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

Dear First Gens,

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

Dr. Rivera holds a PhD in Economics from University of Southern California and a BS from Texas A&M. He has been recognized globally as a strategist, speaker, facilitator, and dynamic educator. He has worked with NGOs, academia, national governments, civil society, international donor organizations, companies, 1-1 clients, think tanks, and MORE. Dr. Rivera’s career started as founding faculty at CSU Channel Islands where he served as tenured professor and department chair. Dr. Rivera has been a noted keynote speaker and featured on the top 1-5% global podcasts and global media outlets such as Inside Small Business and More!

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 of The First Gen Madrina Podcast, host Sara Diaz dives into May's theme: Mental Health as a First Gen. 

In this heartfelt and powerful episode, we dive deep into why mental health matters—especially for first-gen, BIPOC, and immigrant communities.

Host Sara explores how mental health is more than just a trending topic—it’s about education, compassion, and action. She discusses the emotional weight many first-gens carry, from navigating systemic oppression to breaking generational cycles, and how silence and stigma can worsen the burden.

You'll hear about:

• The unique mental health challenges first-gens face
• How culture, pressure, perfection, and pride impact our well-being
• Why tending to your mental health is not just self-care—it’s a radical act of resistance
• Tips for checking in on yourself and others
• The power of saying “I need help” without abandoning your culture

This episode is a loving reminder that you deserve rest, healing, and peace—and you’re not alone. Let’s keep breaking cycles. Let’s keep choosing ourselves.

Need support? Email Sara at [email protected] for help getting connected to mental health resources.

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 You Now and Always, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Dear First Gens,

In this episode, host Sara wraps up this season of The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Celebrating Neurodiversity as a First Gen!

In this episode, Sara shares more information about neurodiversity and shares resources that supports the community. Sara also reminds everyone that this is not meant to diagnose or be therapeutic in any way. For more information, please speak with a doctor about an evaluation. 

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, Felicitas Nungaray, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Celebrating Neurodiversity as a First Gen!

Felicitas is a 1st Gen. Neurodivergent coach, and a Licensed Psychotherapist based in California. Feli has served as the Neurodiversity Social Skills Facilitator in Higher Education, developing neurodivergent programs and neuroaffirming spaces; with over 20 years professionally working with Autistic and Neurodivergent students and their families. She has been an international presenter for The College Autism Network Conference and the Association on Higher Education and Disability Conference (AHEAD).

In 2022, Feli founded Neuroseeds Coaching and Consulting LLC, with the purpose of better serving Neurodivergent adults navigate college, or transition into early career professions. Most importantly to change the landscape of inclusivity support for all neurodiverse individuals. As the mothership of a neurodivergent home, she empowers other families not only through her professional background but also through her lived experiences. 

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, Isaac Akinde, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Celebrating Neurodiversity as a First Gen!

Isaac Akinde is an ADHD coach, qualified teacher and passionate advocate for neurodiversity. With a unique perspective as someone who was diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia as an adult, Isaac's personal journey has fueled his commitment to helping others navigate the challenges of neurodivergence. 

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, Victoria Charrington Chavez, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Celebrating Neurodiversity as a First Gen!

Victoria is a celebrated storyteller, TEDx speaker, and expert branding strategist blending creativity, communication, and community into powerful narratives. As founder of Lilac & Aspen Creative Co., she helps purpose-led brands share their stories authentically. With a vision to create vibrant spaces where every voice can be seen, heard, and celebrated, Victoria inspires others with the motto: “Your story has power—let’s unlock it.”

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 of The First Gen Madrina Podcast, host Sara Diaz dives into April's theme: Celebrating Neurodiversity as a First Gen. 

In this episode of the podcast, Sara shares the importance of bringing awareness to neurodiversity and what this means as a first gen. This season, we will interview 3 guests that will share their stories of celebrating neurodiversity as a first gen. Keep checking back every Wednesday for a new episode!

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 You Now and Always, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Dear First Gens,

In this episode of The First Gen Madrina Podcast, host Sara Diaz dives into March's theme: Supporting First Gens. 

This week we feature special guests, Hannah Roza and Jenna Maurer from Aspire Institute. Aspire Institute is a nonprofit organization which was co-founded in 2017 by Harvard Business School professors. Their mission is to prepare low-income, first-generation university students and recent graduates worldwide to be leaders in their communities, drive significant social impact, and reach their full potential academically and professionally through a free leadership development program — the Aspire Leaders Program.

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 You Now and Always, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina

Dear First Gens,

In this episode of The First Gen Madrina Podcast, host Sara Diaz dives into March's theme: Supporting First Gens. 

This week we feature special guests, Anthony and Emily Surratt of First Gen Society. The National Leadership Society of First-Generation College Students, (FirstGen Society), is a national social organization dedicated specifically to first generation college students and alumni that provides its members with lifelong fellowship, community, and friendship.

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 You Now and Always, 

Sara, The First Gen Madrina