Reyna Masko: A Salvadoran Immigration Story

Reyna Orellana Masko shares some of the unspeakable horrors of life, violence, and death in her native El Salvador. A U.S. citizen today, she calls for the national administration to reinstate Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for the 200,000 Salvadorans at risk of being sent back to a land of estrangement and danger. Relatedly, she calls for Ottawa County residents to create a more welcoming community that is able to attract and retain diverse workers who are the global doers of tomorrow. [Parental Warning: May not be suitable for younger children.]

Arturo González Vargas: From Mexico, with Love, Art, and Compassion

If you ever needed convincing that Arturo González Vargas was passionate about the power of non-profits to transform lives, spend just five minutes with this young man to dispel any doubts.  For 18 months, the Grand Rapids Community had the privilege of sharing his wisdom, energy, and optimism for all things empowerment.  An Atlas Fellow from Monterrey, Mexico, Gonzalez Vargas worked as a tireless advocate for Kids Food Basket, an organization providing daily nutrition to thousands of school children in Western Michigan.

Carlos Pava: Voices for Health

What would you do if you became ill in a country where you didn't speak the language? Fortunately for thousands of patients in the U.S., this is the very issue that Carlos Pava concerns himself with. As Vice President for Voices for Health, Carlos supplies interpreters to hospitals so that patients can receive care in their first language when it matters the most--in a medical crisis. Join us as we explore the medical side of language and culture!

Anthony Chang: Plumber, Black Belt, & Researcher

Joining Alan in the studio is cancer researcher Anthony Chang.  Curious since his elementary school days, Anthony tells of his love for learning: from plumbing systems to martial arts.  What makes this medical physicist passionate about his life in the U.S.?  Creating micron-scale views of cancer tissue and sharing this pursuit of knowledge with his American students.

Sook Wilkinson: Psychologist

Alan interviews Sook Wilkinson. To keep up to date on our shows follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or check out our website at Feellikeyoubelong.com

 Psychologist Sook Wilkinson dedicated herself to understanding the complexities of international adoption and wrote two books on the subject. Now retired from clinical practice, she is a member of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, advocating for the state's largest growing minority.

Reyna Grande: Award-Winning Author

The youngest of three children, Reyna Grande was born into poverty in Iguala, Mexico and raised through early childhood by her grandparents after her parents immigrated illegally into the United States in search of work to feed their family.  Her coming-of-age story will inspire all of us who identify with the underdog who doesn't give up.  Join us as we talk with the plucky young woman who went on to become an American citizen, mother of two, and award-winning author.