Born in a Tanzanian refugee camp to parents who fled conflict in the Congo, Jeanette Muibi grew up walking toward a future she couldn’t yet imagine. In this episode, she shares her journey from survival to self-discovery—a story of resilience, heartbreak, and the courage to rise again.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story.

This episode was produced by Naomi Bone, with audio editing by Jack McDonald and post-production by Gregg Palmer. The original interview was conducted by our executive producer Sankar Raman at Portland Community College’s Southeast Campus Library in the fall of 2024.

This episode was made possible through a generous contribution from the Zidell Family Foundation.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some viewers, including depictions of sexual violence. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

This episode was produced by Naomi Bone while she was a high school student working with The Immigrant Story staff. Naomi graduated in May 2025 from Catlin Gabel School in Portland, Oregon.

At just 50-years-old, Rukshana Hafez Triem could say she’s lived many lives. From fleeing her home country of Mozambique at just 5-years-old to being a refugee  3-times over…first in Malawi, then Zambia, and finally the United States. She took on the role of caregiver as the eldest of 5 children while enduring the trauma of sexual abuse at the hands of her father. Despite the 16 years of pain, she later found the courage to break the silence that had held her captive for so long.

This episode contains discussion of sexual violence, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please take care of your mental and emotional well-being, and feel free to skip this episode if the subject matter is too difficult. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, consider seeking support from a trusted resource or professional.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. 

This episode was produced, audio edited and hosted Amal Elhelw. Special thanks to Fran Silverman for script editing, and to Gregg Palmer for post-production support. Our Executive producer is Sankar Raman.

Thank you to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton, Oregon, for letting us use their space to record this interview. This episode is made possible by a generous contribution from the Zidell Family Foundation.

 For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

Erica Naito-Campbell, the author of Portland’s Audacious Champion: How Bill Naito Overcame Anti-Japanese Hate and Became an Intrepid Civic Leader in  conversation with  Eliza Canty Jones– chief program officer at the Oregon Historical Society and editor of the Oregon Historical Quarterly.

Erica speaks about her grandfather’s influence and legacy in Portland, yes, but also about his lesser known story–the trauma and racism he experienced during WWII and how he carried that through his life, how it propelled him to great action.

In exploring his story, Erica gains a deeper understanding of her beloved grandfather–the public figure and the private man– and his history. But ultimately she gains a greater understanding of herself, what she wants for future generations, and what she hopes for Portland now.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. 

This episode was hosted, produced and edited by Meg Ritter. Storyboard was edited by Fran Silverman with audio post production by Gregg Palmer. The original interview was conducted by our executive producer, Sankar Raman, in October of 2024.

Thank you to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton, Oregon for the use of their space to record the interview.

This episode is made possible by the generous support by the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information about Portland’s Audacious Champion: How Bill Naito Overcame Anti-Japanese Hate and Became an Intrepid Civic Leader, please vist: https://osupress.oregonstate.edu/book/portlands-audacious-champion

When Thao Nguyen was born in Vietnam, she was seen as an outsider. The daughter of a Vietnamese woman and an African-American soldier, she was considered  an American in her own country. When she immigrated to the United States in the 1990s, it offered a promise of belonging and a fresh start. But on a summer day in Oregon, her life took a turn she could have never imagined.

This episode of Many Roads to Here traces Thao’s powerful journey—one shaped by resilience, identity, and a search for home.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story.

This episode was produced and edited by Kate Mishkin, with post-production by Gregg Palmer. The original interview was conducted by Sankar Raman in the fall of 2024 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton, Oregon.

Released on the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, this story is part of a special series highlighting the voices and experiences of Asian Americans. It was made possible through the generous support of Anne Naito-Campbell and the Oregon Rises Above Hate coalition.

Learn more at: oregonrisesabovehate.com

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, tune in at prp.fm, or stream Many Roads to Here wherever you get your podcasts.

