Voices of Exchange

How can you be a rock band without instruments – and connect with people through song? Tune in to the next episode of Voices of Exchange and discover how one a capella group, The House Jacks, created a pitch perfect connection through song and how their music has struck a chord with audiences across the world, most recently in Latvia and Estonia. With a special holiday treat at the end, this final episode of Season 3 is one you won't want to miss. Catch Voices of Exchange on all major podcast platforms and at alumni.state.gov/voicesofexchange. Subscribe at bit.ly/SubscribenowVoE.

What happens when five musicians who have never met before and haven't performed in person since the start of the pandemic get together in Abu Dhabi and Dubai? In the second part of this hip-hop diplomacy story, the ExchangeAlumni team of Next Level artist-educators dive into the magic of connecting in person and serendipity. For more Voices of Exchange, visit alumni.state.gov/voicesofexchange. Subscribe at bit.ly/SubscribenowVoE.

What happens when five musicians who have never met before and haven't performed in person since the start of the pandemic get together in Abu Dhabi? Music, magic, and lifelong connections through “hip-hop culture.”In the first part of this hip-hop diplomacy story, the ExchangeAlumni team of Next Level artist-educators and Next Level Director Julian Brickhouse chop it up on music and mutual interests, and the breakthroughs they made in the United Arab Emirates.For more Voices of Exchange, visit alumni.state.gov/voicesofexchange. Subscribe at bit.ly/SubscribenowVoE.

Marie Christina Kolo wasn't trying to be Wonder Woman when it came to the secret she kept for many years. But in her work as a climate activist, she wanted to be strong for her community. It wasn't until she became a Mandela Washington Fellow that Marie Christine found the courage to get vulnerable, which allowed her to make a deeper impact.

To some people, dealing with climate change might seem like an uphill battle and even be depressing. But to Melissa Low, an ExchangeAlumni who has been working in the field – and participating in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties, or COP – for over a decade, it's not a zero-sum game. In Part 1 of our two-episode series on climate action, Melissa talks about why she continues to do her best to tackle climate change, the importance of risk taking, the merits of nature-based climate solutions, and her love for books and beer.  ~~~ Everyone has a story to tell. On Voices of Exchange, join us this season to hear how augmented reality can redefine a place and its inhabitants; see American identity through the eyes of those whose ancestors were forced to come to the United States; explore climate activism in tribal nations and elsewhere; and, experience how hip-hop artist-educators are promoting multilateral relations. 

Mathew Holloway and Cornelius Finley have a few things in common: they are both Black men. They both come from Southern United States. And they are both ExchangeAlumni, who attended a seminar on American identity with other exchange program alumni in Minneapolis, Minnesota. But that's where the similarities end...   In our two-part series on American identity on Voices of Exchange, Mathew and Cornelius talk about race, belonging, reclaiming your story, and why American identity is not just “black and white.”

Mathew B. Holloway II and Cornelius Finley have a few things in common: they are both Black men. They both come from small towns in the Southern United States. And they are both ExchangeAlumni, who attended a seminar on American Identity with other exchange program alumni in Minneapolis, Minnesota. But that's where the similarities end...

In the second episode of our three part arc on ExchangeAlumni working with augmented reality, or, AR, we spoke with Julia Beabout, the CEO and creative director of an award-winning AR creative studio. We continue our dive into the transformative power of the technology with ExchangeAlumni Grady Hart, Julia's partner on the augmented reality project, Monumental Conversations. Grady - an ExchangeAlumni of the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Exchange program and a community partnerships coordinator in Richmond, Virginia - talks about learning about systemic racism in his own community for the first time and how that spurred him to right some of the wrongs of the past by raising the voices of those who have traditionally not had a voice.

In Richmond, Virginia, ExchangeAlumni Julia Beabout and Grady Hart teamed up to create Monumental Conversations, an augmented reality project that centers on the undertold stories of Black resilience and excellence in Richmond. Little did they know how the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd would transform their project. In this second of three episodes on the power of AR on Voices of Exchange, we hear how Julia got a deeper look at racism and its effect on a community, how her international exchange experience in China through the Critical Language Scholarship led her to the Monumental Conversations project with Grady, and more.

For Isabelle Foster, her return to the U.S. during the pandemic could have marked an end to a budding project. Yet the physical distance from her team created a new perspective that was perfect for those pulled miles apart: TavAR, an augmented reality (AR) app that brings communities closer to their roots and welcomes tourists to new places and stories. In the first of three episodes on Voices of Exchange, we hear how Fulbright ExchangeAlumni Isabelle Foster, David Franco, and Tania Vargas are using AR to build resilience and preserve culture, and the ripple effects of their efforts. Everyone has a story to tell. On Voices of Exchange, join us this season to hear how augmented reality can redefine a place; see American identity through non-immigrant eyes; explore climate activism in tribal nations and elsewhere; and, experience how hip-hop artist-educators are promoting multilateral relations.

