The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

Heidy De La Cruz
The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants is an award-winning podcast about sharing the stories of Immigrants, 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. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream/support

  1. “If I Denounce My Accent” with Sindy F. Ep. 72

    4 DAYS AGO

    “If I Denounce My Accent” with Sindy F. Ep. 72

    Welcome to episode 72 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! Today, I’m sharing my conversation with author Sindy F., who wrote If I Denounce My Accent. This novel is based on true events, and I finished it on our holiday vacation in the Dominican Republic. There was something different about reading a book about the Dominican culture and experience while being in the Dominican Republic. Sindy talks about moving from the Dominican Republic to New Jersey at the age of 14 without knowing how to speak English. She shares about her first culture shock and the writing process of her novel. Sindy says the writing process for her was like a love letter to herself. She shares topics that are usually taboo to talk about in the Dominican culture. I’m so excited to share her story with you today.  With Love, Heidy Connect with Sindy: Website: https://sindyf.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sindyfe_/  Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox! https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here. Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the show. Send me an email, and I will send you the advertisement packages. Thank you.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream/support

    24 min
  2. Navigating Different Worlds: Chinese, Vietnamese, Taiwan, and American with Kathy Ep. 71

    NOV 26

    Navigating Different Worlds: Chinese, Vietnamese, Taiwan, and American with Kathy Ep. 71

    Welcome to episode 71 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! Today, I spoke with Kathy, a transformational coach, about her unique experience as a first-generation child of immigrant parents from two different countries. Kathy shares heartfelt stories about her upbringing, cultural identity, and navigating life as an immigrant child. Kathy’s mother, a Chinese refugee from Vietnam, and her father, originally from Taiwan, met in Connecticut before moving to Morgan Hill, California, to open an American fast-food restaurant.  Kathy opens up about growing up as one of the few Asian families in a predominantly white small town and on the struggle of belonging, both in the U.S. and when visiting her parents’ home countries. She shares anecdotes about her trips to Taiwan, emphasizing the safety, hospitality, and cultural richness she experienced and the challenges of being labeled as "different."  This seems to be a common theme among us who are children of immigrants.  With Love, Heidy Connect with Kathy: Website: https://www.kathymou.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Kathy.mou/  Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox! https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here. Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the show. Send me an email, and I will send you the advertisement packages. Thank you.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream/support

    28 min
  3. The Empowered Woman’s Path: Marta’s Journey from Brazil to the US. Ep. 70

    NOV 12

    The Empowered Woman’s Path: Marta’s Journey from Brazil to the US. Ep. 70

    Welcome to episode 70 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! Today’s guest is Marta Spirk, a Brazilian immigrant who moved to the U.S. at 23, nine months after having her triplets. Marta has worked as a freelance court interpreter and is now a visibility strategist and recording artist with two published books and a podcast. Her passion for learning English was fueled by her exposure to music during childhood, which led to various achievements, including singing the national anthem at a Nuggets game. Upon moving to the U.S., Marta faced cultural differences, particularly around domestic responsibilities, which were different from those in Brazil. Adjusting to these changes proved challenging, highlighting contrasts between American and Brazilian customs. A return visit to Brazil brought mixed emotions as she navigated family dynamics and committed to overcoming challenges in America.  With Love, Heidy Connect with Martha: Website: https://www.martaspirk.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martaspirk/  Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16cEQiwSFsB5kTprwCDtRK  Book Review: https://heidydelacruz.com/the-empowered-woman/  Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox! https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here. Want to advertise your business or sponsor an episode? Please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream/support

    37 min
  4. Education as a Gateway to Opportunity with Aimee Portes Ep. 69

    OCT 29

    Education as a Gateway to Opportunity with Aimee Portes Ep. 69

    Welcome to episode 69 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! Today’s guest is Aimee Portes - who shares her journey of immigrating to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic. Amy reflects on her early life in the Dominican Republic, explaining how financial pressures led her family to move to the U.S. to pursue better educational opportunities. She describes initial culture shocks upon moving, including adjusting to public transportation in winter and adapting to U.S. conveniences. Amy also shares her unique perspective on the “American Dream,” which initially meant financial independence and stability. For her, buying her first car within months of working marked a major accomplishment because in the Dominican Republic, she would make $300 a month. Today, her dream has evolved into building a successful entrepreneurship career in the holistic anti-aging industry, helping women regain confidence in their appearance and health. With Love, Heidy Connect with Aimee: Website: https://aimeeportes.com/freebie/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Aimee_Portes  Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox! https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here. Want to advertise your business or sponsor an episode? Please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream/support

    16 min
  5. “We Have All Been the Others” with Pat Marino Ep. 68

    OCT 22

    “We Have All Been the Others” with Pat Marino Ep. 68

    Welcome to episode 68 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! Today’s guest is Pat Marino, the author of “We Have All Been the Others": Reflections of a First Generation's Daughter on Belonging, Democracy, and a New American Dream.” Pat is a historian and was a high school ESL teacher. In her book, she shares about her grandparents' experiences living in a segregated Chicago. So, for this episode, we talk about her work as an ESL teacher, what she’s learned as a historian, especially in the immigration space, and her research on writing her book.  This episode is full of history, and it’s enriched by Pat’s work and life experiences.  With Love, Heidy P.S. This post contains product affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. Connect with Pat: Website: https://patriciamarino.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marino2137/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciajmarino/  Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox! https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here. Want to advertise your business or sponsor an episode? Please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream/support

