Karen Cervera and Yu-Shan Chou
Founders of Let's Talk Philly
Nomination:
Nominated by Amel Kherbachene: "Karen and Yushan created a space together called Let's Talk Philly Conversation Circles, where immigrants come together to share their experiences, stories, and culture in the form of every day and different conversational topics. All of this while building confidence when speaking in English, sharing, and developing skills, and meeting new people."
About Karen and Yu-shan:
Let’s Talk Philly Conversation Circles is a magical space where immigrants come together to share their experiences, stories, and cultures in the form of everyday and unique conversational topics. The purpose of these gatherings is to casually practice English, build confidence, meet new people, and create an inclusive community for all. Who were the geniuses creating this incredible program? Karen Cervera, from Mexico, and Yu-Shan Chou, from Taiwan.
The duo had similar aspirations when they arrived in the USA. Karen moved with her husband on a dependent visa, which means she could not work or study. Yu-Shan came to support her husband after he got a job offer. They were living in Toronto before moving to Philadelphia.
Both Yu-Shan and Karen graduated from the Immigrant Leadership Institute, a program offered by The Welcoming Center. In this program, they started studying the barriers immigrants face when they move to the USA. They realized they had faced the same barriers that most immigrants have: English-speaking skills.
“We speak English, but sometimes we think it isn't enough. When we think that we are going to make mistakes, we don’t speak at all.” - Karen
After completing the research, both agreed that immigrants need opportunities to practice English in a safe, fun, and comfortable environment. They also believe participants can learn new skills and work together to achieve their common goals while building their confidence in speaking English. That's how the Let's Talk Philly Conversation Circles was born.
“We don't have teachers and students in our conversation circles, only participants and facilitators. We use a peer-to-peer learning model. It means that everyone takes charge in their learning.” - Yu-Shan
How does the conversation circle work? There are no teachers in the conversation circles, only facilitators. Everyone is equal and makes decisions together in the conversation circle. The facilitators help plan the session outline and maintain the conversation. The most beautiful things that happen in the circles are participants making connections and building meaningful relationships. They become friends and feel more confident in speaking English. They share resources and support each other.
“After I moved here, what I loved the most about the USA was the diversity. I never expected to find so many cultures and so many talented people here. I learned that the best way to be stronger in this country is to work together as immigrants.” - Karen
Karen and Yu-Shan want to encourage people that if they believe they are making a difference, they should go for it, no matter how hard it is. There are challenges, but they have friends, they have support from the community. Never let those challenges stand in the way. They won't know the result unless they try.
“Nobody knows the end result until you do it. If you fail, you learn from it–correct and adjust. Things will get better, and it will be a success.” - Yu-Shan
Article by I Belong Philly. Created by Waleska Lopez, Cristina Zanoni and Geórgia Consença.
Quotes from Karen and Yushan:
"When I moved here, I noticed that the biggest strength, and the thing that I love the most about the USA, was diversity. I never expected to find so many cultures here and so many talented people all struggling to find their place. So, we have learned that the best way this country can be stronger is to work together." - Karen
"Maybe this is the new American Dream, not only pursuing your dream, but also a common value for everyone." - Yu-Shan