First Generation Programming Services
Welcome back, First Gens! April is flying by and we’re still learning more about this month’s theme: Celebrating Neurodiversity as a First Gen. As we continue this discussion and learn more about this topic, we welcome a brand-new guest to The First Gen Madrina Podcast, Felicitas Nungaray. Feli is a licensed psychotherapist, neurodivergent coach, and proud first gen who’s doing powerful work in the world of neurodiversity.
Feli is a first-gen Chicana and the youngest of ten siblings. Growing up in Southern California, Feli had to figure out big responsibilities early on, including translating and advocating for her family. Despite obstacles, like not being allowed to live on campus, she paved her way through college and into a career rooted in service and advocacy.
Feli Nungaray
Her journey into the neurodivergent community began when she was 19, working with children with autism as part of an undergrad internship. That experience sparked her passion, and since then, she’s worked across disability services, nonprofits, and higher education. She is passionate about building neuro-affirming programs and safe spaces for students who often fall through the cracks.
What makes Feli’s work even more powerful is how it’s connected with her personal life. She’s the proud “mothership” of a neurodivergent home, raising her daughter with intention and care, while also recognizing her own late diagnosis of ADHD. Her reflections on intergenerational neurodivergence, cultural stigma, and creating inclusive systems from the ground up were truly moving.
Celebrating Neurodiversity as a First Gen
In 2022, she launched Neuroseeds By Feli, which supports neurodivergent adults navigating college or early career life, whether they have a formal diagnosis or not. Her mission is to center people’s lived experiences and help them thrive in systems that weren’t built for them in the first place.
Feli reminds us that neurodiversity is a movement. It’s about different minds, different ways of being, and ultimately, a fight for justice and inclusion. Her message to our community is to advocate, educate, and take care of our mental health, especially now, as disability protections like 504 plans face threats on a national level.
These conversations with people like Feli continue to teach us more as we build our community. Remember that if you need someone to talk to, we are always here to help, and we hope to help you all continue to build your community as well. Follow Feli on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/neuroseeds_byfeli/.
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!
