Episode 15: Oakland Moms, Oakland Moments

Oakland x Asian x Mom Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Tram, who came to the US as a refugee from Vietnam at 3 years old about her professional transitions -- Tram was an editor at Colorlines, one of the first print magazines that focused on communities of color, authored a book called We are All Suspects Now post-9/11, and is currently working in public heath policy. Tram shares how her activism work covering racial justice issues and promoting health equity has shaped her thoughts about raising her mixed-race child who is of Vietnamese, Black, and Mexican American decent. She is especially proud her son's process of exploring the many sides of his identity at such a young age. We also think her Asian mom superpower of "graceful fierceness" shines through when speaking about the strength she has gained from motherhood.

Throughout our conversations, all of us connect about experiencing "Oakland moments." You know, those moments that typify what it means to live here: whether it's a meeting a stranger who you feel like you've known forever or randomly meeting a famous person's cousin during the work day. We realize that as big as Oakland may be, there is something very intimate about our Town. Tram describes it beautifully when she says Oakland is a place where "kindred spirits" meet. So to all our fellow Oakland-ers out there (past and present), we are proud to call you family.