New Women New Yorkers

Author: ariellekandel

Portraits & interviews

Finding a balance: Raising children as an immigrant mother

Written by Ludmila Leiva Names have been changed at the interviewee’s request. For women who choose to have children, the path to motherhood is usually an exciting time. But, for many immigrant women — especially undocumented women — in the United States, motherhood can be frightening and isolating. This was the case for Ana, an undocumented woman based in New York City who, during her pregnancy seven years ago, lacked a stable support system, had a job that offered no...

Culture & events

What are you thankful for this year?

Perhaps this year more than ever, the practice of giving thanks will be a welcome break from not only everyday stresses, but also the post-election anxiety that many of us are experiencing. Whether you’re surrounded by friends, family and a tryptophan-laden feast or are spending the holiday solo, this fourth Thursday in November is a great time to reflect on the people and things that help you get through even the most difficult days. To kick off the holiday, the...

Portraits & interviews

Navigating the difficulties of immigration with Colombian immigrant Scarlett Freyre

  Written by Divya Ramesh Scarlett Freyre immigrated to North Carolina in 1992 from Bogotá, Colombia — she was 20. Colombia’s long tryst with political instability prompted her father’s decision to send his daughter to the US. The decision was a difficult one for many reasons, especially considering that Freyre had to drop out of Bogotá’s Los Andes University where she was studying Marketing and Merchandising Textiles, and put her education on hold. More than a decade after she arrived...

Portraits & interviews

Children of immigrants: Nadia Romhen on feeling connected to family and the Middle Eastern community

Written by Aneta Molenda New York City has served as the hub of the Syrian diaspora community for many decades. In the late 19th century, there was a strong and vibrant enclave known as Little Syria in Manhattan. Within a few short decades, Syrian-Americans created over 300 businesses and community organizations throughout New York City. Families who became financially stable started leaving Little Syria’s tenements and moving to Brooklyn neighborhoods, particularly around Atlantic Avenue. Similar to the fate of many...