Discover
The First Gen Coach: Career Development for Latinas and First Gen Professionals
The First Gen Coach: Career Development for Latinas and First Gen Professionals
Author: Carla Santamaria
Subscribed: 2Played: 27Subscribe
Share
© Carla Santamaria
Description
On the First Gen Coach podcast, first generation professionals learn how to rethink limiting cultural beliefs, up-level their mindset, advance in their careers, and build generational wealth. Host Carla Santamaria and her guests deliver practical and actionable ways to own your brilliance and have a thriving career and life.
IG: @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach
IG: @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach
143 Episodes
Reverse
Welcome to Season Six of the First Gen Coach Podcast! This episode is all about redefining leadership for first gen professionals. I am interviewed by first-generation Latina social worker Sara Diaz. We talk about my journey of leadership, what leadership means to me, and how first gen professionals can create their own definition not just of leadership, but of success. I talk about the importance of community, owning your worth, and how to overcome self-doubt. If leadership is an area you’d like to focus on this year, this episode is for you! Stay in touch with Sara Diaz on Instagram via @TheFirstGenMadrina or via https://thefirstgenmadrina.com. Listen to The First Gen Madrina Podcast Resources and Links6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, I discuss the importance of cutting emotional ties to jobs that no longer serve you, particularly for Latinas, women of color, and first gen professionals. I talk about the anger and grief that comes with career transitions, and why it’s so critical to process these emotions. Finally, I give examples of how you can love yourself more than you love a job, and provide actionable steps to take action towards your career goals. EXTENDED! ONE MONTH OF FREE COACHING when you join six-month 1:1 coaching by December 31st! Book your consultation call here: thefirstgencoach.com/consultReferenced Episodes: 99. Feeling the Rage of Career Injustices77. Grieving the Career You Thought You’d Have132. Manifest Your Career with Dr. Norma ReyesResources and LinksApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
If you produce excellent work and get strong feedback, but you’re told “raises are not in the budget right now”...If you feel stuck and unsure if you’re qualified enough for higher paying jobs since they require so much experience…If you’re intimidated by the idea of asking since so much time has passed without you getting a raise…If you don’t know how to frame your impact in a way that translates to ROI for the company…Then this webinar replay is for you! We covered: The four elements that determine pay, with specific examples of each oneThree different times that it makes the most sense to ask for a raiseHow to highlight your impact in a way that showcases the value that you add to a company. I share specific reflection questions you can ask yourself to showcase your impact, how you can do a comparison of job descriptions to find out how much you’re actually making, and even the affirmations I used before negotiating my raise. *Sign up now for 1:1 career coaching! If you’ve been thinking about this for a while and have been waiting for the right time, now is that time! The tools, skills, and mindset you have are what have gotten you to this level in your career. Now, it’s time to level up!ONE MONTH OF FREE COACHING when you join six-month 1:1 coaching by December 15th! Book your consultation call here: thefirstgencoach.com/consultResources and LinksApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Three different times, in three different jobs, I asked for fair pay and I was rejected. I was laughed at. I was told “feel free to quit.” And you know what? I did quit, and I doubled my salary.But that doesn’t mean that it was easy to navigate those moments. Tune in to hear the full story of how I turned those rejections around and came out better on the other side.FREE WEBINAR: Get a Raise in Any Economy! Register via thefirstgencoach.com/webinar! See you Tuesday, 12/9 at 8 PM EST on ZoomResources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
🚨 FREE Resource Alert 🚨 Join Career Consejos, a FREE Weekly Newsletter filled with actionable steps to help first gen professionals grow their career! Sign up via thefirstgencoach.com/newsletter. In this episode, I share 5 signs it’s time to make a change in your career. The signs range from subtle and easy to miss, to huge red flashing neon warnings that it's time to make a change NOW. Plus, I discuss the importance of finding a fulfilling career that aligns with your skills, interests, and passions, and why joy is such an important factor in career planning. Resources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
