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-106 Taking Risks as a First Gen with Vicky Winkler
Dear First Gens,
In this episode, host Sara welcomes guest, Vicky Winkler, to The First Gen Madrina Podcast! This gives us a brand-new episode for this month's theme, Taking Risks as a First Gen!
Vicky is the founder of Wildly Creative Wellness (formerly known as My Natural Reflections), a space where creativity becomes a tool for self-care, healing, and joy. Growing up, Vicky was always drawn to creative activities—rearranging rooms, playing with design, and making things just for the joy of it—but she never saw herself as an artist. Believing that art had to meet certain standards to be “good,” she chose a more conventional path, studying IT and multimedia. While parts of it were enjoyable, her career never felt truly fulfilling. As life got busier with work and family, her creativity took a back seat—until a growing sense that something was missing led her to rediscover it through art journaling. That moment of reconnecting with creativity, free from pressure or perfection, changed everything. Now, through her workshops, courses, one-on-one support, and custom group experiences, Vicky helps others experience that same creative freedom. Her mission is to help people find calm, connection, and wellness by allowing themselves to be wild and free through artmaking.
Visit thefirstgenmadrina.com for the blog and additional resources. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected. Also, follow me on Instagram @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW on LinkedIn.
Supporting Your Journey,
Sara, The First Gen Madrina