TK grew up an exile in his own home country of Rhodesia. Under white minority rule, Black people weren’t allowed in certain schools or movie theaters  and it could even be dangerous to be out after dark. When Robert Mugabe came to power with promises of freedom and equality, it was cause for celebration nation-wide. But the peace and freedom he promised turned into a dangerous and corrupt system. To find safety, TK would need to give up his successful law career and start over, in a brand new country, in a brand new life. 

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. 

This episode was produced, edited and hosted by Selene Ross. Audio post-production done by Gregg Palmer. The original interview was conducted by Sankar Ramanin the fall of 2023.

Thank you to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton for the use of their space to record the interview.

This episode is made possible by a generous contribution from the Zidell Family Foundation.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

Mohsin Jamal is a quick learner. It was an essential survival skill for a young child from Afghanistan’s Hazara minority, a persecuted ethnic group  for whom decades of military occupation, war, and political infighting had uniquely high stakes. But thanks to a mind that was quick with numbers and hands gifted at weaving, Mohsin fled and survived war more than once, journeying through Afghanistan and Pakistan, and finally building a life in Portland.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. 

This episode was was produced, edited and hosted by Haleema Shah. Audio post-production done by Gregg Palmer. The original interview was conducted by Sankar Raman in the fall of 2024.

Thank you to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton for the use of their space to record the interview.

This episode is a part of a series exploring the stories and experiences of Asian Americans. in a climate of Anti-Asian rhetoric and increasing violence. It is produced as part of the Oregon Rises Above Hate coalition and made possible by a generous contribution by Anne Naito-Campbell. 

To learn more about the Oregon Rises Above Hate Coalition, please visit https://oregonrisesabovehate.com.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

Fifteen year-olds can be… a lot. It’s often when a rebellious streak first emerges, when a kid might start sneaking out, breaking curfew or perhaps,  skipping school and lying about their age to become an interpreter for the American soldiers occupying your hometown in Afghanistan. Or at least that’s what being a teenager was like for Nasirullah Safi, who grew up in the Kunar Valley between Afghanistan and Pakistan, a land plagued by constant conflict and war. But guided by the advice of his father and the dreams of his mother, he left Kunar and found his way to another valley: the Willamette.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. 

This episode was produced, edited and hosted by Selene Ross. Audio post-production done by Gregg Palmer. The original interview was conducted by Sankar Raman in the fall of 2023.

Many thanks to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton, Oregon for the use of their space.

This episode is a part of a series exploring the stories and experiences of Asian Americans. It is produced as part of the Oregon Rises Above Hate coalition and made possible by a generous contribution by Anne Naito-Campbell. 

To learn more about the Oregon Rises Above Hate Coalition, please visit https://oregonrisesabovehate.com.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode brings together two remarkable women, both public servants. Sophorn Cheang is the director of Business Oregon, the economic development   agency for the state of Oregon. Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie is the director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement for the state. They’ve worked together throughout their careers, and their relationship is one of friendship and mutual respect. They spoke about what it feels like to finally be inside the halls of power, with the opportunity to make a difference. Together they reflected on the promises and struggles of serving in government, got real about how immigration policy has advanced and stalled over time, and wondered how to involve the community in public policy decisions.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story.

This episode was produced and edited by Caitlin Dwyer Young, with post production by Gregg Palmer. Our Executive producer is the Sankar Raman.

Thank you to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton, Oregon for letting us use their space to record. And a huge thank you to Toc and Sophorn for the generosity of their time.

This episode is produced as a part of Oregon Rises Against Hate coalition, and made possible by a generous contribution by Anne Naito-Campbell.

For more stories, visit The Immigrant Story website, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

What does a mental health journey look like? How can art, music, and therapy bring us to better self understanding and self love? In this episode, Portland Community

College student Jose Perez Salazar interviews Joaquin Lopez, one of the creative laureates of Portland, Oregon. They discuss the healing power of art, what it means to listen to your parents’ music, and how Lopez found meaning in staging and singing Latino gay stories. This is our first conversation co-produced by a first-generation student.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. Many thanks to Jose Perez Salazar for co-producing this episode with me. And huge thanks to Joaquin for this conversation, and for his beautiful music. This episode was recorded at Portland Community College and generously funded by the Zidell Family Foundation.

