'Made in Mexico' reality series: an interview with Hanna Jaff

Made in Mexico is a reality series with Liz Woodburn, Carlos Girón Longoria, Pepe Díaz, Hanna Jaff.

Q. Can you tell us about your role in “Made in Mexico”?

A. My role was to show a little bit about who I am, my family, work, and social life. I explained how I had been a politician in the past, my goals including my bucket list, my philanthropist side working at Jaff Foundation and launching We Are One Campaign clothing line, my past conference speaking engagements, and my English learning books. In my role, you can also see a little bit about my family, friends, and personal life. It was very challenging for me especially because I was around 8 cast members that were strangers and constantly misjudging me. 

Look at the Gallery: Reality series Made in Mexico

Q. The series tells the opulence and contradictions of Mexico. Do you think it's a plausible representation?

A. It is not a representation as a whole, but a different side of Mexico that viewers internationally have not seen on TV before. “Made in Mexico” shows how beautiful our country and culture really is, its a reality docudrama with nine ordinary people, showing their lives, professions, personal issues, families, and relationships.

Q. You have a foundation that deals with education for immigrant children. Can you tell us what inspired you about the project? 

A. Jaff Foundation for Education is a nonprofit organization focused on world peace and education that works towards helping refugees, immigrants, and the less fortunate by donating self-taught English learning books, and campaigning against discrimination on political views, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, skin color, gender, disabilities, socioeconomic status, and cultural differences. Established on June 4, 2013, hosted more than 170 charity events, has 7,000 active volunteers, and benefited more than 120,000 people.

Because of the love and respect I have for humanity, since I was a child I have been very close to refugees and migrants. My time spent at refugee camps and immigrant homes made me realize how communication was one of the major issues, so I started to teach English. I authored three English language-learning books: for Spanish, Purepecha (native language in Mexico), and Kurdish speakers. Jaff foundation has donated a total of 60,000 English books to immigrants, refugees, and the less fortunate.

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Q. You are of Kurdish origin. Do you often visit your paternal family? 

A. Yes, I visit Kurdistan as often as I can, at least once a year. Otherwise I meet up with my paternal family in other countries in the Middle East.  

Q. Have you ever been to Italy?

A. I have been to Italy several times!!!! Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Pisa, Capri, Positano, Bologna. Some of my best friends in London are Italian, even took a road trip once from Milan down to Naples. One of my bucket list goals was to see all 7 wonders of the world, so the Colosseum was one of my first stops. Its one of those countries that has so many cities and places to see in one country. You never finish! The people, music, art, architecture, food, history, beaches, mountains, lakes, are one of its kind. 

Q. What is your favorite book and why?

A. The Count of Monte Cristo, he was wrongfully accused and got justice, and helped those that had been kind to him.

Q. What is your next project?

A. I launched We Are One Campaign. A clothing line, a non-discrimination world peace movement that aims to eliminate hatred, bullying, and division. Regardless of political, religious, sexual orientation, skin color, gender, disability, socioeconomic, and cultural differences. Using clothes to deliver awareness and messages of respect, unity, and tolerance. With every item purchased We Are One Campaign donates an item to refugees, immigrants, or the less fortunate. 

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