First Generation Programming Services
Welcome back, First Gens, and Happy Pride Month! We’ve talked about mental health, neurodiversity, and finances as a first gen, but one thing we haven’t talked about much is Pride. We have amazing special guests that will share their stories and experiences for this month’s theme: Pride as a First Gen.
This week, we are welcoming Emanuel Anzules, a powerful voice in the first gen and LGBTQ+ communities. Emanuel was born and raised in Lima, Peru, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1993 at the age of seven on his own to reunite with his parents and sister. He grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers University in 2007, where he was an active campus leader, serving as class president and co-chair of the Latino Student Council.
Emanuel Anzules
After college, Emanuel joined Teach for America in Los Angeles, launching his career in education. He has taught social studies and English across various grade levels and now serves at Bronx Leadership Academy. Emanuel holds a Master of Business Administration from Boston University and a Master of Science in Teaching from Fordham University. In 2012, he began competing in pageants and went on to earn the titles of Mr. Gay New Jersey in 2014 and Mr. United States in 2017. Through pageantry, Emanuel has used his platform to advocate for individuals living with HIV, raise awareness about human trafficking, and support immigrant rights. He even created a scholarship fund for undocumented, college-bound seniors!
Pride as a First Gen
Emanuel’s journey showed him how to read the room, code-switch, and conceal parts of himself to stay safe. Over time, that awareness evolved into a powerful sense of pride. That pride took many forms, including pageantry. Emanuel found that what mattered most wasn’t external praise, but the ability to inspire and connect with others through authenticity.
Emanuel offers us gems of wisdom on self-awareness, boundary-setting, and healing through solitude. He reminds us that rest is resistance, and that embracing one’s full identity, queer, immigrant, educator, dreamer, is an act of love. As we enter Pride Month, Emanuel’s story is a reminder: every first-gen journey is unique, and every story holds the potential to reshape the narrative.
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!
