In this episode, the guest is Rozeeta Mavashev, whose heritage language is Bukharian.

A graduate of CUNY with a Master's in Clinical Social Work from Hunter College and a BA in Education and English Literature from the College of Staten Island, Rozeeta Mavashev is deeply committed to education, which has driven her volunteerism and career path in the Jewish professional sector. Currently, she serves as the North American Executive Director at Masa Israel Journey. Rozeeta is also a fervent advocate for amplifying diverse Jewish voices, particularly those of Mizrahi and Sephardi descent. Recognized by Jewish Week as one of the 36 Under 36 in 2021 for her leadership in this area, she sits on the Board of Directors at SAMi Global, a nonprofit she helped establish to support Mizrahi and Sephardi college students and young professionals through leadership, professional, and personal development. In 2021, Rozeeta became the first Bukharian to receive the Wexner Davidson Scholarship Fellowship. As a first-generation American whose parents migrated from Uzbekistan, she credits her success to their unwavering support and love. Rozeeta currently resides in NYC and spends her time reading, painting, and biking.

Heritage Words is produced by the HUC-JIR Jewish Language Project and HUC Connect: conversations about the words we inherit and the meaning they bring to our lives.

Jewish Language Project's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jewishlanguageproject

Host and executive producer: Sarah Bunin Benor

Producer and editor: Avishay Artsy

Video editor: Annabel Noar

Editorial consultants: Kyle Fingerhut, Annabel Noar, Hannah Pressman

Theme music: Maurice El Medioni’s French and Algerian Arabic album “Cafe Oran,” featuring the Klezmatics’ David Krakauer and Frank London, courtesy of Piranha Records.