Welcome to episode 151 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. Leslye Salinas shares her journey from Lima, Peru, to the United States and how her immigrant experience inspired her to create spaces of support and opportunity for newcomer families. Today, she is the CEO and founder of La Casa de Jenny, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting newcomer adults in the Bay Area through career development, community resources, and professional support. In this episode, Dr. Leslye reflects on her childhood in Lima, Peru, growing up surrounded by a large extended family before immigrating to the United States at seven years old. She opens up about the cultural shock of adjusting to life in the Bay Area, being placed in ESL classes because of her accent, and experiencing bullying for the way she spoke Spanish. She also shares how those early challenges shaped her resilience, confidence, and passion for education and advocacy. With Love, Heidy Connect with Dr. Leslye Salinas: Website  Instagram Instagram Check out Casa De Jenny Next Event Learn a new language with https://www.italki.com/ App: https://go.italki.com/heidy2604app Use Promo Code: HEIDY for $5 off a purchase of $10 or more in italki credits!!!!!!! But hurry, only valid for the first 50 users!!!!!    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  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.