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Open Book: Read any good people lately?

Meet the books JJ Kapur and Josie Shaw

Come learn from and have a discussion with 2 "open book" guests as they share their stories.

Imagine a library full of stories- not written in books, but told through the lessons learned by people with real life experiences. Books are people.  They are our neighbors from diverse backgrounds, who are willing to share their personal experiences and defining moments. Readers are people like you who are interested in hearing stories that inspire joy, awe, wonder, and disbelief.

This unique event begins with an introduction that prepares participants for a meaningful story-sharing process. Then, listen as Iowans JJ Kapur and Josie Shaw share their powerful narratives of identity and culture. These heartfelt presentations are followed by facilitated discussions that spark connection, reflection, and a deeper sense of belonging within our community.

About the Guests:

JJ Kapur began his interfaith work in Iowa in high school. He started a youth organization called "The Turbanators," which focused on "turban-ating" the negative stigma surrounding Sikhism through awareness building and community service. In 2017, he became the first turbaned Sikh to win the most prestigous high school speech and debate competition in the U.S. J graduated from Stanford University with Honors and Distinction in Theater and Performance Studies and a minor in Psychology. He returned to his hometown of Des Moines as an AmeriCorps Lead for America Fellow, where he served with CultureALL to help Iowans build bridges with their diverse neighbors by cultivating a human library across his home state called "Open Book".  JJ is embarking on a new chapter of his life by pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology at the University of Iowa. 

Josie Shaw is a native of Kenya and a member of the Luhya tribe.  She came to the United States in 1989 to attend Central Missouri State University. In addition to sharing her culture as a Cultural Ambassador for CultureALL, she advocates for Swahili-speaking immigrants, many of whom are refugees from Central and East Africa. Through her company, Sunshine Affiliates, Josie works as a translator and is involved in helping African refugees by delivering donated items and assisting them with paperwork.  Josie has a passion for educating people about Africa and believes that all children should have pride in their own cultures. 

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