LinkedIn is NOT just for jobs! In this episode, I list out 10 different types of opportunities you can get on LinkedIn. These include Jobs (duh), media features, volunteer opportunities, fellowships, and even collaborations for content creators. Whether you’re looking to level up your career, get more involved in your community, amplify your personal brand, or even something else, I promise that your next move can be found on LinkedIn! Tune in to learn how. Join my Get Offers on LinkedIn Bootcamp: a weeklong program designed to help you start attracting opportunities aligned with your values! Episodes Referenced: 133. Why You Still Need LinkedIn & 3 Steps to Get StartedResources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This episode is a little different from my usual career content. It is a raw, unfiltered reflection on my experience healing from diet culture. I talk about my running journey and how I went from using running as a way to lose weight, to using running as a way to celebrate myself and my body. I mention two people who have been absolutely pivotal in this journey, Food and Holistic Health Coach Naihomy Jerez, and Certified Personal Trainer Samantha Lee. I also talk about the systems of oppression that impact food systems, how we nourish ourselves, and the disordered behaviors that are marketed as “healthy.” CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains references to disordered eating behaviors. Join my Get Offers on LinkedIn Bootcamp: a weeklong program designed to help you start attracting opportunities aligned with your values! Episodes Referenced: 53. The Politics of Wellness with Holistic Health Coach Naihomy Jerez124. How to Get Paid Professional Development OpportunitiesResources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, I dive into the concept of underearning: what it really means, how it shows up, and the mindset shifts that help you break free from it. I explain the difference between being underpaid (when the system undervalues your work cough cough Latina Equal Pay Day) and underearning (when we unintentionally keep ourselves small). I share how entrepreneurship pushed me to face my own money blocks, and how developing high-paying skills changed not just my income, but my confidence.Tune in for practical tips to expand your idea of what’s possible, dream big, and take actionable steps towards your career goals. Remember, everything is available to you. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a low-paying role or questioned whether you’re “ready” for more, this episode is for you. Stay in touch with Mariel Amador on Instagram via @MoneyForMujeres or via https://moneyformujeres.com/.Listen to the Ching@ Tu Money® Podcast! Join my Get Offers on LinkedIn Bootcamp: a two-week program designed to help you start getting opportunities that align with your goals, values, and story.Resources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
LinkedIn gets a lot of hate, and much of it is well deserved. But it is still an excellent tool to level up your career. In this episode, I break down why LinkedIn is still an extremely powerful tool for first-gen professionals (yes, even in 2025), and how to actually make it work for you. I share why the platform is more than just a job site, and how you can use it to get noticed by recruiters, potential clients, and more. I also talk about what it really means to show up authentically online, especially when so much of the job market feels grim and discouraging.If you’ve been avoiding LinkedIn or feel unsure where to start, this episode is for you!Ready to take it a step further? Join my Get Offers on LinkedIn Bootcamp : a two-week program designed to help you start getting opportunities that align with your goals and values.Resources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Manifestation is so much about trusting yourself. In this very special episode with my dear friend and business bestie, Dr. Norma Reyes, we talk about what it really takes to manifest the career and life that you want. Dr. Reyes, a spiritual manifestation coach and licensed therapist, shares how she went from career coaching to helping women of color break generational cycles and call in their dreams. She opens up about the personal, career, and spiritual transformations that got her there. We dig into the core elements of manifest (belief, desire, and vibration), and why believing your goals are possible is the very first step. Plus:How Norma navigated career pivots even when life threw wildcards at herWhy first gens and women of color must redefine success in their own terms The importance of listening to your intuition, or your inner sense of knowingIf you’ve been feeling stuck, doubting yourself, or wondering if the career and life you want are even possible, this episode is for you. About Today’s GuestDr. Norma Reyes is a Spiritual Manifestation Coach, Licensed Therapist, and host of the Manifesting Latina Podcast. As a first-generation Mexican American, she helps women of color break generational cycles, align with their higher selves, and manifest their biggest dreams using a blend of therapeutic techniques, astrology, moonology, and intuitive coaching. With a PhD in Adult Education and a passion for empowerment, Dr. Reyes guides high-achieving women to step into their purpose with confidence and clarity.Stay in touch with Dr. Reyes on Instagram via @themanifestingLatina or via https://www.themanifestinglatina.com. Referenced EpisodesResources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
