“THE BEST AUDIENCE IN TOWN”
21 Years of Building Community One Story at a Time
Belonging
Building a Better Tucson
A Collaboration with Iskashitaa Refugee Network
Five refugees and asylum-seekers from around the world—now part of the fabric of Tucson—will share powerful, personal stories of rebuilding, contribution, and hope. These are stories of giving back: learning, growing, creating art, fostering connection, and shaping a stronger community for all of us.
Join us for a moving night that reminds us what belonging really means—and how we all benefit when everyone has a place to call home.
Venue: Gallagher Theater | University of Arizona Student Union
Proceeds from this event will benefit both nonprofits: Iskashitaa Refugee Network and Odyssey Storytelling
Ticket Tiers:
VIP with reserved seating: $30
General admission: $15
Community-sponsored admission: $10
Special guests Wilondja Family gospel choir will open the show. Wilondja Raymond comes from a deeply musical and faith-centered Congolese family. His parents, Raymond Malelo and Georgette Tabu, are respected worship leaders and traditional musicians originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Forced to flee their homeland due to conflict, the family lived in a refugee camp in Tanzania for 16 years, where they used music as a source of hope, healing, and cultural preservation within the refugee community. In 2017, they resettled in Tucson where they continue to share their traditional Congolese gospel music in local churches and community gatherings.
Our August 2025 Storytellers
-
Audace Mbonyingingo
grew up in Burundi. Educated at the University of Montana in Contemporary American Literature, he is a faculty member at the University of Arizona Center for English as a Second Language. He serves on the Iskashitaa Refugee Network board, focusing on the challenges faced by refugees integrating into Tucson’s rich multicultural community.
-
Rebecca Ursule
is a passionate advocate and student leader originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She studies political science, and has founded two nonprofits and a podcast. Driven by her lived experience and commitment to community, Rebecca uses her voice to inspire growth and positive impact around the world.
-
Benson Gasanga
was born in 1989 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is a father of two beautiful daughters! He received his higher education in the US. Benson is passionate about serving others in the community. His hobbies are watching soccer, reading books, and playing the guitar.
-
Sara Haghighi
is an educator and lifelong learner committed to empowering individuals and raising critical consciousness about social conditions. As a former refugee, her deep belief in the power of education drive her social justice advocacy, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. She is a dedicated advocate for refugees, adult education, and refugee education.
-
Shamsedin Zamani
is from the Herat Province of Afghanistan. His background includes legal services, real estate, construction, and manufacturing. He has 15 years of experience as a civil prosecutor and business owner. Now, he runs a car dealership and supports the Afghan community in Tucson. He is a proud father of four.
Sponsor this special show today. Tell Tucson that you care about belonging.
Iskashitaa Refugee Network and Odyssey Storytelling are seeking sponsors for Belonging: Building a Better Tucson show on August 14. We anticipate a large audience at Gallagher Theater in the University of Arizona student union. Your sponsorship will be demonstrated in the show program, on Odyssey’s podcast, social media, and website, and on Iskashitaa’s social media.
Kaliana of Gloo Factory said:
“ In the face of rising division and harmful rhetoric, we’re deeply grateful for the space that Belonging: Building a Better Tucson creates to affirm the truth that refugees and asylum seekers are not just welcome here — they are essential to the fabric and future of our Tucson community.”
Join Our Upcoming Storytelling Events
-
Belonging: Building a Better Tucson -- A Collaboration with Iskashitaa Refugee Network
August 14, 2025 7-9:30 PM
-
Dog Days
Sept. 4, 2025 7-9:30 pm
-
Dark Side
Oct. 2, 2025 7-9:30 pm
“These events are so fun! And you will be inspired.”
- Susan W.S.
“Last night, storytelling opened something inside of me … I was moved enough by others bravely sharing to tell my family’s fully charged immigration story publicly, as well.”
-Cecilia A.
“Odyssey Storytelling was a great experience for me … the laughter. The shared community building, and an overall great monthly experience.”
-Barbara E.
“Real people, with a little coaching, make their real stories sparkle and shine.”
-Linda R.
Our 2025 Themes
-
January
Safe Space
-
February
Queens
-
March
Tell Me a Story
-
April
Losing My Religion
-
May
Adventure
-
June
Spicy!
-
July
Grudges
-
August
Belonging: Building a Better Tucson
A collaboration with Iskashitaa Refugee Network
-
September
Dog Days
-
October
Dark Side
-
November
Tick Tock
-
December
Wait, What?
Listen to the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast
Pitch a Story
Do you have a story for one of our upcoming themes? The themes are meant to be interpreted from a broad range of perspectives so your story might just be the one we are looking for.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
HAUNTED HANDS
Alma Montañez
The Magic of Storytelling & Community Building
Celebrating The Richness of The Human Experience
Odyssey Storytelling builds community through the art of storytelling. Our monthly event holds space for Tucson community members to take the stage and share a personal story.
The magic of this simple act of sharing their truth in front of a live audience suddenly builds bridges across the human landscape. People of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives join our stage and our audience.
The outcome is a celebration of the richness of the human experience and the fostering of empathy, understanding, and solidarity.
Founded in 2004 by Penelope Starr
Odyssey has helped storytellers of all levels (experienced, or first time) find their voice and share their truth. “Along the way, I learned that profound changes occur when we tell and listen to each other’s stories, how a simple act can build community, dispel prejudices, foster creativity, and help heal.”
Join Us in Creating 20 More Years of Unforgettable Storytelling!
VOLUNTEER
Do You Love Odyssey? Want to help us keep stories alive in Tucson? Join our fun, talented and dedicated team by offering your expertise. Email and let us know how you would like to help.
Patreon Support
Patreon Support
Join our Patreon community and play a crucial role in keeping Tucson’s storytelling tradition alive and vibrant. Your monthly support helps sustain our events and foster a dynamic cultural scene. Become a patron today and ensure the continuation of unique, community-driven stories.