First Generation Programming Services
Welcome back, First Gens! I hope you’ve been learning as much about neurodiversity this month as I have. As a reminder, this month’s theme is Celebrating Neurodiversity as a First Gen. It’s a topic I think deserves more attention, and I hope each episode inspires you to learn more.
This week, I welcome a brand-new guest, Isaac Akinde, an ADHD coach, qualified teacher, and passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as an adult, he draws on his personal experience to help others understand and embrace their neurodivergence.
Isaac Akinde
As the Co-Director of Neurodiversity and Education at CIC, and the director of his own coaching business, IOA Coaching, Isaac supports individuals, families, and educators in navigating the challenges of ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent conditions. He works to empower clients to unlock their potential and develop strategies for success. Isaac also serves as a freelance workshop facilitator for Black Men Teach, delivering sessions on mentorship, masculinity, personal awareness, mental health, and neurodiversity in schools. His diverse experiences enable him to connect with a wide range of audiences and provide practical support in both educational and personal contexts.
As a father of five children, two of whom are neurodivergent, Isaac has a deep understanding of the challenges families face. His approach is rooted in lived experience, empathy, and a commitment to creating a nurturing environment for neurodivergent individuals. In our conversation, Isaac opens up about his journey of being diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as an adult, and how those experiences have shaped not only his career but also his purpose. He shares with us the challenges of navigating life before his diagnosis, telling us about those moments of frustration and misunderstanding, and how his diagnoses finally led to some clarity and relief.
Celebrating Neurodiversity as a First Gen
Isaac also shares how his own experience is what drives his passion for coaching and advocacy. He knows what it feels like to go through this, and now he uses that to support others in their neurodivergent journeys. Through his coaching work, he helps individuals, families, and educators better understand ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent conditions as differences that come with their own strengths and potential.
During the conversation, we reflected on the importance of embracing your full self, especially in those spaces that lack representation and understanding of neurodiversity. Isaac stresses the power of self-awareness and self-acceptance and encourages us to see neurodivergence as something to be proud of, rather than something to hide or something that needs to be fixed.
Throughout these conversations we want to remind you that you are never alone in this journey. Remember to take pride in how far you’ve come. And when things get tough, remember that you have your Madrina cheering you on. For more information about Isaac follow him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-akinde-21b84639/?originalSubdomain=uk
The First Gen Madrina/The Social Work Madrina
If you are a University, College, Company or Organization, The First Gen Madrina offers workshops on a variety of topics (such as imposter syndrome, time management, managing burnout, building a self-care plan, etc..), custom built mentorship programs as well as customized services tailored to your needs.
In order to follow along, remember to rate, review, and subscribe to The First Gen Madrina Podcast to stay connected. Also, follow on Instagram and LinkedIn @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW. Sara acknowledges that the term first gen can be fluid, so The First Gen Madrina is committed to supporting all first gens! This isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about providing unwavering support that propels individuals to embrace life’s challenges and triumphs.
Also, in case you have missed it, I recently announced a new branch of The First Gen Madrina called The Social Work Madrina. The Social Work Madrina will bring intentional support to social workers and more programming on mental health. Within TSWM, you will find The Madrina Network: A Community for Social Workers!
Our community deserves more support, guidance and resources.
Soooooo are you ready? Here are some highlights of the community!
Monthly zoom calls to discuss the successes, challenges and needs of the social work community.
Opportunity to network with fellow social workers from all over the U.S!
Monthly workshops with different social work-related themes.
Optional coaching time with me for additional support!
Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks for more information! Check out thefirstgenmadrina.com/themadrinanetwork for more information soon!
¡Hasta pronto!
