The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants
Heidy De La Cruz
Recent Episodes
Welcome to episode 72 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!
Today, I’m sharing my conversation with author Sindy F., who wrote If I Denounce My Accent. This novel is based on true events, and I finished it on our holiday vacation in the Dominican Republic. There was something different about reading a book about the Dominican culture and experience while being in the Dominican Republic.
Sindy talks about moving from the Dominican Republic to New Jersey at the age of 14 without knowing how to speak English. She shares about her first culture shock and the writing process of her novel. Sindy says the writing process for her was like a love letter to herself. She shares topics that are usually taboo to talk about in the Dominican culture. I’m so excited to share her story with you today.
With Love, Heidy
Connect with Sindy:
Website: https://sindyf.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sindyfe_/
Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox!
https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast
I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the show. Send me an email, and I will send you the advertisement packages. Thank you.
[email protected].
Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz
Welcome to episode 71 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!
Today, I spoke with Kathy, a transformational coach, about her unique experience as a first-generation child of immigrant parents from two different countries. Kathy shares heartfelt stories about her upbringing, cultural identity, and navigating life as an immigrant child.
Kathy’s mother, a Chinese refugee from Vietnam, and her father, originally from Taiwan, met in Connecticut before moving to Morgan Hill, California, to open an American fast-food restaurant.
Kathy opens up about growing up as one of the few Asian families in a predominantly white small town and on the struggle of belonging, both in the U.S. and when visiting her parents’ home countries. She shares anecdotes about her trips to Taiwan, emphasizing the safety, hospitality, and cultural richness she experienced and the challenges of being labeled as "different."
This seems to be a common theme among us who are children of immigrants.
With Love, Heidy
Connect with Kathy:
Website: https://www.kathymou.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Kathy.mou/
Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox!
https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast
I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the show. Send me an email, and I will send you the advertisement packages. Thank you.
[email protected].
Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz
Welcome to episode 70 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!
Today’s guest is Marta Spirk, a Brazilian immigrant who moved to the U.S. at 23, nine months after having her triplets. Marta has worked as a freelance court interpreter and is now a visibility strategist and recording artist with two published books and a podcast. Her passion for learning English was fueled by her exposure to music during childhood, which led to various achievements, including singing the national anthem at a Nuggets game.
Upon moving to the U.S., Marta faced cultural differences, particularly around domestic responsibilities, which were different from those in Brazil. Adjusting to these changes proved challenging, highlighting contrasts between American and Brazilian customs. A return visit to Brazil brought mixed emotions as she navigated family dynamics and committed to overcoming challenges in America.
With Love, Heidy
Connect with Martha:
Website: https://www.martaspirk.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martaspirk/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16cEQiwSFsB5kTprwCDtRK
Book Review: https://heidydelacruz.com/the-empowered-woman/
Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox!
https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast
I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here.
Want to advertise your business or sponsor an episode? Please email me at [email protected].
Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz
Welcome to episode 69 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!
Today’s guest is Aimee Portes - who shares her journey of immigrating to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic. Amy reflects on her early life in the Dominican Republic, explaining how financial pressures led her family to move to the U.S. to pursue better educational opportunities. She describes initial culture shocks upon moving, including adjusting to public transportation in winter and adapting to U.S. conveniences.
Amy also shares her unique perspective on the “American Dream,” which initially meant financial independence and stability. For her, buying her first car within months of working marked a major accomplishment because in the Dominican Republic, she would make $300 a month. Today, her dream has evolved into building a successful entrepreneurship career in the holistic anti-aging industry, helping women regain confidence in their appearance and health.
With Love, Heidy
Connect with Aimee:
Website: https://aimeeportes.com/freebie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Aimee_Portes
Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox!
https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast
I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here.
Want to advertise your business or sponsor an episode? Please email me at [email protected].
Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz
Welcome to episode 68 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!
Today’s guest is Pat Marino, the author of “We Have All Been the Others": Reflections of a First Generation's Daughter on Belonging, Democracy, and a New American Dream.” Pat is a historian and was a high school ESL teacher. In her book, she shares about her grandparents' experiences living in a segregated Chicago. So, for this episode, we talk about her work as an ESL teacher, what she’s learned as a historian, especially in the immigration space, and her research on writing her book.
This episode is full of history, and it’s enriched by Pat’s work and life experiences.
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 Pat:
Website: https://patriciamarino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marino2137/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciajmarino/
Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox!
https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast
I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here.
Want to advertise your business or sponsor an episode? Please email me at [email protected].
Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz