Unheard Voices: Hear My Story
The Refugee Storytellers Collective has partnered with Beyond the Headlines, hosted by Asha Kalathil and Luísa Vieira, to launch "Unheard Voices: Hear My Story", a podcast series featuring the raw, real voices of leaders with lived experience who believe in the power of sharing their stories for social change.
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we sit down with Anita Omary, an advocate, author of Being Father of Daughter Is Not Easy, and a Refugee Storytellers Collective member. Anita shares her journey supporting refugees, women, and children while using writing and advocacy to amplify stories of resilience and belonging. Her work reminds us that refugees are never just statistics, but individuals with strength, identity, and hope. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how action and art can drive change.
Mental health is still a taboo subject in many communities, and too often it’s something we don’t talk about at all. That’s why this conversation with Kateryna was so powerful. With over 17 years of experience as a counselor and coach, she opened up about the hidden challenges of trauma, transition, and immigration she is also a Refugee Storytellers Collective member. At one point, she shared, “It takes 5–7 years to mentally move past immigrating,” a reminder of just how long healing and adjustment can take.
In this episode, we sit down with Mawda Boulad, a motivational leadership speaker, medical student, advocate for refugee and immigrant rights, and a Refugee Storytellers Collective member. Born in Sudan and raised in a family of eight, Mawda’s journey from Sudan to Egypt to the U.S. has shaped her commitment to advocacy and leadership. We explore the realities of the refugee experience, misconceptions about Sudan, and the lessons she’s learned as a young leader speaking up for change. Mawda shares stories of resilience and hope, leaving us with her call to action: “Speak up."
In this episode, we speak with Emma Yaaka, a passionate advocate for the refugee community and Refugee Storytellers Collective member. Drawing on his experience as both a refugee from Uganda and an advocate, he shares that the work isn’t just about telling your own story—it’s about creating spaces where others can share theirs too. Emma focuses on providing education, resources, and community programs that empower refugees to navigate new challenges and build meaningful connections. Tune in to this episode to learn how Emma uses media outreach and grassroots efforts to ensure that voices often overlooked are heard, valued, and celebrated!
"I lived in a refugee camp for 18 years before starting over in America," says Bhuwan Pyakurel, and Refugee Storytellers Collective member, who went on to make history in 2020 as the first Bhutanese-Nepali elected to public office in the United States. In this episode, he shares his journey from the challenges of life in a camp to serving on the city council of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Bhuwan reflects on the power of civic engagement, the importance of representation, and the message he wants every newcomer to hear: "You have a right to change. You can vote." His story is one of perseverance, community leadership, and the belief that democracy belongs to everyone.
"I'm living life for my nine siblings and my parents," says Zulikha Akrami, a political science graduate and Refugee Storytellers Collective member who left Afghanistan to continue her education and advocacy work. In this episode, she reflects on the struggles women face under Afghanistan’s current conditions and the deep sense of responsibility that fuels her efforts. Zulikha shares what it was like to start over in the United States while staying connected to her family and community back home. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and the unshakable fight for women’s rights.
About Beyond The Headlines
Beyond the Headlines was founded and is co-hosted by Luísa Vieira and Asha Kalathil, high school seniors in New York, who noticed a gap between perspectives highlighted in mainstream media and education specifically concerning refugees and international issues.
