We Belong
By We Belong
We BelongApr 26, 2020
#50 Président Jean-Claude Juncker: Père Fondateur de l'Euro
Jean-Claude Juncker est l'un des pères fondateurs de l'euro et un pionnier de l'unification européenne.
En tant que Premier ministre du Luxembourg, il a été le chef de gouvernement le plus longtemps en poste au sein de l'Union Européenne, avec 18 ans de mandat.
Il a été le premier président permanent de l'Eurogroupe et a contribué à définir la réponse à la crise de la dette souveraine en 2009. En 2014, Jean-Claude Juncker a été élu Président de la Commission Européenne.
En conversation avec le Président Juncker, nous avons discuté du future de l'Europe, de l'immigration, de la montée de l'extrême droite et de l'importance de promouvoir le dialogue entre les peuples européens.
#49 Salwa Boujour: Calling for more Diversity in European Media
For the #49 episode, we were in Brussels to meet Salwa Boujour, a Journalist, an Entrepreneur and Founder of ADIM, a non-profit that promotes Diversity & Inclusion in Media.
Salwa specializes in social issues, particularly in matters related to gender identities and feminism, decolonization and inclusion, as well as the prison system. She identifies as a feminist journalist committed to creating a more inclusive media world.
In conversation, with Salwa, we discussed her Moroccan heritage, her experience living and travelling across Europe as a woman wearing the hijab, her commitment to include diverse voices in the Media industry, but also why ahead of the European elections we need to promote dialogue and reach to marginalised communities that live in Brussels and beyond.
Episode recorded at A Seat At the Table offices.
ADIM website: https://adimdiversitemedia.be/
#48 Stefano Manservisi: Championing Youth & Diversity at the European Commission
For the episode #48 of We Belong, we interviewed Stefano Manservisi, former Director-General at the European Commission.
Prior to that, he was the Head of the Private Office of Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs. In 2014, Mr. Manservisi was the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey.
He held different positions at the Commission, including as Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs, and Director-General for Development and Relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific States. He has also headed the Private Offices of the Commission’s President Romano Prodi and Commissioner Mario Monti.
In conversation with Mr Manservisi, we discussed his approach to serve as an inclusive leader: he shared concrete examples of dialogue and intercultural understanding through his European career and he explained why we need a Commissioner from immigration backgrounds for the next European Commission's mandate.
Ahead of the European Elections, Mr Manservisi reflects on the urgency of involving youth and immigrant descents in public debates and the importance of promoting peace as the core mission of the European project.
Episode recorded with the support of Silversquare.
#47 At the European Parliament with MEP Salima Yenbou: Fostering the Unity in Diversity of Europe
#46 How to build Healthy Relationships with Amal Tahir
For the episode #46 of We Belong, we met the inspirational Amal Tahir.
Multitalented, Amal is a renowned feminist author, speaker, sexologist and advocate for women's health and empowerment. With a background in gynecology and obstetrics, she has dedicated her career to promoting a positive and inclusive dialogue surrounding topics such as mental health, body positivity, and sexuality.
Through her writings and content shared to more than 100.000 followers, Amal seeks to challenge societal norms and empower individuals to embrace their bodies and identities unapologetically. She is celebrated for her compassionate approach and commitment to promoting understanding, acceptance and belonging in all aspects of life.
In conversation with Amal, she shared valuable advice to spot red flags in any type of relationships, she shared her European journey from Italy, Belgium til France, and she gave valuable advice to our young audience.
Amal's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/amaltahir/
Her podcast Garce Therapy: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YQ5Yuzt8nuPY1s76T261Y
Her books: https://www.fnac.com/ia9410911/Amal-Tahir
#45 Championing (Hidden) Disabilities with Nadia Kendall
For the #45 episode, we introduce you to Nadia Kendall, Head of Hidden Disabilities at We Belong Europe.
Nadia has a law and politics background, she is both American and Luxembourg, with Iranian and Caribbean backgrounds. Since a young age, Nadia experienced gastrointestinal pain and she was misdiagnosed til her later teenage years.
