Dear First Gens,

In this episode, host Sara welcomes guest, Carla Santamaria, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Redefining Leadership as a First Gen!

Carla Santamaria is a Miami-raised, Honduran-born immigrant who more than doubled her salary in 10 months by job hopping from higher ed to healthcare to tech. In addition to her full-time tech job, Carla is a career coach on a mission to help first gen women of color increase their salaries by $30k in six months or less.

Since 2021, she’s helped her clients collectively increase their salaries by more than half a million dollars. Carla is the host of The First Gen Coach Podcast, a career and lifestyle podcast where first gen professional Latinas learn to advance their career, unlearn limiting beliefs, and build wealth.

Visit thefirstgenmadrina.com for the blog and additional resources. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected. Also, follow me on Instagram  @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW on LinkedIn.

Supporting Your Journey, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Welcome to a brand-new season of The First Gen Madrina Podcast! In this powerful premiere, Sara dives into the heart of this season’s theme: Redefining Leadership as a First Gen.

In this episode of The First Gen Madrina, we explore what it truly means to lead as a first-generation trailblazer. We unpack the narratives we grew up with that make leadership feel out of reach, the power of representation in showing us that we belong, and why leadership is about collaboration not carrying the weight of the world alone. I share why mental health isn’t a luxury but a leadership responsibility and invite you to imagine the kind of leader you could become if you let go of who the world told you to be.

Whether you lead in your community, your family, or your profession, this episode is your reminder: you are allowed to lead in your own way, take up space, and define leadership on your own terms.

Visit thefirstgenmadrina.com for the blog and additional resources. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected. Also, follow me on Instagram  @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW on LinkedIn.

Supporting Your Journey, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Dear First Gens,

In this episode, host Sara welcomes guest, Scarlett Luis, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Resources for First Gens!

Scarlett Luis is a product leader with a background in engineering and a passionate advocate for first-generation college students and professionals. As a first-generation graduate herself, she understands the challenges of navigating education and career paths without a roadmap. Scarlett empowers others through mentorship, career coaching, and community-building initiatives that bridge access to resources, confidence, and opportunity. She’s especially focused on helping others land strong first jobs, thrive in their careers, and lead with authenticity.

Visit thefirstgenmadrina.com for the blog and additional resources. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected. Also, follow me on Instagram  @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW on LinkedIn.

Supporting Your Journey, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Welcome to a brand-new season of The First Gen Madrina Podcast! In this powerful premiere, Sara dives into the heart of this season’s theme: Resources for First Gens.

In this episode, we’re diving into the resources we never knew existed and the ones that weren’t made accessible to us as first-gens. From therapy to scholarships to mentorship, we explore why accessing support feels so hard, and how it’s not a personal failure, it’s a systemic issue.

I share my own story of learning I was considered a first gen after graduating college, and the impact that realization had on my journey. I talk about shame, fear, burnout, and why reclaiming resources isn’t just a skill, it’s an act of resistance.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to figure it all out alone, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to earn the right to thrive, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Visit thefirstgenmadrina.com for the blog and additional resources. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected. Also, follow me on Instagram  @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW on LinkedIn.

Supporting Your Journey, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Dear First Gens,

In this episode, host Sara welcomes guest, Vicky Winkler, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Taking Risks as a First Gen!

Vicky is the founder of Wildly Creative Wellness (formerly known as My Natural Reflections), a space where creativity becomes a tool for self-care, healing, and joy. Growing up, Vicky was always drawn to creative activities—rearranging rooms, playing with design, and making things just for the joy of it—but she never saw herself as an artist. Believing that art had to meet certain standards to be “good,” she chose a more conventional path, studying IT and multimedia. While parts of it were enjoyable, her career never felt truly fulfilling. As life got busier with work and family, her creativity took a back seat—until a growing sense that something was missing led her to rediscover it through art journaling. That moment of reconnecting with creativity, free from pressure or perfection, changed everything. Now, through her workshops, courses, one-on-one support, and custom group experiences, Vicky helps others experience that same creative freedom. Her mission is to help people find calm, connection, and wellness by allowing themselves to be wild and free through artmaking. 

Visit thefirstgenmadrina.com for the blog and additional resources. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected. Also, follow me on Instagram  @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW on LinkedIn.

Supporting Your Journey, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Dear First Gens, 

Welcome to a brand-new season of The First Gen Madrina Podcast! In this powerful premiere, Sara dives into the heart of this season’s theme: taking risks as a first-gen even when it feels terrifying, uncertain, or guilt-inducing. From moving away from home, to quitting her 9-5 without a safety net, to taking financial risks to build her dream business, Sara shares the top three leaps that changed her life and how they helped her move from surviving to thriving.

