Welcome to episode 121 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Nadine Huggins shares her journey from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States, reflecting on her bicultural upbringing, her family’s move back to the U.S., and the path that led her to her work in immigration law, social work, and immigrant empowerment today.

In this episode, Nadine reflects on her childhood in Trinidad, her family’s values, and the experience of navigating two cultures. She opens up about the challenges of returning to the U.S. in the 1980s, the cultural differences she faced, and the pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of her identity as an immigrant.

Nadine takes us through her journey from working at CUNY Citizenship Now—an Immigration Law Clinic where she witnessed firsthand the struggles immigrants face—to becoming a social worker in a pediatric hospital specializing in oncology and cardiology. She shares her passion for her blog and Instagram platform, where she provides accurate information, support, and community for immigrants navigating complex systems. Her mission is to empower, educate, and uplift immigrants by providing a safe space where they feel seen and supported.

To Nadine, the American Dream means access and opportunity—the ability to build a life filled with possibility despite the barriers, challenges, and systemic issues many immigrants face.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Nadine:

Website

Instagram

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You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:
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🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me
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Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

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*This podcast is sponsored by

SoVerve Marketing Group

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Start your podcast in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here.

And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for 1:1 Podcast Launch Coaching, you will receive $50!

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Welcome to episode 120 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Lonnie Mitchell shares her journey from Ireland to the United States, where her family moved in search of better economic opportunities after winning the green card lottery. Today, Lonnie is a life coach who helps women in entrepreneurship and motherhood find inner peace, confidence, and authenticity through self-development and healing.

In this episode, Lonnie reflects on her family’s immigration story, from their early years adapting to American culture to maintaining their strong Irish roots. She opens up about the cultural shocks her family faced, including differences in education, communication styles, and social expectations. Lonnie also shares heartfelt memories of her father, whose hard work and resilience deeply shaped her values and purpose.

Lonnie takes us through her personal healing journey following her father’s passing—a pivotal time that led her to discover her true calling as a life coach. She describes her transition from working as a business analyst to creating Weightless Warrior, a podcast and platform dedicated to helping women release emotional burdens, embrace self-love, and live with purpose.

To Lonnie, the American Dream means having the opportunity to pursue your dreams—both personal and professional—and to create a life rooted in freedom, growth, and authenticity.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Lonnie:

Instagram

Podcast

Looking for a tax preparer for the 2026 season? Get your taxes done with me and the Dedicated Tax Pros Family! Send me an email for a free estimate: delacruz.dedicatedtaxpros@gmail.com

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:
✨ Behind-the-scenes content
🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me
🔓 Ad-free episodes!

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast.

*This podcast is sponsored by

SoVerve Marketing Group

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Start your podcast in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here.

And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for 1:1 Podcast Launch Coaching, you will receive $50!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to episode 115 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Jenny Chau shares her journey from Taiwan to Brooklyn, where she navigated cultural transition, religious conversion, and a calling to serve others.

In this episode, Jenny reflects on her family’s move from rural Taiwan to the diverse neighborhoods of Brooklyn, motivated by her mother’s career aspirations. She opens up about the cultural shock of adapting to a new environment, her path from a career in software consulting to missionary work, and how her faith became the foundation for her life’s mission.

Jenny takes us through her passion for service, highlighting her volunteer work with Bethany Christian Services, where she supported refugee families. She shares her personal connection to the refugee experience through her grandmother’s story and explains how those experiences deepened her commitment to walking alongside others in their transitions.

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Jenny:

Instagram

Contact Your Representative

Donate to Abara

Donate to Orlando Center for Justice

Donate to Bethany Christian Services

You can now become an official supporter of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants podcast for just $10 a month!

Your support helps cover production costs, ensuring we continue bringing powerful immigrant stories to life. And as a thank you, you'll get exclusive access to:
✨ Behind-the-scenes content
🎙️ Special Q&A sessions with me
🔓 Ad-free episodes!

If this podcast has inspired you, moved you, or made you feel seen, this is your chance to be part of its growth. Your support truly makes a difference!

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast.

*This podcast is sponsored by

SoVerve Marketing Group

Ir Al Sol Swimwear

Capital BPG

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidy@heidydelacruz.com

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Start your podcast in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here

And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for 1:1 Podcast Launch Coaching, you will receive $50!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.