Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

Welcome to episode 119 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!

Noor shares her journey from Yemen to the United States, after living in Saudi Arabia and Norway. She opens up about the cultural and social challenges she faced—from navigating restrictive environments for women to experiencing culture shock as a young immigrant—and how these experiences shaped her strength, independence, and purpose.

In this episode, Noor reflects on her family’s multicultural background and her early years marked by constant relocation. She opens up about the mental and emotional challenges of growing up under strict parental control while adapting to an entirely new culture in America. Noor discusses how these experiences led her to deeply value education, self-awareness, and the freedom to make her own choices.

Noor takes us through her journey from an ambitious student finding her voice to a business owner in digital marketing and sales, empowering others through her work. She shares her passion for self-empowerment and personal growth, and how embracing her immigrant identity has become central to the mission she carries today.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Noor:

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

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Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

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

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

Start your podcast 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 1:1 Podcast Launch Coaching, you will receive $50! 

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

Welcome to episode 118 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!

Jennifer Quezada shares her inspiring journey from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to becoming a U.S. attorney dedicated to serving the immigrant community.

In this episode, Jennifer reflects on her childhood in the Dominican Republic, her decision to pursue higher education in the United States, and the challenges she faced adjusting to a new culture and legal system. She opens up about the cultural shocks she experienced—from the fast-paced American lifestyle to the differences in community dynamics—and how those experiences strengthened her resilience and determination.

Jennifer takes us through her path from studying law in the Dominican Republic to earning her credentials in the U.S. and establishing her career as an immigration attorney. She shares her passion for helping others navigate the complex immigration system and correcting misconceptions about what the process truly entails.

To Jennifer, the American Dream means having the opportunity to pursue one’s personal dreams in a way that is safe and brings benefit to others.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Attorney Jennifer:

Website

LinkedIn

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

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

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

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

Start your podcast 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 1:1 Podcast Launch Coaching, you will receive $50!

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

Welcome to episode 117 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!

Yazmin Garcia shares her inspiring journey from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, to building a creative life and business in the United States. Yazmin moved to the U.S. at just two years old and grew up navigating the challenges of immigration, identity, and belonging—all while nurturing a deep love for art and community.

In this episode, Yazmin reflects on her childhood in Mexico, her family’s move to Las Vegas, and the complex process of obtaining residency that deeply shaped her outlook on life. She opens up about leaving the U.S. at seventeen to finalize her residency, her struggles with depression and imposter syndrome, and the healing she found through therapy, creativity, and connection.

Yazmin takes us through her journey from a young woman balancing work, school, and motherhood to becoming the founder of Sagrado Arte Studio, where her artwork—focused on women’s empowerment and mental health—has been featured in the mayor’s museum and at the Mexican Consulate in Las Vegas. She shares how her art has become both a personal outlet and a bridge to uplift her community.

To Yazmin, the American Dream means finding peace, creativity, and community while embracing her identity as a Mexican-American artist and mother.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Yazmin:

Instagram

Website

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

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

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

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

Start your podcast 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 1:1 Podcast Launch Coaching, you will receive $50!

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

Welcome to episode 116 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!

Griselda Abousleman shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Brownsville, Texas, as the daughter of immigrant parents, to becoming a business advisor, career coach, and author.

In this episode, Griselda reflects on her family’s migration story, the challenges she faced in her early years, and how education became a powerful pathway for her future. She opens up about her time at Stanford, the resilience and optimism that guided her through obstacles, and the role her family’s support played in her success.

Griselda takes us through her journey from student to professional, highlighting her work in supporting women in STEM and her mission to empower others through business coaching. She shares the story behind her book, “From the Border to the Boardroom,” and the lessons she hopes readers take away.

To Griselda, the American Dream means resilience, family, and creating opportunities for others.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Griselda:

Website: https://businesscoachingresults.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griselda.excellence/

*From the Border to the Boardroom Book

*Affiliate link for the book

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

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

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

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

Start your podcast 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 1:1 Podcast Launch Coaching, you will receive $50!

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

Welcome to episode 115 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!

Jenny Chau shares her journey from Taiwan to Brooklyn, where she navigated cultural transition, religious conversion, and a calling to serve others.

In this episode, Jenny reflects on her family’s move from rural Taiwan to the diverse neighborhoods of Brooklyn, motivated by her mother’s career aspirations. She opens up about the cultural shock of adapting to a new environment, her path from a career in software consulting to missionary work, and how her faith became the foundation for her life’s mission.

Jenny takes us through her passion for service, highlighting her volunteer work with Bethany Christian Services, where she supported refugee families. She shares her personal connection to the refugee experience through her grandmother’s story and explains how those experiences deepened her commitment to walking alongside others in their transitions.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Jenny:

Instagram

Contact Your Representative

Donate to Abara

Donate to Orlando Center for Justice

Donate to Bethany Christian Services

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

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

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

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

Start your podcast 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 1:1 Podcast Launch Coaching, you will receive $50!

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

Welcome to episode 114 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!

Flavia shares her journey as a first-generation Peruvian American, raised in New Jersey, who has built a life abroad while empowering other Latinas to travel.

