ZAKA

12/17/2024

2025 is just around the corner! ✨

Whether you’re leveling up your career, launching a business, or pursuing a new passion, now’s the time to set those intentions. Drop your 2025 career or business goals in the comments—we’d love to cheer you on!

12/16/2024

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Nancy Douyon, a well accomplished immigrant professional who has redefined success at the intersection of technology, ethics, and inclusion. From her journey as an immigrant breaking barriers in Silicon Valley to leading groundbreaking initiatives at Google, Facebook, and Uber, Nancy’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and impact. As the founder of Incluversal, she’s harnessing the power of AI and inclusive design to accelerate career growth and create opportunities for underrepresented professionals. Her insights will inspire anyone striving to carve their own path in a competitive world.

Nancy opens up about how her immigrant background shaped her drive to succeed, her work advising the Obama administration on universal design, and the challenges of integrating ethical principles into cutting-edge tech projects. Whether you're looking to rise in your career, navigate a new culture, or lead with purpose, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable strategies to help you turn obstacles into stepping stones toward your dreams. Link in comments to stream

12/10/2024

This Thursday can’t come soon enough! We’re thrilled to welcome the extraordinary Nancy Douyon to the podcast. She’s a tech executive, global design ethicist, and the visionary founder of Incluversal. Nancy has spent over two decades shaping user experiences at some of the biggest names in tech, like Google, Facebook, and Uber, while pushing the boundaries of ethical AI and inclusive design.

From advising the Obama administration on universal design to pioneering AI-driven mood classification systems, Nancy’s career is a masterclass in innovation and impact. In this episode, she shares her journey as an immigrant leader, how she’s breaking barriers for underrepresented communities, and her vision for the future of technology-driven career growth.

12/05/2024

Let’s debunk a few myths:

Myth 1: “I need to have everything figured out before seeking a mentor.”
💡 Truth: Mentorship is about growth and guidance, not perfection. You don’t need to have all the answers—mentors are there to help you navigate challenges and explore opportunities.

Myth 2: “Mentors are only for entry-level professionals.”
💡 Truth: Professionals at every stage of their career can benefit from mentorship. Whether you’re pivoting industries, aiming for leadership, or exploring entrepreneurship, mentorship provides invaluable perspective.

Myth 3: “A mentor needs to share my cultural background to understand my journey.”
💡 Truth: While shared experiences can be valuable, mentors from diverse backgrounds can offer fresh insights and help you navigate different professional landscapes. A variety of perspectives strengthens your growth.

Myth 4: “If I have a mentor, I’ll succeed immediately.”
💡 Truth: Mentorship is a partnership. While mentors offer guidance and wisdom, your success depends on how you apply their advice and take ownership of your journey.

11/29/2024

Unlock doors and unwrap greatness this Black Friday holiday season! Link in our bio.

At Zaka, we’re dedicated to helping first and second generation immigrant professionals harness these strengths and thrive in the corporate world. Whether through our career workshops, mentorships, or vibrant community, we’re here to support your journey.

11/27/2024

Author and occupational therapist Samarra St. Hilaire shares her journey of growing up Haitian-American in Brooklyn, self-publishing her debut YA novel Brushed Between Cultures, and balancing cultural expectations with personal dreams. Discover how her 22 years as a therapist shaped her storytelling and the powerful themes of resilience, identity, and friendship in her work. Perfect for anyone navigating tradition and independence. Link in the comments section.

11/26/2024

This week on the podcast, we sit down with indie author Samarra St. Hilaire, who recently released her debut YA novel, Brushed Between Cultures. A compelling story about navigating cultural expectations, chasing dreams, and the unshakable bond of friendship, Samarra’s book is a must-read for anyone balancing tradition and independence.Beyond her work as an author, Samarra brings over 22 years of experience as an occupational therapist working with children. In this episode, she shares how her Haitian upbringing in Brooklyn shaped her writing, the lessons she’s learned as a self-published author, and how her career as a therapist influenced her ability to create relatable, multidimensional characters.Tune in as we explore the powerful themes of resilience, identity, and the courage it takes to follow your own path. Whether you're an aspiring author, a creative navigating family expectations, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation is for you.📖 Brushed Between Cultures is available now on Amazon!🎧 Listen to the episode and join the conversation!

11/25/2024

Today, we celebrate resilience, vision, and the power of purpose. Our guest is Zuleka Fraser, MBA, HCCP, RHDFP , an immigrant leader from St Kitts & Nevis, in the affordable housing industry who has turned challenges into opportunities that have transformed lives. From navigating the complexities of public housing finance to spearheading game-changing programs like the 4% Bond LIHTC initiative, Zuleka’s journey is one of grit, determination, and heart.

