Dance in Change - Lead Your Way and Rally the World to Support You: Become the First-Generation College Grad Latina Executive with Self-care w/Yesenia Castro

Lead Your Way and Rally the World to Support You: Become the First-Generation College Grad Latina Executive with Self-care w/Yesenia Castro

01/27/24 • 39 min

Ever felt the weight of being the first? Today's guest, Yesi, chose to not be alone and not be overwhelmed. She goes through challenges with others' help and encouragements. She walks through the lows and remembers to take care of herself. In this podcast episode, we delve into the life of a trailblazing first-generation college Latina and nonprofit executive director. Her narrative is one of determination and hope, as she recounts the trials of navigating systems that were foreign to her. Instead of walking this path alone, she sought out mentors who could light the way, which led her to discover her true calling in the realm that no one around her stepped in before.
Despite facing academic to career hurdles, Yesi never allowed herself to be defeated. She found strength in the sacrifices her origin family had made. Throughout her journey, she learned the critical importance of expressing her emotions, reaching out for assistance when needed, and the profound satisfaction that comes from making a positive impact on the lives of the next generation.
Yesi shows us how she honors herself, how gratitude serves her, and the incredible difference a supportive community can make. She offers heartfelt advice to anyone listening: follow your heart, accept the trials and tribulations of life as essential parts of your story, and never underestimate the power of help and encouragement from those around you. "No one dies," Yesi said. She encourages all to take actions to honor our candid decisions in all situations.
Here us discuss
[01:28] First Generation Identity and Becoming the Young Female Executive Director

[06:26] Finding Passion and Purpose

[12:36] Overcoming Challenges in College

[14:22] Support from Family, Life Partner, and Oneself

[20:36] Understanding limitations and Dealing with Tough Moments

[28:08] Momentum and Influencing the Next Generation

[35:24] "Go for it!" "No one dies..."

[38:23] Let's do it!
To know more about Miranda's work:
https://mirandameng.com/

[06:26] Finding Passion and Purpose

[12:36] Overcoming Challenges in College

[14:22] Support from Family, Life Partner, and Oneself

[20:36] Understanding limitations and Dealing with Tough Moments

[28:08] Momentum and Influencing the Next Generation

[35:24] "Go for it!" "No one dies..."

[38:23] Let's do it!
To know more about Miranda's work:
https://mirandameng.com/

Previous Episode

【feat. 職感】台灣女孩獨闖法國職場，拿到當地人也難搶的工作機會！在法國學習法文、學習吵架

一定要語言能力超好才能去國外工作嗎?如何找到工作機會,而去法國工作有什麼要注意的地方?
當地朋友說「我們法國人都找不到工作,你不用試了啦!」你會怎麼做呢?
原來我們都可以有方法繼續前進
原來我們都有能力爭取我們想要的職涯
法文不夠好,可以去
沒有歐洲相關護照,可以去
身邊重要他人要你在舒適區,可以去
沒有人說很簡單
但想做就可以支持自己、利用資源,走到自己的理想面前
#在法國工作 #法國職場 #交換學生 #出國工作 #找資源 #心態 #為自己發聲
也可至YouTube收看完整訪談:
https://youtu.be/EHj4mO2CYgg
00:00-02:47 從交換學生到在法國打工
02:48-03:45 打工的特別經驗
03:46-09:08 從打工到正職:原來不用設限自己
09:09-14:52 支持自己堅持下去的方法
14:53-18:57 在法國如何找到工作?
18:58-23:38 在法國職場的觀察
23:39-26:21 在法國被欺負的例子
26:22-32:07 法國給工作者的養分
32:08-34:19 給去法國工作的人的小提醒
職感將訪問在不同國家工作的人、在不同職能當中轉職的人、在大家眼中「艱難築夢」的人,從訪談裡裡學習到他們是怎麼做決定、走到現在的位置,借鏡他們的故事,幫助我們自己打造自己想要的職涯。
Instagram: _micareer
https://www.instagram.com/_micareer/
Facebook Page: 職感
https://www.facebook.com/%E8%81%B7%E6%84%9F-100810762705528

Next Episode

Beyond Confrontation: How to Lead and Influence Without a Fight w/ Nancy Baldwin

Many leaders believe that making an impact means fighting their way to the top. But what if influence could be built through strategy rather than struggle?

Nancy Chen Baldwin shares her journey as an immigrant, Asian American woman, breaking barriers in the corporate world—facing bias, cultural challenges, and leadership hurdles. Nancy is a retired senior executive from one of the largest aerospace companies in the U.S., where she led multi-level engineering organizations in a male-dominated industry. Learn how she navigated resistance, influenced beyond titles, and turned confrontation into opportunity.

🔹 How to challenge leadership without being aggressive
🔹 The key to gaining credibility when underestimated
🔹 Why middle managers hold the real power in change management
🔹 The mindset shift that will transform your leadership

Whether you're navigating corporate politics, overcoming bias, or stepping into different leadership roles, this episode will give you the tools to influence with confidence.

00:00:00 – Intro: The hidden power of influence—leading without a fight
00:02:17 – Being "The First": Walking into the boardroom as a foreign-born woman
00:04:23 – How your first impression can shape career success
00:06:09 – The myth of confrontation: Why fighting isn't the only way to be heard
00:07:39 – How to challenge management without being aggressive
00:10:03 – Redefining confrontation: The art of influencing through solutions
00:14:33 – Change starts with you: Why mindset shifts are key to leadership
00:16:56 – Top-down vs. bottom-up change: The missing piece in change management
00:20:57 – Criticism & bias: Overcoming personal attacks in leadership
00:24:02 – How to gain credibility when you're underestimated
00:29:07 – Understanding stakeholder motivations to drive collaboration
00:33:57 – How taking small risks can shape your leadership journey
00:36:42 – The secret to promotion: Why employees (not bosses) determine your success
00:39:33 – The collectivism trap: Why team players often get bypassed
00:43:28 – Believing in yourself when others doubt you
00:48:11 – Are you limiting your own growth? The question every leader should ask
00:52:30 – Dealing with resistance: How to turn workplace skeptics into supporters