Coming To America – Details, episodes & analysis

I this episode of our  Immigrant podcast, I am interviewing Sonia Collier who immigrated to the US from Stockholm, Sweden in 1987.

She started her advertising career at the Shalek Agency in Los Angeles and was recruited to Wieden & Kennedy in Portland, OR 1991.

1999 she joined Adidas and finished a 22-year career with them end of 2020. She lives with her partner Joe in Portland, Oregon.

In this episode of Coming to America, we sit down with Elisabeth Tschalaer, who moved from Switzerland to the U.S. at just 17 to study in California. Now, after 32 years in Portland, she’s built a life as an artist, journeyman painter, and business owner of Painting Blue Skies.

But this episode isn’t just about immigration—it’s a ride through topics like impulsive politics of democracy, influence of geography, WWII, dark matter, Calvinism, famine, California, colonialism, and civil rights movement. 

Did you know Switzerland has no official capital city and was one of the last countries in the world to grant women ...? listen to find out.

Buckle up—this is one episode you don’t want to miss! 🎧

#ComingToAmerica #Podcast #SwissInAmerica #ImmigrantStories #ArtAndCulture #WomenInBusiness #HistoryMatters

https://paintingblueskies.com/

Elisandra, the Director of Engagement and Project Designer at El Dorado, combines rich experience in design justice, rooted in her personal journey, activism, and education. Born and raised in Ciudad Juárez, México, she's a first-generation Mexican immigrant and a proud LGBTQIA2S+ member, which fuels her social justice passion, enriched by her border town upbringing. Elisandra received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Texas Tech University and a Master of Architecture with Honors from Washington University in St. Louis. Elisandra holds the Design for Spatial Justice Fellowship from the University of Oregon (2021-2023) and leads the Urban Violence Laboratory in Portland. Her commitment to advancing architecture and social justice led her to join El Dorado's Portland office in Portland, where she spearheads Engagement and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) metrics. 

In her own words: "My upbringing in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, has profoundly shaped my understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges in marginalized communities. Growing up in a resilient community facing inequality, institutional corruption, and displacement, I developed a keen awareness of socio-economic disadvantage and privilege. This personal journey motivates my active engagement with these issues in my academic and professional career."

https://eldo.us/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisandra-garcia-a36b975b/

https://www.uoregon.edu/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-mckinley/

https://www.nike.com/

and the football club from Donetsk plays in Lviv: https://shakhtar.com/en/

Gene's architectural company: https://www.zgf.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-sandoval-6606a0b0/

Sam's Coffee shop in Portland: https://www.jubileehallpdx.org

Sam's chai company: https://www.cafediaspora.com

Sam's websites of North American Manipur Tribal Association: https://namta.us/

OPB's special about cold dipping featuring Ivana: https://www.opb.org/video/2022/12/15/cold-dipping/

Ivana's Facebook group of cold dippers in Pacific Northwest: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1350073745756565

Wade and his wife's start up:  https://www.wearepanga.com

Welcome to Episode 15 of Coming to America: Austrian in the USA. In this episode, we sit down with Birgit Hayden, whose journey from Salzburg, Austria, to the heart of Northeast Portland, tells a story of courage, adaptation, and cultural fusion.

Birgit arrived in the United States in January 2001, spending her first six months in Seattle before moving to Portland in September 2001 with her American husband. Over the years, she has built a vibrant life in her new home and has raised three wonderful children, now aged 21, 19, and 16.

Professionally, Birgit is making her mark in the commercial insurance industry. Adding to her impressive resume, since December 23 she has also served as the Austrian Honorary Consul for Oregon—a role that perfectly blends her deep roots with her commitment to her new community.

Beyond her professional and consular responsibilities, Birgit embraces a colorful array of hobbies. Whether she's sewing intricate designs, gracefully gliding on the dance floor during ballroom sessions, or enjoying a cold beer with friends after an exhilarating day of skiing or hiking, she embodies the spirit of living life fully.

Join us as we explore Birgit’s unique journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of merging two worlds, and celebrating the beautiful blend of traditions and modern life. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that our stories of migration and adaptation are what truly connect us, no matter where we call home.

Tune in now for an insightful conversation that celebrates heritage, resilience, and the art of embracing life’s diverse experiences.