Ever wonder why speaking your native language feels like putting on comfortable house clothes? This fascinating episode dives into the transformative power of affinity spaces - environments where people connect through shared language, culture, and experiences. Dr. Marcelle Mentor and Dr. Roberta Lenger Kang discuss how these spaces serve as crucial safe havens, particularly for individuals navigating predominantly English-speaking institutions. Through powerful analogies and personal experiences, they illustrate how these spaces enable individuals to truly be themselves. Listen to this episode to understand why affinity spaces aren't just nice to have - they're essential for building stronger, more inclusive communities for all. We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html