In conversation, with Nadia, we discussed the struggle that people with hidden disabilities face to get properly diagnosed and the impact of being invalidated. We also discussed our brand new program NeuroEquity, that she coordinates, where we will support affected individuals with workshops, research and advocacy campaigns.
https://www.webelongeurope.com/hiddendisabilitiesprogram
With the support of André Losch Foundation.
#44 Fostering a Sustainable & Inclusive Society with Daniela Ragni
Since 2023, the André Losch Foundation supports We Belong Europe through our PowHer Leadership Program. The Foundation has independently supported projects dedicated to young people in Luxembourg, in the fields of education, social inclusion and health. Daniela leads the Foundation on strategic and operational development since 2019.
During her career, Daniela has worked for around twenty years within non-governmental organisations active in the social and International Cooperation in Luxembourg, by occupying several management positions, notably at Fairtrade asbl and the Caritas Foundation.
In conversation with Daniela, we discussed her inspiring journey from Italy to Luxembourg, what motivated the Foundation to support We Belong and why they believe in our program PowHer.
Episode produced by Cecilia Said Vieira. With the support of André Losch Foundation.
#43 Fostering Inclusion in Tech & AI with CEO Mina Saidze
For the #43 episode of We Belong, we were in Berlin to meet Mina Saidze, the Author of FairTech, Founder of Inclusive Tech and a Forbes 30 Under 30.
Mina’s mission is to democratise Big Data and Artificial Intelligence by creating a bridge between tech and business.
She decided to found Inclusive Tech to challenge the status-quo in the tech industry. Today, Inclusive Tech is Europe’s first advocacy and consulting organisation for Diversity in Tech and AI Ethics.
In conversation with Mina, we discussed her family story, her mission to make Tech and AI accessible to everyone and her aspirations for the next years through her business venture.
She is the daughter of political activists from Afghanistan that fled the country to offer their children a better life. Her family story inspired her throughout her whole life and she is the first woman in her family to graduate university.
#42 Being Afro-Greek with Adeola Naomi Aderemi
For the #42 episode of We Belong, we met Adeola Naomi Aderemi, a multilingual, multilocal, AfroGreek, and multi-format artist, scholar, curator, and healer.
Adeola has been working as a curator, yoga therapist, and editor in chief of Distinguished Diva. Her debut documentary film “I am Afro-Greek” covers the lives and lived experiences of Greeks of African descent. She utilises the integration of holistic healing practices in policy places and modalities of care available on issues around Black women’s liberation, gender justice, women’s health, and equal representation for voices of women of African descent in global media. Her work in various mediums has been featured in publications such as Women Under Siege, New York Times, Ms. Magazine, New Museum New York, Forbes, E-flux, Elle, and Vogue.
In conversation with Adeola, we discussed her experience living in Greece (and around the world), her volunteer work for refugees and migrants coming to Greece and her commitment to foster diversity in the media and creative industries through her documentary I am Afro-Greek.
#41 Feminist Foreign Policy with Kristina Lunz
For the #41 episode of We Belong, we met Kristina Lunz, an entrepreneur, author, and activist. She is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy, she was named among the "30 under 30" by Forbes and she was the German face of Giorgio Armani's Female Empowerment campaign "Crossroads" in 2022.
Kristina served as an external advisor for the German Foreign Office and UNDP, among others. In her work from New York to Bogotá, from Germany to Myanmar, she became aware of a stubborn unwillingness to think past the status quo and to embrace new, innovative voices from marginalized groups. She also saw that the tradition of feminist activism combined brilliantly with diplomacy: both require grim tenacity, boundless creativity and a solutions-oriented approach.
In conversation with Kristina, we discussed her bestseller "The Future of Foreign Policy is Feminist" that promotes an inclusive, visionary policy where genders are equally represented.
Episode recorded at INNSiDE by Melia Luxembourg.
