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PRAISE FOR CULTURS MEDIA
Such an interesting perspective! My whole life growing up in USA, I almost wanted people to know my race first because I was trying to hold onto to an identity that was most identical to my parents
— @Chaicultureconfessions via Instagram
Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey thus far. Truly grateful for every blessing along the way. I hope you get the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and embark on your personal legend. Til then, please take a moment to subscribe to Cultursmag and get content that speaks to all your senses! Thank me later.
—
D. Hardin via Facebook
These images are beautiful and so much fun! I love the vision you’re bringing to life with Culturs, it really speaks to the beauty of cultural fluidity. Looking forward to connection here and within our amazing community. Your energy on our calls is as vibrant as your mission, absolutely love it!
— J. Velasquez via Facebook
Every video you post feels like a masterpiece — the effort and creativity really shine through. I never skip a single one. — Sharmin via Whatsapp
The point that global experiences shape how leaders build and adapt is a valuable addition here.
— M. Hussein via LinkedIn about Joe Hyrkin episode on the Destinations Podcast.
You are making the world beautiful one story at a time, we need more of this love and support in this world right now!
— T. Adina via Instagram
Fall 2025 www.CultursMag.com
Volume VII, Issue XXVIII
GURU
PUBLISHER & CEO
Elleyne Aldine
EDITORIAL
EDITOR IN CHIEF
John Liang
MANAGING EDITOR
Tammy Rae Matthews
PRODUCTION
Ben Ward
VIDEOGRAPHY
Ben Ward
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Elleyne Aldine
ART DIRECTION
Diana Vega
ILLUSTRATION
Diana Vega
ADVISORY BOARD
Chumba Limo
Corine Trujillo
COMMUNITY LEAD
Andrea Bazoin
CONTRIBUTORS
Christine Bucan
Babin Dinda
Myra Dumapias
PODCAST
PRODUCTION
VIDEOGRAPHY
ASSISTANT
Zach Haigh
HAIR
Tanya Mason
CREATIVE
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sarah Alcorn
Gerald Ambrosine
Creative Artists
Agency (CAA)
Marina Douglas
Tommy McMillion
Jacq Media
SUPPORTERS
Gregory Moore
Donna Musil
Deneen L. Garrett
Nikita Gupta
Shanthi Yogini
COLUMNISTS
Paulette Bethel
STYLIST
Sonja Motley Turman
MAKEUP
Sedrique Olsen
Deneen L. Garrett
John Liang
Ricky Middlesworth
WEB DESIGN
Gamma Waves
The Commerce Shop
Linda Thomas Brooks
Antionette Williams
SUBSCRIPTIONS: www.cultursmag.com/subscribe. ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Contact advertising@cultursmag.com. MEDIA INQUIRIES: Contact press@cultursmag.com. CULTURSTM magazine, Volume 2, Issue 3. Copyright Culturs Global Multicultural Philanthropic Lifestyle Network. All rights reserved. Published quarterly; Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, by Simply Alive, LLC, 242 Linden Street, Fort Collins, CO 80525.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Culturs magazine, 1800 Wazee Street, Suite 300, Denver, CO, 80525. Reproduction in whole or part without express written consent is strictly prohibited. Simply Alive LLC does not assume responsibility for the advertisements, nor any representation made therein, nor the quality or deliverability of the products themselves. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photographs, and other material submitted. Culturs makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, however, does not make any claim as to the accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate information. PRINTED IN THE USA
At Culturs, we believe those who live between worlds hold the keys to connection and innovation. Identity is power. That’s why we’ve leaned into supercharging our brand in 2025.
On New Year’s Eve, we unveiled a video billboard in Times Square, N.Y., U.S.A. and followed up with a Hollywood launch of the Winter Issue cover for “Captain America: Brave New World”/Genius in the Hood. At the latter event, we introduced the world to the Alchemist Awards, the first recognition dedicated to culturally fluid leaders, and honored three extraordinary pioneers:
• Ruth Van Reken, recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award, whose work laid the foundation for global understanding of Third Culture Kids (TCKs).
