporting events and entertainment at very reasonable prices. Most people don’t experience that in big cities.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?
Most people think of America as a melting pot. I don’t like that term. America is more like a salad. Each of the distinctive pieces have a different taste and color, They are separate, but work very well when they come together. The diversity of thinking that comes from different parts of the world makes this country what it is. International Newcomers leave their country for economic reasons, for freedom, for all different reasons. The people who immigrate are the ones who are willing to take the risk to go to a whole new world that they don’t know much about, and have no idea what it will be like. They come here to make their dreams come true, because that’s what America is.
What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?
We need to look at International Newcomers as people who will help us make this city and country great by their involvement and their cultural and societal changes that they bring with them, rather than being a burden. I think we need to, as a city, educate our elected officials, police officers, and all of the other people who come into contact with International Newcomers, so they are aware of the cultural differences that exist. There are parts of the world where it is considered impolite to look a respected person in the eye. Here in the United States, if you don’t look someone in the eye, it’s considered that you’re hiding something.
Wenzhu Sun
Where are you from?
I’m from China; and have been living in Canada for the past 3 years.
What was it like growing up?
I was brought up in a city in the northeast part of China, where winter gets very cold, but summer stays relatively cool. I lived with my grandparents for a few years, before returning to my parents’ for primary school. As a child, I read a lot of picture books, did lots of hiking, and also studied very hard. Food was always a nice part of my memory, I still miss the local snacks from my hometown.
Why did you #ChooseCLE (what brought you to Cleveland)?
I moved here with my husband. He got a good job opportunity, so we decided to move here together.
What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?
The first place I visited was Detroit. It’s got some nice museums, and I had great fun visiting the Detroit Institution of Arts. However, the economy did not seem to be recovering so well from the previous strikes. Compared to that first impression, Cleveland’s got more vitality. I like how it’s more alive in a variety of ways. There’s certainly more functioning businesses, more cultural/historical sites, and more International Newcomers.
What challenges did you face transitioning here?
I was lucky enough to be living in Canada for a while, so language is not really a barrier for me, like it might be for many other new International Newcomers. However, the United States is still different from Canada, traffic rules for example. Some challenges I face are filing all the paperwork properly, trying to find a job in this country, and getting used to the environment and weather.
What is your occupation?
New employee with Global Cleveland (Yeah!)
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
When I first moved here, I got lost a lot on the buses. Whenever I told the drivers that I’m new to Cleveland, they have always been very understanding and helpful. They would explain to me where to get off, and which bus to catch, and also say welcome to me. That was nice.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
I mostly cook Chinese food at home, and my husband loves it.
What do you love about Cleveland?
It’s got good vibes. This is a city that packs in many cultures, which makes it feel more alive.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?
Because they come to the country with goodwill and they all hope for a better future. When they have this in mind, they bring in all kinds of assets to the society (culturally and financially etc).
What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?
Hold more events like the recent Asian Festival. Give different communities a chance to express their voice.
Paul Harrison
Where are you from?
Dublin, Ireland
What was it like growing up?
Great! I grew up in Howth, a seaside village 9 miles outside of Dublin. I spent a lot of my time growing up on the water, especially sailing, and formed many enduring friendships along the way.
What brought you to Cleveland?
In 1996 I started working for a German manufacturing company at their US sales office, which happened to be located in Cleveland! During that initial stint I lived here for three years and also met my wife, a native Clevelander. We moved to Dublin in 1999 and returned to live in Cleveland in 2006.
What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?
Given that America is renowned as being the leader in all things sales and marketing, as a young marketing executive I was eager to cut my teeth! When I finally landed here, I have to say I was struck by how “American” everything seemed, such as the big cars, trucks and wide highways. It really resembled the movies and TV shows I had seen over the years!
What challenges did you face transitioning here?
Ireland and America are similar in many ways, in terms of language and culture, so it really was not a big shock to the system when I arrived! Given the Irish climate is very mild, I found the hot summers and cold winters to be testing! That being said, I certainly experienced homesickness, especially in the first year, and have had some occasional bouts since! I’m lucky in having a close family and network of old friends back in Ireland so I certainly still miss them.
What is your occupation?
Business development professional
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
People are very friendly here. I know it is clichéd, but the Midwesterners are very warm and easy-going! Whenever I meet people here they have always taken the time to show interest in hearing my story – how life was back in Ireland, why I moved here, etc.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
Christmas crackers! A popular Christmas dinner tradition where you and your family members pull the crackers to reveal the most goofy surprises within! The Irish are the biggest tea consumers per capita, so we’re quite particular about tea leaves. I always make sure we have plentiful supplies of Barry’s Tea in the house. My kids have continued the ritual of having a cup every day after school. Their grandmother would be proud of them!
What do you love about Cleveland?
A fighting spirit, which finally paid dividend with the Cavs’ recent momentous win; a friendly, down-to-earth people; a very reasonable cost of living.
What is your favorite thing to do in Cleveland?
Sail and swim in the summer, and ski in the winter! I also love to walk and cycle through the neighborhoods in the Heights, which are really quite unique and special.
What is the best thing about living in Cleveland?
Cleveland appears to fly under the national radar, with the consequence that cost of housing here is but a fraction of the cost in similar neighborhoods elsewhere in the country.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?
Welcoming people from other countries of plight, regardless of their economic or social status, has always been at the core of America’s founding fabric, hasn’t it? The benefits are obvious: Provide those people with a real new hope in life, with a positive side effect of culturally enhancing the communities they live in.
Bernie Moreno
Where are you from?
Colombia, South America
What was it like growing up?
We moved to the U.S. when I was 5 (in 1972). So, we lived in the U.S., but, obviously, traveled back and forth quite often. My parents wanted to come to America to give my siblings and I the chance to determine our own destiny.
Why did you #ChooseCLE (what brought you to Cleveland)?
I moved to Cleveland 11 years ago to buy the business that I operate here today.
What challenges did you face transitioning to the United States?
I didn’t have any major challenges. The language was a barrier, but challenges are only what you make them to be.
What is your occupation?
President of Bernie Moreno Companies
How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?
Cleveland is probably one of the most welcoming cities in America. It’s a great place. If you’re not from here, you realize pretty quickly that people make you feel as if you are from here.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
You never lose your heritage. Your heritage, your traditions are who you are. We’re very family-centric. My siblings and I all get together quite often. We speak Spanish to each other. You keep all that. You never lose who you are.
What do you love about Cleveland?
The people. They’re very friendly, very nice, very easygoing, salt-of-the-earth-type people.
What is your favorite thing to do in Cleveland?
I love Lake Erie. I’m a boater. Most people who aren’t from here don’t realize that part about Cleveland.
What is the best thing about living in Cleveland?
Everything’s easy here. Not a lot of traffic, and things are relatively inexpensive. There’s a burgeoning restaurant scene, too.
Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?
Of course, we need to welcome International Newcomers. Otherwise, it’s not America. The important thing is legal Migration. You want to have legal, controlled Migration.
What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?
The number one impediment is that we don’t have international flights. You can’t get here. It’s not on the radar map. If Cleveland were really serious, they’d get subsidized flights for Colombia, Mexico City, and other international cities.
