Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

The Unspoken Truth about Loneliness in Immigration - Ep. 126

Welcome to episode 126 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!Valentina Rivera shares her journey as a Colombian immigrant who moved to the United States at just 12 years old, navigating cultural shock, identity shifts, and the emotional complexities of growing up between two worlds. Today, she is also a fellow podcaster and the creator of Doce, a space dedicated to immigrant voices and healing through shared stories.In this episode, Valentina reflects on her childhood in Colombia, her move to New York, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture at such a young age. She opens up about the loneliness, identity confusion, and mental health struggles that often accompany the immigrant experience, as well as the deep importance of finding community and belonging.Valentina takes us through her journey into podcasting and storytelling, sharing how Doce was created as a platform for immigrants to feel seen, heard, and less alone. She speaks passionately about the power of storytelling, the role of community in healing, and why creating spaces for candid conversations about immigration matters now more than ever.With Love, HeidyConnect with Valentina Rivera:PodcastInstagramLooking 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: delacruz.dedicatedtaxpros@gmail.com 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 SwimwearCapital BPGFar From Home PodcastKaza Law ImmigrationFor sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.comMake 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.

Amplifying Underrepresented Voices: George Torres and Siembra Connect’s Mission- Ep. 125

Welcome to episode 125 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!George Torres, also known as Urban Jibaro, shares his journey as a digital pioneer in the Latino community, from launching Sofrito for Your Soul in 1997 to creating Siembra Connect, a platform dedicated to amplifying creators of color—especially Latinos—across the digital landscape.In this episode, George reflects on his early work building online spaces long before social media existed, including websites that offered cultural content, email access, and event information for the Latino community. He opens up about growing up between New York and Puerto Rico, the cultural richness of living in diverse communities, and how those experiences shaped his commitment to community-building and storytelling.George takes us through his evolution as a creator, from founding one of the earliest Latino digital hubs to his ongoing work in environmental justice and community empowerment in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. He shares his passion for sustainable digital spaces, uplifting creators of color, and creating platforms where community, culture, and connection come first.With Love, HeidyConnect with Urban Jibaro:InstagramWebsiteGet George’s Book: https://stan.store/siembraconnect/p/reclaiming-your-creativity-after-burnout-workbook 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: delacruz.dedicatedtaxpros@gmail.com 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.comMake 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.

Navigating Rejection, Gender Bias, and Building Her Own Path with Relentless Latina - Ep. 124

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: delacruz.dedicatedtaxpros@gmail.com 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.comMake 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.

Staying Connected With Our Ancestors With Transformational Coach Wendy Amara - Ep. 123

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: delacruz.dedicatedtaxpros@gmail.com 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.comMake 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.

1951 Coffee Company with Doug Hewitt - Ep. 122

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: delacruz.dedicatedtaxpros@gmail.com 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.comMake 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.