Metal endures. It can be hammered or melted but it is resilient. Such qualities also help form the character of the people who work with it; men such as third-generation metalworker Marcelo Galvan. Galvan immigrated to the United States from Argentina as a young man and built up a successful business creating ornamental ironwork, only to see it crumble in the 2008 recession. … [Read more...]
An Immigrant Woman Christmas Story: Triumphing over a Tragedy
As temperatures and COVID numbers keep falling, families across the valley look forward to enjoying every minute of the 2021 holiday season. But sometimes hardship and tragedy can make the holidays a desperate time. In 1984, after tragedy struck for Vasi Sergakis, the minutes couldn’t move fast enough. Earlier that year, her husband Mike passed away, making her sole owner of … [Read more...]
Escape to a New Life
“Where we going Mom, where we going?” the kids asked repeatedly as they followed their mother day and night for about three weeks through jungles and across rivers and swamps in Cambodia. “Almost there, almost there,” lied Rem Kros to her five kids as they fled their village in Battambang Province. With swollen feet, bloody and blistered from traveling miles a day … [Read more...]
Serve Refugees Sharehouse Creates Cycle of Hope and Change
A modest relocatable classroom located at Lincoln Elementary School in South Salt Lake houses the Serve Refugees Sharehouse - a crucial resource for thousands of refugees that didn’t exist before 2016. Donations like toiletry essentials, cleaning kits, and gas gift cards revolve in and out of the classroom - which added up to serve roughly 31,000 refugees in 2017. … [Read more...]
Immigrants Among Us—A Thai Couple is Living the American Dream
Third South in downtown Salt Lake City between 300 West and 400 West is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts. The block across from Pioneer Park is home to the original Caputo’s Market & Deli, as well as Bruges Waffles & Frites, Carlucci’s Bakery, Aquarius Fish Market, A Priori Specialty Foods, and Cucina Toscana restaurant. Sandwiched in amongst all that great grub is … [Read more...]
KUDU Boutique new in Salt Lake City
Supporting both sides of the world from one culture to another, KUDU shares a different perspective local shopping. To find a bit of Africa in Salt Lake you only need visit Kudu. Named after an African gazelle, the store has artwork, jewelry, baskets and hand painted candles. It is the perfect spot to find a gift that is not the same old tie or gift card. Wire beaded animals … [Read more...]
Laziz Middle Eastern Spreads
Moudi Sbeity realized when he moved to Utah from Lebanon in 2006 that he wasn’t going to find hummus like his mother used to make. To a Middle Easterner, creamy hummus is a comfort food. Since Mom was a half-world away, Moudi and Derek Kitchen started their company, Laziz, to manufacture and distribute an authentic hummus throughout Utah. Recipes for hummus … [Read more...]
Immigrant Success Stories III: The Venture Capital Adventure
Dinesh Patel Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs In 1985, I reached a turning point. I decided I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life working for someone else,” says Dr. Dinesh Patel, one of Utah’s most successful immigrants and entrepreneurs. Indian through heritage, Dr. Patel was born in Kabwe, Zambia in 1950. Sitting back in his large conference room chair overlooking … [Read more...]
Utah Immigration Success Stories: The Greek Who Always Gives More
George Nicolatus’ work improving business in Utah At age 23, in 1946 a young George S. Nicolatus walked into the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce and announced,“I want to make this city better than what it is now. What can I do for you?” That was the beginning of Nocolatus’ 46-year crusade to do just that. The surprised silence that followed was broken by Executive … [Read more...]