Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

Welcome to episode 124 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!Fernanda Soriano shares her journey from Puebla, Mexico, to the United States—opening up about her childhood experiences, her pursuit of independence, and the twists and turns that shaped her path into engineering, project management, and eventually, financial education for Latinas.In this episode, Fernanda reflects on her upbringing in Mexico, the domestic violence she survived, and the determination that fueled her desire for a different life. She opens up about entering the engineering field, facing gender discrimination, unequal pay, and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry. These experiences ultimately led her to shift into project management, where she found more alignment and opportunity.Fernanda takes us through the creation of Relentless Latina, her platform dedicated to teaching financial literacy and building wealth in the Latina community. She shares her passion for helping women understand money, invest confidently, and break generational cycles. She also discusses her U.S. citizenship journey, the emotional impact of COVID-19 restrictions on seeing her family, and how those moments strengthened her commitment to empowering others.With Love, HeidyConnect with Fernanda Soriano:WebsiteInstagramLooking 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 SoVerve Marketing GroupIr Al Sol SwimwearCapital BPGFar From Home PodcastKaza Law ImmigrationFor 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 Coaching, 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 123 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!Wendy Amara shares her family’s story of immigration from Guatemala, her upbringing in the San Fernando Valley of California, and how her lived experiences shaped her journey into becoming a strategic life and business coach for Latinas.In this episode, Wendy reflects on her parents’ immigration story, the cultural contrasts between Guatemala and the United States, and the realities of growing up in poverty. She opens up about the influence of her parents’ political views, the challenges of navigating two cultures, and the early experiences that helped her develop a strong sense of identity and purpose.Wendy takes us through her path from a corporate career to the transformational coaching world. She shares how doing deep inner work and developing self-awareness changed her life, ultimately inspiring her to help others do the same. Today, she leads impactful group coaching programs, a mastermind for Latinas, and hosts her own podcast, Yes, Mujer, Build It, where she helps women tap into Source energy and create the lives they envision.With Love, HeidyConnect with Wendy Amara:InstagramPodcast 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 SoVerve Marketing GroupIr Al Sol SwimwearCapital BPGFar From Home PodcastKaza Law Immigration 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 Coaching, 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 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, HeidyConnect with Doug:WebsiteLooking for a tax preparer for the 2026 season? Get your taxes done with the Dedicated Tax Pros Family and me! 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 SoVerve Marketing GroupIr Al Sol SwimwearCapital BPGFar From Home PodcastKaza Law ImmigrationFor 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 Coaching, 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 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, HeidyConnect with Nadine:WebsiteInstagramLooking 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 SoVerve Marketing GroupIr Al Sol SwimwearCapital BPGFar From Home PodcastKaza Law ImmigrationFor 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 Coaching, 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 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, HeidyConnect with Lonnie:InstagramPodcastLooking 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] 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 SoVerve Marketing GroupIr Al Sol SwimwearCapital BPGFar From Home PodcastKaza Law ImmigrationFor 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 Coaching, 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.