With the Support of André Losch Foundation.
#40 How to reach Gen Z with Cecilia Said Vieira
#39 PowHer your Career with Sarah Zitouni
Based in Sweden, Sarah spends 80% of her time working as a Director of Strategy in the automotive sector and 20% of her time coaching women to gain confidence and advance their careers. After years thriving to find her place in a male-dominant sector, today she shares her lessons learned with more than 150k women via social media, she coaches them and she just published a book called PowHer Ta Carriere.
In conversation with Sarah, we discussed how she overcame her impostor syndrome as a female engineer and how crucial self-branding is to get promoted and recognised in the workplace.
#38 Introducing PowHer with Co-Founders Yasmine & Jana
For the #38 episode of We Belong, Co-Founders Yasmine & Jana did a Q&A to introduce our new leadership program: PowHer!
PowHer is a journey towards transformation, growth, and making a positive impact. For 10 months, a cohort of young women will benefit from workshops and individual coaching sessions to develop their leadership skills.
Our Co-founders discussed what motivated them to launch PowHer and their goal to equip young women with the essential skills and unwavering confidence needed to drive meaningful change in society.
PowHer is a program developed with the support of André Losh Foundation. Find more here: https://www.webelongeurope.com/powher-project
#37 In Luxembourg with Aymeric Kabore: Intersectionally Unique
#36 In Luxembourg with Maimuna Djalo: Teaching with Respect
Maimuna opened up on her experience as she faced several episodes of discrimination by peers and teachers when she was a child. These difficult moments prompted her to become a teacher and she shared with us the importance to bring more representation into the educational sector.
This episode is part of a project in collaboration with Soul of Nations.
#35 In Luxembourg with Igor Tchappi: AI and Diversity
Igor shared his passion for computer science and how the lack of data can lead to biases. He is currently working on a research at the intersection of AI and Social Inclusion and we discussed the need for more scholarships for people with diverse backgrounds to pursue a PhD.
This episode is part of a project in collaboration with Soul of Nations.
#34 In Germany with Oumou Aidara: a Multi-Media Artist
We discussed their passion for photography, sports and film. Their work explores issues of identity, belonging, psychology, nature and society. Oumou also opened up on their experience living in Berlin and how language can influence individuals.
This episode is part of a project in collaboration with Soul of Nations.
#33 In Luxembourg with Jana Degrott: Running for Elections
Since the age of 16, Jana has been active in politics and by the age on 21 she was elected as a Local Councilor in Luxembourg. Recognised Obama Leader by the Obama Foundation, Responsible Leader by the BMW Foundation and Goalkeeper by the Gates Foundation, she is a role model for many aspiring female leaders.
In conversation with Jana, she recalled her first elections compared to the current elections she is campaigning for. She also opened up on the mental health struggles she faced due to her political work and how she found her sense of belonging.
Episode in partnership with Get the Trolls Out.
#32 In France with Salwa Rajaa: Facing Discrimination as a Model
In the past few months, Salwa’s story was covered by several French media where she shared her experience as an Arab model. One day, she found herself having her name changed to “Sylvie” during a casting. For a long time Salwa felt ashamed of her identity, but today she is confident about who she is and bold to speak up to call for inclusion.
In conversation with Rajaa, she shared with us the meeting that changed her career and prompted her to become a model, but also the difficulties she faced in the industry and what motivated her to speak up in order to foster change.
#31 In France with Élisabeth Moreno: Becoming a Minister for Gender Equality
Mrs Moreno served as Minister for Gender Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities at the French Prime Minister's Office.
Previous to that, Mrs Moreno worked for giant tech companies as Dell, France Telecom and she was the Managing Director for HP Africa before receiving a call from the French Prime Minister’s office that changed her destiny.
Under Moreno's leadership, the French government successfully introduced a bill intended to protect victims of domestic violence, allowing doctors to break patient confidentiality if they believe a life is "in immediate danger".
