A story of survival, resilience and serving to immigrant community | S2 Ep.3

Welcome to the fourth episode of our second season, "Let’s Talk About Immigrant Rights" featuring the inspiring Maryanne Ortiz-Herrera! Maryanne is a passionate and tireless advocate for immigrant rights, workers' rights, and prison reform. Her decades of work within the Philadelphia community have profoundly impacted countless lives. In this episode, we’ll deeply dive into her remarkable journey and the experiences that have shaped her unwavering commitment to social justice. Maryanne will address some of the most pressing challenges immigrants face, offering essential insights and practical advice on understanding and exercising your rights. Her informative and empowering wisdom makes this conversation a must-listen for anyone navigating a new country. In this powerful episode, she addresses key questions that many immigrants face, such as: What legal status options are available to immigrants in Philadelphia? Where can we find legal assistance for immigration issues? What resources are available for immigrant workers? ✨ Don’t miss this chance to get essential insights from a true champion of justice—all from the comfort of your own space! ❤️🎧 Resources mentioned in the episode: Puentes de Salud - Puentes de Salud-Nonprofit-Health-Wellness-Latino Immigrant-Philadelphia EEOC - Filing A Charge of Discrimination | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov) Ann Silverman Free Clincic - Ann Silverman Free Clinic Doylestown Location Profile | Doylestown Health Juntos - Juntos (vamosjuntos.org) Justice at Work - Justice at Work (justiceatworklegalaid.org) Philadelphia Bar Association - Lawyer Referral Home (philadelphiabar.org) Featuring:🎤 Waleska Lopez – Host (Puerto Rico)🎤 Monica Molina – Co-host (Colombia)🎤 Leidy Ochoa – Co-host (Colombia)🎤 Silvia Roldán – Editor (Ecuador)🎤 Maru Gonzalez – Producer (Venezuela) For more information, visit www.ibelongphilly.org📲 Follow us:Instagram: @ibelongphillyFacebook: @IBelongPhillyLinkedIn: I Belong Philly ✨ Want to participate or share your feedback? Write to us at [email protected]—we’d love to have you as part of this amazing experience! 🎤 #Podcast #ImmigrantVoices #Leadership #Inspiration #IBelongPhilly #CelebrateImmigrants #IStandWithPhillyImmigrants #PhillyImmigrants #GoodVibesWave #Nonprofit #Community #GiveBack #ImmigrantPodcast

Welcome to the third episode “A story of survival, resilience and serving to immigrant community” of our second season, featuring Manuel Portillo! Our guest is a passionate advocate for the immigrant community.  Manuel has tirelessly organized and contributed to initiatives supporting and uplifting immigrants. His commitment to educating, engaging, and empowering individuals to take charge of their futures is truly inspiring. As a mentor to numerous leadership cohorts, Manuel has been a guiding force behind many transformative efforts.  He was pivotal in inspiring our founders to launch the I Belong Philly project. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation—we invite you to tune in!❤️ In this episode participated: Monica Molina - Host  (Colombia) Leidy Ochoa - Co-host (Colombia) Maru Gonzalez - Producer (Venezuela)  For more information about I Belong Philly visit: www.ibelongphilly.org Instagram: instagram.com/ibelongphilly Facebook: www.facebook.com/IBelongphilly/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/i-belong-philly If you want to participate or share your feedback, write to us at [email protected] and we are thrilled to include you as part of this amazing experience. 🎤  #IBelongPhilly #CelebrateImmigrants #IStandWithPhillyImmigrants #phillyimmigrants #goodvibeswave #nonprofit #charity #community #donate #nonprofitorganization #volunteer #love #education #giveback #support #socialgood #change  #help #philanthropy #givingback #instagood #fundraiser #hope #makeadifference #causes #volunteering #immigrantpodcast #podcast

