Welcome to episode 106 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Gicela Holguin Tangarife shares her moving story of growing up in Colombia, moving to the United States, later immigrating to Canada, and navigating the emotional and legal complexities of her family’s deportation. As a holistically embodied business coach, Gicela integrates her personal journey into her professional mission—helping women grow their businesses by addressing the cultural, social, and emotional layers of entrepreneurship.

Gicela reflects on her early childhood in Colombia, the sacrifices her parents made to create a better future, and the emotional toll of being separated from loved ones, including her grandmother. She shares vivid memories of adapting to life in Houston, experiencing the culture shock of moving to Canada, and the sudden, painful experience of deportation.

Gicela also opens up about life in a halfway house, the unexpected kindness of strangers, and the powerful role of community support in helping immigrants rebuild. She explains how these experiences inspired her to create her unique business method, which blends personal healing with professional growth.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Gicela:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gicelaholguin/

Website: 

https://www.gicelaholguin.com/

Free masterclass: Becoming- From Eviction Notice to CEO 

https://www.gicelaholguin.com/becoming-from-eviction-notice-to-ceo

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:
✨ Behind-the-scenes content
🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me
🔓 Ad-free episodes! 

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast. 

*This podcast is sponsored by 

SoVerve Marketing Group

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

My 6-week podcast course is perfect for busy moms with limited time but want to launch a podcast. And it’s perfect for busy women entrepreneurs looking for a different way to market their business that doesn’t involve social media! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to the course and they sign up, you will receive $50!

Welcome to episode 105 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Heather Reese shares her inspiring story of being adopted from Peru into a Jewish family in the United States and how her identity, upbringing, and determination led her to become a personal injury attorney, model, activist, and content creator in Philadelphia.

In this episode, Heather reflects on her upbringing in Delaware and Pennsylvania, her parents' openness about her Peruvian heritage, and her cultural awakening in seventh grade, when she began to embrace her Latinidad. She also discusses navigating law school as one of the few Latinas, the impact of mentorship on her legal career, and her decision to utilize her platform to create visibility for Latino-owned businesses and professionals.

Heather takes us through her modeling journey, the launch of her Hispanic Heritage Month content series, and how that project has now featured over 50 Latino and Latina businesses. She shares her passion for mentorship, her commitment to community building, and her vision of helping the next generation of Latina women achieve their dreams.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Heather:

Instagram

Threads

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:
✨ Behind-the-scenes content
🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me
🔓 Ad-free episodes! 

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast. 

*This podcast is sponsored by 

SoVerve Marketing Group

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here

My 6-week podcast course is perfect for busy moms with limited time but want to launch a podcast. And it’s perfect for busy women entrepreneurs looking for a different way to market their business that doesn’t involve social media! Find out more information here

And if you refer a client to the course and they sign up, you will receive $50!

Welcome to episode 104 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Teresa Foster shares her inspiring story of growing up in Mexico, moving to the United States, and dedicating her life to serving the immigrant community. She opens up about her name change from Teresa de Jesus Oviedo Perez to Teresa Foster and how cultural traditions around naming impacted her own journey and the work she now does advising other immigrants.

In this episode, Teresa reflects on her happy childhood in Mexico, her family’s move to Mexico City for better educational opportunities, and the cultural adjustments she faced after moving to the U.S. She talks about learning English, embracing a new culture in California, and eventually becoming a trusted immigration consultant in Napa Valley—helping families navigate complex U.S. immigration systems and reunite with their loved ones.

Teresa also shares her passion for community work, including her role on the Board of Trustees at Queen of the Valley Medical Center, her efforts to make services more accessible for Latino families, and her advocacy for bilingual education and mental health awareness. Through her TV show, Charlando con Teresa Foster (which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary), and her ongoing volunteer work, she uses her voice to educate and uplift the community she loves.

To Teresa, the American Dream is about setting goals, pursuing education, and creating opportunities not just for yourself, but for the generations to come.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Teresa Foster:

Charlando Con Teresa 

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:
✨ Behind-the-scenes content
🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me
🔓 Ad-free episodes! 

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast. 

*This podcast is sponsored by 

SoVerve Marketing Group

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here

My 6-week podcast course is perfect for busy moms with limited time but want to launch a podcast. And it’s perfect for busy women entrepreneurs looking for a different way to market their business that doesn’t involve social media! Find out more information here

And if you refer a client to the course and they sign up, you will receive $50!

Welcome to episode 103 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Daven Ghandi is an immigration attorney who immigrated to the United States from Malaysia as a teenager. Daven shares what it was like growing up in Malaysia as a minority, navigating the country’s racial quota system, and how those early experiences shaped his perspective on immigration, advocacy, and justice.