In conversation with Mrs Moreno, we discussed her journey moving from Cape Verde to France with her family in the late 1970s, her management style as a Female Executive in Tech and her ambitions to bridge the gap between public and private sectors.
Her key advice to our listeners is: Dare to try!
#30 In Germany with Sawsan Chebli: Working in the Highest Spheres of Power
Sawsan was born to Palestinian asylum seekers in Germany and grew up with her parents and twelve siblings in Berlin.
Between 2010 and 2014, Chebli was the first spokesperson for intercultural affairs of Berlin's State Minister of the Interior and Sport. In 2014, she served as deputy spokesperson of the Federal Foreign Office, she was the first Muslim person to hold that post.
From 2016 until 2021, Sawsan served as State Secretary for Federal Affairs in the state government of the Governing Mayor of Berlin.
In conversation with Sawsan, she shared the challenges she faced as a female politician, the hate she faced as a muslim outspoken woman and what motivates her to keep going despite threats and criticisms.
Episode produced in collaboration with Get The Trolls Out.
#29 In France with Nesrine Slaoui: How to overcome “Illegitimacy”
After graduating from Sciences Po in 2018, she has worked for national TV channels such as reporter for ITélé (Canal+) and as host for France Télévisions. She was also the face of the online media Loopsider, carrying out several investigations on domestic violence, police violence and student precariousness.
In January 2021, Nesrine published her first novel "Illegitimate" to tell her story and her family immigration journey coming from Morocco and to growing up in a small rural city in France. A book committed to equal opportunities and against all forms of sexist or racist discrimination.
Ahead of her upcoming second book “Seule” (Alone), out on January 4, we discussed with her about the struggles she faced at school, her experience in journalism and how she found a way to express herself through writing.
#28 YEИDRY: the Rising of a Trilingual Popstar
Born in Santo Domingo, YEИDRY recalled her journey of migrating to Italy at age 4, after a year spent apart from her mother, and the tribute she paid to her in the song Nena.
YEИDRY composes in Spanish, English and Italian and she collaborated with reggae legend Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Congolese-Belgian singer Lous and The Yakuza.
For the past year, YEИDRY has been busy working on her debut album in Latin America and in Miami, she shared with us her ambition to experiment different genres and bridge her Caribbean and European cultures through music.
She also described her reaction when she learned that she was featured on Barack Obama’s “Favorite Music of 2021” and how this recognition inspired other young women.
#27 At the European Parliament with Dr. Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana: Deconstructing Racism through Policy-making
In June 2020, in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death and as she was heading to the European Parliament for the adoption of the historical Anti-Racism Resolution, Dr. Pierrette denounced having been victim of police violence on the basis of discrimination.
In conversation with Dr. Pierrette, we discussed how she got elected, the importance of having more diversity in spheres of power in order to ensure representation and the need to foster anti-racism policies, based on her personal experience.
Representation Matters is a campaign launched by We Belong Europe, advocating for the inclusion of minorities in spheres of power.
#26 At the European Parliament with Samira Rafaela: Why Representation Matters
Elected in 2019, she is not only one of the youngest elected euro-deputies, but she is also the first Dutch MEP with Afro-Caribbean roots.
Rafaela ran on the promise to fight for a strong, social and secure Europe. She strongly believes that the EU is at its best when we work together to diminish inequality and celebrate our diversity.
In conversation with Samira, she shared with us her upbringing in the Netherlands, how she makes her diversity a strength and her priorities on the fight against racism during her mandate at the European Parliament.
Representation Matters is a campaign launched by We Belong Europe, advocating for the inclusion of minorities in spheres of power.
#25 In Belgium with Elozi Lomponda: advising a Foreign Affairs Minister
Since 2013, Elozi has held a position at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2015, the news that nine school children had died when their canoe overturned on the Congo River spurred her to set up the Charity DLSP. Since then, her Charity impacted more than 400 children.
In conversation with Elozi, we discussed her journey at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that she joined at only 24, and her mission to give back to both Belgium and DRC, the country of her roots.
