The First Gen Madrina
The First Gen Madrina Podcast is a podcast for first-generation students, professionals, and cycle-breakers who are navigating life without a blueprint. Hosted by social worker, coach, and The First Gen Madrina Sara, this podcast explores the real conversations we were never taught to have about mental health, money, and navigating systems while building a life that feels aligned and sustainable.
Each episode blends honest storytelling, practical tools, and culturally responsive insights to help you break generational cycles, overcome imposter syndrome, heal burnout, and redefine success on your own terms. Whether we’re unpacking mental wellness, financial empowerment, career growth, or the in-between moments of becoming, you’ll find guidance rooted in compassion, community, and accountability.
The First Gen Madrina
E-100 Mental Health as a First Gen with Dr. Paul Rivera
Dear First Gens,
In this episode, host Sara welcomes guest, Dr. Paul Rivera, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Mental Health as a First Gen!
Dr. Rivera holds a PhD in Economics from University of Southern California and a BS from Texas A&M. He has been recognized globally as a strategist, speaker, facilitator, and dynamic educator. He has worked with NGOs, academia, national governments, civil society, international donor organizations, companies, 1-1 clients, think tanks, and MORE. Dr. Rivera’s career started as founding faculty at CSU Channel Islands where he served as tenured professor and department chair. Dr. Rivera has been a noted keynote speaker and featured on the top 1-5% global podcasts and global media outlets such as Inside Small Business and More!
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Supporting Your Journey,
Sara, The First Gen Madrina