I never imagined that a two-week exchange program could leave such a lasting impression on my heart and mind. From the moment I stepped off the plane, India was everything and nothing I expected—vibrant, complex, familiar in some ways, yet entirely new in others. It wasn’t just a place to visit; it was a world to immerse myself in. A sensory experience in every way—rich in culture, vibrant in color, and full of lessons that stretched beyond classrooms and workplaces.
Every moment, every conversation, and every place I visited challenged me to think deeper about the world, my work, and the legacy I want to leave behind. I knew this was going to be an experience that would stretch my understanding of the world, challenge my perceptions, and shape my perspective on who I am and who I want to be—not just as a professional but as a mother, a leader, and a global citizen.
From the local markets to historic landmarks, from intellectual discussions to heartfelt moments, India was everything and more. And let me tell you, I swear everything was made from marble and stone—from staircases and sidewalks to the Taj Mahal itself! It felt like I was walking through history, literally.
Cultural Immersion: Culture, Policy, and Tradition
One of the first things that struck me was how seamlessly tradition and modernity coexisted. The streets were alive with energy, each turn revealing something new—vibrant textiles, handcrafted jewelry, fragrant spices, and local artisans eager to share their craft.
Shopping in India was an experience in entrepreneurship, local economies, and cultural storytelling. As someone who has a small business and studied community development, I was fascinated by the way local vendors navigate global markets while preserving their heritage. Seeing the resilience of small business owners—many of whom were women and families working together—reminded me of the communities I work with back home in Cleveland.
And even something as simple as dining out became a reflection on globalization and cultural identity. I was shocked by how many western-style restaurants existed, yet they all had their own unique Indian twist. It reminded me how interconnected we all are—food, business, and culture transcending borders.
A Birthday Across the World—Miles Apart But Never Alone
This trip held a special layer of emotion because I was in India during my son Khalil’s 9th birthday. Being away from him on such an important day was hard because this was my first time being away from him on his special day, but my family and friends back home made sure he was surrounded by love and joy. I’m beyond grateful for them—they stepped in to celebrate him, making sure his day was filled with fun and happiness.
But what made it even more special was the incredible kindness of my cohort colleagues and the team at CPRG (Center for Policy Research and Governance). They went out of their way to celebrate Khalil too! They surprised me with a cake, and we recorded a video for him, letting him know he was being celebrated in India as well. That moment meant the world to me.
Moments like these remind me why community matters. From the time I announced my pregnancy, they have been nothing short of amazing and accommodating. That kind of support? Unmatched. This trip reinforced the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely care about your wellbeing and celebrate you.
Global Leaders: Education, Advocacy, and Social Impact
This experience was more than cultural immersion—it was a once-in-a-lifetime professional opportunity. As part of the Professional Fellows Program, an exchange initiative by the U.S. Department of State, I had the privilege of engaging with influential thought leaders, policymakers, and scholars.
I was introduced to this program through the Cleveland Council on World Affairs and had the honor of traveling with World Learning, led by our wonderful guide, Nicole. And let’s not forget my car ride companions, who let me fall asleep in 2.5 seconds on nearly every drive. Listen, India’s traffic is a whole experience in itself—if you can sleep through it, that’s a skill!
One of the most impactful parts of this journey was meeting with global leaders and institutions dedicated to policy, diplomacy, and human rights. Our discussions with the U.S. Embassy in India, the United Nations, and other key organizations reinforced the power of advocacy, governance, and strategic policymaking.
These conversations made me reflect deeply on education, social impact, urban development, and community engagement. Seeing India’s approach to these challenges—through governance, nonprofit innovation, and community-led initiatives—was both inspiring and reaffirming.
Moments That Will Stay With Me Forever
One of the most powerful moments of this journey was my visit to Mushir Fatma Nursery School and Jamia Senior Secondary School. Seeing young students learning in environments filled with resilience and dedication made me reflect on educational equity, both in India and back home.
At Jamia Millia Islamia University, I had the unexpected honor of receiving an award—a moment that solidified the importance of cultural exchange. These weren’t just visits; they were conversations about impact, access, and the power of education to transform lives.
And then there was the United Nations House in New Delhi, a place where global issues meet solutions. Walking through those doors as a visitor, I left feeling like an advocate—reenergized in my commitment to equity and systemic change.
Gandhi Smriti: Walking Through History
Standing in the very place where Mahatma Gandhi spent his last days was one of the most profound moments of the trip. The museum, the preserved artifacts, and the powerful footsteps leading to the exact spot where he was assassinated—it all felt deeply humbling.
It was a reminder of the power of resilience, of fighting for justice even in the face of immense opposition. As an advocate for community voice, policy change, and social justice, it made me think—what legacy am I building? How do I continue the fight for equity and justice in my own community?
Higashi Autism School: A Personal Connection to Education, Equity, and Understanding
Our visit to the Higashi Autism School in New Delhi was more than just an observation—it was a deeply personal experience that resonated with me as both an advocate and a mother. Having a twice-exceptional son—a brilliant child navigating the complexities of social and emotional development in a world that often struggles to understand neurodiversity—has given me a unique lens through which I view education.
Walking into Higashi, I was immediately struck by the kindness, expertise, and unwavering dedication of the educators. They weren’t just teaching—they were empowering, adapting, and creating an environment where every child could thrive. Their resilience was evident, their passion unmistakable. Seeing their approach to specialized education, the warmth they extended to their students, and the intentionality behind every interaction reaffirmed my belief that education should not be a privilege, but a fundamental right.
I had the opportunity to share my own journey—the challenges, the triumphs, and the continuous learning that comes with raising a child who is both gifted and navigating unique social-emotional needs.
As a special gift, I was able to donate signed copies of the Oh Khalil Activity and Coloring Book, a resource designed to inspire creativity, confidence, and joy in young learners. The excitement and appreciation from the educators were heartwarming, a true moment of connection across cultures.
This visit made me reflect even deeper on urban education, maternal health, and early childhood interventions—how do we ensure that children, no matter their background or abilities, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive? India, like the U.S., is grappling with these same questions, and witnessing innovative, compassionate solutions in action was not just inspiring—it was a call to keep pushing for change.
Oh, what a wonderful experience and connection—one that I will carry with me long after this journey.
Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya: The Leaders Who Shaped India
Visiting the Prime Ministers’ Museum (Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya) was a deep dive into India’s political history. The exhibits chronicled the leadership journeys of India’s past prime ministers, highlighting their contributions, challenges, and impact on the nation’s development.
It made me think about leadership as a responsibility, not a title—what does it truly mean to serve? How do we measure the success of a leader?
These are the same questions I ask when working on community-driven policy and grassroots advocacy.
Home
This experience was a lesson in history, leadership, and global interconnectedness.
I left India with a renewed sense of purpose—for my work, for my advocacy, for my family. I want my children to grow up as global citizens, to see beyond borders, to embrace cultures beyond their own, and to understand that real change happens when we engage, learn, and act.
I am forever grateful to World Learning, the U.S. Department of State, the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, and CPRG for this opportunity. This is not just an exchange program; it’s an investment in future leaders, in global understanding, in change.
And let me be clear—I will be back. Next time, with my children. Because experiences like this shouldn’t just be lived; they should be shared, passed down, and used to shape the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Until next time, India.
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