Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

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

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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!

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 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!

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 96 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!

Summie shares her immigrant journey from Hong Kong to the United Kingdom, a journey that began when she courageously chose to leave home at the age of 15 to attend boarding school in the UK. With her parents’ support and a close friend by her side, she stepped into a completely new environment that brought both freedom and challenges.

So, yes, this episode isn’t about immigration to the U.S., but it also shows how the United States isn’t the only country people migrate to-as some believe. Summie opens up about the major culture shocks she experienced, the emotional weight of missing family traditions, and the complex identity struggles she faced when returning to Hong Kong. She also shares how her experiences in both the Hong Kong and UK education systems shaped her view on curiosity, confidence, and success.

Lastly, Summie offers a special gift to listeners: a career change workbook, a confidence-building workshop, and a one-hour free coaching consultation. All of this can be found on her website; the link is below. 

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Summie:

Website: https://www.summieyeung.com/ 

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

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]

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 95 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!

Irma Goosen shares her immigrant journey from South Africa to the United States. She talks about growing up in a country filled with racial tension and violence, and the traumatic attack at her daughter’s daycare that pushed her and her family to leave everything behind and seek safety in Houston, Texas.

Irma opens up about the challenges of adapting to American culture, navigating the immigration process, and the emotional toll of starting over from scratch. Today, she uses her experience to empower immigrant youth through coaching—helping them find their voice, gain confidence, and share their own stories.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Irma:

Website: https://www.irmagoosen.com/ 

TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/5zMHiihyGqI?si=YtvIWQZdRHtjt_Db 

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]

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 94 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!

Webley Alfred shares her immigrant journey from Haiti to the United States, achieving a degree from Boston University funded through MIT’s tuition reimbursement program. Webley opens up about the beautiful Haiti of her childhood, the traumatic event that led her to stay in the U.S., and the challenges she faced adjusting to a new culture—especially as a Black immigrant woman.

Lastly, she shares how she helps entrepreneurs confidently launch their offers and reclaim their time.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Webly:

Website: https://weblyalfred.com/ 

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

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!!! 💛

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 93 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!

Polly, an SEO writer and consultant, shares her journey from South Carolina to Vietnam and then to the Virgin Islands, highlighting her experiences teaching abroad and starting her business. Today, she shares about her move to Vietnam, which was driven by burnout and boredom as a teacher. This move opened her eyes to different cultures and lifestyles, which led to reverse culture shock upon returning to the US.

Breaking her foot in Vietnam led her to explore remote work. Ultimately, she started her SEO business, assisting businesses with website content and Google visibility. Polly emphasizes the importance of exploring beyond one’s bubble, meeting new people, and creating a business that aligns with personal values and goals.

The American dream, according to Polly, involves recognizing opportunities and working hard to achieve a version of success, which is unique to each individual.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Polly:

Website: https://www.pollycloverwrites.com/ 

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@pollycloverwrites 

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

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 92 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!

Chai grew up with Indian immigrant parents, and the conversation starts with Chai explaining the patronymic naming system in southern India, where last names reflect lineage through the father’s first name. This system contrasts with the American first-name, last-name structure and highlights the challenges some immigrants face in maintaining their cultural heritage while conforming to new societal norms.

We then talked about the influence of immigrant parents on their children’s upbringing. Chai recounts growing up in a strict Hindu household where traditions and superstitions were heavily enforced. She describes how her mom didn’t care for certain aspects of American culture, such as eating out. This led to internal conflicts and a sense of alienation for Chai. 

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Chai:

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

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

My 6-week course on starting a podcast is perfect for busy moms who have 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 91 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!

Tom, an American-born writer, shares his experiences living abroad, offering insights into cultural differences and the perception of the American Dream. His journey includes formative experiences in Germany, an extended stay in the Philippines, and current residence in Mexico City.

Listen in as Tom shares how his internship at Disney World led him to move to the Philippines and experience the 2020 lockdown overseas. 

With Love, Heidy

P.S. This week, I’m sharing all the pictures from my podcast event with the paid subscribers on Substack and I’m sharing the recap video of the event! Become a paid subscriber for access! :) 

Connect with Tom:

Substack: https://substack.com/@tomkuegler?r=1gw4qe&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page 

Book: Do Cool Sh*T 

If you purchase the book from this link - I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. 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🔓 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]

Or make a one-time donation here:

My 6-week course on starting a podcast is perfect for busy moms who have 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 90 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!

Carla Santamaria is the host of The First Gen Coach Podcast. A podcast for first-generation professionals who are learning to rethink their limiting cultural beliefs and level up their mindsets. Carla is also a career coach, helping women increase their salaries and improve their mindset. 

She shares with us her upbringing in Honduras, the culture shocks she experienced when she first moved to South Florida, and how she doubled her salary in under 10 months! 

With Love, Heidy

P.S. There is exclusive content from Carla’s interview that didn’t air, which you can hear on Substack! Become a paid subscriber to unlock the full interview! :) 

Connect with Carla:

Website

Instagram

Podcast

LinkedIn

Podcast Episode about Carla leaving Mormon Religion

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

My 6-week course on starting a podcast is perfect for busy moms who have 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.