207. You just asked me where I’m from. So why do I feel offended? [Interview]

What does it take to feel safe and supported in your workplace or when immigrating to a new country? What is the right way to respond when you feel judged? Or criticized by others? What happens internally (and ultimately, how does it affect your communication abilities) when you feel stereotyped – only because English is not your first language? And why does it bother people when they’re constantly asked “where are you from”? In my Immigrant Experience series, I’ve been sharing stories of students who immigrated to English-speaking countries. But I also want to share insights from people whose work involves supporting marginalized communities, including immigrants. One person who can speak to that experience is Gina Gomez, a business strategist & advisor who has founded a business development company that works with some of the biggest companies in the world. Gina’s company specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. She has helped dozens of clients (myself included) create an inclusive and respectful business. In this episode, Gina and I discuss how being a speaker of English as a second language in certain environments could foster microaggression and micro-inequities. She will explain what those behaviors are, what they look and sound like, and how to manage them in the best possible way. She will also share some insights from her own personal and professional experience, as well as tips and strategies on how to deal with microaggressions and discrimination. To learn more about Gina and her work, visit her at: https://ginagomezandassociates.com and connect with her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ginagomezandassociates/ #immigrant_experience If you like this episode, you’d love to meet Rita and Marcelo, who shared with me their immigrant experience. – Battling Discrimination and Discovering Self-Worth in a New Country – She immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 45… this is what happened