Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

Welcome to episode 122 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!

Doug Hewitt shares his journey from Tennessee to California, his transformative years in China, and how those experiences ultimately inspired him to co-found 1951 Coffee Company, a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to supporting refugees and immigrants as they rebuild their lives in the United States.

In this episode, Doug reflects on his upbringing, his early fascination with languages, and the cultural shocks he experienced while studying in China. He opens up about the challenges of navigating a new country without speaking the language, the moments that shaped his worldview, and how these experiences sparked his passion for helping newcomers find stability and opportunity in the U.S.

Doug takes us through the creation and growth of 1951 Coffee Company, from its founding in 2015 to its impact today—training over 400 baristas, hiring more than 75 immigrants and refugees, and helping graduates launch their own coffee businesses. He shares how the company’s mission is rooted in empowerment, dignity, and self-determination, and how he continues to be inspired by the resilience and drive of the communities he serves.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Doug:

Welcome to episode 121 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!

Nadine Huggins shares her journey from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States, reflecting on her bicultural upbringing, her family’s move back to the U.S., and the path that led her to her work in immigration law, social work, and immigrant empowerment today.

In this episode, Nadine reflects on her childhood in Trinidad, her family’s values, and the experience of navigating two cultures. She opens up about the challenges of returning to the U.S. in the 1980s, the cultural differences she faced, and the pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of her identity as an immigrant.

Nadine takes us through her journey from working at CUNY Citizenship Now—an Immigration Law Clinic where she witnessed firsthand the struggles immigrants face—to becoming a social worker in a pediatric hospital specializing in oncology and cardiology. She shares her passion for her blog and Instagram platform, where she provides accurate information, support, and community for immigrants navigating complex systems. Her mission is to empower, educate, and uplift immigrants by providing a safe space where they feel seen and supported.

To Nadine, the American Dream means access and opportunity—the ability to build a life filled with possibility despite the barriers, challenges, and systemic issues many immigrants face.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Nadine:

Welcome to episode 120 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!

Lonnie Mitchell shares her journey from Ireland to the United States, where her family moved in search of better economic opportunities after winning the green card lottery. Today, Lonnie is a life coach who helps women in entrepreneurship and motherhood find inner peace, confidence, and authenticity through self-development and healing.

In this episode, Lonnie reflects on her family’s immigration story, from their early years adapting to American culture to maintaining their strong Irish roots. She opens up about the cultural shocks her family faced, including differences in education, communication styles, and social expectations. Lonnie also shares heartfelt memories of her father, whose hard work and resilience deeply shaped her values and purpose.

Lonnie takes us through her personal healing journey following her father’s passing—a pivotal time that led her to discover her true calling as a life coach. She describes her transition from working as a business analyst to creating Weightless Warrior, a podcast and platform dedicated to helping women release emotional burdens, embrace self-love, and live with purpose.

To Lonnie, the American Dream means having the opportunity to pursue your dreams—both personal and professional—and to create a life rooted in freedom, growth, and authenticity.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Lonnie:

Welcome to episode 119 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!

Noor shares her journey from Yemen to the United States, after living in Saudi Arabia and Norway. She opens up about the cultural and social challenges she faced—from navigating restrictive environments for women to experiencing culture shock as a young immigrant—and how these experiences shaped her strength, independence, and purpose.

In this episode, Noor reflects on her family’s multicultural background and her early years marked by constant relocation. She opens up about the mental and emotional challenges of growing up under strict parental control while adapting to an entirely new culture in America. Noor discusses how these experiences led her to deeply value education, self-awareness, and the freedom to make her own choices.

Noor takes us through her journey from an ambitious student finding her voice to a business owner in digital marketing and sales, empowering others through her work. She shares her passion for self-empowerment and personal growth, and how embracing her immigrant identity has become central to the mission she carries today.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Noor:

Welcome to episode 118 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!

Jennifer Quezada shares her inspiring journey from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to becoming a U.S. attorney dedicated to serving the immigrant community.

In this episode, Jennifer reflects on her childhood in the Dominican Republic, her decision to pursue higher education in the United States, and the challenges she faced adjusting to a new culture and legal system. She opens up about the cultural shocks she experienced—from the fast-paced American lifestyle to the differences in community dynamics—and how those experiences strengthened her resilience and determination.

Jennifer takes us through her path from studying law in the Dominican Republic to earning her credentials in the U.S. and establishing her career as an immigration attorney. She shares her passion for helping others navigate the complex immigration system and correcting misconceptions about what the process truly entails.

To Jennifer, the American Dream means having the opportunity to pursue one’s personal dreams in a way that is safe and brings benefit to others.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Attorney Jennifer: