Ms. Tina Shah (Masala Chat Project)

Description

Tina Shah, 39, is a designer and software developer who is working hard to ensure she keeps her Indian heritage alive for herself and the next generation. The interview includes discussion of her family's search for opportunity and belonging in both the US and India. Tina's family immigrated to Chicago when she was age 3, joining her mother's sister, but returned briefly to India after five years due to homesickness and the fact that they weren't as successful as they had hoped to be. Educational opportunity encouraged them to try the US again, but it was nevertheless a difficult transition as they experienced discrimination in their suburban Chicago neighborhood. Despite living almost all of her life the America, Tina feels deeply connected to her Indian culture, in particular her faith, Jainism. Other topics discussed include: her father's work ethic, what it is like being American with Indian parents, passing on her faith and culture to her young daughter.