First Generation Programming Services

Welcome back, First Gens and Happy Fall! As we get ready to wrap up September and get ready to start October (how did this happen so fast?!), we end this month’s theme Community as a First Gen with one last solo episode. This week, I share with you all about the incredible communities that I have come to know and those that have been a part of my journey through life and my career. These communities have provided me with a lot of support, and I truly would not be on this journey without them. I hope they will also be able to provide you with the support that you are looking for. Without further ado, here are some of the communities that I have been a part of my journey!

Community as a First Gen

1. One of my first shout-outs goes to The Jefa Circle, a community of Latina entrepreneurs created by Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda. After reading Ashley’s book, Jefa in Training, I felt empowered to leap into entrepreneurship full-time. Now, as part of the Jefa Circle, I have found a network of women who understand the unique hustle of being a Latina first-gen entrepreneur. Whether it’s virtual chats or in person meetups, this group has been a game changer to support my confidence and growth. Find out more here: https://ashleykstoyanovojeda.com/lets-work-together

 2. Another network on my list is the Next Generation Network (NGN), led by founder Gabby Borrero. This group brings women from all walks of life together to share their experiences and collaborate on projects and mentorship. I initially connected with Gabby at a conference and was inspired by how NGN members truly support each other. NGN offers both virtual and in-person networking events, giving members plenty of opportunities to connect, no matter where you are. Find about more about NGN here: https://www.thenextgenerationnetwork.com/.

3. There are a few other communities that made a big difference in my personal and professional growth including: HACE (Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement) and ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America). Through the Mujeres de HACE leadership program, I found a network of Latina leaders pushing each other forward. Representation is crucial and important to my growth as a leader. HACE has helped me recognize that. ALPFA has given me the opportunity to connect with an in-person network in Florida that I did not have before. This is very important if you have recently moved to a new place and would like to make new connections. ALPFA’s free membership offers access to events and workshops that empower Latino professionals across the country. Learn more about HACE here: https://haceonline.org/leadership-programs/. Learn more about ALPFA here: https://www.alpfa.org/.

Before we wrap up, here are some tips to finding community:

1. Make a list of all the values that are most important to you. Whether it’s authenticity, leadership, or creativity, this list will help guide you toward the right group.

2. Use this list when looking for a new community. If a network/community doesn’t share your core values, it may not be the best fit.

3. Informally interview members to see if their values align with yours. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s important that you get to know the members better in order to help you decide if it’s the right space for you.

Lastly, I want to remind you to start slow and don’t feel pressured to join every community at once. Take baby steps, try one out, and see if it resonates with you. If you find that it’s not the right fit, it’s okay to move on. Just keep searching for the network that reflects who you are. And remember, your First Gen Madrina is always here to support you through your journey!

The First Gen Madrina