Welcome to Breakthrough Barriers with Damali! I am your host, Damali Peterman. On this podcast, we invite you to share a conflict that you need help navigating. And I, along with a guest co-host, will share what we would do in that situation to help you reach your breakthrough. Welcome to the show!
…
continue reading
Breakthrough ADR Podcasts
Tahmina Talks Immigration® is your go-to talk show for breaking down U.S. immigration laws with clarity and passion! Hosted by the unstoppable Tahmina Watson—founder of Watson Immigration Law, fierce immigration lawyer, and dedicated reform advocate—this show delivers fresh insights, real-life success stories, and cutting-edge legal updates. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a future immigrant, or just curious about the law, join Tahmina as she combines expert analysis with her unique, energet ...
…
continue reading
1
Damali Peterman, CEO & Founder of Breakthrough ADR
46:39
46:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:39In this episode, Damali Peterman shares vital tips and tricks for running a robust business. Tahmina and Damali speak about utilizing entrepreneurial “superpowers” and their start-up journeys. Damali Peterman is a trailblazing conflict resolution expert, award-winning bestselling author, and CEO of BreakthroughADR, a global firm transforming how in…
…
continue reading
1
Ruchika T. Malhotra, Author, Inclusion on Purpose & Uncompete & CEO of Candour
1:00:16
1:00:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:16In this episode Tahmina is joined by Ruchika Malhotra Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/ Check out Tahmina’s books at…
…
continue reading
1
Allison Silberberg, Public Policy Expert Discussing Immigration
53:41
53:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:41Allison Sillberberg Allison Sillberberg joins Tahmina on this episode to discuss Allison's experience as the Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia and the intersection between local governance and immigration. A Public Affairs and Public Policy consultant and writer, Allison Silberberg served as the Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia, from 2016 to 2019. She ser…
…
continue reading
1
Your Guide to the N-400: Applying for U.S. Citizenship
56:24
56:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:24* Note- this event was held earlier in the year of 2025. We published the episode in December 2025. The policies were updated by USCIS in October 2025- with a new set of civics questions and adjudication standards. The application process and forms remain the same so the episode remains timely and relevant. Just ensure you check updated policies on…
…
continue reading
1
$100,000 Surprise H1B Fee- What Happens at USCIS to Implement- with Efren Hernandez, Former USCIS Policy Leader & Founder-EH3 Immigration Consulting
38:49
38:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:49Efren Hernandez, a life long USCIS policy leader, now working in the private sector sits down with Tahmina to discuss the shocking $100,000 fee imposed on H-1B visas. Efren Hernandez is the Founder of EH3 Immigration Consulting. He is an immigration lawyer with 32 years of experience in the field, the vast majority at the former INS and at USCIS. W…
…
continue reading
Given the various challenges in the United States, many U.S. residents are seeking information on how to immigrate to Canada. Tahmina speaks with David Kika, an immigration expert practicing Canadian immigration law. David Kika is a seasoned business immigration professional based in North Vancouver, BC, with deep expertise in Canadian and internat…
…
continue reading
1
WA Senator Vandana Slatter on Entrepreneurship in Washington State
43:35
43:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:35Senator Vandana Slatter helped pass state funding for a Washington State immigrant entrepreneur program, one of a handful in the entire country. Tahmina sits down to speak with her. Senator Vandana Slatter (D–WA 48th District) is a pharmacist, biotech professional, and trailblazing lawmaker who brings science, compassion, and equity to public servi…
…
continue reading
1
Chris Bloomquist- Founding Partner, Talent Mine
42:43
42:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:43This is an episode shared from The Startup Visa podcast that will be useful for our listeners. In this episode, our guest is Chris Bloomquist. He is a 20-year veteran of the technology industry, a 2-time startup founder, and expanding into the climate and environmental recruiting industries. He has a passion to tell the stories of impactful environ…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Jordan Lawrence is the EB5AN Director of Business Development. In this role, he structures EB-5 project offerings and develops new strategic relationships. Jordan most recently served as the Director of Operations at Houston EB5. He has over five years of experience in the real estate finance and development industries, online mark…
…
continue reading
1
Clive Stafford Smith-Human Rights Lawyer & Guantanamo Expert
1:06:46
1:06:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:46In this episode of Tahmina Talks Immigration, I speak with Clive Stafford Smith- British American Human Rights Lawyer who is an expert on Guantanamo Bay detained cases having represented over 80 detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. He specialises in the areas of civil rights and working against the death penalty in the United States…
…
continue reading
1
Amanda DuBois, Family Law Attorney and Author of Unshackled
51:18
51:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:18Amanda DuBois is the founder and managing partner of DuBois Levias Law Group, a woman-owned boutique family law firm in Seattle. Before practicing law, she was a high-risk labor and delivery nurse at the University of Washington Medical Center, a background that informs her legal work and fuels her passion for social justice. Over the past thirty y…
