Mississippi Expat: Anjali Camara

"My life belongs to me and no one else. A large part of who I am and the strength I carry comes from Mississippi."

What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? Anjali Camara has lived in Chicago since 2010, and while her life and career are fully integrated with that city, Meridian, Mississippi, will always remain her home. Anjali’s mother is from India and her father is from Hattiesburg—for Anjali, the places and sensations conjured up by her home state contain a blend of “simplicity, warmth, and just a touch of turmoil.” Today Anjali shares what she misses most about Mississippi—and whether she’d ever move back.

Anjali Camara is from Meridian and lives in Chicago.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Meridian, MS.

When did you move to Chicago and why did you move there?

I moved to Chicago in 2010, right after graduating from USM with my BFA in dance. At the time, my ultimate goal was to become a professional dancer. My dad drove me up to Chicago during my spring break, right in the middle of a snowstorm, so I could audition for a few dance companies. I hated the cold, but I landed a job—and the rest, as they say, is history.

What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?

Home for me is the culmination of so many moments. It’s the early morning conversations with my dad. It’s Friday night football games at Meridian High. It’s snowballs at SnowBiz with extra condensed cream, and happy hour at Weidmann’s. It’s curling up on the sofa with my little sister to binge movies while my mama talks over the TV. It’s the simple act of nodding, smiling, and greeting everyone you make eye contact with—and the hesitation to do the same with the wrong person. It’s the desire to stand out when everyone around you values familiarity. It’s loving where you are now, even while knowing it’s not where you’ll always be. That’s my home, and Mississippi is a beautiful blend of all of it—simplicity, warmth, and just a touch of turmoil.

Left: Anjali and her mother. Right: Anjali, her father, and her sister.

What do you miss most about Mississippi?

I miss my family. Especially my dad, who is now in hospice. We really do take time for granted. And the food. And the weather. And the hospitality. And the accents. I miss it all.

How have you cultivated community in Chicago? Do you still feel rooted to Mississippi?

I've really integrated myself into Chicago. I have friends who now feel like family. A successful career, I own a home and two beautiful dogs. But no matter how long I've been here, it's not home. Meridian is home. And there's nothing like it or better than it for me.

Anjali’s class photo.

What’s the weirdest question or assumption you’ve encountered about Mississippi (or about you as a Mississippian) by someone who’s never been there?

The most common assumption people make about me being from Mississippi is that I don’t look or speak like someone who could be from there. It’s honestly frustrating, because Mississippi is home to some of the most beautiful, articulate, and intelligent people I know.

How has being from Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path?

I view my limitations as distinctive qualities, and my trauma as the foundation for growth, rather than handicaps. I treat everyone with respect, regardless of the hierarchy others may impose. My success and the blessings in my life are gifts from God, not my own doing. I hold honesty, integrity, and truth in high regard. Failure is not an option for me—it simply does not exist. I believe that resilience and determination can take you far, while arrogance will only hold you back. I am deeply rooted in gratitude, and Mississippi has helped me stay true to myself in a world that often pressures you to conform. My life belongs to me and no one else. A large part of who I am and the strength I carry comes from Mississippi.

What is something that you’ve come to understand about Mississippi by living elsewhere?

The pace is a blessing. Everything moves slower in Mississippi, and in some ways that’s a gift. You get to appreciate the small things—conversations with a neighbor, a quiet afternoon, the rich history that surrounds you. When you live somewhere else, especially in bigger cities, you realize just how rare that sense of grounded-ness can be.

Anjali with her dad’s old school car.

Have you ever thought about moving back? What would need to happen in order for you to move back to Mississippi?

I'm not sure I'd ever move back full time to Mississippi, mainly because of work. But I've definitely been considering moving closer to home and also investing in a rental property in Jackson.

What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?

I wish people understood Mississippi’s resilience and community. The people of Mississippi are resilient. We face challenges, but there’s an undeniable strength in the way the community comes together, supports one another, and pushes for change. Whether it’s in the small towns or the larger cities, there’s a spirit of perseverance and hope that defines each of us.

Do you have a favorite Mississippi writer, artist, or musician who you think everyone needs to know about?

I’m an avid reader, and Richard Wright holds a special place in my heart. His books Native Son and Black Boy delve deep into issues of race and identity in America, solidifying him as one of the most significant African American writers of the 20th century. But I’m also a proud millennial who reps Meridian to the fullest, so I’ve got to give props to my guy Big K.R.I.T. and also David Banner. Both bring a soulful, Southern perspective to their music, addressing social issues that impact the African American community. It's all about balance!

Left: Anjali before a dance recital. Right: Teen Anjali studying at home.

If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?

If I had the opportunity to reinvest $1 billion into the state of Mississippi, I would focus on empowering its women. Growing up in a place where tradition often prioritizes marriage and family, and where the emphasis is on lifting others rather than nurturing yourself, it can be hard to envision a life beyond the shadows of struggle that many of us have faced—rape, abuse, a lack of support and encouragement. I want each of you to understand that your circumstances, your past, and your doubts do not define you. Your life is valuable. You matter. You deserve to be heard, with a voice so strong that it drowns out all the negativity you’ve faced. If I can overcome my struggles, so can you.

What or who do you want to shamelessly promote? (It can absolutely be a project you’re working on, or something you are involved in.)

I’ve always been passionate about mentorship and sponsorship. As I've progressed in my career and found success in corporate America, I've realized that, as a woman of color, it’s more important than ever to create opportunities to lift others up—especially in spaces where we’re often overlooked. This has become even more crucial since the termination of DEI initiatives under President Trump. Lately, my inboxes on social media have been flooded with young women seeking guidance and mentorship, which has inspired me to take action. I'm currently working on a project focused on mentorship, with the goal of connecting young people to the support and direction they need to thrive. Stay tuned as I continue to develop this platform—I can’t wait to share more with you!

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Anjali Camara was born in Meridian, Mississippi, to an immigrant mother from India and a father from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She also has a younger sister, Joya, who remains in Mississippi working as nurse. In 2010, she moved to Chicago to pursue higher education and expand her professional opportunities, where she now shares her home with two beautiful Rottweilers. Anjali earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. She later pursued multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s in Organizational Management from DePaul University, a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Foreign Policy from Northwestern University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from DePaul University. Currently, Anjali serves as Senior Vice President at AmWINS, where she oversees the production and placement of all lines of Professional Liability risks, with a specialized focus on Cyber and Tech. Beyond her corporate leadership, she is also an angel investor, supporting a diverse range of industries. Outside of her professional commitments, Anjali is passionate about philanthropy, dedicating her weekends to volunteering, charitable giving, and community service. Additionally, she actively participates in civic activities through her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is also deeply committed to mentorship and is currently working on a project aimed at connecting young people with the guidance and support they need to succeed.

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