Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

Welcome to episode 135 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! Yaritza, a stay-at-home mom and business owner in the construction industry, shares her journey from Mexico to the United States and how her immigration story shaped both her identity and her entrepreneurial path. In this episode, Yaritza reflects on her early childhood in Mexico, her academic success, and the life-changing move to Florida with her family. She opens up about her first cultural shocks, the challenges of adapting to the American school system, and the emotional weight of navigating life as an undocumented immigrant. She also shares how the introduction of DACA in 2012 impacted her life and future opportunities. Yaritza takes us through her evolution from student to stay-at-home mom to business owner in the construction industry. She shares how resilience, faith, and perseverance helped her overcome barriers and build something meaningful for her family. Through her story, we see how immigration policies, community support, and personal determination intersect to shape real lives. With Love, Heidy   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  Ir Al Sol Swimwear Capital BPG Far From Home Podcast Kaza Law Immigration Barbara Perez Law 360 Immigration Law For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]   Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E   Because a podcaster 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 the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, 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 134 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! Denise, founder of The Brand Mob, shares her inspiring journey from immigrating to the United States from Argentina at 18 years old to building a six-figure branding and marketing business. In this episode, Denise reflects on leaving Argentina as a teenager, navigating cultural shocks, and adjusting to life in a new country while figuring out who she wanted to become. She opens up about working three jobs when she first arrived, the pressure to succeed, and the resilience it took to build stability from scratch. Denise takes us through her journey from freelancing in graphic design, web development, and social media marketing to growing The Brand Mob into a six-figure business. She shares the lessons she learned through rebranding, leading a team, and navigating major setbacks—including a failed restaurant investment during the pandemic. Through every challenge, Denise chose to pivot instead of quit, and today she is rebuilding, leading, and aiming for six figures again with greater clarity and confidence. Her immigrant experience continues to shape her work ethic, vision, and drive to help other entrepreneurs grow. With Love, Heidy   Looking for a tax preparer for the 2026 season? Get your taxes done with me and the Dedicated Tax Pros Family! Send me an email for a free estimate: [email protected]   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  Ir Al Sol Swimwear Capital BPG Far From Home Podcast Kaza Law Immigration Barbara Perez Law   For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected] Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E   Become a podcaster 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 Strategy, 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 133 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! Rebecca Vera Cox, an HR executive and founder of Ventura Group, shares her inspiring journey from Guyana to the Cayman Islands and eventually to the United States, where she built a powerful career rooted in adaptability, leadership, and resilience. In this episode, Rebecca reflects on her upbringing in Guyana, her early professional experiences abroad, and the courage it took to keep moving forward in pursuit of growth. She opens up about the cultural shocks she faced when transitioning to life and work in New York—especially around communication styles, workplace expectations, and navigating professional spaces as an immigrant woman. Rebecca takes us through her career evolution from gaining international experience to establishing herself as a respected HR leader in the U.S. She shares how earning advanced HR certifications and a master’s degree in HR risk and compliance helped shape her leadership path, and how founding Ventura Group became a way to leverage her global perspective and professional expertise. Her immigrant identity continues to influence how she leads, builds relationships, and creates opportunities for others. With Love, Heidy Connect with Rebecca Vieira Cox: Website Facebook Looking for a tax preparer for the 2026 season? Get your taxes done with me and the Dedicated Tax Pros Family! Send me an email for a free estimate: [email protected]   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  Ir Al Sol Swimwear Capital BPG Far From Home Podcast Kaza Law Immigration Barbara Perez Law 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 Strategy, 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 132 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!Irene Vaksberg shares her powerful journey from immigrating to the United States from the former Soviet Union at just 12 years old to building and rebuilding her life through entrepreneurship, resilience, and purpose-driven work.In this episode, Irene reflects on growing up Jewish in the former Soviet Union, the discrimination and persecution her family faced, and the sacrifices her parents made to give their children a better future. She opens up about the cultural shock of arriving in the U.S., learning English, navigating reverse discrimination, and adapting to an entirely new way of life after years of scarcity and restriction.Irene takes us through her journey from dreaming of becoming a hairdresser to building a successful salon business in Rhode Island, honoring her father’s legacy by putting his name in lights, before later moving to Los Angeles for new opportunities. She also shares how a life-altering car accident led her to discover neurological wearable technology, transforming her pain into a new mission to help others struggling with chronic pain and mental health challenges. Through it all, Irene’s immigrant identity and lived experiences continue to fuel her passion for inspiring others.With Love, HeidyConnect with Irene Vaksberg:InstagramYouTubeLooking for a tax preparer for the 2026 season? Get your taxes done with me and the Dedicated Tax Pros Family! Send me an email for a free estimate: [email protected] 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 Ir Al Sol SwimwearCapital BPGFar From Home PodcastKaza Law ImmigrationBarbara Perez LawFor sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected] 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 Strategy, 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 131 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!Sairan Aqrawi shares her powerful journey from Northern Iraq to the United States, arriving in 1996 with big dreams, resilience, and determination. With over 30 years of engineering experience, Sairan has transitioned into coaching, helping women monetize their skills and step confidently into their purpose.In this episode, Sairan reflects on her family background, her upbringing in Northern Iraq, and the realities of immigrating to a new country. She opens up about adapting to American culture, navigating language and cultural barriers, and the challenges of starting over while staying connected to her roots.Sairan takes us through her journey from a long and successful engineering career to becoming a coach and strategist for women entrepreneurs. She shares her passion for empowering women to grow their businesses, particularly through LinkedIn and strategic visibility, and how her immigrant identity deeply influences her work today.With Love, HeidyP.S. Mention this episode and get a free 15-minute consultation with Sairan! Connect with Sairan Aqrawi:InstagramWebsiteLooking for a tax preparer for the 2026 season? Get your taxes done with me and the Dedicated Tax Pros Family! Send me an email for a free estimate: [email protected] 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 Ir Al Sol SwimwearCapital BPGFar From Home PodcastKaza Law ImmigrationBarbara Perez Law For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected] 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 Strategy, 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.