Grad School Femtoring: Inclusive Grad School Stories, Personal Development, and Productivity Tips for First-Gen BIPOCs

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I interview Rony Eduardo Castellanos Raymundo, who shares their insights on nurturing queer, nonbinary, Central American, and undocumented students. Rony is a queer/nonbinary, Central American, formerly undocumented, and higher education professional. Through mentors, teachers, professors and the love from their community, they have not only earned their degrees from West Los Angeles Community College, UC Santa Barbara and UCLA, but have been nurtured to continue to exist and resist. They are currently working at CSU Dominguez Hills as the Program Director for La Casita: Latinx Cultural Resource Center, which provides holistic support services to Latinx/e students to complete their higher education degree and soar beyond college. 

In this episode we cover: The importance of creating nurturing and safe spaces for underrepresented populations. The transformative power of community support and reciprocal mentorship for formerly undocumented migrants. Finding inspiration and support from mentors and a vibrant community of queer and trans students. Redefining activism and working within the system while acknowledging limitations. And advice for individuals seeking self-discovery, self-care, representation, and authenticity.

You can connect with Rony on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

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*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

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In this episode, I cover the topic of key reasons why many first-gen Latinas struggle with self-care. I introduce five sociocultural concepts that may be impacting your ability to care for yourself. They include marianismo, familismo, imposter phenomenon, microaggressions, and cultural straddling. By understanding how these challenges may be directly or indirectly impacting you, you can develop personalized practices to manage them while still promoting your overall wellness. 

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*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gradschoolfemtoring/message

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This week, we have two guests, Dr. Magdalena Barrera and Dr. Genevieve Negron Gonzalez who share their experience in academia and discuss their new co-authored book, The Latinx Guide to Grad School. 

Dr. Magdalena Barrera is an author, educator, and university leader with 18 years of experience in higher education. A former first-generation college student, she is an expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly within Hispanic Serving Institutions. Dr. Genevieve Negron Gonzalez is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of San Francisco. She is an interdisciplinary scholar of education and immigration. 

In this episode we go over: Dr. Genevieve Negrón-Gonzales’ upbringing on the US-Mexico border, her involvement in political activism, and grad school path. Dr. Magdalena Barrera’s experience growing up in the Midwest and her mother’s influence in her pursuing higher ed. They both share an inside look on what it was like collaborating on the book project from start to finish and how collaboration can enhance the quality and impact of academic work. 

You can purchase a copy of their book here and contact them at [email protected] and [email protected].

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To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠ 

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gradschoolfemtoring/message

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In this week’s episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I share effective pacing and prioritization techniques to prevent burnout. I open up about my chronic illness experience and how it has taught me the importance of pacing and prioritizing my workload. 

One strategy I share is the concept of energy management, as a form of time-management, which has been a game changer for me. Overall, I stress the importance of listening to your body and to incorporate wellness activities within your work day. 

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Get my free 15-page ⁠⁠⁠Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit ⁠⁠⁠

To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠ 

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gradschoolfemtoring/message

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This week, our guest, Dra. Luna Muñoz, offers a discussion of harnessing intergenerational power for career success. Dra. Luna was a lecturer in higher education earning national prizes and has 100+ publications including opinions on higher education. She now helps mid-career academics to get clarity on career moves while taking a radical compassionate approach. She is also an associate coach for Durham University. 

On today’s show, we cover topics related to the challenges that Dra. Luna faced in higher ed related to gender inequities and sexism, racism, and redundancy— or the process of being dismissed for reasons unrelated to work performance. She introduces us to the concept of intergenerational power and how she has harnessed it by leaning into her own Puerto Rican heritage. We also cover topics of self-reflection, redefining values and success, and personal growth work. 

Dra. Luna has a CV conversion template and strategic guide that you can download here.

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To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠ 

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gradschoolfemtoring/message

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In this episode, I discuss the common issue of institutional neglect and shame among first-generation graduate students. I share some observations I’ve made about neglect among my clients and femtees as an academic coach working primarily with first-gen students and early career professionals. Some forms of institutional neglect include: lack of mentorship, inadequate funding, isolation, and microaggressions. 

