Is home the place we are born, or the refuge we find? Can it be both? In this episode of Immigrant Conversations, we explore the meaning of "home" and discuss the challenges faced by refugees, including misconceptions about their experiences. Dr. Diya Abdo, a second-generation Palestinian refugee, shares her powerful story of migration and how she transformed her personal journey into advocacy for displaced communities.

Key Topics in This Episode:

>Dr. Abdo’s Migration Journey as a second-generation Palestinian refugee born in Jordan and her eventual move to the U.S. as a graduate student.
>The displacement of her parents from Palestine, their struggles as refugees in Jordan, and how their story shaped Dr. Abdo’s perspective on migration.
>The evolving concept of home—what does it truly mean to belong?
The challenges faced by refugees today, including the impact of global crises on refugee resettlement and integration.
>The mission of Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR)—Dr. Abdo’s nonprofit that helps college campuses host refugee families, fostering cultural integration and community support.
>How storytelling and advocacy can help reshape perceptions of refugees and empower displaced communities.

Bio: 
Dr. Diya Abdo is the Lincoln Financial Professor of English at Guilford College and the founding Director of Every Campus A Refuge. A second-generation Palestinian refugee born and raised in Jordan, Dr. Abdo’s teaching, research, and scholarship focus on Arab women writers and Arab and Islamic feminisms as well as refugee and immigrant issues. Her book AMERICAN REFUGE: True Stories of the Refugee Experience, was selected by the North Carolina Humanities as a North Carolina 2024 Reads Book and by Alamance Public Libraries as the Alamance Reads Book 2024. In 2015, inspired by Pope Francis' call on every European parish to host one refugee family, Dr. Abdo founded Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), which advocates for housing refugee families on college and university campus grounds and supporting them in their resettlement. The flagship chapter at Guilford College is now one of many ECAR campuses across the nation which have collectively hosted over 600 refugees and supported their inclusion in local communities. Dr. Abdo designed the minor Forced Migration and Resettlement Studies at Guilford College where students learn about refugee issues and receive credit for hosting refugees on campus and supporting them in their resettlement. Dr. Abdo is the recipient of the Emerson Collective Fellowship (2024), the J.M. Kaplan Fund’s Innovation Prize (2021), Campus Compact’s Thomas Ehrlich Civically Engaged Faculty Award (2019), Gulf South Summit’s Outstanding Service-Learning Collaboration in Higher Education Award (2017), and The Washington Center’s Civic Engagement in Higher Education Award (2017). Dr. Abdo sits on the Boards of Refugee Council USA and The Community Sponsorship Hub.
Email Dr.Abdo: Abdod@guilford.edu
Learn more about Every Campus is a Refuge: www.everycampusarefuge.net

Where Is Home? Exploring Identity & Belonging with Dr. Diya Abdo

Make It Grow” is an empowering anthem about standing strong, speaking truth, and fostering positive change in the community. With uplifting vocals and an inspiring message, the song encourages resilience, unity, and action. Blending English and Spanish, it highlights the power of integrity, patience, and dedication in building a better future.

Follow for more music supporting community action. Stay updated on FairSantaClara.org.

Purpose of the Song:
This track serves as a call to action for those striving for justice, equity, and progress. It’s a reminder that change isn’t just something we hope for—it’s something we create. Through powerful lyrics and a dynamic melody, Make It Grow aims to uplift and inspire listeners to take a stand and be the change they wish to see.

For more information visit FairSantaClara.org

(Chorus)
Some people dream of change, but I’m here to make it grow (make it grow!)
Thought I’d hold my peace, but now it’s time to let it show,
Standing strong, moving forward, watch me rise, watch me go!
I’m standing proud, speaking clearly, letting everybody know,
Change is here, bienvenido, soy yo! (soy yo!)

(Verse 1)
At the table, speaking truth, let the stories unfold,
Voices coming together, now the future takes hold,
Building bridges, breaking silence, let the truth freely flow,
Every step that I’m taking helps the community grow.

(Chorus)
Some people dream of change, but I’m here to make it grow (make it grow!)
Thought I’d hold my peace, but now it’s time to let it show,
Standing strong, moving forward, watch me rise, watch me go!
I’m standing proud, speaking clearly, letting everybody know,
Change is here, bienvenido, soy yo! (soy yo!)