…
continue reading
1
62. Resilience Comes From (feat. Marian Murray, Mindset Actress)
27:39
27:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:39n this episode, Damali discusses Marian Murray, who has worked as the senior vice president and global CFO of a marketing group and investment bank by 29. Now she has booked over 30 days for two years as a very successful actress. She has been featured on NBC, ABC, Buzzfeed, good morning, America…etc. ) Her unique perspective on entrepreneurship an…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Damali sits down with Dr. Juliet Nevins. Dr. Nevins is a board-certified Obstetrician and healthcare executive. Her expertise in the healthcare field as medical director for New York and New Jersey region at CVS health. She is also the founder of the belly button LLC and an alumna of Vassar College. Her unique perspective and work …
…
continue reading
1
60. Resilience Come From…. (feat. Kimberly Jenkins, Assistant Professor of Fashion Studies, School of Fashion, Ryerson University)
32:45
32:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:45In this episode, Damali sits down with Kimberly Jenkins. Ms. Jenkins is currently Assistant Professor of Fashion Studies in the School of Fashion at Ryerson University, lecturing previously at Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute. Kim designed an elective course and exhibition entitled, Fashion and Race, and has shared her insight at SXSW a…
…
continue reading
1
59. Resilience Comes From… (feat. Assaunta Howard, Interim Assistant Dean of Business Services & Workforce Development)
30:12
30:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:12In this episode, Damali sits down with Assuanta Howard. Ms. Howard serves as the Interim Assistant Dean of Business Services & Workforce Development, as well as the Executive Director of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program located at LaGuardia Community. Ms. Howard has worked for over twenty-years in the City University of New York Sy…
…
continue reading
1
58. Resilience Comes From… (feat. Jennifer Lupo, Managing Member of Lupo Law, Arbitration and Mediation PLLC)
27:31
27:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:31In this episode, Damali sits down with Jennifer Lupo. Ms. Lupo is the Managing Member of Lupo Law, Arbitration and Mediation PLLC with offices in Manhattan and Rhinebeck, N.Y. Ms. Lupo has more than 25 years of experience as a dispute resolution professional. Her unique perspective comes from having sat in every seat at the dispute resolution table…
…
continue reading
1
Show #137 Melanie Gladstone & Nicole Lockett, Lakewood Playhouse: The Diary of Anne Frank
30:14
30:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:14Thank you so much for tuning into Tahmina Talks Immigration, with your host, Tahmina Watson. In this episode, I am honored to speak with Melanie Gladstone, director of Lakewood Playhouse's performance of The Diary of Anne Frank, and Nicole Lockett, cast member playing Edith Frank. The show runs April 15th to May 8th on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, …
…
continue reading
1
57. Resilience Comes From: (feat. Suzanne Boothby, Writer and Editor)
26:18
26:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:18In this episode, Damali discusses that resilience comes from honing in on your craft and in being a woman with Suzanne Boothy. Suzanne Boothby is a book author and writer who started her career as fact checker for the award-winning investigative magazine Mother Jones and has gone on to cover everything from foraging green juice ingredients to the h…
…
continue reading
1
56. Resilience Comes From: Survival (feat. CEO/Founder of Juliette, Rechelle Balanzat)
26:12
26:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:12In this episode, Damali discusses how to remain resilient with Rechelle Balnzat, CEO/Founder of Juliette, a luxury cleaning service originated in New York City. Rechelle’s goal is to be on top of the billion dollar laundry industry through her company’s unique way of redefining dry cleaning. Rechelle finds resilience in survival and keeping a frame…
…
continue reading
1
55. Resilience Comes From: Keeping In Touch (feat. David S. Ross, Esq, JAMS Mediator)
33:53
33:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:53In this episode, Damali chats with David S. Ross, Esq. He is a mediator with JAMS, where he has worked as a neutral for nearly 30 years. He has successfully resolved thousands of complex two-party and multi-party cases -- including dozens of class actions -- and regularly handles high-profile cases involving celebrities, politicians and CEOs of lar…
…
continue reading
1
Show #136 Sridhar Katta, CEO and Founder, TruVs.com
27:16
27:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:16Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast. In this episode, I am honored to speak with Sridhar Katta, CEO and Founder of TruVs.com. TruVs Inc, is a modern business and technology consulting company. They help their customers modernize their business operations using world class business processes and cutting edge technologies. Hear Sridha…
…
continue reading
1
54. Resilience Comes From: Looking Up to Your Role Models (feat. Dr. Melanie Shorter-Jones, Family Practice Physician)
36:58
36:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:58In this episode, Damali discusses the experience of working as a health care physician during the COVID 19 pandemic with Dr. Melanie Shorter-Jones. She is a family medicine physician, and has been serving the middle Georgia area for over 15 years. She has served as a physician speaker for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Additio…
…
continue reading
1
Show #135 Marko Issever, CEO and Founder, America EB5 Visa
44:07
44:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:07Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast. In this episode, I am honored to speak with Marko Issever, CEO and Founder of America EB5 Visa. America EB-5 Visa aims to connect international investors aiming to immigrate to the United States while making a meaningful financial contribution in the form of an investment, typically on a real est…
…
continue reading
1
53. Resilience Comes From: Uplifting Others (feat. Erica Marks, Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations in SUNY New Paltz)
33:27
33:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:27In this episode Damali discusses how to navigate through the higher education institution during a pandemic with Erica Marks the Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations in SUNY New Paltz. Erica Marks is an advocate for higher education and is inspired by college students through their determination. Erica Marks explains that being honest,…
…
continue reading
1
Show #134 Gavin Johnson, Attorney, Immix Law
31:27
31:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:27Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast. In this episode, I am honored to speak with Gavin Johnson, Attorney at Immix Law. As both an entrepreneur and business attorney with an active presence within the Washington State startup scene, Gavin assists clients from early concept stage to clients navigating complex mergers and acquisitions.…
…
continue reading
1
52. Resilience Comes From: Finding Your Own Path (feat Carrie Morrissey, CEO/Founder of ISLYNYC
29:44
29:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:44On this episode, Damali discusses the fashion jewelry industry during the COVID 19 pandemic shutdown with Carrie Morrissey, CEO/Founder of ISLYNYC, a laser cut acrylic jewelry company founded in Brooklyn , NY. Carrie is on the quest for fulfillment and the ultimate goal is finding happiness within and staying connected through her company ISLYNYC. …
…
continue reading
1
Show #133 with Jeremy L. Neufeld, Senior Immigration Fellow, Institute for Progress
23:58
23:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:58Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast (all episodes linked here). In this episode, I am honored to speak with Jeremy L. Neufeld, Senior Immigration Fellow at Institute for Progress. Previously, he was an immigration policy analyst at the Niskanen Center. His work has been cited in numerous outlets including the Washington Post, the Wa…
…
continue reading
1
51. Resilience Comes From: Connecting with Others (feat. Shamil Idriss, CEO of Search for Common Ground)
37:33
37:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:33In this episode, Damali discusses conflict and peacebuilding with Shamil Idriss. Shamil Idriss is the CEO of Search for Common Ground, leading around 900 staff in 31 countries to end violent conflict. As CEO of Soliya from 2008 to 2014, Idriss oversaw a public-private coalition to establish the field of virtual exchange, pioneering interactive medi…
…
continue reading
1
Show #132 William Dean, VP of Immigration, Masterplans
31:33
31:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:33Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast (all episodes linked here). In this episode, I am honored to speak with William Dean, VP of Immigration at Masterplans. William has frequently been a featured panelist at the EB-5 Investors Conference, having spoken on direct investment, business visa options, and franchising. He is also a contrib…
…
continue reading
1
50. Resilience Comes From: Through The Strength of Others (feat. Robin H. Williams, Educator)
24:05
24:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:05In this episode , Damali discusses how to remain resilient during these stressful times by gaining strength through others with Robin H. Williams, award winning educator, curriculum writer, educational consultant, mentor, teacher, and so much more. Robin is active in her community and currently serves as President of the Greater Hudson Valley, New …
…
continue reading
1
49. Resilience Comes From: Looking Internally (feat. Dr. Icilma Fergus Rowe, Advocate for Cardiovascular Health Awareness)
28:44
28:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:44In this episode , Damali discusses how to manage your stress and to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease in stressful times with Dr. Icilma Fergus Rowe, Director of Cardiovascular Disparities at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Fergus focuses on areas related to Preventive Cardiology including Lipids and Hypertension, Women’s Heart…
…
continue reading
1
48. Resilience Comes From: Rest and Renewal (feat. Asahi Pompey , President of Goldman Sachs Foundation and Global Head of Corporate Engagement at Goldman Sachs)
23:28
23:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:28In this episode, Damali discusses how unlikely beginnings can lead to a bright and successful future with Asahi Pompey, President of the Goldman Sachs Foundation. Asahi Pompey is Global Head of Corporate Engagement at Goldman Sachs. She explains how being able to set boundaries is important to completing your goals successfully. We begin to underst…
…
continue reading
1
Show #131 Why We Must Recapture Unused Visas with Shashi Vijay, Ravi Bulusu and Venkatram Reddy Ravi
54:20
54:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:20Thank you for tuning in to Tahmina Talks Immigration. In this episode, I am honored to speak with Shashi Vijay, Principal Attorney at VJ Law Firm, and friends Ravi Bulusu and Venkatram Reddy Ravi. Shashi founded VJ Law Firm in Fall 2010 with a simple vision: Provide fast, affordable legal services to individuals, families and small-businesses in th…
…
continue reading
1
Show #129 with Jordan Lawrence, Business Development Associate at Houston EB-5
38:52
38:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:52Thank you for tuning in to Tahmina Talks Immigration. Today I have the honor of speaking with Jordan Lawrence, Business Development Associate as Houston EB-5. Developing new relationships with partners in the immigration investment industry is at the heart of what Jordan Lawrence does. Cultivating a network that spans attorneys, wealth managers, in…
…
continue reading
1
Show #130 UW Comotion presents Fundamentals for Startups
1:02:15
1:02:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:15Thank you for tuning in to Tahmina Talks Immigration. This episode is a clip taken from the University of Washington's CoMotion webinar on Fundamentals for Startups. An overwhelming number of American startups and enterprises have immigrant founders/co-founders. The US immigration system is complex and can present as a barrier for entrepreneurs, fo…
…
continue reading
1
Show #128 Gener8tor International Entrepreneur Rule Webinar with Tahmina Watson
49:21
49:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:21Thank you for tuning in to Tahmina Talks Immigration. This episode is a clip taken from Gener8or's webinar on the International Entrepreneur Rule. Gener8tor is a turnkey platform for the creative economy that connects startup founders, musicians, artists, investors, universities, and corporations. The gener8tor platform includes pre-accelerators, a…
…
continue reading
1
Show #127 with Mark M. Bello, Legal Thriller Author and Attorney
33:11
33:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:11Thank you for tuning in to Tahmina Talks Immigration. I am excited to announce that my 2nd Edition Startup Visa book is out now and available here. The Startup Visa Series is also out with interviews from experts on the topic such as Brad Feld, Jason Wiens, Troy Vossellor, John Dearie, and many more. In this episode, I have the honor of speaking wi…
…
continue reading
1
#126 Startup Visa Series - Jason Wiens, Policy Director, Kauffman Foundation
39:48
39:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:48The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policymakers, and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading
1
#124 Startup Visa Series - Danish Soomro, Founder and CEO, visadb.io
33:02
33:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:02The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policymakers, and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading
1
#125 Startup Visa Series - Jennifer Weinhart, Policy Manager, Engine
23:28
23:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:28The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policymakers, and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading
1
#122 Startup Visa Series - Craig Montuori, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Global Entrepreneur in Residence Coalition
36:09
36:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:09The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policymakers, and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading
1
#123 Startup Visa Series - Brad Feld, Foundry Group Partner, Techstars Co-Founder
51:45
51:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:45The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policymakers, and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading
1
#121 Startup Visa Series - John Dearie, Founder and President, Center for American Entrepreneurship
33:17
33:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:17The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policymakers, and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading
1
#120 Startup Visa Series - Stuart Anderson, Executive Director, National Foundation for American Policy
38:24
38:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:24The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policymakers, and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading
1
#119 Startup Visa Series - Michael Schutzler, CEO, Washington Technology Industry Association
27:46
27:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:46The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policymakers, and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading
1
#118 Startup Visa Series - Nina Roberts, Journalist, The Xeno Files Project
41:27
41:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:27The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policymakers, and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading
1
#117 Startup Visa Series - Troy Vosseller, Co-Founder, Gener8or
31:27
31:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:27The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policymakers, and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading
1
#116 Startup Visa Series - Valentina Primo, Founder, Startups Without Borders
42:54
42:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:54The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policymakers, and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading
1
Business Partnership Problems: Advice, Contracts, Conflict Resolution, Solutions
36:03
36:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:03Whether the conflict is with a co-founder, investor, or board member, Damali is walking us through the legal protections we should all have in place when starting a new business relationship, she shares helpful communication techniques that de-escalate conflict, offers free mediation resources we can all use and so much more.…
…
continue reading
1
#115 Startup Visa Series - Jeff Farrah, General Counsel, National Venture Capital Association
37:42
37:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:42The Startup Visa Series is a series of interviews of thought leaders on startups, entrepreneurship, and immigration from around the world. Hear more about why they argue for the need for a startup visa. Guests include startup founders, venture capitalists, investors, policy makers and others. This interview series coincides with the launch of the 2…
…
continue reading