If you’re coming from hourly jobs or a blue-collar background, it may be easy to think your paycheck is the whole story. But guess what? It’s not. In this episode, I break down exactly what total compensation means and why your base salary is just the beginning. If you’ve ever compared two job offers based only on salary, then you might be leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Tune in to get the full picture of what compensation actually includes, including bonus, commission, stock, retirement benefits, and health benefits. Plus, how you can determine your total compensation and how to evaluate all components of a job offer, not just base pay. Referenced Episodes120. How to Retire a Millionaire as a First Gen: Walli Miller Interview Part 2Wealth-Building & FinancesResources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, I break down what people call "the hidden job market" and why I don’t think it’s actually hidden. I share real examples from LinkedIn, Slack, and group chats to illustrate how jobs are often shared outside of traditional job boards like Indeed or ZipRecruiter.I also talk about why I’m on a mission to help 100 first-gen professionals land high-paying jobs through LinkedIn, and how that mission is tied to a heartbreaking stat about Latino retirement savings.You’ll also hear:💡 A story about how a client got a job offer by DM’ing a CEO after a single LinkedIn post💡 Why that small grocery store near your house might be hiring—and why no one knows💡 How LinkedIn helped me more than double my salary—and how it can help you too💡 The 3 best ways to actually tap into this so-called hidden job marketPlus, I invite you to join my LinkedIn Challenge: four-day workshop to help you attract recruiters, land job offers, and actually get seen for how brilliant you are.📌 Mark your calendar:🗓️ August 18–21, 2025📥 Join the waitlist: thefirstgencoach.com/waitlist Resources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Have you ever wondered how you’d handle a lay off, or how to prepare financially and emotionally just in case? In this important episode, I sit down with Nicole Valenzuela, a queer Latina foster mom and former corporate finance professional turned money coach, who shares her story of being laid off just two weeks after her fiancée was, too.We talk about how Nicole not only survived this double layoff, but thrived—reclaiming her time, her financial independence, and her purpose through her business, Fostering Finances. Nicole opens up about her first-gen money story, her decision to leave corporate life, and how she’s helping others break free from money shame and scarcity.Plus:The key steps to take immediately after a layoffHow to build an emergency fund that fits your actual lifestyleWhat it means to budget beyond survival and live in “funemployment”Why more money in the hands of people like you changes everythingIf you’ve been laid off, fear a layoff, or want to build a life with more financial ease and freedom—this episode is for you.About Today’s GuestNicole Valenzuela, Founder and CEO of Fostering Finances LLC, leverages 15 years of experience in corporate finance with several Fortune 50 companies to empower individuals and communities. As a personal finance coach, Nicole is passionate about breaking down barriers to financial freedom, particularly for marginalized communities. She specializes in providing financial literacy, healing generational money trauma, and fostering financial independence for foster parents, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and BIPOC women.Stay in touch with Nicole on Instagram via @fosteringfinances, on LinkedIn, or via email fosteringfinaces@gmail.com. Referenced EpisodesCommunity Building & Networking Podcast PlaylistSalary Negotiation PlaylistWealth-Building & FinancesResources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Have you ever felt at a crossroads between two career paths? In this special coaching call episode, I coach Angie, who is a Latina First Gen Professional, recent college grad, and is seeking guidance on her career path after graduation. Specifically, Angie is deciding between marketing and data analytics. Through this coaching call, I encourage her to identify what she is looking for from her next job and help her navigate this decision. This coaching conversation explores the importance of community support, the challenges of navigating careers during this political climate, and the need to make our jobs the one stop shop of personal fulfillment, community involvement, and financial freedom. Plus: We cover how to turn casual conversations into job interviews, how to apply for jobs strategically, and how to negotiate your salary confidently and effectively. Referenced Episodes73. Job Hopping Every 15 Months with Janzel Manalansan27. Why WOC Must Leave Their Low-Paying Nonprofit Jobs84. Turning Casual Conversations into Job InterviewResources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-callApply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6Download your FREE Resume Guide and TemplateFollow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, I talk about how to use AI as your own personal career coach—especially if you're a first-generation professional navigating the job search, interviews, and career growth on your own. I share how AI can help you get clarity on your strengths, tailor your resume to job descriptions, and practice for interviews in a way that feels authentic and empowering.If investing in career support has ever felt intimidating or out of reach, this episode will show you how tools like AI can help bridge the gap while still keeping your voice and values at the forefront.We also kick off a new segment celebrating wins from our community (you might just hear your name!), and I share how you can work with me for more personalized support in your career growth. Whether you're job hunting, pivoting industries, or just trying to figure out your next step, this episode is for you.Resources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your FREE Resume Guide and Template Follow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Have you ever wondered if you’re being underpaid compared to your coworkers or to other people in your field? In this episode, I give you the tools to answer this