First Generation Programming Services
Welcome back, First Gens! This week, we are continuing to chat about our theme, Resiliency as a First Gen, and celebrating Filipino American History Month, by welcoming Tiffany Joy Argonza. Tiffany is a first-generation Filipino American Mom, coach, and founder of The Studio Ligaya, an event and wellness space in Central New Jersey. The Studio Ligaya was created to help women, especially moms and firs gen leaders, take up space and reclaim their joy. Through fitness, community events, and storytelling, Tiffany empowers women to lead with love, light, and ligaya, the Tagalog word for joy.
Tiffany Joy Argonza
In this episode, Tiffany shares her story with us, about how she grew up as the youngest in the family, often feeling unseen. She talks about how she joined a Filipino dance troupe in high school that helped her really reconnect with her cultural roots. She learned that movement wasn’t just a way to express herself, but also a way to belong. That sense of belonging and community is what became the foundation of her work.
But resilience isn’t always pretty. Tiffany talks about being overlooked in the corporate world, told to “just sit and look pretty,” and she tells us how she was pushed aside when she spoke up. It was during these difficult moments that she learned to advocate for herself.
Everything came together during the pandemic when Tiffany was laid off. This came just after becoming a new mom, and depression set in. Instead of letting this define her, she decided to build the space she wished she’d had: a place of community, movement, and healing.
Resiliency as a First Gen
Today, The Studio Ligaya is more than just a fitness and event space. It’s a place where women can show up as their full selves. Classes bring together generations of women, creating an effect of joy and strength.
Tiffany reminds us that our voices matter, but also that resilience has a shadow side. Many first gens are so used to pushing through that they forget to pause. After losing her father earlier this year, she learned the importance of slowing down and caring for herself, not just for her, but for her son.
Through movement, storytelling, and community, Tiffany is changing the narrative of what resilience can look like: soft, strong, and full of ligaya! Find out more information about The Studio Ligaya here: https://www.thestudioligaya.com/
The First Gen 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!
