Grisell "Gigi" Peña

Gigi Peña currently resides at Amandla Crossing. She lost both of her parents within six months of each other due to COVID-19. Gigi talks about growing up in Cuba under Fidel Castro, major life changes, and her love for her family. She also discusses several of her and her family’s experiences after they migrated to the US.

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Odelia Hernandez

Odelia Hernandez grew up in the small town of Santa Catalina Yosonotú in Oaxaca, Mexico. She details her family’s farming traditions, and how everyone worked together to grow, sow, and preserve each year’s harvest. Her narration is peppered with the foods of her memories, which bring to light her experiences and how the foods that she ate depended on the seasons and availability. Odelia came to the United States only a few days before the September 11th attacks. She has been involved with the Proyecto Esperanza for over six years, actively gardens in Feaster Park, and helps run Mercado Esperanza.

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Katura Williams

Katura Williams has experienced an abusive home life several times in her life. She has had a substance abuse disorder and served a five year prison sentence for assault. She is now certified in culinary arts, but is stuck in New Brunswick because of car issues. She is utilizing the resources at Elijah’s Promise until her car can be fixed so that she can go home.

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Pooya Mohseni

Pooya recounts life in Tehran during and after the Revolution of 1978, as well as her time in England and the United States, as she navigated life as a transwoman within these various places.

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