(Verse 2)
Staying patient, dedicated, working hard every day,
Guided by integrity, finding strength along the way,
Bringing people together, overcoming all doubt,
It’s a journey of justice, and that’s what I’m about.

(Bridge)
With each voice that’s uplifted, with each truth that we tell,
Building trust, building hope, that’s how communities excel.

(Chorus)
Some people dream of change, but I’m here to make it grow (make it grow!)
Thought I’d hold my peace, but now it’s time to let it show,
Standing strong, moving forward, watch me rise, watch me go!
I’m standing proud, speaking clearly, letting everybody know,
Change is here, bienvenido, soy yo! (soy yo!)

Make It Grow

This episode explores the importance of community engagement for business growth, both for brick-and-mortar locations and in the digital realm. It argues that fostering a sense of belonging among customers builds trust and loyalty, ultimately leading to long-term success. The episode provides practical strategies for creating shared spaces, encouraging partnerships, celebrating community voices, and hosting engaging events for physical communities. For online businesses, it suggests utilizing social media groups, email marketing, live interactions, user-generated content, and loyalty programs to cultivate strong digital communities. The central idea is that intentional efforts to connect with and involve people create lasting positive impacts and strengthen business outcomes.

Community Engagement_ Growing Business Online and Offline

I started noticing at our community that there where kids, and my first notice of them would be that they would trump through the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam class while we were conducting it, without a care in the world, or noticing that they were walking through a group of devotees who were hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Then I started noticing that they were exceptional. Little by little, I noticed that, and I got fascinated with how they were born into families where the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, where the devotees were chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. And I saw they must be some special souls. Then I started realizing more and more that they were, and then I started realizing more and more that they were one of the main pillars of the community.

So I gave more and more attention to the young people, partly because they were non-judgmental, and it was really easy to be around them and have programs. And then I started doing more research about how to give more facility to young people. I wanted to know what they thought when they were growing up, and what it felt like to be an adolescent in the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement. In fact, I called some devotees who were already grown up, but they had been through that, like Jhanavi Harrison, that I talked to for some time, and she told me how she had met Jamunā and had been deeply inspired by her. And when she was leaving her home and driving away, she thought, "Yeah, I'm going to be a devotee." Then I got together a group of young people who were my godbrothers and godsisters who had been initiated at a young age—some of them at 12, Prabhupāda gave initiation to—and I wanted to know from them what inspired them and what was a hindrance in their progress. After some conferences, they came up with these two mantras. One of them was in the middle of this pentagon that you see there. What helped them the most was seeing peers doing great, and the thing that held them back the most, they said, was not having upward mobility they felt at the time there. There wasn't any opening for them for taking on service or management or anything like that.

Then I started noticing that young people gravitated, oftentimes and in many places around ISKCON, to kīrtana. And I started some interaction with the kids, where we had not just kīrtana, but also some of the other things you see here: ślokas, śravaṇam (hearing from Prabhupāda's books), then of course kīrtanam, and then visits to the Deities' rooms, and also learning book distribution. I saw those as five points that could be really helpful, and we started several programs like Youth Jam, Śāstra Jam, Japa Jolt, and Youth Yatra. Why am I bringing this up regarding community? Because people care about their kids right? now, really say, "Yes, yeah." I mean, and when the kids are becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious and well-rounded, and they actually cross that threshold where they say, "No, I want to be a devotee. It's not that I was a devotee. Now I'm growing up, and I'm going to move on and do something else." They feel part of the mission, and they start taking responsibilities like initiation and also wanting to do service. And they're really smart, too, and they bring in everybody else. They bring in the rest of the community. It enlivens them.

So I made these two pentagons. One of them is a reminder that it all comes back to śravaṇam-kīrtanam. There's no point to coming together for niceties if there's no transcendental sound vibration, and the community is all based on hearing and chanting and then distributing to as many people as possible. If we have those as a center point, and if we feel that we're flagging in one way or another, we can always remember that the antidote to that is to hear and chant more and increase the transcendental sound vibration. That's helpful to know. And it's the verdict of the śāstra that that's our main process.




Community Building In Bhakti Tradition | HG Vaisesika Dasa & HG Gauranga Dasa | 17 Apr 2025

In this powerful interview, Simon Severino, CEO of Strategy Sprints, shares his proven framework for building 13 diversified income streams. From services and subscriptions to licensing, book royalties, affiliate marketing, options income, and digital products, Simon breaks down how entrepreneurs, coaches, and creators can multiply their earnings with smart systems.

💸 Discover how Simon uses a simple options trading system to generate $10,000 per month with low risk, and why financial literacy is essential for modern professionals.

📚 Learn about his book co-writing process with legendary marketer Jay Abraham, including tips on collaborative writing, solving pain points, and involving your community in the creation journey.

🏘️ We also dive into the future of business: building community in an AI-driven world. Simon explains why community will become your biggest differentiator, and how to create one that supports your long-term growth.

🚀 Whether you're a solopreneur, coach, investor, or content creator, this episode is a roadmap to sustainable wealth, multiple revenue streams, and real influence.

👉 Try a free 7-day sprint at Strategy Sprints: https://www.strategysprints.com/
...................................................................................................................................................................
Want to unlock the secrets of business growth and transformation?📺 Explore our curated playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTJlaeHk03J0lwEsQYIZ1wpaqJrxJYa28

About Grownlearn:
Welcome to GrowNLearn, where innovation meets expertise in business growth, business transformation, and leadership development. We empower entrepreneurs and business leaders with data-driven insights and tailored strategies that drive success. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, develop a success mindset, or learn how to grow a startup, GrowNLearn is your trusted partner in navigating today’s competitive market. 

Connect with Us: 
Website: https://grownlearn.org/
Podcast Page: https://grownlearn.onpodium.com/
Apple Podcast/i-tunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/grownlearn/id1515759956
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grownlearn
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bUIDGbSQl4BlHeNeeJfva

Follow Us on Social Media: 
Linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grownlearn
X.com: https://x.com/grownlearn1729 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healnlearn_grownlearn
IG: https://www.instagram.com/healnlearn_grownlearn/
HealnLearn Channel - Success Mindset: /@healnlearnLinkedIn: /grownlearn X (Twitter): https://x.com/grownlearn1729 TikTok: /healnlearn_grownlearn Instagram: /healnlearn_grownlearn 
HealnLearn Channel - Success Mindset: /@healnlearn 

Additional Resources FREE LinkedIn Profile Audit: 👉 https://ps.linkedvanow.com/r5wgf 
AI-Powered Lead Generation: Create a constant inflow of qualified leads with our advanced AI tools paired with expert human lead nurturing: 👉 https://ps.linkedvanow.com/tjnia9mrkt85

🎬 CHAPTERS 
  00:00:01 - 00:02:15: Intro: Who Is Simon Severino & What Are Strategy Sprints?
  00:02:16 - 00:10:45: Income Streams for Entrepreneurs: The Full Framework
  00:10:45 - 00:14:04: $10K/Month Options Trading Strategy (Explained Simply)
  00:14:05 - 00:20:30: Put Options Strategy 
  00:20:30 - 00:23:40: Why Community Is Your Competitive Edge in an AI World
  00:23:40 - 00:30:44: How to Write a Book That Solves Real Pain Points

13 Revenue Streams with Billion-Dollar Sales Strategist Simon Severino

In this episode of GTM Innovators, we sit down with Mark Kilens for a conversation that brings us back to the GTM fundamentals. Mark is the VP of Marketing at EasyLlama and Founder of TACK. Mark shares how the most effective go-to-market strategies today are rooted in community, education, and trust. From building scalable programs to fostering authentic engagement, Mark’s insights may sound simple—but they’re powerfully foundational. Whether you're refining your GTM motion or starting from scratch, this episode is packed with timeless advice on creating real demand through human connection.

GTM Innovators: Creating Demand Through Community - A GTM Chat with Mark Kilens

In dieser Episode diskutieren Marco und Fredrik die neuesten Entwicklungen in der AI-Welt, persönliche Erfahrungen mit digitalen Klonen und selbstfahrenden Autos sowie die Auswirkungen von AI auf das Unternehmertum. Sie beleuchten die Fortschritte in AI-Tools, die Akquisition von Scale AI durch Meta und die Zukunft der Softwareentwicklung. Zudem wird die Vision einer Welt mit Brain Interfaces thematisiert. Sie beleuchten die Bedeutung von Reichweite und Ownership in einer Welt, in der jeder Software entwickeln kann. Die beiden betonen die Notwendigkeit, Communities aufzubauen und die Herausforderungen, die mit der Markenbildung und Personal Branding verbunden sind. 