Gregg Palmer did our post production. Music was composed and performed by Joaquin Lopez. Our executive producer is the undeniable Sankar Raman.

For more stories, visit our website, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to The Immigrant Story Live, where we feature stories from the stage. In each episode of this new series we weave together three stories that were originallyperformed at an Immigrant Story Live Event.

For episode two of this series, you’ll hear from three storytellers — Ghassan Bin Hammam, Rama Youssef, and Meghna Damani – who each found themselves trapped in situations they never could have expected. 

A warning to our listening, this episode contains descriptions of violence and suicidal ideation, so please take care while listening. 

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. This episode was produced by Degen Larkin. Audio editing was done by Gregg Palmer. Music was sourced from Soundstripe. Graphics for this episode were designed by Jacqueline Pagano. Our executive producer is Sankar Raman.

Many thanks to Alton Takiyama-Chung and Nancy Dollahite for coaching our fabulous storytellers. This episode is made possible by a generous contribution by the Zidell Family Foundation.

To view the films Meghna Damani discusses in today’s episode you can visit her website https://www.meghnadamani.com or follow her on instagram @megdamani 

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts. 

Veronika Levytska  and Ian Levytsky  grew up in Ukraine but dreamed of an easier life - away from the shadow of Russia - for themselves and their loved ones. In 2018, after years of waiting, they found freedom and opportunity here in the U.S. on the East Coast shores of a Connecticut town. But their loved ones remain in harms way. How do they hold both in their hands? Their own happiness and their desire for their family members to enjoy the same?

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. This episode was produced by Fran Silverman. Our audio editing was done by Greg Palmer. The original interview was conducted by Fran Silverman at the New Haven Public Library, which has graciously provided us space.

This episode is made possible by a generous contribution from the Zidell Family Foundation.

For more episodes, https://theimmigrantstory.org/category/episode/ or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Many Roads to Here is expanding. We’re looking for radio producers, especially those from immigrant communities and communities of color, to join our team. We’re all-volunteer for now, but we’ve got dreams. Please email mrh@theimmigrantstory.org for more information.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

As a young woman growing up in a conservative society, Safia Ferozi overcame intense expectations and restrictions placed on women  to become Afghanistan’s second female Air Force pilot. Before her country and her life were turned upside down, she was a trailblazing commander, leading an Air Force squadron of 200. Safia was forced to flee when the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Now she is one of 250 Afghan pilots grounded in the U.S., no longer able to fly.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. This episode was produced by Elayna Yussen, with audio editing by Gregg Palmer and executive producer Sankar Raman.

This episode was funded through a generous contribution from Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation. We'd like to thank Salem for Refugees for connecting us with Safia and letting us use their space to record this interview, which took place in March of 2023.

For more episodes, https://theimmigrantstory.org/category/episode/ or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Many Roads to Here is expanding. We’re looking for radio producers, especially those from immigrant communities and communities of color, to join our team. We’re all-volunteer for now, but we’ve got dreams. Please email mrh@theimmigrantstory.org for more information.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

When you think of courageous living, playing music is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But Dijana Ihas, a professional musician and refugee of war, learned how to transform her viola skills into a remarkable display of bravery. As bombs rained down over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the early 1990s, Dijana and several other musicians risked their lives to host hundreds of concerts.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. This episode was produced by Mae Ghylin, with audio editing by Gregg Palmer and executive producer Sankar Raman.

The music used in this podcast episode were recorded live on stage at Alex L. Parks Performing Arts Center, Jesuit High School in Beaverton, Oregon, on Saturday, September 11, 2021 by Kapila Chandramouli of Kapshur Lab. The Immigrant Story Live recreated the music of the Sarajevo String Quartet, with Dijana Ihas playing the viola accompanied by local string players. 

