How South Asians are redefining the American dream
South Asian Americans living in New York and across the country walk the fine line between assimilation and maintaining ancestral cultural identity.
Chief Pichardo: From the Dominican Republic to One Police Plaza | Our American Dream
Fausto Pichardo was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States when he was 9. While growing up on the crime-ridden streets of the Lower East Side, he knew he wanted to become a cop.
Goya Foods | Our American Dream
The Goya Foods brand is a staple in the Latin community. Today it's the largest, Hispanic-owned food company in the world.
Twin sisters from Ecuador graduate St. John's, inspiring fellow immigrants | Our American Dream
Christina and Maria Villon Bustillo, identical twins, have overcome many barriers. When they arrived from Ecuador at age 10, they barely knew any English.
From ESL student to presiding justice | Our American Dream
Rolando Acosta is a presiding justice in the New York State Supreme Court's Appellate Division. Did he ever imagine he would one day walk into that courtroom every day?
From North Korea refugee to U.S. citizen in New York | Our American Dream
Joseph Kim, 27, escaped North Korea 10 years ago by running across a frozen Tumen River, which borders North Korea and China.
From $200 to a trucking empire | Our American Dream
Samuel Cruz, 44, left El Salvador at the age of 19 with $200 in his pocket and a dream. When he arrived to New York, Sam knew he had to work. He was expecting his first child and had to provide.
Velez Organization, a leader in NYC construction | Our American Dream
Andres Velez, known to many as Andrew, he came to New York from Puerto Rico at age 8. He raised his family in Brooklyn where his daughter Elizabeth Velez was born. She says he got his break in the construction industry by joining the carpenters union.
From undocumented immigrant to Wall Street executive | Our American Dream
Julissa Arce, 33, is the definition of the American dream. She lived as an undocumented immigrant for 15 years. She was undocumented when she accepted a job at Goldman Sachs. Even though she lived in fear, she was determined to accomplish her goals.
Fashion designer Manuel Palfere | Our American Dream
Fashion designer Manuel Palferez wakes up every morning thinking about women and their silhouette.
Fine Peruvian cuisine in Montclair | Our American Dream
Juan Placencia grew up in the kitchen. Born in Lima, Peru, he emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of one and half. Juan's family arrived in New Jersey 30 years ago. Over the years, they ran three smaller restaurants.