Welcome back, First Gens! On this week’s episode of The First Gen Madrina podcast, we’re chatting about redefining leadership as a first gen. This week’s conversation serves as a reminder that it’s normal to doubt yourself when trying something new, but full of the realization that we don’t have to do it all alone.
To discuss this more, we welcome Carla Santamaria, a Miami raised, Honduran born immigrant who more than doubled her salary in 10 months by job hopping from higher ed to healthcare to tech! In addition to her full-time tech job, Carla is a career coach on a mission to help first gen women of color increase their salaries by 30k in six months or less. Since 2021, she’s helped her clients collectively increase their salaries by more than half a million dollars. Carla is the host of The First Gen Coach Podcast, a career and lifestyle podcast where first-gen professional Latinas learn to advance their career, unlearn limiting beliefs and build wealth.
Much like the rest of us, Carla shares with us how, for a long time, she didn’t see herself as a leader because of how her idea of leadership was tied to the corporate world. Over time, she realized that she’s been a leader all along, just in her own way.
Carla Santamaria
Redefining Leadership as a First Gen
Carla shares her personal career pivot story, including the moment she realized she was being underpaid and undervalued in her higher ed role. Despite loving her job, she knew she had to put herself first, which is what led her to pivot. She figured out what she wanted next, and she made it happen.
In this episode, we also discuss the theme of permission: permission to rest, permission to celebrate wins without guilt, and permission to honor the sacrifices of our families while still creating lives that feel authentically ours. For so many first gens, the instinct is to keep pushing to prove that all the sacrifices made for us were “worth it.” As Carla reminds us, part of honoring our families is also learning to care for ourselves.
One final reminder, we want to share that leadership doesn’t have to look like a boardroom. It can look like advocating for your parents, managing family logistics, or being the first to go after something different. Much like Carla, you’re probably leading in ways you’ve never even acknowledged, and it’s time to start owning that. Check out Carla’s podcast here: The First Gen Coach.
The First Gen Madrina
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!
