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You were taught to work hard and let your work speak for itself. But what happens when that formula stops working? In this episode, let's explore Lens 5 of the Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model and how cultural identity shapes how we show up at work.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• Why Caribbean work ethic is both strength and pressure
• The myth of meritocracy in corporate America
• Cultural mismatches between Caribbean values and U.S. workplace norms
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Resources Mentioned

• Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model (CDEM)
• Previous Lens Episodes:
  • Lens 1: Where You Start Shapes the Journey
  • Lens 2: Where You Live + What You Seek = How You Connect
  • Lens 3: Cultural Anchors Keep Us Rooted
  • Lens 4: Your Identity Will Shift

If this episode resonated with you:

• Share your workplace story in the comments
• Send this to another Caribbean professional
• Follow to Carry On Friends for more conversations on identity, culture, and growth
• Follow @carryonfriends on social

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1. Donate: If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation.
2. Get Merch: Support Carry On Friends by purchasing merchandise from our store.

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A Breadfruit Media Production

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I this episode I sat down with cultural heritage reconnection coach Tami Garcia to trace a path from distance to pride. Raised in Cleveland by Jamaican and Dominican family who chose assimilation for survival, Tami grew up without language, rituals, or a map for belonging; until Howard University cracked something open: pride, proximity, and a hunger for the fullness of her story.

This conversation traces Tammy’s journey from disconnection to reclamation, and how that personal work became the foundation for the work she now does with families and individuals across the diaspora.

Along our conversation journey, we name cultural imposter syndrome, face the pain of gatekeeping on both sides of the diaspora, and offer strategies to enter new spaces with respect: arrive in silence, observe, share your story and build trust step by step.

Connect with Tami Garcia - https://www.tamigarcia.com/

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Support How to Support Carry On Friends

1. Donate: If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation.
2. Get Merch: Support Carry On Friends by purchasing merchandise from our store.

Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production

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What if you’re not losing your culture, just carrying it differently? In this solo episode, I unpack cultural evolution, identity shifts, and why growth is essential to preservation.

Topics Covered

• Aging and cultural relevance in the diaspora
• From consuming culture to preserving it
• Cultural guilt and letting it go
• The role of elders, adults, and youth in cultural continuity

Key Takeaways

• Cultural evolution does not equal cultural disconnection
• Different life stages naturally emphasize different cultural anchors
• Depth of understanding often increases even as participation changes
• How you express identity shifts based on context, safety, and life stage

Links & Resources

• Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model
  • Lens 1: Where You Start Shapes the Journey
  • Lens 2: Where You Live + What You Seek = How You Connect
  • Lens 3: Cultural Anchors Keep Us Rooted

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Support How to Support Carry On Friends

1. Donate: If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation.
2. Get Merch: Support Carry On Friends by purchasing merchandise from our store.

Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production