ABOUT

Hello and thank you for perusing my website. I am a New York City based journalist and photographer covering the “xeno biz” beat—entrepreneurs born abroad. These intrepid souls have launched various businesses and startups that incorporate the culture (and sometimes goods) from their homeland and the US to create a singular business. I also write about policy that impacts immigrant business owners and workers, as well as supportive networks that include immigration law firms, immigrant-centered organizations and events. Financing for immigrant entrepreneurs has its specific challenges, I cover various financing options like venture capital, microfinance and CDFIs. In some cases I cover small businesses owned by second gen. My articles and photos have appeared in The New York Times, Business of Business, Grub Street, Observer, Guardian, Robb Report, Marketplace, Times of Entrepreneurship, WSJ, Fortune and Forbes, among other outlets.

I’ve also written, edited and researched for institutions, organizations and companies, such as The New School/Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis (SCEPA), Marimekko, wrkfrce, Moonlight Editorial and The Hammer Museum.

I’ve been a guest speaker at IÉSEG (Institut d'Économie Scientifique Et de Gestion), Columbia University, New York University and Barnard Pre-College Programs to talk about my experiences covering immigrant-owned business. I discussed the Startup Visa (Immigrant Entrepreneur Rule) on the podcast Tahmina Talks Immigration.

There have been numerous panel discussions I’ve participated in, moderated and created over the years, centered on immigrant entrepreneurship, refugee employment and women in media. Some of these organizations include NYC Women in Business, Accompany Capital (formerly BCNA), Channel Thirteen at WNET, the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development and the Islamic Heritage Society. I’ve also helped to adjudicate small business competitions.

Please contact me for writing and/or photo assignments, speaking engagements, panel discussions, story tips or questions. Thank you.

Nina Roberts

ninarobertsnyc (at) gmail.com

All words and photos © Nina Roberts with the exception of this page and collages.

Website created by Osmo Productions.