Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

Heidy De La Cruz
  • 5.0 (23)
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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. From Guyana to Corporate America: Redefining the American Dream with Rebecca Vera Cox- Ep. 133

    4H AGO

    From Guyana to Corporate America: Redefining the American Dream with Rebecca Vera Cox- Ep. 133

    Welcome to episode 133 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! Rebecca Vera Cox, an HR executive and founder of Ventura Group, shares her inspiring journey from Guyana to the Cayman Islands and eventually to the United States, where she built a powerful career rooted in adaptability, leadership, and resilience. In this episode, Rebecca reflects on her upbringing in Guyana, her early professional experiences abroad, and the courage it took to keep moving forward in pursuit of growth. She opens up about the cultural shocks she faced when transitioning to life and work in New York—especially around communication styles, workplace expectations, and navigating professional spaces as an immigrant woman. Rebecca takes us through her career evolution from gaining international experience to establishing herself as a respected HR leader in the U.S. She shares how earning advanced HR certifications and a master’s degree in HR risk and compliance helped shape her leadership path, and how founding Ventura Group became a way to leverage her global perspective and professional expertise. Her immigrant identity continues to influence how she leads, builds relationships, and creates opportunities for others. With Love, Heidy Connect with Rebecca Vieira Cox: Website Facebook 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  Ir Al Sol Swimwear Capital BPG Far From Home Podcast Kaza Law Immigration Barbara Perez 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   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 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.

    31 min
  2. Couldn’t be Jewish in Russia and Couldn’t be Russian in the United States - Ep. 132

    FEB 17

    Couldn’t be Jewish in Russia and Couldn’t be Russian in the United States - Ep. 132

    Welcome to episode 132 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! Irene Vaksberg shares her powerful journey from immigrating to the United States from the former Soviet Union at just 12 years old to building and rebuilding her life through entrepreneurship, resilience, and purpose-driven work. In this episode, Irene reflects on growing up Jewish in the former Soviet Union, the discrimination and persecution her family faced, and the sacrifices her parents made to give their children a better future. She opens up about the cultural shock of arriving in the U.S., learning English, navigating reverse discrimination, and adapting to an entirely new way of life after years of scarcity and restriction. Irene takes us through her journey from dreaming of becoming a hairdresser to building a successful salon business in Rhode Island, honoring her father’s legacy by putting his name in lights, before later moving to Los Angeles for new opportunities. She also shares how a life-altering car accident led her to discover neurological wearable technology, transforming her pain into a new mission to help others struggling with chronic pain and mental health challenges. Through it all, Irene’s immigrant identity and lived experiences continue to fuel her passion for inspiring others. With Love, Heidy Connect with Irene Vaksberg: Instagram YouTube 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  Ir Al Sol Swimwear Capital BPG Far From Home Podcast Kaza Law Immigration Barbara Perez 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   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 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.

    18 min
  3. From Kurdistan to the United States: An Engineer’s Immigrant Journey of Resilience and Reinvention - Ep. 131

    FEB 10

    From Kurdistan to the United States: An Engineer’s Immigrant Journey of Resilience and Reinvention - Ep. 131

    Welcome to episode 131 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! Sairan Aqrawi shares her powerful journey from Northern Iraq to the United States, arriving in 1996 with big dreams, resilience, and determination. With over 30 years of engineering experience, Sairan has transitioned into coaching, helping women monetize their skills and step confidently into their purpose. In this episode, Sairan reflects on her family background, her upbringing in Northern Iraq, and the realities of immigrating to a new country. She opens up about adapting to American culture, navigating language and cultural barriers, and the challenges of starting over while staying connected to her roots. Sairan takes us through her journey from a long and successful engineering career to becoming a coach and strategist for women entrepreneurs. She shares her passion for empowering women to grow their businesses, particularly through LinkedIn and strategic visibility, and how her immigrant identity deeply influences her work today. With Love, Heidy P.S. Mention this episode and get a free 15-minute consultation with Sairan!  Connect with Sairan Aqrawi: Instagram Website 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  Ir Al Sol Swimwear Capital BPG Far From Home Podcast Kaza Law Immigration Barbara Perez 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   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 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.