• Yara Shahidi, our Inaugural Global Ambassador, a powerful voice for belonging and representation.
• Sheila Thomas, our first-ever Alchemist Award winner, whose leadership embodies the transformative spirit of cultural alchemy.
Continuing that momentum, Culturs is thrilled to announce that nominations are officially open for the 2026 Alchemist awards! This is your opportunity to shine a light on those who turn cultural fluidity into impact — and to honor yourself or someone extraordinary who deserves to be recognized.
I invite you to read the full feature inside this issue on page 62, which celebrates our honorees. Then, take action: submit a nomination today and be part of our shared history. Nominate someone today at cultursmag.com/alchemist-awards Together, let’s elevate culturally fluid voices and celebrate belonging as brilliance.
— Elleyne (Doni) Aldine Chief Executive Officer, Culturs Global Media; Publisher, Culturs Magazine
PS: Our next event is limited to 10 people for a cultural journey to Johannesburg, South Africa January 18-23.
Visit Cultursmag.com/ Journeys to book your spot!
Did you know that Culturs was born at Colorado
State University’s Journalism Department when our founder, Elleyne Aldine, was an adjunct professor there? Not only that, our art director and some of our 50-plus contributors around the globe are proud alumni.
Since the theme of this Fall issue is higher education, we feature the student winners of the Bateman Case Study Competition, who helped raise awareness of the Culturs brand’s mission to amplify the voices of people with complex cultural identities.
Sticking with students, Myra Dumapias writes about how parents can navigate the transition of their Third Culture Kids from secondary school to university. Further, Shanthi Yogini writes about how “True Education” shapes character, cultivates wisdom and anchors the mind in timeless principles. Additionally, be sure to check out how the animated movie phenomenon of the year, “Kpop Demon Hunters,” exudes the cultural fluidity championed by the Culturs community.
Our Destinations feature highlights Jordan’s cultural diversity, historical richness and harmonious coexistence. We also jet over to London, England, where Deneen L. Garrett writes about Bahamian-born artist Tavares Strachan’s thoughtprovoking sculpture based on Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” And Dr. Paulette Bethel writes about Pope Leo XVI’s Creole lineage as well as the power of cultural reclamation.
Are you in a cross-cultural relationship? We have graphicnovel-type representations of Nikita Gupta’s advice on how to navigate the ups and downs of living with someone who’s grew up differently than you.
From humming the catchy tunes of “Kpop Demon Hunters” to celebrating higher education and the inaugural Culturs Alchemist Award nominees to exploring the wonders of Jordan, may this issue entice you to think about who in your life inspires you.
— John Liang Editor-in-Chief
by
Nikita Gupta is the founder of Growing Up
Gupta, a digital lifestyle brand and community platform dedicated to multicultural/South Asian interracial families, crosscultural relationships and global parenting resources.
Inspired by her own African American and Indian interracial marriage and their journey raising multicultural children, Gupta creates books, digital resources and interactive media that celebrate diversity and connection.
Professionally, Gupta is driven by opportunities that blend strategy, storytelling and representation. She wants to share stories that validate the lived experiences of people navigating multiple cultures while offering practical insights for families like hers.
“What excites me about submitting to Culturs is its mission of giving voice to the complexity and richness of multicultural identities,” she says. “As someone who has personally navigated an African American and Indian interracial marriage and built a platform dedicated to multicultural families, I see Culturs as an ideal space to expand that conversation on a global stage.”
Culturs is proud to present graphic novel-type representations of the crucial messages Gupta creates to assist those in cross-cultural communities in their relationships. We think you will enjoy them as much as we do.
Scan the code on page 17 to find out more about Growing Up Gupta.
Want the exact words to say? Scan the code and get 10 scripts to tell your parents about your interracial relationship cultursmag.com/ growing-up-gupta