This episode was funded through a generous contribution from Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation.

For more episodes, https://theimmigrantstory.org/category/episode/ or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Many Roads to Here is expanding. We’re looking for radio producers, especially those from immigrant communities and communities of color, to join our team. We’re all-volunteer for now, but we’ve got dreams. Please email mrh@theimmigrantstory.org for more information.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

Introducing, The Immigrant Story Live, our new series that brings you voices from the stage. In 2019, the Immigrant Story began hosting live storytelling events in the Portland, Oregon area, bringing together musicians and storytellers from around the world for evenings of celebration and reflection. Every year, The Immigrant Story produces 2 new live events, and in the four years since its launch, has hosted 10 shows with 26 storytellers from 22 different countries. In our new series, we present selections from these events in themed, 45-minute episodes. 

In our first episode, you’ll hear from three storytellers, Mariamou Abdoulaye, Hussein Al-Baiaty, and Bernal Cruz. Each unearthed surprising versions of themselves when they faced the unexpected. 

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. This episode was produced by Degen Larkin. Post production was done by Gregg Palmer. Original music was composed by Corey Larkin. Graphics for this episode were designed by Jacqueline Pagano. Our executive producer is Sankar Raman.

Thank you to the Beaverton Library and the St. Andrew Lutheran Church for letting us use your space for our live events. Many thanks to Alton Takiyama-Chung and Erin Briddick for coaching our fabulous storytellers. 

This episode is made possible by a generous contribution by the Zidell Family Foundation and the City of Beaverton.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our instagram @theimmigrantstory to learn more about the storytellers and view bonus content for this episode.

Raised in Yemen amidst intense civil turmoil, Ghassan bin Hammam made a life-changing decision to leave for the United States to start a new life with his family. Believing he had left behind the destruction and instability of Yemen, he was unaware that the very conflict he fled would indefinitely separate him from his new home.

This episode is part of the I Am an American series, generously funded by Anne Naito-Campbell. For more episodes in the series, please visit our website. 

This episode was produced by Natalia Lopez and with audio editing and post production by Gregg Palmer. The original interview was conducted by our executive producer, Sankar Raman, in March of 2022. Special thanks to Nancy Dollahite for helping with the episode. 

Many thanks to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton, Oregon for the use of their space.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

When Olive Bukuru was six months old her and her family fled their home country of Burundi in search of a safe life. They ended up in a refugee camp in Tanzania where Olive fell in love with learning and became determined to pursue her education, something that was not encouraged for girls in the area.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story.

This episode was produced by Emily Ker with audio editing and post production done by Gregg Palmer. The original interview was conducted by our executive producer Sankar Raman in March 2023. 

Thank you to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton, Oregon for the use of their space to record the interview.

This program was funded through a generous contribution from Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation. 

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

Panelists explored their experiences as Asian American women, offering personal reflections  as well as highlighting current xenophobia and intolerance against  Asian Americans in Oregon and across the United States. Each of the speakers is leading community efforts to empower diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities statewide. This episode was arranged in conjunction with the exhibition, I Am An American, that was on view at the Oregon Historical Society.

Esteemed panelists include:

Dr. Jane Vogel Mantiri is a retired psychologist who specialized in trauma, actor, and activist. She is the founder of Advance Gender Equity in the Arts (AGE), a Portland-based nonprofit that empowers marginalized genders in the arts leading with race.

Attorney Liani Reeves is President at Bullard Law. She is a former General Counsel for the Governor of Oregon and the former president of the Oregon State Bar, the first Asian American and first woman of color to hold that position. She is a Korean adoptee.

Dr. Jennifer Fang is a historian, researcher, Director of Interpretation & Community Engagement at Pittock Mansion, and an adjunct professor at the University of Portland, where she teaches Modern U.S. History and Asian American History. 

