Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

Welcome to episode 138 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! Mariana Tinoco Rivera shares her journey from Mexico to the United States, where she now lives in Boston and works as a product manager in tech. From her early career as a journalist in Mexico City to pursuing graduate studies in publishing and writing, Mariana has built a global career that eventually led her to Google. In this episode, Mariana reflects on her professional and personal transitions—from journalism to tech, and from life in Mexico to navigating corporate America. She opens up about the cultural adjustments she faced, from adapting to colder weather to understanding new workplace expectations and professional norms. Through each transition, she shares how resilience, curiosity, and adaptability shaped her path. Mariana takes us through her journey from storyteller and journalist to tech professional and community builder. She shares her passion project, Arrival Pod, where she interviews first-generation immigrant women from around the world. Through these conversations, she highlights the shared themes of identity, belonging, and reinvention that connect immigrant experiences across cultures. With Love, Heidy Connect with Mariana Tinoco Rivera: Website Podcast Instagram   FeedSpot Podcast Article   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 137 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! Mafe Salazar shares her journey from Venezuela to Canada, where she immigrated 11 years ago. What was meant to be a one-year adventure turned into a permanent move rooted in community, growth, and purpose. Today, Mafe is a podcast producer and host, helping others bring their voices to life. In this episode, Mafe reflects on leaving Venezuela and navigating cultural adjustments in Canada, from adapting to the cold weather to understanding new social norms. She opens up about the importance of friendship and community in her decision to stay, as well as the reverse culture shock she experienced when visiting Venezuela years later. Mafe takes us through her professional journey from working in the hospitality and accounting industries to building a business in podcast production. She shares how she launched her own show, From Tourist to Local, pivoted her business to focus fully on podcasting, and embraced entrepreneurship despite burnout and uncertainty. Through it all, she highlights the parallels between immigration and entrepreneurship—both require courage, reinvention, and stepping into a new identity. With Love, Heidy Connect with Mafe: Instagram Threads Podcast Website   FeedSpot Podcast Article 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 136 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! Dr. Tiffany Oloke shares her journey from Nigeria to the United States, where she has built a multifaceted career in supply chain, academia, and public speaking. Rooted in strong cultural values and shaped by both challenge and empowerment, Dr. Oloke’s story reflects resilience, purpose, and impact. In this episode, Dr. Oloke reflects on her upbringing in Nigeria and what it meant to grow up as a female child in a culture where gender expectations can shape opportunity. She opens up about the powerful influence of her father, who intentionally empowered her and her sisters to pursue education, leadership, and independence. She also shares the cultural transitions she experienced moving to the U.S. and navigating new systems, expectations, and environments. Dr. Oloke takes us through her professional journey in corporate America and academia, while also building meaningful platforms of impact. She shares about her podcast, The Chronicles of Choices, where she explores work-life balance, kindness, and family dynamics. She also discusses her nonprofit, Isaiah 117, which supports widows and their children. Through all her work, she emphasizes that true success is measured not by numbers, but by the lives you impact. With Love, Heidy   Connect with Dr. Tiffany Oloke Podcast Website   FeedSpot Podcast Article     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 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.