#24 In Denmark with Nadia Nadim: the Afghan Refugee turned into Football Superstar
She was only 11 when her father was murdered by the Taliban, and she was forced to evacuate to find refuge in Denmark. There, she discovered a passion for football and she has earned success after success, having represented the Denmark's National Team since 2009.
In conversation with Nadia, we discussed how she keeps pushing boundaries despite the criticisms she faces in the media, but also her ambition to prove that a professional football player can also become a doctor. Nadia is a compassionate woman and she is currently attending medical school to become a surgeon and give back to humanity.
Episode produced in partnership with WISE Qatar.
#23 In Bulgaria with Mariya Atanasova: Advocating for Romani People
As a young Roma in Bulgaria, Mariya experienced discrimination at an early age. She then became a member of the Roma Youth Volunteer Network where her mentorship work contributes to uplifting one of Europe’s most disadvantaged minorities.
In conversation with Mariya, we discussed her journey as an activist, the importance of receiving such a title as the Young European of the Year, the impact these recognitions have for broader communities and the importance to occupy spaces in spheres of power and influence.
#22 In Portugal with Nuna: Navigating Neurodiversity as an Activist
She is also a multidisciplinary artist and she defines herself as a revisionist: she challenges traditional narrations on colonialism and she reflects on how history shapes privilege and equality in our societies.
In conversation with Nuna, we discussed her journey as a neurodiverse person, the endless ambition that defines her and how she takes courage to tackle injustice and racism through social media.
#21 In Finland with Kamilla Sultanova: her journey from Uzbekistan to Europe
Passionate about promoting tolerance in Europe, she hosts online and offline workshops on different topics from diversity and inclusion, to cultural onboarding and event facilitation.
In conversation with Kamilla, we discussed her journey to Europe, the region of her roots and the current growing instability with the Taliban threat in Afghanistan. Finally, we reflected on how to navigate multiple identities and the importance of finding a mentor to help us grow.
#20 In Poland with Dr. Margaret Ohia-Nowak: Being a Black Woman in Poland
As a critical discourse analyst, her research focuses on the manifestation of racism against black people in language and discourse.
Committed to contribute to a more inclusive society, she is president of “Word Idea”, a training company for promoting diversity, cross-cultural communication, combating racial discrimination, and the violation of human rights of people of African descent in Poland.
In conversation with Margaret, we discussed the representation of Black Polish people, the importance of understanding gaslighting and recognizing minorities’ lived experiences in countries where they are constantly alienated.
#19 In France with Thérèse Sayarath: Singing for Freedom
Through her songs, Thérèse wants to contribute to the construction of another image of the French "universality", one that includes all the people.
Born in a Parisian suburb from Asian parents, she refuses to be put into a box: she sees herself as a rainbow. The encounter between the sun and the rain. Visible but uncatchable.
In conversation with Thérèse, we remembered her early days, growing up in a multicultural neighborhood, but also the identity crisis she faced when she studied in a business school and finally how she found an harmony and a way to express herself through music.
#18 In the UK with Safaa Charif: Narrating Disability on TikTok
Safaa has a keen interest in bringing to life multifaceted stories that challenge the mainstream narratives and stereotypes surrounding disability and Islam.
During the first lockdown, Safaa explored new formats to share her daily life and break some stereotypes related to her multiple identities and her TikToks went viral.
In conversation with Safaa, we discussed the importance of accessibility, how to sparkle educational conversations while using irony and how to better include people with disabilities and narrate their stories with authenticity.
#17 In Germany with Sara Mardini: Coming to Europe as a Syrian Refugee
In 2015 she was hailed as a hero along with her sister Yusra after saving 18 people from drowning on the hazardous journey from Turkey to the Greek islands. Back to Greece as a volunteer, she has been accused of people smuggling and she risks facing up to 25 years in prisons for having helped people.
Far from giving up, Sara was listed in the TIME 100 Next List for her humanitarian work and she shared with us some details of their journey, from Syria to Berlin.