We talk about his journey as an international student, the cultural shocks of moving to Wisconsin, and how he ultimately found a sense of belonging in the fast-paced New York City. Daven walks us through his 17-year journey to obtaining a green card and the complexities of U.S. immigration law—especially during the Trump presidency.

As the founder of Kaza Law, Daven now works with a wide range of clients, helping them find hope, clarity, and empowerment through legal guidance. He also shares his aspirations of starting a family and expanding his firm to reach and uplift even more immigrant voices.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Daven Ghandi:

Website

TikTok
Instagram

YouTube: 

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:
✨ Behind-the-scenes content
🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me
🔓 Ad-free episodes! 

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast. 

*This podcast is sponsored by 

SoVerve Marketing Group

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here

My 6-week podcast course is perfect for busy moms with limited time but want to launch a podcast. And it’s perfect for busy women entrepreneurs looking for a different way to market their business that doesn’t involve social media! Find out more information here.

And if you refer a client to the course and they sign up, you will receive $50!

Welcome to episode 102 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Savohna Reid, a professional bookkeeper and founder of Reid Bookkeeping and Business Solutions, joined me to share what it was like growing up in Massachusetts with a Jamaican father and an American mother, and how their cultural differences shaped her perspective on life, business, and success.

We talk about her visits to Jamaica, the deep sense of community she experiences there, and how it contrasts with the fast-paced culture of the U.S. Savohna offers relatable stories, from shopping at island markets to understanding the immigrant mindset—and how resilience and a strong work ethic are often the foundation of immigrant-owned businesses.

As a bookkeeper working with clients ranging from real estate investors to manufacturers, Savohna provides practical financial advice for business owners, emphasizing the importance of saving receipts and staying on top of financial reports. Her insights are grounded in her passion for helping others stay financially organized, enabling them to grow their businesses with clarity and confidence.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Savohna:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savohna-reid/

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:
✨ Behind-the-scenes content
🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me
🔓 Ad-free episodes! 

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast. 

*This podcast is sponsored by 

SoVerve Marketing Group

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

My 6-week podcast course is perfect for busy moms with limited time but want to launch a podcast. And it’s perfect for busy women entrepreneurs looking for a different way to market their business that doesn’t involve social media! Find out more information here

And if you refer a client to the course and they sign up, you will receive $50!

Welcome to episode 101 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

I sit down with Steph Wharton, a leadership and visibility coach who immigrated to Canada from Argentina with her family. Steph shares her vivid childhood memories of Argentina and the economic instability that pushed her family to seek new opportunities in a different country. From navigating culture shock to overcoming language barriers, Steph opens up about what it really means to start over—and how those experiences shaped the work she does today.

We also discuss her transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, how burnout led her to pursue a more meaningful path, and her mission to amplify Latinx voices in the entrepreneurial sphere. Steph is the founder of the Latinx Speaker Directory, a platform designed to increase representation and provide Latina speakers with the visibility they deserve on stages and in leadership roles.

Her story is filled with heart, community, resilience, and a reminder that even in the face of challenge, we have the power to choose how we show up in the world.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Steph Wharton:

Website

Instagram

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:
✨ Behind-the-scenes content
🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me
🔓 Ad-free episodes! 

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast. 

*This podcast is sponsored by 

SoVerve Marketing Group

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here

My 6-week podcast course is perfect for busy moms with limited time but want to launch a podcast. And it’s perfect for busy women entrepreneurs looking for a different way to market their business that doesn’t involve social media! Find out more information here

And if you refer a client to the course and they sign up, you will receive $50!

Welcome to episode 100 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Catherine McNeil, author of Fearing Bravely, joins me for episode 100! Catherine shares her journey as a writer and a faith-driven advocate for immigrants, and we dive into the powerful themes of her book—what it really means to love our neighbors, even when they’re strangers or perceived as enemies.

Catherine challenges the fear-based narratives that are often in the conversations around immigration. Instead, she calls for a return to compassion, truth, and biblical hospitality. She debunks common myths about immigrants, reminding us that, statistically, immigrant communities are not only peaceful but often safer. Through our conversation, she invites listeners to think deeply about how love, not fear, should be at the center of how we welcome others.

I’ll be honest, her book had me questioning if I, too, am loving my neighbor well. 

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Catherine: 

Website

Instagram

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:
✨ Behind-the-scenes content
🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me
🔓 Ad-free episodes! 

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast. 