    55 min
  6. Building Inclusive Teams: The Journey from an Immigrant to HR Consultant Ep. 67

    OCT 15

    Building Inclusive Teams: The Journey from an Immigrant to HR Consultant Ep. 67

    Welcome to episode 67 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! Today’s guest is Solveiga Jaskunas, an HR consultant and career coach who shares her journey as an immigrant from Lithuania to the United States. We discuss her childhood under Soviet rule, the challenges she faced adjusting to life in America, and her passion for helping other immigrants professionally. Solveiga shares how growing up in Soviet-controlled Lithuania shaped her resilience. Despite the hardships, her journey taught her to embrace hope and adaptability, which ultimately helped her succeed in both her personal and professional life in the U.S. She also stresses the significance of building a support system and not being afraid to seek help. Solveiga highlights how leveraging her network allowed her to overcome the challenges she faced as an immigrant, particularly in finding her first professional job. As a career coach and HR consultant, Solveiga advocates for diversity in organizations. She believes that immigrants bring unique strengths and perspectives and encourages companies to create more inclusive environments that embrace diverse talents rather than focusing solely on traditional qualifications. With Love, Heidy Connect with Solveiga: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solveigajaskunaskazlauskaite/  Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox! https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here. Want to advertise your business or sponsor an episode? Please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream/support

    21 min
  7. Bridging Borders: A Journey Through Culture, Identity, and Resilience with Soraya Ep. 66

    OCT 8

    Bridging Borders: A Journey Through Culture, Identity, and Resilience with Soraya Ep. 66

    Welcome to episode 66 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! Today’s guest is Soraya Senosier, the host of the Diaspora in Development Podcast. She shares her journey as a Haitian-Canadian growing up in Canada and the cultural impact of the U.S. We talked about societal differences between Canada and the U.S., although as neighboring countries, there are many similarities but more differences. For example, Canada’s cultural mosaic versus the American melting pot highlights the preservation of individual cultural identities. We also discuss recent negative sentiments toward the Haitian community and reflections on racism and colorism within Caribbean cultures. Lastly, Soraya’s initiative to launch the “Diaspora and Development” podcast addresses the complexities of international development for people of color. It highlights achievements and ongoing challenges like burnout and racism while emphasizing gratitude for the struggles that have enabled a life without fear or persecution in the U.S. Listen in on this insightful conversation.  With Love, Heidy Connect with Soraya: Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3VwsfuB626mYx25WIIxORH?si=1cf612e9e7174daf Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes, interact with other listeners of the show, and receive new episodes right in your inbox! https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here. Want to advertise your business or sponsor an episode? Please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream/support

    43 min
  8. My American Dream is Belonging with Prasanta Verma Ep. 65

    OCT 1

    My American Dream is Belonging with Prasanta Verma Ep. 65

    Welcome to episode 65 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! Today’s guest is Prasanta Verma, the author of Beyond Ethnic Loneliness: The Pain of Marginalization and the Path to Belonging. In this episode, we talk about her family’s decision to move to the US. Prasanta shares that the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 allowed her father to come, but his original plan wasn’t to stay in the US. He was a physician who wanted to work in the US and bring back equipment to India to help their healthcare system better.  Prasanta also shares about growing up as the only Indian immigrant family in a small rural town in Alabama, visiting India for the first time after moving to the US, and the process of writing her first book!  With Love, Heidy Connect with Prasanta: Website: https://prasantaverma.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prasantaverma/  Substack: https://prasantaverma.substack.com/embed  Oct 1 is the last day to vote! VOTE FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM IN THE EYES OF IMMIGRANTS PODCAST TO WIN THE WOMEN IN PODCASTING AWARDS Click on this link  https://www.womenpodcasters.com/vote  Enter your name and email  Click on vote for your favorite podcast  Add your name and email again for verification. (this is to verify you're actually a human not a bot 😉 LOL ) Scroll down to find my category, Society and Culture  My podcast should be the third one from the top down, "The American Dream In The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast"  Click on it and submit your vote!  That simple 👌🏽  THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Tell your friends and family! 🫶🏽🙌🏽 If you’d like to advertise your business or sponsor an episode, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out this podcast community on Substack!! There, you can comment on the episodes and interact with other listeners of the show! https://substack.com/@theamericandreampodcast I volunteer with Bethany Christian Services for their refugee resettlement program. They have a wish list for basic things that families usually need when they arrive in the United States. If you'd like to donate items, the wish list is here. Want to start your own podcast? – My six-week podcast course has EVERYTHING you need to launch your podcast the simple way - more information at my Stan Store! https://stan.store/heidydelacruz  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream/support

    27 min
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants is an award-winning podcast about sharing the stories of Immigrants, 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. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream/support

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