She unpacks the emotional weight of playing it safe, how cultural expectations shaped her view of risk, and how unlearning fear-based mindsets created room for personal and professional growth. You’ll also hear candid reflections on money trauma, imposter syndrome, and building a legacy beyond survival.

Whether you're on the edge of a big decision or just dreaming of something more, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and tools to make aligned, powerful choices...your way.

Visit thefirstgenmadrina.com for the blog and additional resources. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected. Also, follow me on Instagram  @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW on LinkedIn.

Supporting Your Journey, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Dear First Gens,

In this episode, host Sara welcomes guest, Eduardo Placer, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Pride as a First Gen!

A dynamic keynote speaker, charismatic event emcee, and global facilitator, he is a former professional actor who has a rare ability to help people find common ground through compelling narratives that inspire and unite.

He is the founder of Fearless Communicators, a diverse, inclusive public speaking coaching company that works with emerging and accomplished thought leaders on what they say and how they say it. His clients range from presidential candidates and UN diplomats to startup founders, social activists, and industry leaders.

Drawing from his experiences in the U.S. as a proud Cuban American and member of the LGBTQ+ community, Eduardo shares his message of empowerment and belonging with audiences around the world. He is committed to creating inclusive organizations where everyone feels comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work.

Visit thefirstgenmadrina.com for the blog and additional resources. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected. Also, follow me on Instagram  @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW on LinkedIn.

Supporting Your Journey, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Dear First Gens,

In this episode, host Sara welcomes guest, Emanuel Anzules, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Pride as a First Gen!

Emanuel was born and raised in Lima, Peru, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1993, at the age of 7, to join his parents and sister. He attended school in New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers University in 2007. Emanuel was an active leader on campus, particularly as president of his class, and co-chair of the Latino Student Council. Upon graduating, he began his teaching career as a 2007 Teach for America corps members in Los Angeles, California. He later relocated back to the east coast and worked as a Target stores executive for a year before returning to the classroom in the Bronx, where he has taught social studies and english across various grade levels, and currently works at Bronx Leadership Academy. Emanuel holds a Masters in Business Administration from Boston University as well as a Masters in the Science of Teaching from Fordham University. 

Emanuel also started competing in pageants in 2012, and was Mr. Gay New Jersey in 2014, as well as Mr. United States 2017. Through pageantry, he has advocated for those living with HIV/AIDS, has raised awareness about the horrors of human trafficking, and more recently advocated for the rights of immigrants, creating a scholarship fund for undocumented college-bound 12th graders.

Emanuel lives with his dog, Cherry, enjoys working out, watching movies, listening to music, and hopes to one day become an entrepreneur and media mogul.

Visit thefirstgenmadrina.com for the blog and additional resources. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected. Also, follow me on Instagram  @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW on LinkedIn.

Supporting Your Journey, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Dear First Gens,

In this episode, host Sara welcomes guest, Naty Diaz, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Mental Health as a First Gen!

Today we have a new special guest for this month's theme Mental Health as a First Gen. This is a little different than what we usually do, but we are really excited for you all to tune in! This week we have Sara's mom, Naty Diaz, join us. If you have been following along, Sara often talks about her mom when she talks about mental health, because without her, she would have never learned how to manage her anxiety. She was able to recognize those signs and triggers in her early on, something that Sara knew nothing about at that time, and she was the one that connected her to services. She is also a trailblazer as she fought the very same stigmas that Sara faced when it came time to taking care of her own mental health a long time ago, but this time it was almost entirely alone. We are so excited for you all to learn more about her story since this is the first time that Sara has a family member on. 

Visit thefirstgenmadrina.com for the blog and additional resources. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected. Also, follow me on instagram  @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW on LinkedIn.

Supporting Your Journey, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Dear First Gens,

In this episode, host Sara welcomes guest, Erica Priscilla Sandoval, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Mental Health as a First Gen!

Erica is a passionate licensed clinical therapist dedicated to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Erica holds a Post Master’s in Clinical Adolescent Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from New York University, Silver School of Social Work. She is the founder and CEO of Sandoval CoLab, a wellness and equity consulting firm. Erica is a 6x published author and Founder of Latinx in Social Work, a #1 Best Seller and Hot New Release under Social Work and Psychology on Amazon. Erica is a social justice advocate and supports the healing of communities of color through storytelling, mental health and wellness workshops, Psychedelic therapy and retreats. Most recently she launched a 501c(3), Siembra Today Inc, and serves as the Executive Director. Siembra Today’s mission is to disrupt oppressive systemic barriers to mental health and equip Latine* communities with tools to transform well-being.

Visit thefirstgenmadrina.com for the blog and additional resources. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected. Also, follow me on instagram  @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW on LinkedIn.

Supporting Your Journey, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina