Hyphenated. Disoriented. Caught between worlds. How do we embrace our [mosaic, multicultural, _____] roots?
Chrysalis Convos hold space to crystallize what’s deeply sensed, yet eludes words, as our fluid identities unfold. Wherever this finds you on your journey of becoming, I hope these interviews inspire you to create magic from the mystery of who you are.
EKANSH TAMBE is a border photographer. Since the age of 12, he has documented nuanced perspectives along the world’s most contentious borders: US-Mexico, the Korean DMZ, Israel-Palestine, Spain-Morocco, the Berlin Wall, Colombia-Venezuela, and now, the “invisible border” of COVID-19.
ASAD ALI JAFRI is a prolific cultural producer and community builder. Urban festivals, hip-hop cyphers, artist residencies – you name it! He brings creators together to imagine a more inclusive global Muslim culture.
MANUEL MOROCOIMA is, at heart, a family man. Born in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, he met Maribel, the love of his life, while studying in the United States on a full scholarship. After raising their children in Venezuela for ten years, the family returned to the U.S. for Manuel’s job managing Latin American sales for Shamrock Technologies – the same company where my immigrant father has built his entire career.
CLARISSA DOURMASHKIN-CAGOL is a recent “repat” back to the U.S. from Shanghai. She first fell in love with the city during a college summer abroad – and now, seven years later, she’s ready to return home. Sort of.
MICHAEL RAU & LINDA VALERA run on two “cultural legs.” Born to a Taiwanese mother and American father, the siblings have undertaken “rehabilitation” from lifelong pressures to exercise not only one, but every fiber of their multiethnic identities!
LILY ZERIHUN is on the road to becoming the first physician in her family – a path that is leading her straight back to her Ethiopian roots.
JUDAH JUSTINE is a true citizen of the world. Born to missionary parents, he has grown up in more countries (23) than years he's been alive (21).
When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, its body first dissolves into a rich culture (“protein soup”) as fuel for new anatomy to develop – and mysteriously merge with older cells preserving its memories. A chrysalis, quite literally, is the transitional stage where fluid identity re-forms and takes flight as colorful agents of biodiversity.
In other words? You already have everything you need within you to bloom where you’re planted.
JANE DAI is cooking up a recipe for change. Foodie, researcher, veteran boba brewer – she dreams of nourishing communities, one slurp at a time. Starting at her own family table!