A Reflection of What My Folklore Training Brings to My Work in Refugee and Immigrant Services

Abstract For the past 14 years, I have been engaged in various projects and programs serving immigrants and refugees in Colorado. This essay describes how I employ my training in folklore and use cultural conversations and ethnographic interview methods to understand the life stories of immigrants and refugees. As my clients and I collaborate to create a plan for upskilling, we engage in discussions to learn about their everyday struggles of living in multiple worlds. These cultural conversations deepen our rapport, which helps my clients achieve their professional goals and also helps me develop and refine strategies for effective cultural education and advocacy practices.