From Home to Here

In this episode of From Home to Here, we shift from systems to stories because immigration is not just about policies or paperwork. It’s about families, identity, and the generations shaped in between.Sahin Hoque joins us to share his journey as the son of immigrant parents from India. Born in New York and raised in Iowa, Sahin grew up navigating two very different worlds -- balancing the culture of his home with the reality of the environment around him. Like many first-generation Americans, his story is marked by quiet resilience, unspoken expectations, and a deep awareness of the sacrifices that made his life possible.We talk about what it means to carry your parents’ dreams while trying to define your own. The pressure to succeed. The moments of feeling different. The evolving understanding of identity and belonging, not just as a child, but now as a parent raising the next generation.Today, Sahin works in technology, lives in Kansas with his wife and young son, and reflects on how his upbringing continues to shape the way he shows up for his family, his community, and himself. His story offers an honest look at the first-generation experience: one that is often shared, but rarely fully spoken about.As we continue exploring our Season 3 question: What does America ask of immigrants in 2026, and what does it owe them? This conversation invites us to think about the long-term impact of immigration. Not just on those who arrive, but on the children who grow up carrying their legacy forward.Because immigration doesn’t end with one generation. It evolves through them.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Paul Chandi is the first-generation son of Indian immigrants and the founder of Detail Doctors, an automotive protection company he’s been building since 2019. In this episode, Paul shares the crossroads moment where he had to choose between pursuing a college degree or committing fully to his growing business. He walks us through the pressures of being a child of immigrants, the weight of honoring his parents' sacrifices, and how staying connected to his Punjabi roots keeps him grounded. It’s a story of risk, resilience, and redefining success on your own terms.🎧 From Home to Here shares the stories of immigrants and children of immigrants in Kansas City and beyond — shifting narratives, breaking silence, and building community.PRODUCED BY EYE OF AN IMMIGRANT x FIREDUP STUDIOS

This week on From Home to Here, we sit down with David Zacarro — a senior financial analyst at Cboe Global Markets, proud first-generation immigrant from Tela, Honduras, and someone who knows firsthand the balancing act of striving for success while honoring your roots.At just 17, David moved to the U.S. in pursuit of opportunity. He went on to earn his degree from Kansas State University and is now pursuing his MBA at the University of Kansas—all while building an impressive career in finance. But behind the resume is a story filled with resilience, identity shifts, and responsibility.We talk about:💭 Imposter syndrome as a first-gen, highly assimilated immigrant in the corporate world🌎 The emotional weight of being the “chosen one” in immigrant families💬 Language barriers and serving as the advocate for loved ones💡 Leading with adaptability, connection, and cultural prideDavid’s story is a reminder that behind every title is a journey worth listening to. Tune in now to hear how he’s using his experiences to uplift others and help create spaces of belonging in every room he walks into.PRODUCED BY ⁠⁠EYE OF AN IMMIGRANT⁠⁠ x ⁠⁠FIREDUP STUDIOS⁠⁠

Welcome to a brand-new season of From Home to Here! In this episode of From Home to Here, we sit down with Stephanie, a Kansas City native, licensed nail technician, and proud first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrants. With years of experience in intricate nail art and a passion for creative expression, Stephanie shares how her culture influences her career, family, and daily life. We dive into her journey as a mother, her work in social media marketing for her sister’s coffee shop, Café Ollama, and the ways she honors her heritage while building a life rooted in creativity and resilience. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about artistry, family, and the immigrant experience.PRODUCED BY EYE OF AN IMMIGRANT x FIREDUP STUDIOS