Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

Welcome to episode 166 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!

Amber Inthavong shares her experience growing up in Colorado as the daughter of refugees from Laos, and how learning her parents’ story changed how she understood her own identity. Today, she is a self-published author whose memoir, What We Brought Across the River, honors her family’s journey while raising awareness of a part of history often left untold.

Amber reflects on growing up in a predominantly white suburb with very few people who shared her background. She opens up about not fully understanding where her family came from as a child, being mistaken for other Asian identities, and eventually asking her mother questions that led to learning how her parents escaped war and came to the United States. She also shares how Laos' absence from history books left her wondering where her family’s story fit and why such an important part of their history was rarely discussed.

Amber takes us through the process of learning more about her parents’ experiences during the Secret War in Laos, their time in refugee camps, the family members they had to leave behind, and the trauma and guilt that followed them into their new life in the United States. She shares what it was like to finally sit down with her parents and hear their story from beginning to end, and how those conversations became the foundation for What We Brought Across the River.

With Love, Heidy

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360 Immigration Law

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Welcome to episode 165 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!

Kathy Guillory shares her journey from growing up in the former Soviet Union to immigrating to the United States at nine years old and eventually building a life as a marketing consultant, mother, and children’s book author. Her first children’s book, The Adventures of Belle Bear, brings pieces of her own immigration story to life while helping children embrace what makes them different.

In this episode, Kathy reflects on her family’s life in the Republic of Georgia during the collapse of the Soviet Union. Although her family had lived there for three generations, their Russian and Armenian heritage made them outsiders as nationalism grew. After her grandfather lost his job and property the family had built was confiscated, they left on tourist visas and eventually made their way to Los Angeles. Kathy opens up about arriving in the United States, learning English, navigating school as the only Russian-speaking student in her class, and experiencing the feeling of being different at such a young age.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Kathy:

Website

Buy The Book

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

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

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

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

Ready to start a podcast similar to this one? I created the framework - The V.O.I.C.E. Method to help you become a podcaster in 6 weeks or less! This framework is straightforward, no guessing what comes next, and no overwhelm! This course covers everything from podcast hosting sites and editing software to podcast SEO, equipment, and more! Buy the course for only $197 here.

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Welcome to episode 164 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!

Santee shares her journey from growing up in Jamaica to moving to the United States at six years old and learning how to navigate a completely new culture, school system, and way of life. Today, she is a singer, writer, podcast host, and creative who has chosen to build a life around faith, purpose, and following a path that looks different from the traditional expectations she grew up with.

In this episode, Santee reflects on her childhood in Jamaica, growing up primarily with her mother while her father lived and worked in the United States as he went through the naturalization process. She opens up about arriving in Georgia with the expectation that America would feel like paradise, only to experience culture shock, bullying because of her accent, differences in education and discipline, and the challenge of finding where she belonged.

Santee takes us through her experience navigating school and college as an immigrant child whose parents were educated but unfamiliar with the American education system. She shares the pressure she felt to make her parents’ sacrifices worth it, the expectations surrounding college and traditional careers, and the moment she realized she needed to choose a path that aligned with her own purpose rather than simply following what was expected of her.
 

With Love, Heidy

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

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

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

Ready to start a podcast similar to this one? I created the framework - The V.O.I.C.E. Method to help you become a podcaster in 6 weeks or less! This framework is straightforward, no guessing what comes next, and no overwhelm! This course covers everything from podcast hosting sites and editing software to podcast SEO, equipment, and more! Buy the course for only $197 here.

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Welcome to episode 163 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!

In this episode, Bianca reflects on her upbringing in Dallas, Texas as the daughter of Haitian immigrants, and how her multicultural environment shaped her identity. She opens up about her parents’ immigration journey, her experience growing up between Haitian Creole and Spanish-speaking communities, and how these early influences gave her a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and resilience.

She also discusses pivotal moments that led her toward a career in law, including a seventh-grade classroom experience that sparked her interest in advocacy and justice. Bianca shares the challenges of law school as a first-generation student, the pressure of navigating unfamiliar academic systems, and how she rebuilt her confidence while staying committed to her goals.

She shares her passion for making immigration law more accessible and transparent, and how her work is rooted in debunking misconceptions about immigration while supporting clients who continue to believe in the American Dream despite systemic challenges. Bianca also highlights how her immigrant identity informs her work ethic, empathy, and commitment to creating flexible systems that support families.

With Love, Heidy

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Instagram

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Far From Home Podcast

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Welcome to episode 162 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!

In this episode, Elsie reflects on her childhood in El Salvador and the sensory-rich memories that continue to shape her identity and connection to home. She opens up about immigrating to Los Angeles at the age of nine, the sudden transition her family experienced, and the cultural shock of adapting to life in the United States while learning a new language and navigating unfamiliar systems.

She shares the emotional challenges of feeling different in school, struggling with belonging, and balancing her Salvadoran identity with American culture. These experiences deeply shaped her resilience, creativity, and determination to carve out her own path in spaces where Latina voices were often underrepresented.