Her story reflects the silent struggles that thousands of refugees face and helps us reflect on the future of Europe and its values.
#16 We Belong Turns One ! International Women’s Day Edition
Jana Degrott is one of the youngest elected politicians in Luxembourg, while Sumaia Saiboub is the Head of Content at Colory, that narrates stories of second generation immigrant descents in Italy.
Both respectively working on politics and on media, they shared common stories, professional and personal challenges they faced this past year, how We Belong impacted their journey, as well as hopes and ambitions for the future!
#15 In Luxembourg with Corinne Semedo: Miss Luxembourg advocating for Mental Health
In 2013, she became the first Black woman to ever participate and win a title at Miss Luxembourg. Corinne unveils the discrimination she faced behind the scenes and how this award came with lots of struggles and pressure that impacted her mental health.
In conversation with Corinne, we discussed how she started her career as a dancer, but also her passion for social work and how she combines both through her classes at Confidance.
Key: freepsychotherapynetwork.com/
#14 In the Netherlands with Samya Hafsaoui: Disrupting the Entertainment Industry
As a journalist, she writes for Vogue and Glamor, among others, and she presented ‘De Taxi Terug‘, a web column in which she accompanied a table guest to their next destination and interviewed them. She also made the series Female Virals on YouTube.
She is also the author of “36 questions (and lots of coffee)”, a book with which she hopes to break the taboos surrounding falling in love and relationships among Muslim women. She is currently writing the film readaptation of this romance.
In conversation with Samya, we discussed the cultural biases existing in the entertainment industry and how she is disrupting them. Born from a Moroccan father and a Dutch mother, Samya reflects on what shaped her and deconstructs stereotypes around Dutch people and immigrant descents.
Key: Tia Taylor Youtube Channel on Finance Literacy: www.youtube.com/user/tiataylormakeup
#13 In France with Inès Leonarduzzi: The Digital Ecologist
Named by Forbes as one of the 92 women who are disrupting technology in France, Inès also organizes personal development masterclasses through her initiative ‘Preserve Experience’, available here: preserve-experience.com
In conversation with Inès, we discussed her Algerian and Italian roots, the multiple identities sharing her, her childhood in Northern France and her ambition to foster ecology in the digital sector.
Key: UPG Sustainability Leadership Program 2021 in USA (Deadline November 30): unitedpeople.global/initiatives/sl-apply/
#12 In the UK with Adelaide Damoah: Decolonizing Arts and Feminism
For the #12 episode of We Belong, we are back in the UK to meet Adelaide Damoah RWA FRSA, a British painter and performance artist of Ghanaian descent who uses her body as a “living paintbrush”, the starting point for much of her work. Through arts, she addresses feminism, colonialism, religion and spirituality.
As a descendant of Ghanaian parents, Adelaide Damoah has always had a particular interest in colonial history and knew that eventually she would explore the relationship between Ghana and Britain in her work. In 2016, she traveled to Ghana looking for old photographs of her family from the colonial era: it was at this time that she found a very powerful image of her maternal great grandmother which was taken in 1920, when Ghana was the British Gold Coast.
In conversation with Adelaide, we discussed her relationship with her body and how she uses arts to discuss feminism, colonialism, racism and identities.
Key: Rachel Cargle’s Ted Talk: “Coming to Terms with Racism’s Inertia: Ancestral Accountability”
#11 In Belgium with Sara Lou: the Bright Side of Molenbeek
For the #11 episode of We Belong, we traveled to Belgium to meet Sara Lou, a YouTuber and Digital Marketing Strategist. Along with her two sisters, she is part of the “Molem Sisters” collective from Molenbeek, which aims to share positive narratives from this Brussels municipality.