Welcome to our second season's second episode “Stephanie Sun Breaking Barriers”. In this episode, Stephanie Sun, an extraordinary immigrant, talks to us about starting a new life from scratch on a new continent, in a new country and how difficult it is to break barriers and stereotypes. As an immigrant who came to the US as the sole income for her family, now in this day she is a committed Pennsylvanian serving and advocating for the different communities that exist in it. She is the reaffirmation of the essence of the American Dream. We invite you to listen to us...❤️ In this episode participated: Stephanie Sun - Special guest (China)  Silvia Roldán - Host (Ecuador) Monica Molina - Co-Host (Colombia) Leidy Ochoa - Co-host (Colombia) Maru Gonzalez - Producer (Venezuela)  For more information about I Belong Philly visit: www.ibelongphilly.org Instagram: instagram.com/ibelongphilly Facebook: www.facebook.com/IBelongphilly/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/i-belong-philly If you want to participate or share your feedback, write to us at [email protected] and we are thrilled to include you as part of this amazing experience. 🎤  #IBelongPhilly #CelebrateImmigrants #IStandWithPhillyImmigrants #phillyimmigrants #goodvibeswave #nonprofit #charity #community #donate #nonprofitorganization #volunteer #love #education #giveback #support #socialgood #change  #help #philanthropy #givingback #instagood #fundraiser #hope #makeadifference #causes #volunteering #immigrantpodcast #podcast

Welcome to our second season's first episode “Promotes Economic Growth Through Immigrant Integration”. In this episode, we want to express our gratitude to Anuj Gupta - President and CEO of The Welcoming Center. Anuj will share with us important information about the growth and impact of immigrants in greater Philadelphia as well as his impressive journey throughout his career working with the greater Philadelphia community. We invite you to listen to us...❤️ In this episode participated: Monica Molina - Host  (Colombia) Leidy Ochoa - Co-host (Colombia) Silvia Roldán - Editor (Ecuador) Maru Gonzalez - Producer (Venezuela)  For more information about I Belong Philly visit: www.ibelongphilly.org Instagram: instagram.com/ibelongphilly Facebook: www.facebook.com/IBelongphilly/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/i-belong-philly If you want to participate or share your feedback, write to us at [email protected] and we are thrilled to include you as part of this amazing experience. 🎤  #IBelongPhilly #CelebrateImmigrants #IStandWithPhillyImmigrants #phillyimmigrants #goodvibeswave #nonprofit #charity #community #donate #nonprofitorganization #volunteer #love #education #giveback #support #socialgood #change  #help #philanthropy #givingback #instagood #fundraiser #hope #makeadifference #causes #volunteering #immigrantpodcast #podcast

Welcome to our eighth and last season episode “Building meaningful organizational culture” In this episode, we want to express our gratitude to Daniel Aguirre. He is helping us thoroughly with our team structure. This is a very interesting conversation about how he does this wonderful job, learning from his experience about Why do some cultures thrive while others don't? And what role do leaders play in helping cultures thrive? Organizational cultures are living systems that can be intentionally influenced and developed. We invite you to listen to us...❤️ _____ In this episode participated: Margarita Perez (Colombia) Monica Molina  (Colombia) Leidy Ochoa (Colombia) Silvia Roldán (Ecuador) Amel Kherbachene (Algeria) Maru Gonzalez (Venezuela) - Edition And as a special guest, Daniel Aguirre linkedin For more information about I Belong Philly visit: www.ibelongphilly.org Instagram: instagram.com/ibelongphilly Facebook: www.facebook.com/IBelongphilly/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/i-belong-philly If you want to participate or share your feedback, write to us at [email protected] and we are thrilled to include you as part of this amazing experience. 🎤 #IBelongPhilly #CelebrateImmigrants #IStandWithPhillyImmigrants #phillyimmigrants #goodvibeswave #nonprofit #charity #community #donate #nonprofitorganization #volunteer #love #education #giveback #support #socialgood #change  #help #philanthropy #givingback #instagood #fundraiser #hope #makeadifference #causes #volunteering #immigrantpodcast #podcast

Welcome to our seventh episode Solas Award - Special Edition In this episode, we are going to have a conversation about the Solas awards 2022, which is going to celebrate on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cherry Street Pier. Join us and know the Solas Award story, the honorees, and more. Did you Know? Solas means “light” in Irish. Solas means “light” in Irish. Each year at the Solas Awards, The Welcoming Center shines a light on the contributions immigrants have been making in our city and region. This year, the welcoming center looks forward to gathering in person and bringing our community together for the first time in two years for an evening of celebration, learning, and connecting. The event will be held at Cherry Street Pier, a very large block party in Philadelphia, and will include the Global Craft Market, interactive exhibits, and opportunities for networking. We invite you to listen to us...❤️ _____ In this episode participated: Monica Molina  (Colombia) Leidy Ochoa (Colombia) Geórgia Consença (Brazil) Silvia Roldán (Ecuador) Ben Goebel (France) - Edition Maru Gonzalez (Venezuela) - Edition Amel Kherbachene  (Algeria) - Edition And as special guests, Peter Gonzales The Welcoming Center CEO, Juan Carlos Romero   Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia Yushan Chou and Karen Cervera - Let’s Talk Philly Conversation Circles, For more information about I Belong Philly visit: www.ibelongphilly.org Instagram: instagram.com/ibelongphilly Facebook: www.facebook.com/IBelongphilly/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/i-belong-philly If you want to participate or do you want to have information on more organizations or lawyers that you need to help you, write to us at [email protected] and we are thrilled to include you as part of this amazing experience. 🎤

