We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Weyu Shameka Hodge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Weyu Shameka below.
Weyu Shameka, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism is deeply rooted in my dual experience—growing up in a housing project in the Bronx while being raised by immigrant parents who carried the weight of their sacrifices and dreams. On one hand, I know what it feels like to be in a place that no one aspires to be, yet I also know the power of dreaming myself beyond those circumstances.
My family’s story is one of resilience, courage, and relentless hope. I think of my great aunt, who left Belize—a small country in Central America—journeying through the Mexican border, known as the “back door,” to create opportunities for our family. She opened her basement to my mother, aunts, and cousins, proving that even with little, we could build something greater together.
I think of my father, a brilliant man from the Virgin Island of St. Thomas, who instilled in us the belief that education and diligence were our way out. He was ahead of his time—teaching me how to type before computers became a household necessity because he envisioned their importance in the future. His dreams became ours.
I carry the stories of my mother and father—stories of being Black in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. Stories of being undocumented, of fighting for belonging, of navigating a world that often told them “no” but choosing to push forward anyway. These narratives fuel my belief that no matter where we start, we have the power to redefine our paths.
Optimism, for me, isn’t about blind positivity. It’s about knowing where I come from, honoring the struggles that shaped me, and believing that the future holds limitless possibilities because of the sacrifices made before me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At the heart of my work is a passion for bridging cultural divides by fostering interpersonal connections through intercultural training and storytelling. I work with companies that have global teams, helping them build cultural awareness and understanding among employees from diverse backgrounds. By creating meaningful dialogue and training programs, I help organizations strengthen their internal relationships and cultivate inclusive work environments.
Beyond corporate training, storytelling is central to what I do. In March, I’m launching my YouTube channel, Roots and Roads, which will highlight the stories of cultural bearers around the world—people who are actively preserving their heritage through dance, food, art, and spirituality. The channel will also serve as a resource for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences while respecting and supporting local traditions.
Personally, I am on a journey of cultural preservation myself. I am in the process of learning Garifuna, my mother’s first language, which is spoken in Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, and the island of St. Vincent. As an endangered language, Garifuna holds a deep historical and cultural significance, and learning it has been a powerful experience—not just for me, but for my mother as well. Through my practice, I help her remember words she had forgotten, creating an intergenerational exchange of memory and identity. My goal is to reach an intermediate level by the end of this year, continuing to reclaim and celebrate my heritage.
Everything I do—whether through intercultural training, storytelling, or my personal journey—centers on the belief that culture is not just something to observe; it’s something to engage with, honor, and pass forward. I hope to inspire others to reconnect with their roots, embrace cultural diversity, and recognize the power of their own stories.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey are resilience, cultural curiosity, and adaptability. These qualities have guided me through personal and professional growth, helping me navigate challenges while staying true to my passion for storytelling, cultural preservation, and bridging divides.
Resilience – The Power of Pushing Forward
Growing up in a housing project in the Bronx with immigrant parents, I learned early that setbacks were not roadblocks but stepping stones. Resilience allowed me to dream beyond my immediate circumstances and work toward something greater. The ability to keep going, even when faced with uncertainty or doubt, is invaluable.
Advice: Build resilience by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with mentors, community, and stories of people who have overcome obstacles. Keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.
Cultural Curiosity – The Bridge to Connection
My passion for culture—both my own and others’—has been a driving force in my career. Understanding different traditions, languages, and histories has allowed me to connect with people across backgrounds and help others do the same through my work.
Advice: Stay curious. Read, travel, and engage in conversations with people from different backgrounds. Ask questions and be open to learning. Whether you’re in business, the arts, or community work, cultural awareness will always be an asset.
Adaptability – Embracing Change and Innovation
From my father teaching me to type before computers were widely used to launching a digital storytelling platform, I’ve learned that being adaptable is key to growth. The world is constantly evolving, and the ability to embrace change rather than fear it has allowed me to step into new opportunities.
Advice: Be willing to learn new skills and pivot when necessary. The most successful people are not those who stick rigidly to one path but those who can adjust while staying true to their mission.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
In the world of business, everything revolves around connections and relationships. As I’ve launched my own business, I’ve come to realize just how much I didn’t know, even though I was a diligent student growing up. The education system in the U.S. doesn’t teach us how to own a business—it teaches us how to work for someone else. I’ve found that the practical knowledge required to build and sustain a business isn’t something we’re often equipped with through traditional schooling.
For example, I recently read that in Austria, children are taught about entrepreneurship from elementary school, learning how to own and manage businesses from a young age. That kind of foundation sets them up for success in ways that we, as Americans, are rarely taught. Owning a business is not just about having a product or service—it’s about the skills, the mindset, and the resources to scale and succeed. Economic power and wealth come from building and owning businesses, yet many of us aren’t exposed to that reality.
Additionally, one of the biggest disparities I’ve noticed is how minority business owners often lack access to the capital and resources needed to fund their ideas. It’s a systemic issue that impacts our ability to grow and expand, despite the potential and talent we bring to the table.
In many ways, I feel like I’m starting over again. Running a business is an entirely new world for me, and I’m constantly learning, making mistakes, and figuring out what I didn’t know before. I’m embracing the challenge, but it is definitely a process of continuous learning and adaptation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://braincultured.com/
- Instagram: @labyrinthofthefirstgen
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weyuhodge
Image Credits
These photographs were taken by me and or friends of mine.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