Welcome to Season 3 of Voices of Exchange, a podcast that delivers unforgettable first-person stories from people transformed by international exchange. This season we're exploring how augmented reality is unlocking rural communities; how diversity and inclusion overlap in America and the world; and how artist-educators in hip hop culture are fostering creative exchanges to promote multilateral relations.  This podcast is brought to you by the Office of Alumni Affairs in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).  New episodes will be released every two weeks on all major podcast platforms.  You can also listen to Voices of Exchange on our website at alumni.state.gov/voicesofexchange and follow us on Instagram @voicesofexchange.

Voices of Exchange highlights the remarkable stories of U.S and international ExchangeAlumni whose lives have been transformed by international exchange. Over the past two seasons, we've embarked on a journey of unexpected discoveries - from a NASA scientist inspired by Star Trek, to a poet turned diplomat, to an airline cabin crew member turned podcaster and entrepreneur. Now, we want to hear from you! As we look forward to next season, we'd like to know: What was your favorite Voices of Exchange episode? What stories do you want to hear more of? Do you have other questions or feedback for us? Send us an email at voicesofexchange@state.gov or message us on social media @VoicesofExchange to help us improve the podcast! And, if you enjoy our show, don't forget to rate and review us on whatever platform you listen on.

Join us for the season closer of Voices of Exchange, featuring Dr. Swati Mohan, NASA aerospace engineer and U.S. Speaker Program ExchangeAlumni, this Thursday, February 10 at 8:00 a.m. ET. Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science with Dr. Mohan's journey from Bengaluru, India to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, her viral moment as the lead for the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover landing, and why she is a big proponent of encouraging other women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

A chance encounter during his International Visitor Leadership Program, or IVLP exchange, gave Imtiaz Asin a new perspective on life. While traveling in the U.S., Imtiaz experienced tolerance, cultural awareness, and diversity within the melting pot of cultures. When he returned to Canada, Imtiaz brought these lessons back to his community where he is the Vice President of the largest Muslim organization, the B.C. Muslim Association. In this episode, we hear how Imtiaz is re-energizing old ideologies, how he is empowering women and the next generation of leaders, and why he believes tolerance comes from the heart.

A chance meeting led EdTech founder, entrepreneur, podcast host, and ExchangeAlumni Nidhi Nidhi to her first experience with the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). But it wasn't the first time curiosity led Nidhi to new experiences.  In this episode of Voices of Exchange, travel with Nidhi from India to Singapore, Switzerland, and the U.S. to discover the ties that bind us, how Nidhi challenged societal norms, and how she is empowering young girls to take risks.

We've learned a lot in 2021 since we launched Voices of Exchange, and this special episode is dedicated to our favorite moments from seasons one and two.

Social entrepreneur and ExchangeAlumni Ian Tarimo likes to call himself an Ambassador for Exchange. That's how strongly Ian, winner of the 2021 Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership Impact Award and co-founder of Tai Tanzania, believes in the power of exchange programs. Ian also believes in democracy and fighting corruption, but it was his visit to the U.S. for the Mandela Washington Fellowship program that gave him a deeper understanding of the global issues we all face and more.

Poet, Foreign Service Officer, and U.S. Speaker Program Exchange Alumni Indran Amirthanayagam was born in Ceylon, a country that -- in name anyway -- no longer exists. In this episode of Voices of Exchange, Indran recalls how this feeling of loss for Sri Lanka's former way of life inspired many of his writings and led him to call himself the “border-crosser.”  To Indran, it's all about shedding old skin and learning new things - or, giving and gaining, while pushing linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Sitting at her 9-to-5 desk job in corporate finance, Mariya Ilyas loved her job, but craved something more. Her time in college had taught her the concept of community, resilience, and giving back, and - despite resistance from her family - Mariya accepted the opportunity to become a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Istanbul, Turkey, where she eventually discovered the power that lay in her hyphenated-identity.  This episode is a story of resiliency, self-sacrifice, and belonging. Join us to hear more about Mariya's ExchangeAlumni experience and how it also led her to an encounter with the “Wishing Tree.”

A tragic, yet fortuitous car accident changed the course of history for U.S. Speaker program ExchangeAlumni Philippe Cousteau, Jr., his family, and our planet. It led Philippe's grandfather, Jacques Cousteau, to become a pioneer whose legacy still inspires Philippe - a TV host, producer, author, and social entrepreneur - every day.  As world leaders gather for this year's global climate summit, Philippe talks about why there is cause for hope and optimism amidst the climate change crisis, what it was like growing up with a real-life Indiana Jones, fatherhood, and falling in love. 

A pivotal moment on her Fulbright exchange and a realization about Anne Frank shifted the course of Stephanie Zhong's life, leading her to find her true calling. On the next Voices of Exchange, Stephanie talks about drawing on her Chinese American background in Hong Kong, soul searching and setbacks, and the power of storytelling.  As an ExchangeAlumni of the Fulbright Scholarship program, Stephanie is part of a network of millions of ExchangeAlumni worldwide. Learn more about ExchangeAlumni at alumni.state.gov.

