Global Connections
GET TO KNOW YOUR GLOBAL NEIGHBORS
aLBANIA- mATEO hODO
Mateo Hodo moved to Portland Maine as a teenager from his home country in Albania. He is the owner of “Coffee Me Up” and a community leader.
Venezuela- Lynn Kabche
As an immigrant in Maine, Lynn sees the beautiful qualities of Maine, her home country, and her parents’ home countries.
Argentina- Sofia Alidino
Sofia loves to share more about her culture with people in Maine. Raising her family here has been a dream come true to explore the ocean and the woods.
India- Sagaree Sengupta
Born in India, Sagaree grew up avoiding school at all costs, and instead preferring to run around her town and exploring the nature around her. Now, she is a school teacher at North Yarmouth Academy.
Rwanda- Justin Nizeyumukiza
Justin Nizeyumukiza misses his home country of Rwanda- especially the friendly hugs. He leads Talent Acquistion at Portland Public Schools.
Burundi- Albert Rwabira
Albert has experience as a safari tour guide and professional soccer player, and now is a passionate skier in Maine.
Bulgaria- Stela Makrova
Stela has rich experience in her home country incorporating science and math in her work and now serves at the YMCA of Southern Maine.
City of Portland employees: Are you curious about customs, values, beliefs and traditions that construct identity and culture around the world? CultureGrams allow these connections to be made!
Not a City of Portland employee but want access to CultureGrams? Become a member at the Portland Public Library!
Spain- Julia Trujillo LueNgo
Julia Trujillo leads the Office of Economic Opportunity within the City of Portland. Born in Spain, Julia’s story highlights her unique journey to Maine.
Azerbaijan- Tarlan Ahmadov
Tarlan leads the refugee program for the State of Maine with Catholic Charities and is a proud champion of protecting democracy and freedom.
VIETNAM- QUANG NGUYEN
Originally arriving in the wrong Portland, Quang made his way to Maine 12 years ago. From seafood markets to nail salons, he is an owner of various successful businesses across the greater Portland area.