question. I talk about the 4 elements that determine base pay and the different tools that are available to help you navigate salary transparently. Plus, I also share a small exercise you can use to benchmark your salary. This is a tool I use inside my 1:1 coaching program with my clients, and it’s part of what has helped them increase their confidence and negotiate an average of $30K in salary increases. You don’t want to miss out!Resources: Understanding Job Leveling: Radford LevelsNational Council for Nonprofits - Compensation for Nonprofit EmployeesResources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your FREE Resume Guide and Template Follow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, I got over five critical things every first gen professional should know about the workplace. The first three are tactical and focus on the reality of how workplace systems work. The last two are mindset related and are particularly important for first generation professionals who often carry their parents’ and grandparents’ hopes and dreams in their shoulders. Key Takeaways: Base pay is just one part of your compensation packageEvery workplace interaction can impact your careerGuilt has no place in your career! It is safe to outgrow a job.Plus: Why you need to learn the difference between someone you’re friendly with at work vs an actual friend you met through work. Referenced EpisodesSalary Negotiation PlaylistWealth-Building & FinancesResources and LinksPrivate 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your FREE Resume Guide and Template Follow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
I spoke at Latinas in Tech Summit! This was such an exciting opportunity for me. Tune in to hear how it happened and how it went. After that, I explain three steps you can take to ensure that you can get more professional development opportunities paid for by your job. Remember, your professional development is part of your compensation! If you’re not getting it, you may be leaving money on the table. Plus: How I’ve gotten every job I’ve ever had since college to pay for me to attend conferences or receive training and you can too!Resources and LinksPrivate 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your FREE Resume Guide and Template Follow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode I interview Nikki Barua, Interim CEO of one of my FAVORITE organizations, Latinas in Tech! Nikki is a first generation immigrant and shares her journey of navigating the corporate sector, taking many career pivots, and eventually walking away at the height of her corporate career in order to pursue entrepreneurship. She talks about the power of creating your own access and community as a first generation professional, and about the power of curiosity in your career. We also discussed the AI revolution and why it is critical for Latinas to embrace AI. Nikki shares why she believes this is a pivotal moment in human history, and why that makes it even more important for Latinas to get started with AI today. SIGN UP FOR THE 4-DAY LINKEDIN CHALLENGE! Learn how to get job offers and other opportunities through LinkedIn. Challenge takes place May 19-22. About Today’s GuestNikki Barua is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and leading expert in helping people and organizations accelerate success.In her 25-year career in innovation, she has helped global brands transform their culture and capabilities. Now she is on a mission to help business leaders reinvent the way they lead, live, and succeed in the age of AI.Nikki has won numerous awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year by ACE, named as an EY North America Entrepreneurial Winning Woman, honored as one of the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century, recognized as Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Women, LA Woman of Influence by The Business Journals and Women of Entrepreneurship by LA Lakers.Stay in touch with Nikki on Instagram on LinkedIn, and via her website http://nikkibarua.com. Resources and LinksPrivate 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your FREE Resume Guide and Template Follow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Hello friends, I am back! May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so this episode is all about self-care practices that can promote your mental health and wellbeing. As you know, I don’t shy away from talking about the broader social forces that can impact our daily lives and careers, and this episode is no different. I address the grim circumstances that are happening in the world, while creating space for the areas in our lives that are within our locus of control and can promote better mental health and wellbeing. Tune in for:Ways to audit the content you consume and the mental health resources that are available to youWays you can practice self-care that are free or low-cost, can be done solo, or can be done with loved onesThe difference between comforting self-care and growth self-care JOIN THE WAITLIST: LINKEDIN GLOW UP CHALLENGEResources and LinksPrivate 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your FREE Resume Guide and Template Follow @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach on InstagramReferenced Episodes47. Prioritizing First Gen Mental Health with Latina Therapy Daisy Gómez53. The Politics of Wellness with Holistic Health Coach Naihomy Jerez76. Why Your Wellness is Essential to the Collective with Rita-Soledad Fernandez Paulino Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.