*This podcast is sponsored by 

SoVerve Marketing Group

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

My 6-week podcast course is perfect for busy moms with limited time but want to launch a podcast. And it’s perfect for busy women entrepreneurs looking for a different way to market their business that doesn’t involve social media! Find out more information here

And if you refer a client to the course and they sign up, you will receive $50!

Welcome to episode 99 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Dr. Lissette Sanchez, a licensed psychologist, speaker, and writer, shares her story of growing up in Los Angeles as the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico and El Salvador. She reflects on her multicultural upbringing, how her family’s values shaped her, and the cultural blend that defined her identity.

Dr. Sanchez opens up about the emotional and cultural challenges she faced as a first-generation college student, including the feeling of being “othered” while attending college in San Diego. Dr. Sanchez highlights how academic pressures, class differences, and microaggressions affected her mental health—and how she found strength through community and representation.

Dr. Sanchez also talks about the profound impact of visiting Mexico and El Salvador, reconnecting with her roots, and how those experiences deepened her understanding of heritage and belonging. Today, she works to support first-generation professionals and college students, helping them navigate intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, and the impostor phenomenon.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Dr. Lisette Sanchez: 

Website: https://www.calatheawellness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgenpsychologist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefirstgenpsychologist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstgenpsychologist

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:
✨ Behind-the-scenes content
🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me
🔓 Ad-free episodes! 

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast. 

*This podcast is sponsored by 

SoVerve Marketing Group

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

My 6-week podcast course is perfect for busy moms with limited time but want to launch a podcast. And it’s perfect for busy women entrepreneurs looking for a different way to market their business that doesn’t involve social media! Find out more information here

And if you refer a client to the course and they sign up, you will receive $50!

Welcome to episode 98 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Jannese Torres shares her powerful story of growing up as a Puerto Rican in New Jersey and how her identity, upbringing, and ambition led her to become a personal finance educator, content creator, podcaster, and now author of the best-selling book Financially Lit: The Modern Latina’s Guide to Level Up Your Dinero and Become Financially Poderosa.

In this episode, Jannese reflects on what it was like being the eldest daughter in a Puerto Rican household, her parents’ move from the island in search of better opportunities, and the deep responsibility she felt to make their sacrifices worth it. She also opens up about the educational disparities she noticed after entering college and how that fueled her to push even harder.

Jannese takes us through her journey from getting her master’s degree and climbing the corporate ladder to launching her food blog, eventually quitting her six-figure job, and building not one but two successful online businesses. She talks about founding the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast in 2019, writing her book in Puerto Rico during a major life transition, and the mindset shift that helped her break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

To Jannese, the American Dream means no longer just surviving—but thriving. It's about becoming the most fully expressed version of yourself in honor of the generations who made your path possible.

With Love, Heidy

P.S. This post contains product affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.

Connect with Jannese: 

Website: https://yoquierodineropodcast.com 

Book: https://financiallylitbook.com 

Podcast: Yo Quiero Dinero 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoquierodineropodcast 

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:✨ Behind-the-scenes content🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me🔓 Bonus insights you won’t hear anywhere else!

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast. 

*This podcast is sponsored by 

SoVerve Marketing Group 

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

My 6-week podcast course is perfect for busy moms with limited time but want to launch a podcast. And it’s perfect for busy women entrepreneurs looking for a different way to market their business that doesn’t involve social media! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to the course and they sign up, you will receive $50!

Welcome to episode 97 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Mayble shares her immigrant journey from Kerala, India, to the United States—a journey that began at just five years old when her family relocated to North Carolina in 1993. With deep family ties to the nursing profession and a dream for more opportunities, Maybe’s family moved due to the nursing shortage at the time. 

Growing up in Philadelphia, Mayble navigated the duality of Indian traditions and American culture—attending Indian church on weekends and embracing school life with her American peers. She opens up about early identity challenges, like having to explain her South Asian background during childhood, and how her upbringing blended two worlds into one authentic voice.

Today, Mayble is a Family Nurse Practitioner and the proud owner of Emerald Lux Medical Spa in Florida, which she launched in October 2020 during the pandemic. She shares how her journey through biology, nursing, and a love for aesthetics led her to entrepreneurship. 

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Mayble:

Website: https://www.emeraldluxemedicalspa.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeraldluxemedicalspa/ 

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:✨ Behind-the-scenes content🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me🔓 Bonus insights you won’t hear anywhere else!

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast. 

*This podcast is sponsored by 

SoVerve Marketing Group 

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

My 6-week podcast course is perfect for busy moms with limited time but want to launch a podcast. And it’s perfect for busy women entrepreneurs looking for a different way to market their business that doesn’t involve social media! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to the course and they sign up, you will receive $50!