    38 min
  4. Building Financial Freedom with Arise Financial Coaching - Ep. 130

    FEB 3

    Building Financial Freedom with Arise Financial Coaching - Ep. 130

    Welcome to episode 130 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! Nicole Stanley, founder of Arise Financial Coaching, shares her powerful story as a Puerto Rican woman raised in Florida who turned personal financial struggle into a purpose-driven business helping hundreds of families take control of their money. In this episode, Nicole reflects on her upbringing in a money-conscious Puerto Rican household, the financial stress she witnessed growing up, and how those early experiences shaped her relationship with money. She opens up about getting married at 22 with significant debt, cultural identity challenges, and the mindset shifts that helped her and her husband pay off $30,000 in debt in just 10 months. Nicole takes us through her journey from initially pursuing a traditional professional path to discovering her passion for financial education and coaching. She shares how her own transformation led her to create Arise Financial Coaching, a business that has served over 600 clients since 2020, offering free workshops and personalized coaching to help people build stability, confidence, and long-term wealth. She also discusses how her immigrant identity and cultural background shape how she approaches money conversations today. With Love, Heidy Connect with Nicole: Instagram Threads TikTok 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  Ir Al Sol Swimwear Capital BPG Far From Home Podcast Kaza Law Immigration Barbara Perez 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   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 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.

    31 min
  5. “The American Dream is Engraved in the Constitution” - Ep. 129

    JAN 27

    “The American Dream is Engraved in the Constitution” - Ep. 129

    Welcome to episode 129 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! Mohamed Mo Rachadi shares his journey from French Morocco to the United States, arriving in 1970 on a soccer scholarship with limited English and big dreams. Today, Mohammed is a retired academic, author, public speaker, and philanthropist, dedicated to storytelling, education, and community impact. In this episode, Mohamed reflects on his early life in Morocco, his decision to immigrate, and the challenges he faced adjusting to American culture and language barriers. He opens up about the initial setbacks he encountered as a student, the persistence it took to adapt, and how resilience became the foundation of his success. With Love, Heidy Connect with Mo: Speaker Portfolio LinkedIn 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  Ir Al Sol Swimwear Capital BPG Far From Home Podcast Kaza Law Immigration Barbara Perez 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   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.

    29 min
  6. Navigating Identity, Expectations, and Entrepreneurship as a First-Gen Immigrant - Ep. 128

    JAN 20

    Navigating Identity, Expectations, and Entrepreneurship as a First-Gen Immigrant - Ep. 128

    Welcome to episode 128 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! Claudia Garcia, a first-generation immigrant and online business coach, shares her journey growing up in Los Banos, California, navigating responsibility at a young age, and ultimately building a business rooted in freedom, mindset, and generational change. In this episode, Claudia reflects on her childhood as a first-generation daughter, translating for her parents, helping her family navigate systems, and experiencing financial hardship. She opens up about the pressure to succeed, the realities of growing up with limited resources, and how those early experiences shaped her work ethic and desire to create a different future. Claudia takes us through her transition from the classroom to entrepreneurship, leaving teaching to become an online business coach. She shares how her mission is centered on breaking cycles of burnout, long work hours, and financial instability. Through her coaching programs and her podcast, Breakthrough and Conquer, she empowers others to build successful businesses using mindset shifts, productivity strategies, and intentional action. With Love, Heidy Connect with Claudia: Podcast Website Instagram 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  Ir Al Sol Swimwear Capital BPG Far From Home Podcast Kaza Law Immigration Barbara Perez 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   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.

    33 min
  7. Unapologetically First Gen with Lesley and Stacy - Ep. 127

    JAN 13

    Unapologetically First Gen with Lesley and Stacy - Ep. 127

    Welcome to episode 127 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! Lesley and Stacy, sisters and first-generation Americans, share their experiences growing up in an immigrant household shaped by their Azorean heritage. From navigating bicultural identities to redefining parenting, mental health, and success, they offer two distinct yet deeply connected perspectives on the first-generation experience. In this episode, Lesley and Stacy reflect on their upbringing, the influence of an eight-year age gap, and how cultural expectations shaped their roles within the family. They open up about being raised between two cultures, the responsibilities placed on first-generation children, and the differences in parenting styles—highlighting how each sister experienced their childhood in unique ways. With Love, Heidy Connect with Lesley and Stacy: Podcast   ***I’m excited to share a trailer for The Grad School Femtoring Podcast, hosted by Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu. This award-winning show supports first-gen BIPOC students and professionals in navigating grad school, careers, and productivity in sustainable, values-aligned ways. Give it a listen and grab Yvette’s free Sustainable Productivity Playbook plus curated podcast playlist here: https://creative-trailblazer-5062.kit.com/29b17bb6a4 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  Ir Al Sol Swimwear Capital BPG Far From Home Podcast Kaza Law Immigration 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   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.

    55 min
  8. The Unspoken Truth about Loneliness in Immigration - Ep. 126

    JAN 6

    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, Heidy Connect with Valentina Rivera: Podcast Instagram 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  Ir Al Sol Swimwear Capital BPG Far From Home Podcast Kaza Law Immigration 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   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.

    46 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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