JME 119: Jetzt mal ehrlich… hast Du schon einen AI Klone?

Community is an essential part of a well-rounded and fulfilling life. It deeply influences our mental and physical well-being, especially as we navigate life’s challenges and transitions. In this episode, I share my personal journey with finding and nurturing community, along with practical ways you can seek out meaningful connections of your own.

What does community look like in your life right now? I’d love to hear how you're building or sustaining meaningful connections.

Looking for a coach?? Would love to explore working with you! 
Email: contact@drannemedwards.com
IG:@iamdramedwards
Mailing Address: Dr. Anne Edwards, PO Box 3822, West Lafayette, IN 47996-3822
Work with me: www.drannemedwards.com


Episode 55 Finding Community

On episode 3 of Data Renegades, CL Kao and Dori Wilson sit down with Maxime Beauchemin. They explore the origins of Airflow and Superset, the evolution of open source in the data ecosystem, and how today’s tooling reshapes the role of the data practitioner. Max also shares a forward-looking perspective on agentic workflows and how AI is accelerating everything from BI to pipeline development.

Subscribe

Data Renegades - Ep. #3, Building Tools That Shape Data with Maxime Beauchemin

In this episode of We Published, Beloved!, Dr. Jenn M. Jackson interviews Shayla Lawson about their book 'How to Live Free in a Dangerous World.' They explore themes of identity, survival, and the creative process, discussing how Shayla's experiences being Black, queer, and non-binary inform their writing. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating the publishing industry, the importance of community, and the role of art as a form of resistance. Shayla shares their journey of reclaiming their identity and the significance of spirituality in their life, ultimately encouraging emerging writers to embrace their unique stories and contribute to a collective legacy.

S1E9- Shayla Lawson | We Published, Beloved! Podcast

Heavybit is the leading early-stage investor in enterprise infrastructure. Since 2013, we've helped launch and scale visionary technical startups—from DevSecOps and feature flagging to AI code generation and beyond. We go hands-on from day 0, backing founders as they turn code into companies and build the future of software from the bottom up to the top down.

It's a movement. #MakeItGrow @FairSantaClara

The publishing world is overwhelmingly white and the stories that we read reflect that reality. Because of this long-time trend, many new and upcoming Black and queer authors often feel shut out and excluded from the publishing process.

This podcast demystifies the publishing process with a focus on first-time Black and queer authors.

Welcome to the Fan The Spark channel where you will find encouragement and support for expanding your book distribution, sadhana, and understanding of sastra.

Welcome to Immigrant Conversations, the podcast that brings you inspiring stories from immigrants who have turned challenges into triumphs. Join Mehran Sorourian, a Middle Eastern immigrant woman as she dives deep into the experiences of first-generation and diaspora individuals, exploring their unique journeys, cultural identities, and the hurdles they’ve overcome. We discuss everything from immigrant entrepreneurship, cross cultural experiences, as well as the dark side of migration such as isolation, bias, and more. We aim to provide a platform for voices that often go unheard and aim to bring people closer together.
Join us as we explore topics ranging from immigrant entrepreneurship, first-generation struggles, and cross-cultural experiences to the impact of immigration policies and advocacy. Whether you are an immigrant, a descendant of immigrants, or simply interested in compelling human stories, "Immigrant Conversations" offers a unique perspective on the immigrant experience.
Tune in to discover how individuals from diverse backgrounds overcome obstacles, achieve success, and enrich our communities with their unique perspectives and talents. Subscribe now to "Immigrant Conversations" on your favorite podcast platform, and be inspired by the extraordinary journeys of those who have built new lives from the ground up.

A podcast that shares the life and experiences of a higher education professional pursuing goals, and living in the process.

Grownlearn is a dynamic and insightful podcast that delves deep into the world of business model transformation. Hosted by seasoned professionals with a passion for innovation, the podcast features engaging interviews with the foremost experts in the field. Each episode invites listeners to explore the strategies, challenges, and successes of businesses that have undergone significant transformations. From disruptive startups to established enterprises, Grownlearn provides a platform for the best minds in the industry to share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply intrigued by the ever-evolving landscape of business, Grownlearn delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire and inform. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and discover the keys to unlocking growth and success through transformative business models.

New tracks tagged #Community Building