First Generation Programming Services
Welcome back, First Gens! It’s episode 101, and another week where we continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month! We’re here to have those tough conversations and remind you that you are not alone. This week, as we continue to talk about mental health, we welcome Erica Priscilla Sandoval. Erica is a licensed clinical social worker, founder of Sandoval CoLab and Siembra Today, and a powerful voice in the movement to decolonize therapy and reimagine healing for our communities.
Erica Priscilla Sandoval
Erica does a great job at making us feel seen. She shares with us how she lives and breathes wellness. Every word she shares, every space she creates, is rooted in deep care for underrepresented communities, especially those of us navigating the complexities of being first gen, immigrants or children of immigrants, and cycle breakers in our families. Erica reflects on what it means to truly heal. It’s not just through talk therapy, but by integrating ancestral practices, body wisdom, spirituality, and community.
Mental Health as a First Gen
Erica also speaks about healing as both personal and political. So many of us grew up in survival mode. We were taught to push through, to perform, to be the “good child” or the “successful one.” But what happens when that version of success starts to feel empty? When our bodies are exhausted, and our spirits feel disconnected from who we really are?
Erica reminds us that healing is not about fixing ourselves. It’s about remembering who we are beneath the conditioning. And for first gens like us, that’s revolutionary. It means unlearning shame, reconnecting with our roots, and honoring the wisdom that’s already within us. For more information on Erica’s work, check out her website: https://www.siembratoday.org/
If you’ve ever felt like traditional therapy didn’t speak to your lived experience, if you’re craving a deeper, more culturally rooted way to care for yourself, this might be for you. Remember, there’s not a one size fits all approach to this. We are all different, creating our own paths to growth, success, and survival. What works for one might not work for another and that’s okay! That’s why I am here to show you some options and help you build a community that will lead you to forge your own path. I am always in your corner!
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!