Welcome to our sixth episode “Embracing our cultural differences”, in this episode we had a very pleasant conversation about the new traditions or cultural festivals that we as immigrants adopt when we arrive in this beautiful country,  and how we recognize, respect, and embrace such differences, we can take advantage of its benefits and avoid disharmony. Did you Know? There is a lot we can experience and learn from cultural diversity.  The people and the experiences can enrich us as individuals and our society as a whole.  Here are some benefits of cultural diversity. Better productivity.  Different cultures have different perspectives on various things and situations.  These varying viewpoints can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and productivity.  Imagine more probable solutions to problems, more enriching discussions on different issues, and coming up with better decisions. Increased understanding of others.  The awareness and acceptance that cultural diversity exists can promote increased understanding of other people.  This understanding can lead to lesser conflict and more unity in our groups and communities. A new level of knowledge and experience.  The more we encounter and embrace people of different cultures, the more we expand our knowledge and experience.  We learn about the people themselves and the place they are originally from, including their tourist spots, historical sites, popular dishes, and even weather.  We also learn about the reasons behind their beliefs, traditions, and principles.  We learn how different people cope with different situations and so much more. Personal and societal growth.  Cultural diversity can help us grow personally as we learn from other cultures.  On a larger scale, societies can grow with the introduction of other cultures as new ideas are introduced and accepted.  We learn to be more respectful, more polite, and more compassionate beings.  Source: https://i-ville.com/understanding-and-embracing-cultural-diversity/ We invite you to listen to us...💜 _____ In this episode participated: Leidy Ochoa (Colombia) Amel Kherbachene  (Algeria) Silvia Roldán (Ecuador) Monica Molina  (Colombia) Cristina Zanoni (Brazil) Maru Gonzalez (Venezuela) And as a special guest, Carlos José Pérez Samano  (Mexico) - Content Strategist + Author + Social Entrepreneur Biography here 👉🏼  https://www.perezsamano.com/biography For more information about I Belong Philly visit: www.ibelongphilly.org Instagram: instagram.com/ibelongphilly Facebook: www.facebook.com/IBelongphilly/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/i-belong-philly If you want to participate or do you want to have information on more organizations or lawyers that you need to help you, write to us at [email protected] and we are thrilled to include you as part of this amazing experience. 🎤

Welcome to our fifth episode “Let's talk about immigrant laws”, with this episode we want to understand more the challenges that we as immigrants are still facing with the immigration laws and how to overcome them. Did you Know? There are "Low Cost/Non-Profit Immigration Legal Assistance Referral" organizations that can help you with your legal problem, here we list some of them: Philadelphia- Catholic Social Services- Immigration Legal Services https://cssphiladelphia.org/immigration-legal-services Esperanza Immigration Legal Services http://www.esperanza.us HIAS and Council Migration Services http://hiaspa.org/ Nationalities Service Center Migration Services https://nscphila.org/ Prime - Ecumenical Commitment to Refugees http://www.prime-immigration.org/index.html New Jersey- Camden Center for Law and Social Justice, Inc. http://camdenlawandjustice.org/ Do you want to have information on more organizations or lawyers that you need to help you?  We invite you to listen to us..❤️ subscribe, and write to us at [email protected] _____ In this episode participated: Margarita Perez  (Colombia) Monica Molina  (Colombia) Leidy Ochoa (Colombia) Ben Goebel (France) Silvia Roldán (Ecuador) Maru Gonzalez (Venezuela) Interviewee:  Erik Barragán (México) - Accredited representative with Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s (CSS) Immigration Legal Services office. https://cssphiladelphia.org/immigration-legal-services/ Call to action: I Belong Philly is standing in solidarity with our Asian American and Pacific Islander community across the nation and especially in Philadelphia after the attack on a group of Asian students on a Philadelphia train.   There are many ways to find out, visit some of the organizations that fight against Asian hatred, such as: ▶️ https://stopaapihate.org/ ▶️ https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/ ▶️ https://www.asianmhc.org/about-us/#support-us For more information about I Belong Philly visit: www.ibelongphilly.org Instagram: instagram.com/ibelongphilly Facebook: www.facebook.com/IBelongphilly/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/i-belong-philly If you want to participate, write to us at [email protected] and we are thrilled to include you as part of this amazing experience. 🎤

