Through her new series, Natalia Ghilascu highlights the real impact immigrants have on American society across business, culture, and philanthropy.
It was a quiet Tuesday morning in Chicago when Natalia Ghilascu sat down to review the latest draft of her new series. The inbox was full of emails from community leaders, entrepreneurs, and cultural advocates eager to share their stories. Yet what struck her most was a note from a Romanian immigrant who had recently opened a small business in the Midwest. He wrote about the struggles, sacrifices, and relentless determination it took to start anew in a country where opportunities are abundant but often layered with unseen challenges. Natalia read it carefully, thinking about how stories like this often go unheard amid political debates and media soundbites. This moment crystallized her mission. Through “Making Waves,” she would do more than report stories; she would amplify voices shaping the future of America.
From Moldova to Chicago: A Story of Purpose
Born in the Republic of Moldova and now based in Chicago, Natalia Ghilascu has built an internationally recognized career as a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and television producer. Her work has earned accolades for its focus on human rights, social justice, and the transformative power of storytelling. Through the online media platform, HORA in America, she has spent years documenting the experiences of Romanian and Moldovan Americans, from entrepreneurs and artists to civic leaders and innovators. “Making Waves” represents a natural evolution of that work, an online TV series where immigrant voices are not only heard but celebrated.
Natalia’s career began in Eastern Europe, where she covered minority rights, social justice, and systemic discrimination. Her investigative rigor and ethical integrity quickly established her reputation as a fearless journalist. In the United States, she extended her storytelling, producing “Dor de Moldova” for Arca TV and launching media initiatives like Moldova Times and HORA in America. Each project reflects her dedication to connecting communities across borders, telling stories that resonate globally while grounded in lived experience.
The Genesis of Making Waves
At a time when immigration debates dominate headlines, “Making Waves” shifts the narrative. The series emphasizes contribution, resilience, and leadership rather than division. Unlike traditional interviews, the program explores the lived experiences behind success. Every episode highlights the risks, setbacks, and determination that define immigrant journeys in America.
The first episodes exemplify the series’ mission. Dana Bucin, Honorary Consul of Romania in Connecticut and a top-ranked immigration attorney, discusses the growing challenges facing Romanian and Moldovan communities. She addresses the increasing difficulty of obtaining green cards and the broader legal and economic consequences for families navigating complex U.S. immigration systems. Another episode spotlights the inaugural Women of Influence Gala in Chicago, organized by the Romanian-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event celebrated women in the diaspora making meaningful impacts, including Stefania Magidson, who raised over time $3.5 million through the Blue Heron Foundation to support thousands of vulnerable children in Romania and Moldova.
The appearance of Moldovan Ambassador Vlad Kulminski on “Making Waves” delivered a clear message to audiences in the United States and the Moldovan diaspora alike, such as engaging in the reconstruction of Eastern Europe after the war in Ukraine ends. The TV series also explains why Moldova recently benefited from a major $130 million grant from the US Government aimed at strengthening the country’s energy independence sector. According to the diplomat, the U.S. Government aims to maintain its regional leadership in critical industries such as gas, nuclear energy, and grid optimization technology. Increased investment opportunities for American businesses in Moldova advance both countries’ economic interests and strengthen our bilateral relationship.
Bridging Investigative Reporting and Global Storytelling
Natalia’s transition from journalist to media entrepreneur expanded her global reach. Her documentary, “The Exile from Bessarabia,” which examines the deportation of Roma communities during World War II, received international recognition, including top honors at the Cronograf International Film Festival, a Merit Award at the 2026 Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival in the US and a Special Jury Award at the International Film Festival in Germany. The film reflects her commitment to preserving historical memory while confronting difficult truths.
Her work has been consistently recognized for impact. In 2015, she was awarded a Hubert Humphrey Program fellowship at Arizona State University, where her studies at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication inspired her to produce documentaries and advocate for human rights. She has also received a United Nations media award for her reporting on human rights violations in Eastern Europe.
Through HORA in America, Natalia has built a platform that documents and celebrates the contributions of immigrant communities, demonstrating how culture, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement intersect to shape society. “Immigrants are not just part of America’s story, they are actively shaping its future,” she says. “We are moving beyond headlines and statistics to focus on the human journey behind success, the risks, the setbacks, and the resilience it takes to build a life in a new country.”
What Makes Natalia Ghilascu Different
Several factors distinguish Natalia from her peers. First, she brings a dual perspective as both an immigrant and a journalist. She approaches stories not as an outsider but as someone who understands the cultural, emotional, and systemic complexities of migration. This perspective builds trust and uncovers nuanced narratives that often remain hidden.
Second, she is a media entrepreneur. By founding platforms like HORA in America and Moldova Times, she has created ecosystems that amplify diaspora voices and foster community engagement. Unlike journalists who rely solely on existing institutions, Natalia actively builds new ones.
Finally, her work is mission-driven. Every story, whether investigative reporting, television production, or the “Making Waves” series, prioritizes impact. Her projects challenge stereotypes, elevate underrepresented voices, and reframe immigrant business and successful stories with depth, credibility, and global relevance. “Storytelling is not just about visibility, it is about responsibility. It is about telling stories that can shift perspectives and bring communities closer together,” she explains.
Making Waves in Action
The new series does more than tell success stories; it provides a nuanced portrait of the immigrant experience. By highlighting leaders across business, law, culture, and philanthropy, it shows how diverse communities such as Moldovan and Romanian contribute to society while navigating the complexities of life between cultures.
Each episode emphasizes depth. Viewers see not just achievements but the sacrifices, identity struggles, and resilience behind them. From entrepreneurs overcoming financial hurdles to cultural leaders redefining community engagement, HorainAmerica online platform captures a spectrum of experiences that illuminate the true fabric of American society.
“Through ‘Making Waves,’ and HorainAmerica we are creating a platform where voices that are often overlooked are finally heard, understood, and valued,” Natalia says. “This series is about elevating stories that inspire action, empathy, and understanding.”
The Impact Beyond Media
Natalia’s work extends beyond storytelling. By documenting and celebrating immigrant contributions, she influences cultural discourse, policymaking, and community engagement. Her focus on integrity, authenticity, and depth ensures that the series is more than entertainment; it is a resource for anyone seeking to understand the evolving landscape of American society.
With plans to expand the series, Natalia envisions “Making Waves” as a blueprint for how the media can redefine conversations about immigration. By combining investigative rigor, journalistic ethics, and cultural empathy, the series sets a new standard for diaspora-focused storytelling in the United States.
Join the Conversation
For those interested in understanding the real impact of immigrants on American society, “Making Waves” provides an invaluable lens. By featuring leaders and changemakers, Natalia Ghilascu’s work encourages audiences to look beyond politics and headlines and recognize the human stories shaping industries, communities, and culture.
Discover the series and explore HORA in America’s rich archive of diaspora stories by visiting horainamerica.com/emisiuni. Connect with Natalia Ghilascu on Facebook, watch youtube videos YouTube Video 1 and YouTube Video 2. Explore her documentary work on FilmFreeway, or learn more about her filmography on IMDb.
