First Generation Programming Services

Mayra Rosas

 

Mayra is a proud native of South-Central Los Angeles and first-generation daughter of immigrants from Mexico and El Salvador. Mayra shares with us her memories of growing up as a first gen, often switching roles with her parents to support them in various ways. Mayra often found herself translating and navigating complex systems, something other first gens may know all too well. This early responsibility created a sense of duty to be the caretaker and a strong work ethic, but it also brought the immense pressure to succeed. As she navigated through this journey, Mayra made the decision to pursue higher education.

Despite the obstacles she faced, Mayra’s love for learning pushed her to keep moving forward. She figured out how to apply for college and scholarships on her own and ultimately became the first in her family to attend college. This achievement was not just a personal milestone, but it was also a big step in breaking the cycle of limited opportunities her family faced. Of course, as a first-gen, Mayra still faced many challenges. The weight of expectations to be successful and stay on top led to feelings of burnout and isolation. Mayra shares with us how she struggled with the pressure of being the perfect student and daughter. She stresses how important it is to recognize these feelings, talk about them, and get help when necessary.

Defying Expectations

As it is our theme this month, we asked Mayra to tell us how she has defied expectations. After a successful career in television, Mayra made the brave decision to pivot towards something with more meaning and impact. Today, Mayra partners with major brands to provide resources, opportunities, and platforms for the Latina community. Her work is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by traditional paths but by the courage to follow your passion and make a difference.

For our Social Work with Sara segment, Mayra stressed the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. She talks about the need to let go of that feeling that rest must be earned and instead, prioritize mental health and well-being. Overall, Mayra encourages us to embrace our unique paths and to redefine success on our terms. She reminds us that we have the power to write our own stories, make new paths, and create a brighter future for ourselves. To follow Mayra along her journey, follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/mayrarosas.co/?hl=en.

The First Gen Madrina