'Your Awaaz'

Chatting with Kiran Kaja, an Accessibility Program Lead at Instagram.  Kiran, who is blind, has been working in the IT industry to be not just a vocal advocate for visually impaired individuals but also working in leadership positions to make products that offer real value and benefits.   Born in Hyderabad, India, Kiran talks about his childhood experiences from his early grade school experiences, to societal attitudes towards those w/ disabilities.   As well as understanding some of his passions in life and how he doesn't let his disability define him.  Grab your coffee or chai, and let's chat w/ Kiran Kaja.

Follow Kiran on Instagram
Kiran on LinkedIn
Interview Transcript  

Enaam Ahmed, a British-Pakistani, professional race car driver is determined to continue on his journey to becoming one of the best race car drivers in the world.  Listen to his story on what inspires him, and motivates him on and off the track. Enaam's dedication and talent have made him a World Champion in Europe, and now he looks to conquer the Indy Pro circuit in the USA and Canada.   

Follow Enaam:

Enaam on Youtube:
Indy Pro 2000: Enaam Ahmad Profile 
Indy Pro 2000 Schedule of Races
Interview Transcript

From humble beginnings as a Kulfi seller a.k.a 'Kulfiwala' in the village of Aman Chachar in Pakistan, hear the story of Zulfiqar Ali.  Defying the odds by keeping his faith, and a positive mindset, Zulfiqar has achieved great success in his life and looks to share his experiences to help others.   Listen to his journey as he details his trials and tribulations from childhood to college, and people who helped him along the way. 

To learn more about funding educational opportunities for the underprivileged, please visit The Citizen's Foundation.

To obtain the interview transcript, click here

As the first South Asian and Muslim woman elected to the Virginia Senate, Senator Ghazala Hashmi talks about her background, key issues she's passionate about, and what drove her into the world of politics.  So, grab a chai or coffee, and have a listen. 

To reach Senator Hashmi:

https://apps.senate.virginia.gov/Senator/memberpage.php?id=S108
https://www.ghazalahashmi.com/
To view the Interview Transcript, click HERE

Listen to Delegate Suhas Subramanyam on his journey to becoming the 87th District Delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates.  Delegate Subramanyam shares his insights on the office, working with constituents, and thoughts on important measures he's implemented and looking to pass in the General Assembly.  To reach out to the Delegate and or find out details on his legislative initiatives, see below: 

Official Website:  https://www.suhasforvirginia.com/ 
Official Delegate Email: DelSSubramanyam@House.Virginia.Gov 
Official Delegate Phone: (804) 698-1087
Interview Transcript

On May 13th, 2022, Pakistani super sensation Atif Aslam will be performing live in Maryland at the MGM Grand.  But, before he goes on stage, the opening act will be a young aspiring band from the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia) ready to perform on the biggest stage so far in their career.   They are five members with diverse backgrounds who have one common goal.  To make good music! 

They join us today on Your Awaaz.  Lead singer Ali Imtiaz shares his musical passion. Brothers Abrar and Omar Huda offer their musical insights, and Javier Amir and David Baroi bring their perspectives on being part of a South Asian band. 

Listen to their unique journey as they look to make a name for themselves this week. 

To Purchase Tickets for May 13th, click HERE
To follow the Ali on Instagram, click HERE 
To follow Omar on Instagram,  click HERE
To follow Javier on Instagram, click HERE
To follow David on Instagram, click HERE
To follow Abrar on Instagram, click HERE
To listen to the Band on SoundCloud, click HERE

Faisal Afzal, a successful IT professional, shares his story on pursuing his love of flying.  From his beginnings in Pakistan, overcoming health issues, to his commitment in school and flying; he has parlayed his passion into a very rewarding side career.  So, grab your chai and let's chat with Faisal.

To reach Faisal for Flight Guidance or Questions, you can reach him on Linkedin.

Today, we speak to Ayesha Raza, the founder of 'Abey Khao'. A food truck business operating in Pakistan.

What's unique about this business is that, it's run by and for the Deaf community.   It is empowering Deaf youth by creating enterprise and employment opportunities for them in one of the largest industries (Hospitality) of Pakistan which creates 17% of total employment.

Ayesha will speak about how and why she started this business, the social impact and awareness it's raising. And also the future of 'Abey Khao'.  So, grab a chai or coffee, and let's listen to Ayesha talk about her journey.

Abey Khao on Facebook 
Abey Khao on Instagram
Abey Khao on Twitter

Amer Sultan, a senior level IT professional, based in Northern Virginia, has always been intrigued with storytelling.   In 1998 after college, Amer started spinning vinyl records in his basement, and slowly began to perfect the craft of mixing and beat matching.   At this time, there was a renaissance of Indian Bollywood remix taking shape, and nearly every weekend, there was a Indian party in the downtown clubs.  Bollywood movies were played in cineplexes each Friday night, and inevitably the best dance songs were quickly remixed by local DJs for the college kids.  It was certainly a means for the youth to maintain their cultural awareness by attending 'Desi Parties'.  What started as a hobby, quickly turned into a side business.   While maintaining his daytime consulting job, Amer used DJ'ing as his artistic expression to become the storyteller for his crowds, which allowed him to perform and open for world known acts such as Bally Sagoo, RBD, Tiger Style, and Punjabi MC.  

Fast forward to 2022, and Amer is still looking to tell stories, however on a different medium.   His journey from DJ'ing has now led him to start 'Your Awaaz'.  The mission of this podcast is to bring to you, intriguing stories from South Asians across the US, who will share their experiences.  Not only stories of success, but also challenges, hardships and triumphs.  At the end of day, we are all human. We have our flaws, and imperfections. The goal of sharing these stories is to show how people can overcome their adversities and push forward, which in turn gives all of us hope.