About
RStories is a storytelling podcast created and hosted by Ali Tarokh and Chris Shue, two friends and community leaders with a shared passion for storytelling, advocacy, and cultural exchange. Together, they work to bring important, often overlooked narratives from refugee communities to the surface.
mission
Rstories weaves together the stories of Chicago's migrant and refugee communities, celebrating their diversity and highlighting the complexities of their journeys.
vision
Rstories is dedicated to celebrating Chicago's vibrant tapestry of migrant and refugee stories, and to building a future where their journeys contribute to a city that thrives on cultural exchange and shared humanity.
Meet Chris
Co-CEO, Trellus
Chris Shue is a dedicated professional who has spent the past decade serving as an advisor in the professional services industry, focusing on the unique needs of not-for-profit organizations. This professional journey has been enriched by personal experiences that have shaped Chris's understanding and dedication to social issues.
Chris has witnessed firsthand the profound effects of immigration policies, living alongside undocumented family members and marrying a DACA recipient. These personal connections have fueled Chris's resolve to advocate for immigrant and refugee communities.
With a unique blend of professional acumen and personal insight, Chris is a steadfast ally and voice for change, sharing the inspiring narratives of immigrants and refugees to foster greater understanding and support.
Meet Ali
Director of Policy and Advocacy, Trellus
Ali Tarokh immigrated to the United States as a refugee, fleeing persecution in his home country. While studying political science in Iran, he was arrested and imprisoned for his leadership in mobilizing support for the democratic Reformist Party during a key election in 2009. He endured solitary confinement, and, upon release, faced academic expulsion and the looming threat of further imprisonment for advocating human rights.
Ali sought refuge in Turkey and registered with UNHCR and resettled in Chicago in 2012, where he has since earned a master’s degree in political science, and built a career in advocacy and human services for refugee communities. He is currently Director of Policy and Advocacy at Trellus, a non-profit organization serving refugee and immigrant families, and is pursuing a doctorate in Law and Policy with a dissertation on Refugee Employment Barriers.
Rstories is powered by Trellus (Formerly Asian Human Services), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities by providing comprehensive and culturally-responsive services for families arriving in Chicago.
Learn More About Trellus