In this episode, Flavia reflects on her upbringing, the cultural shift of moving from a diverse school to a predominantly white one, and how her frequent visits to Peru kept her connected to her roots. She opens up about the challenges and opportunities of pursuing her master’s degree in Barcelona, her decision to settle in Portugal, and the pivotal experiences that shaped her resilience and passion for travel.

Flavia takes us through her journey from education to creating her travel brand, Latina Traveler, which offers solo and group trips designed specifically for Latinas. She shares why solo travel is so powerful for women, how community is central to her mission, and how her immigrant identity fuels the work she does today.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Flavia Cornejo:

Website: https://latinatraveller.com/

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

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7kTBewgznP0swMF2fEWC6o

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

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

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

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

Start your podcast 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 1:1 Podcast Launch Coaching, you will receive $50!

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

Welcome to episode 113 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!

Paulette Erato, host of the La Vida Mas Chevere podcast and founder of Latinas in Podcasting, shares her unique perspective as the daughter of a Mexican mother and Puerto Rican father. Growing up in Los Angeles, Paulette navigated her multicultural background while finding her voice and later made the life-changing decision to move to Puerto Rico with her husband.

In this episode, Paulette reflects on her family’s heritage and how her Mexican and Puerto Rican roots shaped her identity. She opens up about cultural shocks she experienced after moving to Puerto Rico, from navigating healthcare and high taxes to adapting to different systems and how those challenges built resilience and deepened her appreciation for community.

Paulette takes us through her journey from growing up in Los Angeles to building a platform for child-free Latinas with her podcast, La Vida Mas Chevere. She also shares the story behind founding Latinas in Podcasting, a growing community designed to provide support, resources, and collaboration opportunities for Latinas in the podcasting industry. Through both platforms, Paulette is breaking stereotypes, challenging norms, and creating space for authentic voices to thrive.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Paulette:

Website

Podcast

Instagram

Latinas In Podcasting Virtual Summit

The virtual summit link is an affiliate link :) 

Listen to Paulette’s Mom’s Episode

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

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

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

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

Start your podcast 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 the me and they sign up for 1:1 Podcast Launch Coaching, you will receive $50!

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

Welcome to episode 112 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!

Milena Portillo shares her journey from Colombia to the United States, where she has built a career as an immigration attorney dedicated to helping others navigate the system she once had to adapt to herself.

In this episode, Milena reflects on her family background in Colombia, her early experiences with cultural adaptation, and the challenges she faced adjusting to a new language, community, and legal system. She opens up about the struggles of reestablishing her law career in the U.S., the hurdles of law school and the bar exam, and how those pivotal moments shaped her resilience and determination.

Milena takes us through her journey from practicing law in Colombia to working as a paralegal, then becoming a licensed immigration attorney in the U.S. She shares how she built her boutique law firm in Orlando and Plant City, Florida, the types of cases she specializes in, and why integrity and community connection are at the heart of her work.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Milena Portillo:

Website: https://portilloimmigrationlaw.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abogadadeinmigracion1/

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

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

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

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

Looking to start a podcast? I created the perfect podcast course for you! Launch your podcast in 6 weeks or less!! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting, editing, and more! Find out more information here

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

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

Welcome to episode 111 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!

Dorina Gilmore-Young shares her story of growing up in a multicultural family in Chicago and how her background continues to shape her work today as a writer, speaker, podcaster, and Bible study author.

In this episode, Dorina reflects on her upbringing in a biracial family with Italian and Filipino roots, and the traditions that kept her grounded in her heritage—from making Italian pastries at Christmas to celebrating Lunar New Year with her Chinese American husband’s family. She opens up about how food, family, and culture helped her embrace her identity and see being multicultural as a true gift.

Dorina takes us through her journey as a journalist and teacher to becoming a full-time writer and Bible study author. She shares about her latest project, Redeemer, a Bible study on the book of Ruth, and how Ruth’s story of loss and redemption resonates deeply with her own experiences of grief and healing. Dorina also offers a glimpse into her upcoming projects, including fiction writing and a new podcast.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young:

Website

Instagram

Redeemer Bible Study (link is an affiliate link - I may receive a small commission if purchased through this link. Thank you.)

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

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

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

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

Looking to start a podcast? I created the perfect podcast course for you! Launch your podcast in 6 weeks or less!! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting, editing, and more! Find out more information here

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

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

Welcome to episode 110 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!

Latasha Ferguson shares her story as an Orlando native, mother of four, educator, and entrepreneur who grew up in a culturally diverse military family with a Korean mother and a Black father. Her journey of navigating identity, belonging, and resilience has shaped the work she does today.

In this episode, Latasha reflects on her early experiences growing up on a military base and later moving to a racially divided small town in Florida. She opens up about the challenges of finding her place as a mixed-race child, the impact of early motherhood, and the powerful lessons she learned about perseverance, community, and self-acceptance.

Latasha takes us through her journey from becoming a teacher at just 21 years old to her current role as Director of Instruction, mentoring school leaders. She also shares her entrepreneurial venture, Mahogany Table, a space she founded to support and empower Black women professionals. Her story is one of embracing identity, creating community, and building spaces of belonging.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with LaTasha:

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

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

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

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

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

Looking to start a podcast? I created the perfect podcast course for you! Launch your podcast in 6 weeks or less!! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting, editing, and more! Find out more information here.

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

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