In 2019, she did the cover of the song ‘Balance ton quoi’ by Belgian singer Angèle, echoing the #MeToo Movement, to denounce the Islamophobia experienced by veiled women, such as cyber-harassment or discrimination in hiring. The video quickly created a buzz, exceeding 800.000 views. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xs-EkCW7Ik
In conversation with Sara-Lou, we explored the different roles she covers as a full-time Mother, a part-time Entrepreneur and Youtuber. She spends 80% of her time in Molenbeek and she delivers trainings on digital marketing, available here: http://zakietsaralou.com/
Key: Book “The Art of Disruption: A Manifesto for Real Change”, by Magid Magid.
#10 In the UK with Fatima Zaman: a Next Gen Counter Extremist
For the #10 episode of We Belong, we traveled to the UK to meet inspiring Fatima Zaman, peace activist and advocate at the Kofi Annan Foundation.
After witnessing the London 7/7 Bombings, Fatima has dedicated her activism toward building peace, security and overcoming extreme violence in conflict. Having served as an Official to the UK Government, her work involved advising Government Ministers and the late 7th Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan.
In conversation with Fatima, we discussed her work to enhance and uphold human rights, her commitment to deliver justice and her achievements, including being named as the UK’s Asian Woman of Achievement and being invited to the Inaugural Class of Obama Scholars, at the behest of President Obama and Michelle Obama.
Key: Obama Foundation Scholarships and Volunteering https://www.obama.org/get-involved/
#09 In Italy with Giada Zhang: being a CEO
For the #9 episode of We Belong, we traveled to Italy to meet Giada Zhang, a female CEO at the head of a family business called Mulan. At only 23 years old, Giada is a successful entrepreneur and she was recognised a Forbes 30 under 30. Her company is the first to distribute oriental food prepared in Italy to a large scale in supermarkets and restaurants.
In conversation with Giada, she recalled her childhood in Italy, what it means to be an immigrant daughter, as her parents moved from China to Italy, and how she turned her diversity into a strength: today she is winning the heart of Italians through food and cultural exchange. We hope that her success at such a young age will inspire many more young women to dare leadership and entrepreneurship.
Key: book ‘Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action’ by Simon Sinek
#08 In Germany with Rebecca Korang: the Rootless Artist
On the #8 episode of We Belong, we are in Germany with Rebecca Korang, a performing artist, dancer and choreographer based in Berlin. Together with theatre maker Grace Holme, she initiated a community dance theatre project called 'Utopia Now Theater'. Since 2019 Rebecca Korang is curating the art exhibition at African Food Festival Berlin, aiming to build a growing network among artists from Africa and the African Diaspora in Berlin and beyond. She is also working between Berlin and Accra, Ghana, for artistic research and a long term project that deals with plastic-recycling and creative exchange.
In conversation with Rebecca, she explained her constant quest for identity that reflects her performance art, she recalled her travel back to Ghana to find her roots and the difficulty in feeling German and being perceived as such as a black woman.
Key: book ‘The Disoriented’ by Amin Maalouf.
#07 In Sweden with Evin Incir - Fostering Solidarity at the European Parliament
For this new episode of We Belong, we travel to Sweden to meet Evin Incir, a newly elected Member of the European Parliament. Kurdish descent, she recalled her early years in Sweden, growing up in a suburb of the city of Gothenburg and engaging in politics at a very young age. Becoming an MEP at the 2019 European Elections was for Evin a dream that came true. She has since been serving on the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
In conversation with Evin, we discussed her career, the current challenges that the European Union faces in light with the pandemic crisis and the need for more solidarity in Europe.
Key: Schuman Traineeship at the European Parliament, Deadline June 30.
#06 In Belgium with Hanan Challouki - An Impact Builder
For the #6 episode of We Belong, we take you to Belgium to meet the mind behind a million visitors website, Hanan Challouki! She is the managing partner of the creative agency Allyens and the original founder of the online platform Mvslim.com. Focused on inclusive communication, she spends her time developing strategies and campaigns for companies like Brussels Airport, BNP Paribas and Unilever. She's also listed as one of the Forbes 30 under 30 for her innovative thinking. In conversation with Hanan, we recalled her childhood in Anvers and the whole journey of Mvslim.com, that started from a student idea and became so big that she decided to sell it a month ago in order to focus on her next steps!
