Welcome back First Gens! As we navigate the second week of October, we will continue our conversation on the immigration journey by welcoming a new guest to The First Gen Madrina Podcast, Nora Alwah!
Nora is a cis, queer, multiracial woman of color from Denmark and Comoros. Nora is also TEDx speaker, somatic psychotherapist, recognized mental health advocate, acclaimed educator with over 15 years of experience, and soon-to-be author. She is passionate about transforming the pain from oppression into possibility and guiding people to believe in themselves and discover their most powerful self. Nora empowers individuals living with marginalized, conflicting intersectional identities. She calls them n’betweeners ®, a term she coined to describe those who are trying to understand themselves in their complexity.
Nora Alwah
A lot of us might find ourselves caught in the space between cultures, constantly navigating questions of identity. Whether it’s something as simple as a necklace with our nickname or the languages we speak, the world around us sometimes makes us feel like we have to choose. But why should we? Sara talks with Nora about how she was constantly questioned for her nickname. Why “Sarita”? It wasn’t “Sara,” which seemed to make more sense to some. For years, she stopped wearing her Sarita necklace, avoiding the uncomfortable questions from non-Hispanic peers. After college, something clicked in Sara that made her realize the nickname is a part of her. Why hide it? And that’s when we stop and realize, if they don’t get it, then they’re probably not our people.
This is a pretty common experience in the first-gen community. Nora, an amazing therapist and healer, shares a similar struggle. Born to a Danish mother and French father, she grew up speaking both languages. When people find out that she is bilingual, they often press her to pick a primary language. Was it Danish or French? There’s a lot of pressure that comes with this. Nora realized it’s not about picking one, but about the beauty of embracing both. Now fluent in English and Spanish as well, she likes to mix languages freely. Nora feels like she can be her authentic self around fellow n’ betweeners and encourages others to find their community as well.
The First-Gen Immigration Journey
Sara and Nora remind us that as n’betweeners, it is normal to sometimes second-guess ourselves. Whether it’s mixing languages, wearing symbols of our heritage, or simply existing outside of neat boxes, we are perfect just the way we are. We need people who understand our experiences and who will hold us accountable when we try to hide who we are to fit in. Nora saw this need for community, which is why she created The Nest, a space where n-betweeners can gather, share their stories, and heal. It’s a place for people to feel heard and to witness others on the same journey.
Whether we’re mixed-race, BIPOC, queer, immigrants, multicultural, multi/bilingual, trans or gender-nonconforming and infinite other intersectional identities, n’betweeners often feel alone and misunderstood in their experience. Nora is dedicated to creating spaces and community for n’betweeners to feel seen, understood and belong! The journey to fully embracing our identities is not easy, but it’s worth taking. Let’s remind ourselves that our in-between spaces are what make us powerful. And remember, if someone doesn’t embrace all of who you are, they’re probably not meant to be part of your journey.
The First Gen 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 the needs of the client.
Join Sara, The First Gen Madrina, for individual coaching and/or group coaching. The journey can often feel lonely but that does not mean that you are alone! Check out the Our Services tab on our website for more information! http://thefirstgenmadrina.com
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.
In conclusion, stay tuned to meet amazing first-generation guests for the podcast, endless topics related to the first-gen experience and transformational coaching! Sara is your go to Madrina for all things first gen!
¡Hasta pronto!
Sara, The First Gen Madrina