In this episode, Zuleka shares how her personal experiences ignited her passion for equity and led her to dedicate her career to creating accessible housing for underserved communities. You'll hear how she transformed roadblocks into stepping stones and used her leadership to inspire real change, proving that with purpose and perseverance, we can all leave a lasting impact. Link in comments

11/21/2024

Zuleka Fraser, MBA, HCCP, RHDFP journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and purpose. As an immigrant from St Kitts & Nevis, she transformed her challenges into a driving force, carving out a career in affordable housing to create opportunities for underserved communities. One pivotal moment came when she spearheaded the creation of the 4% Bond LIHTC Program, navigating complex financial frameworks and policy landscapes to make housing more accessible for countless families. Guided by a deep sense of responsibility and her core belief in equity, Zuleka has turned every obstacle into a stepping stone, proving that determination and a commitment to uplifting others can lead to transformative change. Her story reminds us that with grit and passion, one person can make a profound difference

11/20/2024

How does an engineer turned attorney become the Mayor and Council President of Upper Arlington, Ohio? In this episode, we sit down with the amazing leader, Ukeme Awakessien Jeter to explore her incredible journey from immigrant professional to community leader. Ukeme shares how her diverse experiences and immigrant background have shaped her unique leadership style and fueled her passion for driving innovation and inclusivity.
Drawing from her book, ImmiGRIT: How Immigrant Leadership Drives Business Success, Ukeme uncovers the superhero qualities of immigrant professionals such as adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness and how these traits can transform organizations and communities alike.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader, an entrepreneur, or someone navigating life as an immigrant professional, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights to help you harness your own superpowers. Link in the comments to discover how Ukeme is paving the way for future leaders and how you can do the same.

11/14/2024

In our upcoming episode, releasing tomorrow, we sit down with Awakessien Jeter, an inspiring leader whose journey from engineer to attorney and now Mayor and Council President of Upper Arlington, Ohio, exemplifies the power of resilience and adaptability. Ukeme shares how her immigrant background has shaped her leadership approach, bringing fresh perspectives to her community and workplace alike.Drawing on her book ImmiGRIT, Ukeme reveals the “superhero” qualities immigrant professionals bring to organizations, qualities like adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness. She provides invaluable insights for companies looking to tap into the transformative power of immigrant talent to gain a competitive edge. Don’t miss this episode as Ukeme’s story is sure to inspire anyone seeking to make a lasting impact in their community and career. Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, Upper Arlington City Council President

11/06/2024

👉🏾 LAST DAY TO REGISTER (for free) is this Friday, November 8th! Register here: http://bit.ly/ICCExpo

Meet future leaders in fields like engineering, computer science, business, and more.

Whether you’re hiring for internships, fellowships, or full-time roles, the ICC Career Expo gives you the flexibility to connect with motivated candidates from across the globe.

See you there!

11/05/2024

Let’s set the record straight!

Many entrepreneurs and professionals struggle with feelings of guilt after achieving success, especially if they’ve experienced unique challenges. But what if much of that guilt is based on myths that no longer serve us?

If these myths resonate with you, join us for our upcoming workshop hosted by therapist and coach for entrepreneurs on “Overcoming Survivor’s Remorse and Claiming Your Success”! Together, we’ll tackle these beliefs and empower you to own your success without guilt.

🔗 Click here to register! https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0td-2orTosH9Xg1srJGh-O-cPhPg1AN94w #/registration

11/03/2024

🚀

✨We're thrilled to announce Greg Maurice as one of the speakers at The 10th Annual NAAHP Conference!

Greg Maurice, born in Haiti and raised in NY from the age of 13, built his career in entertainment by amassing a portfolio of over 350 acquired titles and generating more than $100 million in licensing revenue. Starting in digital media at ICR Inc., Greg quickly transitioned to content acquisition, securing deals with major platforms like Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and Amazon. His breakthrough came when he launched the Black vertical at eOne, igniting his passion for empowering underrepresented filmmakers.

As Head of Acquisition for Black Cinema at Filmhub, Greg now drives distribution to 120 partners, providing filmmakers from marginalized communities with the tools and expertise needed to secure distribution and monetize their films. His work is a lifeline for emerging talent navigating the complexities of the industry.

Inspired by his own challenges as an immigrant in corporate America, Greg founded Zaka, a career advancement platform. Zaka provides its members with tangible resources, mentors, and a supportive community to help them thrive in their careers. Through Zaka, Greg continues his mission to empower immigrant professionals with the tools they need to succeed.

✨ Register for the conference here: https://naahpusa.org/conference/registration/

11/01/2024

In this episode, we sit down with David "MOZE" Baptiste Baptiste to explore the incredible journey of a boy from New York City, raised in a Grenadian-American household, who rose to legendary status in the entertainment industry. Known for promoting icons like Kool G. Rap, Erykah Badu, Jay Z, Naughty By Nature, and Mary J. Blige in the 90s, David’s career is a masterclass in adaptability and reinvention. Hear firsthand how he transitioned from managing hip-hop and R&B greats to becoming a multi-industry entrepreneur, now leading a commercial cleaning company and Roll It Forward Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to roller derby and community impact. David shares his wins, losses, and the life lessons that have shaped his journey and continue to fuel his mission of empowering communities. Tune in for an inspiring look into resilience, reinvention, and the power of purpose. Link in the comments

10/30/2024

In our upcoming interview with David "MOZE" Baptiste , we dive into the remarkable journey of a boy from New York City, raised in a Grenadian-American household, who rose to legendary status in the entertainment world. From promoting icons like Kool G. Rap, Erykah Badu, Jay Z, Naughty By Nature, and Mary J. Blige in the 90s, David’s career is a masterclass in versatility and reinvention. He shares how he evolved from managing top hip-hop and R&B talent to becoming a multi-industry entrepreneur, owning a commercial cleaning company and founding Roll It Forward Inc., a nonprofit supporting roller derby and community empowerment. Join us as David opens up about the wins, losses, and invaluable lessons that have shaped his legacy.