Lily Trieu
This interview is with Lily Trieu, a first-generation Chinese-American and nonprofit director in Austin, TX. Lily shares her parents’ stories of coming to the US, living as a low-income family, and struggling with assimilation. She talks about her busy youth and her education. Lily describes her path from working in corporate marketing to working in policy advocacy and founding Asian Texans for Justice. She also shares her perspectives on anti-Asian racism and the needs of communities like hers.
Saagar Shaikh
This interview is with Saagar Shaikh, an actor living in Los Angeles, CA. Saagar talks about growing up as a Pakistani Muslim in Alief and San Antonio and describes the differences between those communities during his childhood. He describes his career path, including his decision to become an actor and the ups and downs of finding his place in the industry. Saagar goes on to talk about his recent role as Aamir Khan in Disney’s Ms. Marvel series. He shares about a day in the life, favorite scenes and memories, and what the role means to him.
Jaime "Mujahid" Fletcher
This interview is with Jaime “Mujahid” Fletcher, founder of IslamInSpanish. Jaime shares about his youth, during which he was involved in gang activity in Alief then developed his value of education in Colombia. After his conversion to Islam at twenty-three, Jaime began to translate Islamic literature and thought into Spanish so his Latino family and community could better understand Islam. Jaime goes on to describe the growth of IslamInSpanish from its inception as a family project to its current state as a vibrant community in the Centro Islamico in Alief. He also discusses the social justice projects IslamInSpanish is involved in and shares his advice for working toward social change.
Isa Parada
This interview is with Imam Isa Parada, a Latino Muslim leader with IslamInSpanish. Isa talks about growing up in New York City and Houston, the popular culture of his youth, and being involved in criminal activity as a teen. He tells the story of wanting to make a change in his life for the better, exploring Islam, and converting at the age of twenty. Isa describes the struggles of converting, such as his family’s initial concern and prejudice, as well as the joys, such as meeting his wife and studying in Saudi Arabia. He goes on to discuss the origin and growth of IslamInSpanish.
Sandy "Sakinah" Gutierrez
This interview is with Sandy “Sakinah” Gutierrez, a Colombian-American revert to Islam and co-founder of the non-profit IslamInSpanish. Sakinah tells the story of being a spiritual seeker alongside her husband, and how the two ultimately found fulfillment in Islam. She talks about how several members of their family decided to accept Islam due to the example and education she and her husband offered. Sakinah also discusses the founding and growth of IslamInSpanish, whose mission is to make information about Islam available to Spanish-speaking Latinos.