Key of the day: Plural Plus Video Festival by UNAOC Deadline June 19
#05 In the UK with Gena-mour Barrett - From South London to working at Netflix UK
For the #5 episode of We Belong, we take you to the UK to meet Gena-mour Barrett, a journalist and Editorial Creative Manager at Netflix UK, where she curates the Netflix IX interview series. As a freelancer, she has bylines at Elle, The Guardian, Refinery 29 and BBC Newsbeat. She was listed as one of 2019’s 30 Under 30 for Media and Marketing in Europe by Forbes and she was a recipient of the 2018 Roxane Gay fellowship for a woman of colour writing fiction with Jack Jones Literary Arts.
In conversation with Gena-mour, we dived into her personal story, her childhood in South London, the lessons learnt and her passion for writing. We also discussed humour and satire on Media, representation and diversity on the entertainment industry and, of course, Europe and her views on Brexit!
Key: Netflix series “Dear White People”
#04 In France with Linh Lan Dao - Anti-Asian Racism and Media
For the #4 episode of We Belong, we are back to France to meet Linh Lan Dao, a French TV Journalist for Franceinfo télévision. She works at the fact-checking TV program “Vrai ou Fake” and she uses arts to explain the news on the Youtube channel “Draw my news”. Following the broadcast of a TV show by two French humorists Kev Adams and Gad Elmaleh, she denounced prejudice and racism targeting Asians in a video that made 2.5 million views. She is committed against anti-Asian racism and she has been particularly vocal since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, shading the light on anti-Asian discriminations, verifying news and tweeting with the hashtag #Imnotavirus. We discussed about her passion for journalism and drawing, the importance to giving a voice to Asian communities living in France and representation on Media.
Keys: Harvard free online courses (https://online-learning.harvard.edu/catalog/free), British Council Free Online Courses (https://www.futurelearn.com/courses) and the Atlas Corps Fellowship Deadline May 1st (https://atlascorps.org/apply-united-states/).
#03 In Spain with Miriam Hatibi - Between outrage and activism
Keys: Code Academy (code academy.dev), One Young World Scholarships (https://www.oneyoungworld.com/scholarships).
#02 In Italy with Bellamy - An Afroitalian Soul
For the #2 episode of We Belong, we recorded a special interview on remote where we take you to Milan, in Italy, the most affected country by the coronavirus. We discussed with Bellamy, a model, a blogger and an activist. Her word: Multifaceted.
Bellamy was born and raised in Italy in a half Ugandan and half Sudanese family. Her interests range from fashion and skin care to international politics. She becomes increasingly passionate about socio-cultural issues with a focus on the experience of the black body in different countries and while doing some research on this matter she feels called to take action in her own country.
With her friend Grazia, she created Afroitalian Souls: a web magazine that is now a digital platform that promotes the excellence of the African diaspora in Italy while simultaneously bringing awareness to the endless social and racial issue they face.
In conversation with Bellamy, we discussed the impact of Covid-19 in Italy, the structural and cultural forms of violence that black Italians face and how she uses sarcasm and style to amplify the voice of Afroitalians on social media.
Find her on Youtube, Instagram and Twitter @AfroitalianSoul, @Darkchocolatecreature, @BellamyAwot
Keys: Yoga sessions with @bodymind_focus , Netflix series: Self Made , Learning platform: MOOC.org
#01 In France with Inès Seddiki - Turning stigma into strength
She is a French-Moroccan young activist and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) professional living in the banlieues of Paris. In the 80s, her parents immigrated to France to pursue ideals of liberty and equality. From a very young age, Inés faced injustice and this motivated her to take action.
Since 2016, her NGO Ghett’up has impacted more than 2000 young people in the banlieues of Paris.
In the conversation with Ines, we discussed the importance of owning our story and identities, reflected on what it means to grow up in a banlieue and how to turn stigma into strength.