Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

Heidy De La Cruz
  • 5.0 (25)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Semiweekly

Heidy De La Cruz hosts The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants. A 2x award-winning podcast about sharing the stories of immigrants and the immigrant experience, including their first memories of the US, the culture shocks they experienced, and their journey learning to navigate a whole new country. Join me, Heidy De La Cruz, in highlighting these stories that are often overlooked but deserve to be heard. I am on a mission to change the immigration narrative to a more compassionate and empathetic approach, like a Jesus approach.

  1. The Truth About Living in a Border Town (El Paso) with Devin Miranda - Ep. 153

    6d ago

    The Truth About Living in a Border Town (El Paso) with Devin Miranda - Ep. 153

    Welcome to episode 153 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! Devin Miranda shares her experiences growing up in El Paso, Texas, a vibrant border community deeply shaped by immigration, culture, and family. Today, Devin works with La Familia del Paso, a nonprofit focused on providing mental and behavioral health services while also advocating for empathy, understanding, and dignity for immigrant communities. In this episode, Devin reflects on her upbringing in El Paso as the daughter of a military family and the strong sense of community that shaped her childhood. She opens up about growing up in a border city where the realities of immigration, culture, and identity were part of everyday life. Devin also shares her experiences navigating conversations around racism, implicit bias, and cultural identity, and how those moments challenged her perspective and deepened her compassion for others. Devin takes us through her journey from serving in ministry focused on racial reconciliation and diversity to participating in a border immersion trip with Abara in early 2025. She shares how meeting migrants, local church leaders, and community advocates in Juárez transformed her understanding of immigration and reinforced the importance of seeing immigrants through a lens of empathy and human dignity. Devin also discusses how her work with La Familia del Paso and her faith continue to shape the way she serves her community today. With Love, Heidy Connect with Devin: Instagram 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com 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.

    42 min
  2. Immigrant Stories: Made for More with author Eloise - Ep. 152

    Jun 23

    Immigrant Stories: Made for More with author Eloise - Ep. 152

    Welcome to episode 152 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! Eloise shares her journey from Haiti to the United States after surviving the devastating 2010 earthquake. Today, she is a nursing student, tax consultant, author, and founder of the brand Made for More, where she empowers others through financial literacy, faith, and community. In this episode, Eloise reflects on her upbringing in Haiti, where family, education, and faith played a central role in shaping who she is today. She opens up about the traumatic experience of living through the 2010 earthquake, the emotional toll of leaving her homeland, and the challenges of adjusting to life in the United States as a teenager. Elois also shares the cultural shocks she experienced, including adapting to a fast-paced lifestyle, navigating language barriers, and balancing her Haitian roots with American culture. With Love, Heidy   Connect with Eloise: Website Instagram     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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com   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.

    39 min
  3. Immigrant Stories: La Casa de Jenny founder Dr. Leslye Salinas - Ep. 151

    Jun 16

    Immigrant Stories: La Casa de Jenny founder Dr. Leslye Salinas - Ep. 151

    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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com 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.

    29 min
  4. Immigrant Stories: Journey Back into the Vault with award-winning author Mario Cartaya - Ep. 150

    Jun 11

    Immigrant Stories: Journey Back into the Vault with award-winning author Mario Cartaya - Ep. 150

    Welcome to episode 150 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! Mario Cartaya shares his unique experience of returning to Cuba after 56 years, a journey that helped him recover suppressed childhood memories. This trip was unlike typical immigrant experiences because his subconscious had built a “vault” to protect him from the trauma of leaving Cuba. Upon revisiting familiar places from his youth, such as his homes, school, and parks, he found his memories resurfaced uncorrupted, complete with the original feelings. This regression provided him with insight into his early influences and inner peace, underscoring the importance of knowing one’s past. To prepare for the trip, his mom, who was still alive at the time, gave him pictures and the addresses of their old houses, schools, parks, etc. So he knew where to go. And the fortunate and unfortunate thing is that Cuba has been stuck in 1959, and the buildings look the same! The trip was quite an emotional experience for him and his two friends who went with him. He learned a lot about himself! Mario told me that he actually discovered who he was on that trip! With Love, Heidy   Connect with Mario: Website Book   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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com 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.