When you think of Egypt, images of pyramids, statues, and mummies likely come to mind. But these iconic monuments and objects haven't survived millennia on their own, and they're not the only elements of cultural heritage Egypt has to offer. On this episode, Dr. May al-Ibrashy, an exchange alumna of the Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Program, shares her trailblazing approach to preserving Egypt's cultural heritage, why these values are universal, and how funding from the U.S. Department of State is making it all possible. 

To Dan Tani, becoming an astronaut seemed unimaginable. And yet, for 16 years, Tani lived his dream as a NASA astronaut, going on two space expeditions. In this episode, Tani reflects on his pride in the U.S., his love for planet Earth, and his passion for sharing his experiences with others. Among all of his identities, Tani is proud to be a good “citizen of the planet.” Voices of Exchange is a podcast from the U.S. Department of State, brought to you by the Office of Alumni Affairs at State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), featuring stories from the millions-strong exchange program alumni network. New episodes of Voices of Exchange are released every two weeks on Thursdays on iTunes or on your favorite podcast platform, and you can also listen to this episode and season one of Voices of Exchange on our website at alumni.state.gov.

Welcome to Season 2 of Voices of Exchange, a podcast that delivers unforgettable first-person stories from people transformed by international exchange. This podcast is brought to you by the Office of Alumni Affairs in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).  New episodes will be released every two weeks on all major podcast platforms.  You can also listen to Voices of Exchange on our website at alumni.state.gov/voicesofexchange and follow us on Instagram @voicesofexchange.

Three women. One goal. And a letter to their younger selves.  In the final episode of our first season of Voices of Exchange, a team of exchange alumni - Pandora White, Vanessa Diaz, and Ashleigh Brown-Grier - join us to talk about international exchange, their Citizen Diplomacy Action Funded project -- We Represent -- and how they are bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to exchange programs. 

A motocross accident forever changed Daniel Gómez de la Vega's life. But today, as a world champion-winning medalist, founder and director of Surfeando Sonrisas (Surfing Smiles), and exchange alumnus of the Global Sports Mentoring Program, Daniel finds that being in a wheelchair is challenging, yet fun -- an endless journey, as he calls it. In this episode, Daniel talks about how surfing revived him, why he loves fear, navigating depression, taking risks, being authentic, and pursuing a global dream.

Her dad taught her gender equality. Now, entrepreneur and alumna of the Mandela Washington Fellowship program Olive Michele Dol-Somse is training and empowering women in the Central African Republic to help them move past gender as an obstacle.

Growing up in L.A. with a Trekkie mom, discussing why barriers were meant to be broken, and drawing on data to connect the dots on disease... This week, Howard University alumnus Dr. Brandon Ogbunu takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings to his Fulbright in Kenya, and why he's not afraid to boldly go where no one has gone before. 

On this week's episode, we dive in with Anna Oposa, co-founder, director, and Chief Mermaid of Save Philippine Seas, to learn how she is working to mobilize “sea-tizens” to take action to protect marine and coastal lands on a local and global scale.

This week, we travel to Mumbai, India to meet ElsaMarie D'Silva, the award-winning founder of Red Dot Foundation, a platform that crowdsources data on sexual harassment incidents in public spaces. Tune in to hear about her journey from aviation to activism, female leadership, and how she is paving the way for women to walk with confidence.

In the latest episode of Voices of Exchange, we sit down with Jok Abraham Thon, founder and director of Promised Land Secondary School in South Sudan, to hear how he is advancing peace and resiliency in the region. Jok's story is connected to our last episode, featuring U.S. Arts Envoy Gail Prensky, who documented Jok's fight to save the soul of his country, one book at a time.

What happens when you're an artist living in a tyrannical state: do you risk your life to fight tyranny, or do you escape your country because your gifts are valuable to the entire world?  Join us as we meet Gail Prensky, a U.S. Arts Envoy exchange alumna and documentary filmmaker, who is working to shed light on the plight of artists living under oppression. This is the story of “Bullets to Books,” and Gail's journey as a storyteller and envoy.

In the latest episode of Voices of Exchange, we learn how international exchange helped a “shy, nerdy kid” reconnect with a childhood friend and her passion for art. Travel with us from Buffalo to Chicago, Paris, Tbilisi, and New York City with Returned Peace Corps Specialist and illustrator Maria Krasinski.

For our first ever episode of Voices of Exchange, we travel to Florianópolis, Brazil, with Critical Language Scholar and disability rights advocate Anna Landre. Anna takes us on a journey of overcoming cultural, lingual, and physical barriers in a new city, while describing the lessons she learned to advocate for herself and for others with disabilities. Through Anna's story, we learn that we are more alike than different.