Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

Welcome to episode 109 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!

Janete Teixeira-Parente shares her inspiring journey from a small town in South Brazil to building a new life in the United States.

Janete reflects on her childhood in Brazil, where she faced challenges growing up with an alcoholic father and the tough love that shaped her early years. She opens up about the turning point that inspired her to move to the U.S., being denied a job because she didn’t speak English, and how what began as a one-year plan turned into a lifelong journey of growth and opportunity.

Janete takes us through her journey from navigating cultural and language barriers to establishing her own medical billing company. She also shares about her book, The Dirt Road, which tells her life story and is published in both English and Portuguese. Through her story, Janete highlights resilience, gratitude, and the power of faith, reminding us that the American Dream is not about where you start but who you become along the way.

With Love, Heidy

Buy Janete’s Book:

The Dirt Road - (this is an affiliate link) 

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

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

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Welcome to episode 108 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!

Attorney Saman Movassaghi Gonzalez shares her journey as the daughter of Iranian immigrants who grew up in Texas and went on to become an immigration attorney.

Saman reflects on her upbringing in East Texas, where cultural differences and her choice to wear the hijab exposed her to discrimination and racism. She opens up about navigating those challenges, including the impact of 9/11 on her early career, and how those experiences fueled her determination to fight for justice and advocate for immigrant rights.

Saman takes us through her journey from accelerated academics and struggles in law school to eventually founding her own immigration law firm, now known as the US Immigration Law Council. She shares how she built her practice from the ground up, her advocacy through social media, and her passion for educating the public about immigration law. Through her work, she continues to help thousands of clients pursue their American dreams while breaking down misconceptions about immigrants and immigration reform.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Attorney Saman:

Instagram

TikTok

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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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!

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 107 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!

Doreen Cumberford shares her incredible journey of someone who has lived in eight countries—including Scotland, the United States, Japan, and Saudi Arabia—and is now enjoying life in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Doreen reflects on her family background and her many moves across the globe. She opens up about the cultural adaptations she’s made, the language skills she’s developed, and the challenges of returning “home” after years of living abroad. These experiences shaped her resilience and her ability to embrace change while staying true to who she is.

Doreen takes us through her journey of becoming a podcaster and author. She shares about her podcast, Nomadic Diaries, her book, Life in the Camel Lane, and her current project, Unsettled, which explores the emotional complexities of repatriation. Through her work, Doreen encourages others to stand out, embrace their uniqueness, and find strength in their immigrant and expatriate experiences.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Doreen:

LinkedIn

Podcast

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

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!

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 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!

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 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!

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 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!

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 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!

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 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!

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 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!

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 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!

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