Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá: An Immigration Story with Yazmin Garcia

Today's Sip & Savor: Seis Soles Rosé About Yazmin: Yazmin Garcia is a 32-year-old U.S. citizen, stay-at-home mother of three, and talented artist from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. She creates artwork that celebrates Hispanic culture, empowers women, and advocates for mental health awareness. Her work has been featured at the Consulate of Mexico in Las Vegas and previously at the Mayor's Museum in Las Vegas (featuring her piece "Ojo de Coatlicue"). In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Yazmin shares her immigration journey with raw honesty and vulnerability. From arriving in the United States at age two in 1994 to facing deportation at 17, she opens up about the complex identity struggles of feeling "ni de aquí, ni de allá" (neither from here nor there). Yazmin discusses the trauma of voluntary departure, her experience as a "no sabo kid" returning to Mexico, and the incredible resilience that carried her through adaptation in a country she barely remembered. Now, as a U.S. citizen and mother, she's using her voice and art to advocate for the next generation while addressing the current climate of anti-immigrant sentiment. Episode OverviewKey Conversation Points Identity and Belonging: Growing up feeling caught between two worlds - not American enough, not Mexican enough The Impact of Documentation: Understanding from a young age the significance of having "papers" Deportation Experience: The traumatic reality of voluntary departure at 17 years old Cultural Adaptation: Learning Spanish and Mexican culture as a teenager after 15 years in the U.S. Community and Family: The warmth and acceptance found in Mexico despite initial language barriers Resilience and Advocacy: Using personal experience to support and guide younger immigrants Art as Activism: Creating artwork that celebrates culture and advocates for mental health Motherhood and Home: Defining home as where family and life are built, regardless of origin About Yazmin's Art Yazmin's artwork focuses on: Celebrating Hispanic culture Empowering women Advocating for mental health awareness Her notable exhibition pieces include "Ojo de Coatlicue" and work displayed at: Consulate of Mexico in Las Vegas Mayor's Museum in Las Vegas (previously) Resources & Reflection This episode serves as a reminder of the human stories behind immigration statistics. Yazmin's journey illustrates the strength, adaptability, and contributions of immigrant communities while challenging harmful stereotypes and narratives.