First Gen 101
🎉 Welcome to First Gen 101 – the podcast where first-generation graduates share their stories and career tips. 🌟
Episodes
On this episode of First Gen 101, Miguel interviews Katie Leiva about career growth, networking, and life after college. Katie shares how her mother’s journey from Cuba shaped her family’s commitment to education.
She reflects on changing career path, pivoting into student affairs, and landing her first job at Vanderbilt after attending a professional conference. As a military spouse, she learned to adapt, reinventin...
Financial Clarity Starts Within: Insights from Samuel Molina
In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, Miguel interviews Samuel Molina, founder of the Academy of Financial Education, a nonprofit delivering practical and culturally relevant financial education. They discuss his first-gen college experience and the key money lessons he learned from his mother. Samuel explains the Academy’s holistic approach, paire...
In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, Elizaveta Shafir, founder of Intentional Money, shares how becoming financially independent at 20 pushed her from month-to-month budgeting into long-term planning. She discusses moving from Russia to the U.S. at 27 and learning a new financial system, including how to navigate credit history, 401(k)s, retirement planning, and investing. Elizaveta explains how her interes...
In this episode of the First Gen 101 Podcast, host Miguel welcomes Hasmik Vardanyan, a former legal intern at John Jay Legal Services and now a successful law firm owner of the Vardanyan Law Group. Hasmik shares her inspiring journey from moving to the USA at 17, gaining invaluable experience at Pace Law, to eventually opening her own firm. They discuss the importance of internships, the realities of running a law f...
Miguel welcomes first-gen graduate Eustache Clerveaux to the First Gen 101 podcast to discuss his journey from Haiti to the U.S. Eustache describes working multiple jobs through school, completing an MBA in finance, and spending years trying to break into the industry before starting in life insurance sales and building credentials. Now a partner and private wealth advisor firm, he helps clients reach their financia...
In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel sits down with Alex Embree, M.Ed., AFC®, a first-generation college graduate and Program Manager for the Office for Financial Success at the University of Missouri, where she leads a team of Peer Financial Coaches.
Alex shares her journey into personal finance and breaks down the essentials every first-gen student should know—taxable income, deductions, credit...
Navigating Business and Education: The Story of GET 9
Welcome to the First Gen 101 Podcast! In this episode, host Miguel welcomes back Jacquie Carroll to discuss her journey in starting a business. Jacquie, who shared her first-gen story in Season 2, Episode 7, focuses on the business aspects of launching 'GET 9', an educational game designed to improve math skills and reduce math anxiety. They delve into t...
Mentorship and Growth: A Lawyer's Journey with Tyler Rutherford
In this episode of the First Gen 101 Podcast, host Miguel welcomes Tyler Rutherford, a first-generation lawyer. Tyler shares his journey from a small town in Texas to becoming a corporate lawyer in New York. He discusses his educational background, the challenges of law school, and the importance of building a strong support network. Tyler...
Overcoming Debt and Building a Future with Edward Disi
Join us on the First Gen 101 podcast as we speak with Edward Disi, a Nigerian immigrant and college graduate with over 20 years in the software industry, who now empowers others through financial coaching at CLY Coaching. In this episode, Edward shares his inspiring journey from Nigeria to the US, his career progression in technology, and how he developed a passi...
🎙️ New Episode of First Gen 101!
In this inspiring episode, host Miguel sits down with Cesar Margarito, a proud first-generation college graduate and advocate for educational equity. Cesar opens up about his journey from his roots as an immigrant from Jalisco, Mexico, to navigating the U.S. education system and launching Fly Socks—a creative venture that funds scholarships for first-generation students through the s...
In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel welcomes guest Jacquie Carroll. Jacquie shares her inspiring journey from being the daughter of immigrants and a restaurant business owner to becoming a doctoral graduate. She dives into the challenges of navigating the education system as a first-generation student, the importance of mentorship, and the skills needed to learn effectively. Jacquie also offers...
Navigating College and Career as a First-Generation Student: Sarah Smyth’s Journey
In this episode of the First Gen 101 Podcast, we dive deep with Sarah Smyth, a certified social worker and program director for Trio Student Support Services at St. Peter's University. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from being a first-generation college student to becoming a business owner. She emphasizes the importance of soc...
In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel Sanchez chats with Nick Moustakas, a recent graduate of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. They delve into Nick's transformative journey through law school, from initial doubts and challenges to successful bar exam preparation. Nick shares his insights on what sparked his interest in law, the importance of mentorship, and how he overcame the stresses of s...
In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel Sanchez is joined by social worker Dashelle Disna. They discuss Dashelle's journey as a first-generation American, her path from high school at Spring Valley to Dominican University, and her transition to social work. Dashelle shares the impact of extracurricular activities, such as Habitat for Humanity, and the value of vocational schools and community...
🎧 Ever wondered what it's like to navigate law school as a first-gen student? Join us on the latest episode of "First Gen 101" as Jonathan Campozano shares his personal experiences and tips for future law students. Don’t miss it! ⚖️ #LawSchool #FirstGenSuccess
In this episode of First Gen 101, host Miguel Sanchez interviews Jonathan Campozano, a practicing immigration attorney. Jonathan shares insight...
In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, Miguel welcomes Richard Mejia, who shares his compelling journey in the field of education. Growing up in Clifton, NJ, Richie faced numerous challenges, both academically and personally. He recounts his high school years, the pivotal moments that shaped his future. Richie discusses his family's role in motivating him and the turning point when his teacher's en...
In this episode of First Gen 101, Jessica Tursi, Director of Disability Services and Navigation at Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, shares how her passion for psychology led her to make impactful changes in her community and how she's paving the way for more inclusive environments. Jessica discusses overcoming challenges, redefining career paths, and the importance of building a supportive community.
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Meet Nia Adams, a first-gen student turned financial mentor. In our latest First Gen 101 episode, Nia openly discusses her path from uncertainty to financial empowerment, offering listeners practical strategies to conquer money challenges and pursue higher education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to transform their financial habits and gain confidence in their decisions. Catch the episode to chang...
In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, Miguel interviews Anthony Surrat, founder, CEO, & President of the National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students (First Gen Society). Anthony shares his personal journey from a lower economic background to becoming a successful academic and professional. They discuss the significance of mentorship, the holistic college experience, and the importan...
In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel sits down with Joshua Pilgrim, a dedicated school psychologist. He talks about his decision to study psychology, the initial challenges of college life, and how he navigated career decisions. Joshua also provides insightful advice for first-generation college students with anxiety about college selection and future career paths. This episode is brimming with...
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