Moderator: Dr. Patti Duncan is an associate professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Oregon State University, specializing in women of color feminisms and transnational feminisms. She is the editor of the scholarly journal, Feminist Formations, and the author of Tell This Silence: Asian American Women Writers and the Politics of Speech.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. Many thanks to all of these panelists for their time and storytelling. Special thanks to the Oregon Historical Society for organizing and hosting the live event - they continue to be an amazing partner with us here at The Immigrant Story. 

This episode is part of the I Am an American series, generously funded by Anne Naito-Campbell. It was produced as part of the Oregon Rises Above Hate Coalition.

This episode was produced by Caitlin Dwyer. Audio editing was done by Caitlin Dwyer, assisted by Gregg Palmer. Music was composed by Corey Larkin. Our executive producer is Sankar Raman.

For more stories, visit our website, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts

Ahmad Fanoos spent the first 57 years of his life searching for the freedom to play music. 

In Afghanistan, where singing and playing music were banned under the Taliban, Ahmad could not safely pursue his passion. Over time, music led him and his family across careers and borders. 

Between Taliban regimes, Ahmad became a guest star and judge for one of Afghanistan’s most popular TV music shows. He also inspired his own children to pursue music professionally — including his son Elham, who completed his master’s degree in 2021 at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. 

The music you hear in this episode was performed by Ahmad and Elham. The song is called “Ashkam Wale Ba Paye.'' You can listen to a live performance of this song here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmjbaa_XUHw&t=2s

Catch the Fanooses playing together and they are touring the US and their ensemble is called, “Fanoos Ensemble,” where they tell the story of Afghanistan's cultural history through a combination of Afghan folk and Western classical music. They will be playing at The Reser on May 20, 2023.   

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story.

This episode was produced by Emily Denny and with audio editing and post production by Gregg Palmer. The original interview was conducted by our executive producer, Sankar Raman, in Spring of 2022.

Thank you to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton, Oregon for the use of their space to record the interview.

This episode is made possible by the generous support by the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

Franke Tokem Powell was born in Central Africa, in the city of Douala, Cameroon. Growing up in the 90’s, Franke did not feel that he’d ever be  accepted for who he was. At the age of 18, after years of repressing his queer identity and in the face of an unexpected loss, he was ready to leave home in search of community and acceptance.

This episode was produced by Natalia Lopez and with audio editing and post production by Todd Baize. The original interview was conducted by our executive producer, Sankar Raman, in March of 2022.

Many thanks to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton, Oregon for the use of their space.

This episode is made possible by the generous support of the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation  

For more episodes, https://theimmigrantstory.org/category/episode/ or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Many Roads to Here are expanding. We’re looking for radio producers, especially those from immigrant communities and communities of color, to join our team. We’re all-volunteer for now, but we’ve got dreams. Please email mrh@theimmigrantstory.org for more information.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.

Janice Okamoto was just a baby, only a few months old, when she was sent to Minidoka with her family. Her father was a musician, and like all the other incarcerees, he was permitted to bring only what he could carry in two suitcases. This meant leaving behind everything in their house, including his beloved musical instruments. Janice’s father could not bear the thought of living without music, so he brought a harmonica in his pocket. After three years, the Okamoto family was released from the camp in northern Idaho. They were given a train ticket to Portland, and $20. Back in what had been their home city, the Okamotos found most places in Portland unwilling to rent to Japanese Americans. Eventually they ended up in Vanport. With the Vanport flood of 1948, Janice and her family once again lost everything—first when they were imprisoned, and later when they were flooded out.

Many Roads to Here is a production of The Immigrant Story. Many thanks to the Japanese American Museum of Oregon, who allowed us to record there. The original interview was conducted in December of 2021, by Stephanie Vallence and Sankar Raman. 

This episode is part of the I Am an American series, generously funded by Anne Naito-Campbell. For more episodes in the series, please visit our website. It was produced by Emily Ker with audio editing by Gregg Palmer. Our executive producer is Sankar Raman.

For more stories, visit theimmigrantstory.org/manyroads, listen live at prp.fm, or stream us wherever you get your podcasts.