first generation professional

Episode 13: Working Your Way Up with Germán

In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Germán Ornelas, a freelance producer and editor in the television industry, about his First Gen Journey. He discusses how his major didn’t really prepare him for his career but his college experience was vital to his personal growth. He also details the trials and triumphs of navigating a career in television production.

Episode 12: Persistence with Jackie

In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Jacqueline Medina, a Human Resources Analyst, about her First Gen Journey. She discusses how her experience studying abroad shaped her perspective and love of traveling. She also describes how she struggled to find work in her chosen career but through persistence and determination was able to land a job in Human Resources.

Episode 11: Rewriting Success with Liz

In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Elizabeth Ayala, Program Manager, about her First Gen Journey. She discusses how she developed a career in the non-profit sector and the challenges of being First Gen and pursuing work in social justice. She also reflects on how she navigates educating her family, making choices for herself, and maintaining positive family relationships.

Episode 10: Lack of Guidance with Mirna

In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Mirna Pineda, Supervising Probation Officer, about her First Gen Journey. Mirna was encouraged to pursue higher education by her father’s love of learning and a desire to be self-sufficient. Mirna details the lack of guidance she experienced throughout college and when deciding on a career path. She discusses her expectations for a professional career and the circumstances that led to a career that combines her interest in criminal law and desire to help others.

Episode 9: Returning to Science with Gio

My guest today is Giovanni (Gio) Ruiz. He started at Riverside City College, continued on to receive his B.S. in Physics from Cal-Poly Pomona, and later his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Cal-Poly, San Luis Obispo. Gio is currently an independent software developer and co-founder of Voter Reach. Here is a little of his First Gen Journey . . .

Episode 8: Managing Expectations with Faby

In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Fabiola Rangel, Director of Marketing for Latin America for Warner Bros., about her First Gen Journey. She discusses the sacrifices she made to pursue a career that matched her interests and strengths. Faby also reflects on how her intersecting identities influenced her career trajectory.

Episode 6: Aligning Career with Personal Values with Ramon

In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Ramon Ramirez, a Los Angeles based artist, about his First Gen Journey. He discusses how his parent’s work ethic allowed him to succeed in school and his profession, the transition in his professional life from architect to professor to artist, and the importance of aligning your career with your personal values.

Episode 5: Seizing Opportunities with Javier

In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Javier Tiscareño, a civil engineer, about his First Gen Journey. He discusses academic stumbling blocks, the impact of a supportive college program, the role of relationships in college and career, and the importance of timing and seizing opportunities.

Episode 4: Importance of Mentors with Rondell

My guest today is Rondell Fletcher. Rondell grew up in the Los Angeles area to a single mother who was an entrepreneur and small business owner. Rondell left Cal-Baptist University after his first year and completed his A.A. and A.S. at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). Entrepreneurship pulled at him and Rondell dedicated himself to building success through business. Rondell is now a successful business owner with businesses in the beauty, television, construction, and produce industries. Although happy with the path he took, Rondell wonders how an academic mentor early in his life would have changed his professional life. Here is a little of his First Gen Journey. . . .

Episode 3: Financial Limitations with Leticia

In this episode, I chat with Leticia about her First Gen Journey. She discusses the lack of information she had about college and the influence of a caring teacher who helped her start the college process. Leticia also reflects on the financial limitations she experienced as an architecture major.