Elsie takes us through her journey from studying theater at Loyola Marymount University and pursuing acting in Los Angeles to becoming one of the earliest pioneers in podcasting. She shares how she launched one of the first yoga podcasts in 2006 and eventually became a respected creative and content strategist with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.

She also discusses her passion for helping creators reconnect with their voice and build sustainable, independent media businesses. Elsie reflects on the importance of amplifying diverse stories and how her immigrant identity continues to influence the work she creates and the communities she serves.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Elsie Escobar:

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Threads

Website 

https://www.multimodalee.com/about/ 

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

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

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

Ready to start a podcast similar to this one? I created the framework - The V.O.I.C.E. Method to help you become a podcaster in 6 weeks or less! This framework is straightforward, no guessing what comes next, and no overwhelm! This course covers everything from podcast hosting sites and editing software to podcast SEO, equipment, and more! Buy the course for only $197 here.

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Welcome to episode 161 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!

In this episode, Sonia reflects on her background and the early experiences that shaped her perspective as an immigrant navigating new systems, expectations, and opportunities. She opens up about the challenges of adapting to a new culture and professional environment, and how those early experiences pushed her to develop resilience, independence, and a strong sense of purpose.

She also discusses key moments in her personal and professional growth, including discovering the world of SEO and digital marketing and learning how to turn technical skills into a meaningful, sustainable career path. These experiences helped her build confidence and clarity in her direction, especially as she carved out space for herself in a competitive industry.

With Love, Heidy

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

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

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

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50!

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Welcome to episode 160 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!

In this episode, Ekeatte reflects on her upbringing in Nigeria, a deeply family-centered and community-oriented society, and her experience working as a primary care physician before relocating. She opens up about the structure of Nigeria’s medical education system, the cultural richness of a country with hundreds of languages, and the differences in healthcare training compared to the United States.

She also discusses the emotional and cultural adjustments of moving to America, including early moments of culture shock, misunderstandings, and the challenges of adapting to a new professional system. These experiences shaped her resilience and fueled her commitment to helping other internationally trained physicians successfully transition into U.S. healthcare careers.

Ekeatte takes us through her journey from medical practice in Nigeria, through her transition into public health informatics and health systems integration in the United States, to becoming a healthcare consultant and entrepreneur. She shares the inspiration behind founding Bright Bridge Academy, a platform designed to guide foreign-trained physicians toward alternative and fulfilling healthcare careers.

She shares her mission to empower immigrant medical professionals through coaching, mentorship, and education, and how her immigrant identity continues to influence her passion for systems change, access, and opportunity in healthcare.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Ekaette Joseph-Isang:

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LinkedIn

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

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

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

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50!

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Welcome to episode 159 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!

Adriana and Ana share their unique journey growing up as twins born in Puerto Rico to a multicultural family with Nicaraguan and Puerto Rican roots. Raised in Deltona, Florida, they grew up navigating both cultures while building strong family values, resilience, and a deep connection to their immigrant identity.

In this episode, Adriana and Ana reflect on their childhood as daughters of immigrant parents—one from Nicaragua and one from Puerto Rico—and how those cultural influences shaped their upbringing. They open up about growing up in a blended household where Spanish, traditions, and expectations from both cultures played a major role in their identity. The twins also share heartfelt memories of being called “gringas,” adapting to life in the United States, and learning how to balance cultural pride with assimilation. They further reflect on their first trip to Nicaragua at a young age, including humorous and unforgettable moments that helped them better understand their roots.

With Love, Heidy

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

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

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

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50!

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Welcome to episode 158 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!

Anya Gillinson shares her powerful journey from growing up in Russia during the Brezhnev era to building a new life in the United States as an immigration attorney and writer. She is the author of Dreaming in Russian, a deeply personal memoir and social commentary that explores identity, loss, and the immigrant experience.

In this episode, Anya reflects on her upbringing in the Soviet Union, where she grew up in a politically complex environment shaped by her father’s dissident beliefs and successful yet unconventional medical career. She opens up about the tragic loss of her father, who was killed during a trip to the United States in 1990, an event that became the turning point in her family’s immigration journey. Anya also shares the emotional weight of leaving Russia and the mix of grief, fear, and hope that came with starting over in a completely unfamiliar country.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Anya:

Website

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 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

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

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

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50!

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Welcome to episode 157 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!

Cedric Muhikira shares his journey from Rwanda to the United States and how his experiences as an immigrant inspired him to become a storyteller and advocate for immigrant voices. Today, Cedric is a self-taught writer, engineer, and storyteller using his work to educate others about the realities of immigration while encouraging immigrants to live boldly and authentically.

In this episode, Cedric reflects on his upbringing in Rwanda as the eldest son in his family and the values of community and resilience that shaped his perspective on life. He opens up about the cultural shock he experienced after moving to Detroit in 2019, including adjusting to the abundance of food choices, language differences, and the isolation he felt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cedric also shares how friendship and community became essential sources of support as he navigated life in a new country far from home.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Cedric:

LinkedIn

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 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

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

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

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50!

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