In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Ernesto Velázquez, Deputy City Attorney for the City of Los Angeles, about his First Gen Journey. He discusses struggling with coursework before leaning in to his interests, navigating law school and the legal profession while feeling different, and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Episode 14: Life of Purpose with Jessica
In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Jessica Tovar, a project manager working in public policy, about her First Gen Journey. She discusses how the inequality she experienced in college sparked a passion for social justice and creating change. Her parents didn’t necessarily understand her career path but they trusted her to make the right decisions for her life.
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.
Episdoe 7: Learning to Ask for Help with Cynthia
In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Cynthia Gomez, Vice President of Customer Experience at Silversheet, about her First Gen Journey. She discusses the support she received from her high school and parents to pursue medical school before making the decision to deviate from that path. Cynthia also reflects on how personal difficulties helped her learn to ask for help and acknowledge a need for balance.
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.