If you are struggling with institutional neglect please know that it’s not your fault and you deserve help. You can get support from peers and mentors, utilize mental health services, and find community outside your institution. With self-compassion and self-advocacy, you can get through this. 

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To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠ 

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gradschoolfemtoring/message

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This week, our guest, Diana Valdivia, founder of First Gen And, returns to the show to share her experiences as a newly disabled first-generation immigrant.  Diana is an immigrant woman of color whose immigration status is undocumented. Her experiences have led to organizing within immigrant rights and higher education. She recently retired from Student Affairs with her most recent role as the Director of Undocumented Student Services at UC Santa Barbara. During this transition, she has been resting, taking the time to assess what’s next for her, and breaking intergenerational cycles of the “immigrant hard working work ethic.” She also has a platform called, “First Gen and”, where she shares and uplifts the multidimensional experiences of First Generation immigrants and those of immigrant descendants.

On today's show, we discuss the grieving process that comes with being newly disabled and the importance of therapy for processing it all. Diana talks about her health issues related to work stress and her decision to withdraw from her job process to focus on her disability and other aspects of her life. She also addresses the challenges of balancing work and our health for immigrant college students, and the importance of honoring oneself through healing practices. We also note the impact of systemic issues on health, like how the lifting of COVID restrictions affects the disabled community, and the harm of internalized ableism.

You can reach Diana by following her on Instagram: @firstgenand

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To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠ 

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gradschoolfemtoring/message

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This week our special guest is Victoria Bracamonte who talks about disability, education, and inclusion for first-gen students. Victoria has a bachelor’s degree in English Language Arts, Secondary Education as well as a Master’s degree in Education. Her current research focuses on evaluating how the use of Assistive Technology devices throughout academic curriculum, grant students the opportunity to evidence academic improvement. She advocates for educational spaces which propel student growth, demonstrate awareness of their needs, and value their individual journeys to success.

In this episode, Victoria Bracamonte discusses her experience navigating educational spaces as a first-gen student with cerebral palsy. She talks about the importance of combining assistive technology with proper strategies and tools, along with comprehensive plans of teaching unique to each student. She discusses the challenges faced by disabled students in higher ed, particularly those who are also first-gen and highlights the need for awareness around disability and accessibility. Victoria also emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and compassion in creating a respectful and caring environment in classrooms for students with disabilities.

You can reach Victoria by following her on Instagram: @victoria.braca

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Sign up for my ⁠free email newsletter ⁠to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development

Get my free 15-page ⁠Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit ⁠

To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠ 

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gradschoolfemtoring/message

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In this solo episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I discuss six strategies to deal with a toxic advisor and make progress in your program. I know from experience just how hard it is to be in this situation and sadly, I’ve encountered far too many students and clients who have also struggled with a difficult, neglectful, or otherwise unsupportive advisor.

Here are some options for what you can do. First, identify the root of the problem and consider documenting the toxic behavior. Then, find support from trusted individuals, entities, and mental health professionals. I also recommend setting firm boundaries and knowing your rights and policies as a student. I also discuss the option of standing up for yourself, switching advisors, and in some cases leaving the program. It’s important to remember the impact that the advisor-advisee relationship can have on your long-term career goals as this person may be writing your future recommendation letters and serve as a reference for jobs.

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To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/ 

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

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This week our special guest is Izzie Chea who shares her insights and experience on how to embrace your neurodivergence. Izzie is a Dominican-Mexican-American creative, educator, storyteller, and mental health advocate. After a late diagnosis of ADHD at age 35, she took her content creation talent to Instagram, where she has experienced tremendous growth. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Psychology and Human Development and lives in Houston, TX, with her husband, two boys, and a rescue cat and dog.

In this episode Izzie shares her journey of learning about her neurodivergence and documenting her experience on social media. She talks about the intersections between neurodivergence and being Latine/x and the challenges that come with that. We discussed the validity of self-diagnosis and the barriers to accessing mental health care for marginalized communities. We also address the importance of embracing neurodivergence and finding community both on and offline.

You can follow Izzie on Instagram via @izzieandadhd and @accountableottersclub. You can also subscribe to the Accountable Otters Club here.

Follow me on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter

Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development

Get my free 15-page Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit 

To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/ 

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gradschoolfemtoring/message

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.