Hello, I Belong Friends!  Welcome to listen to the fourth episode “Resilience in the immigrant community”. In this episode, our special guest is Srorng Sorn (Rorng) - Director of Immigrant / Refugee Affairs and Language Access Services for the City of Philadelphia DBHIDS. We will talk about wellness and her work in the immigrant community. Also, we will share relevant information and resources focused on self-care and well-being. "By working together to increment and promote resilience and self-care in the immigrant community make a better world to live in." IBP. Did you know how many immigrants reside in the United States? The most recent data from migrationpolicy.org, more than 44.9 million immigrants lived in the United States in 2019. Immigrants’ share of the overall U.S. population has increased significantly from the record low of 4.7 percent in 1970. In 2019, immigrants comprised 13.7 percent of the total U.S. population, a figure that remains short of the high record of 14.8 percent in 1890. We invite you to listen to us... In this episode they participated: Cristina Zanoni (Brazil) Leidy Ochoa (Colombia) Silvia Roldán (Ecuador) Monica Molina (Colombia) Margarita (Colombia) Amel (Algeria) María Eugenia (Maru) Gonzalez (Venezuela) - Edition Interviewee:  Sarorng Sorn, Director of Immigrant/Refugee Affairs and Language Access Services for the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services know as its acronym DBHIDS. More information: www.ibelongphilly.org Instagram: instagram.com/ibelongphilly Facebook: www.facebook.com/IBelongphilly/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/i-belong-philly Here are some organizations and places what did you hear on the podcast: MPI www.migrationpolicy.org Congreso de Latinos Unidos  www.congreso.net NAMI   NAMI HelpLine | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness DBHIDS dbhids.org Boost Your Mood | DBHIDS (healthymindsphilly.org) If you want to participate, write us at [email protected] and we are thrilled to include you as part of this amazing experience. 🎤

Welcome to our third episode “Let's celebrate immigrant businesses” We are always looking to support our immigrant community, this time, we thought to support the immigrants' businesses we love in Philadelphia. Hand in hand with the @WelcomingCenter, we want to promote, recognize and most importantly say thank you to Philadelphia's immigrant businesses that have remained open despite this difficult time. Did you Know?  The Welcoming Center has a program calls The Business Technical Assistance: They are supporting 25 businesses. All businesses are family-owned and operated with additional staff from the community. 19 immigrant business owners applied to 47 grant opportunities 19 accounts were opened to apply or renew permits and licenses 11 temporary out-door sitting permits were requested and 4 more are in progress) We invite you to listen to us...❤️ _____ In this episode they participated: María Eugenia (Maru) Gonzalez (Venezuela) Waleska López (Puerto Rico) Monica Molina (Colombia) Silvia Roldán (Ecuador) Ben Goebel (France) Cristina Zanoni (Brazil) Leidy Ochoa (Colombia) Interviewees:  Nicole Marcote - Program Manager in The Welcoming Center and  Eva Hernandez, the owner of Chocolate @chocoarteofficial More information: www.ibelongphilly.org Instagram: instagram.com/ibelongphilly Facebook: www.facebook.com/IBelongphilly/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/i-belong-philly Here are some organizations and places what did you hear on the podcast: Welcoming Center - welcomingcenter.org Chocolate - Instagram: @chocoarteofficial Bamba Soap Co - Instagram: @bambasoapco Marina Montano Designs  - Instagram: @MarinaMontanoDesigns Alma del Mar - Instagram: @almadelmar.philly HIAS - hiaspa.org Office of Immigrant Affairs -  phila.gov/departments/office-of-immigrant-affairs/ Immigrant-Owned Business Map - welcomingcenter.org/entrepreneurship/map/ If you want to participate, write to us at [email protected] and we are thrilled to include you as part of this amazing experience. 🎤