    58 min
  5. From Lawyer to Therapist & Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher with Karen Munoz - Ep. 149

    Jun 9

    From Lawyer to Therapist & Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher with Karen Munoz - Ep. 149

    Welcome to episode 149 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! Karen Munoz shares her journey growing up in Chicago as the daughter of Mexican immigrant parents and how her experiences shaped her passion for helping others heal. Today, Karen is transitioning from a career in law into therapy while also teaching trauma-informed yoga full-time and mentoring first-generation students. In this episode, Karen reflects on her upbringing as the oldest child in a Mexican immigrant household and the responsibilities that came with being firstborn. She opens up about growing up in predominantly white neighborhoods in Chicago while maintaining strong ties to her Mexican culture and language at home. Karen also shares the challenges of navigating her cultural identity both in the United States and in Mexico, and how those experiences shaped her resilience, compassion, and desire to create culturally competent spaces for others. Karen takes us through her journey from working at a law firm and eventually becoming a lawyer representing traumatized individuals to pursuing a master’s degree in counseling psychology. She shares her passion for trauma-informed yoga, mentorship, and supporting first-generation students as they navigate higher education and professional careers. Karen also discusses how her immigrant identity plays a major role in the work she does today and her mission to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered. With Love, Heidy Connect with Karen: Website LinkedIn   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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com 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.

    36 min
  6. Immigrant Stories: Breaking Generational Cycles with Vic Martinez - Ep. 148

    Jun 4

    Immigrant Stories: Breaking Generational Cycles with Vic Martinez - Ep. 148

    Welcome to episode 148 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! Vic Martinez shares his personal upbringing, moving from New York to Florida at age four, where he was immersed in a diverse immigrant community. He discusses his parents’ reasons for immigrating from Guatemala and how their journey shaped his understanding of hustle and family values. The narrative highlights the contrasts between his childhood and that of his daughters, reflecting on the evolution of the American Dream and the conscious effort to create a different path for the next generation. This includes his venture into podcast production and video advertising with Brandcrumbs Media. Vic also shares about his most recent trip to Guatemala, where he took his whole family and enjoyed watching his daughters connect with their Guatemalian roots!  Lastly, Vic and I share how our upbringings have shaped our adulthood and parenting. We share what we are doing the same as our parents and what we are intentionally changing.  With Love, Heidy   Connect with Vic: Website Instagram   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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com   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.

    1h 2m
  7. Immigrant Stories: Dim Sum and Faith with author Jenn Suen Chen - Ep. 147

    Jun 2

    Immigrant Stories: Dim Sum and Faith with author Jenn Suen Chen - Ep. 147

    Welcome to episode 147 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! Jenn Chen shares her journey as the daughter of immigrants from Hong Kong, growing up in America while navigating cultural identity, faith, and belonging. Today, she is an author, spiritual director, coach, and companion who helps others embrace their stories and encounter God’s love through every season of life. In this episode, Jenn reflects on her family’s immigration journey and the sacrifices her parents made when they came to the United States in the early 1960s for university studies. She opens up about growing up as one of the few Asian families in a predominantly white community, feeling like an outsider, and navigating the tension between her Chinese heritage and American culture. Jenn also shares how language, faith, and family shaped her resilience and identity. Jenn takes us through her journey from studying bilingual multicultural education and teaching English as a second language to teaching in China, where she met her husband. She shares about her passion for spiritual formation, storytelling, and her book, Dim Sum and Faith, which explores how our stories form our souls and how God meets us even in the difficult and messy parts of life. Jenn also discusses how her immigrant identity continues to shape the work she does today as a spiritual director, coach, and writer. With Love, Heidy Connect with Jenn: Website Instagram Purchase Her Book    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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com 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.

    50 min
  8. Immigrant Stories: Latino World Traveler Founder Vanessa Fondeur-Adams - Ep. 146

    May 26

    Immigrant Stories: Latino World Traveler Founder Vanessa Fondeur-Adams - Ep. 146

    Welcome to episode 146 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! Vanessa Fondeur-Adams shares her journey from the Dominican Republic to New York City, her experience navigating life as the eldest daughter of a single mother working abroad, and how she has built a successful life as an educator, world traveler, and soul-led entrepreneur. In this episode, Vanessa Fondeur-Adams reflects on her family background in the Dominican Republic and the challenges of being separated from her mother for eight years. She opens up about the instability of her early years, the resilience required to be self-sufficient at a young age, and the pivotal moment of moving to New York at 17 to reunite with her family and start a new chapter. Vanessa Fondeur-Adams takes us through her journey from helping her mother make thousands of pastelitos for their family business to becoming a dedicated educator in New York City for over 17 years. She shares her passion for soul-led entrepreneurship, a mission she is passionate about that involves disrupting industries and following divine guidance, and how her immigrant identity and ancestral roots play a role in the work she does today. With Love, Heidy   Connect with Vanessa: Website Instagram Instagram YouTube   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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com   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.

    47 min
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About

Heidy De La Cruz hosts The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants. A 2x award-winning podcast about sharing the stories of immigrants and the immigrant experience, including their first memories of the US, the culture shocks they experienced, and their journey learning to navigate a whole new country. Join me, Heidy De La Cruz, in highlighting these stories that are often overlooked but deserve to be heard. I am on a mission to change the immigration narrative to a more compassionate and empathetic approach, like a Jesus approach.

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