Yohana Jury, an Australia-based immigrant from Indonesia, shares her story and insights. She grew up in a small town in Indonesia and moved to Australia on a scholarship to pursue a master's degree in her desired field of study. While there, she met the man who would later become her husband, which led her to stay in the country to start a family.

Throughout the conversation, Yohana opens up about the difficulties she faced in finding a job that aligns with her skills. Despite holding local credentials and professional experience from overseas, she initially had to work at McDonald's to gain her first Australian work experience. Today, she has achieved her dream career, but her journey required immense effort and perseverance.

Yohana offers practical insights for other immigrants navigating their integration journey. She emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community, cultivating self-belief, and persevering during difficult times. Ultimately, she encourages migrants to work hard and take pride in their efforts, even if it means starting at a lower level.

To connect with Yohana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yohanajury/

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

This podcast episode dives into the life story of an Indonesian-born immigrant living in Australia. Steve shares his vivid childhood memories of political conflict and racial discrimination in 1960s Indonesia, the hasty and perilous departure of his family, and their subsequent immigration to Australia.

Steve reflects on the cultural shock of adapting to a new school environment, the hardships of financial instability, and the rigorous efforts his parents made to provide a stable life. The guest discusses the numerous jobs he had to undertake, including working as a food delivery rider, and his advocacy for migrant workers' rights.

Steve shares insights on dealing with racism, the importance of embracing cultural values while navigating new societies, and the vital role that hope and resilience play in overcoming life's challenges. Throughout the conversation, themes of gratitude, perseverance, and the impact of migrant communities on Australia are deeply explored.

Contact Steeve:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-khouw-515246/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sneaky.stevey/

Chapters:

(00:00) Welcome and introduction to Steeve Khouw

(01:55) Childhood in Indonesia and early persecution

(04:03) Fleeing the country and finding safety in Australia

(06:04) Starting over: housing, work, and language barriers

(09:41) School experiences and facing racism

(13:08) Building resilience and advocating for migrants

(18:01) Life as a food delivery rider and gig economy insights

(22:33) Empathy, connection, and cultural understanding

(25:40) Identity, reinvention, and embracing change

(28:36) Final reflections on hope, belonging, and advocacy

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this first episode, Emma interviews Katrina James, a registered counsellor who helps migrant professionals thrive in Australia.

Katrina shares her professional insights into the complexities of cultural adaptation in the workplace, including during significant life transitions such as career shifts or retirement. She highlights the importance of acknowledging the systemic barriers that migrants face in Australia and discusses how they can reframe unhelpful beliefs without having their experiences of racism and employment discrimination dismissed.

The conversation also touches on the economic contributions of migrants, and the need to challenge prevalent misconceptions. Throughout the episode, Katrina underscores the importance of self-acceptance and resilience in navigating the migrant experience, offering valuable insights for both migrants and the broader Australian community.

Contact Katrina James

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-james-reframe/

Website: https://www.reframecounselling.com.au/

Chapters

(00:15)Meet Katrina James: Migration Therapist

(01:54)Navigating Cultural Workplace Differences

(05:33)Migration's Non-Linear Journey

(09:04)The Challenge of Sharing Migrant Struggles

(13:21)Reframing Perceptions vs. Real Discrimination

(18:31)Building Confidence in Your Migrant Identity

(22:45)Finding Focus Through Life's Contrasts

(35:10)What Does Being Australian Really Mean?

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.