Best Firstgen Podcasts (2025)

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Lucinda Weller, Esq. (Season 2, Episode 3) 18:32

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2M ago18:32

18:32

As part of the First Gen Lawyer's Project, Karl Strauss, Esq. and Noah Woods, Esq., both members of the Toledo Bar Association (TBA), interview Lucinda J. Weller, managing attorney of the Stability and Independence for Survivors Practice Group at Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), on her journey through her career and what brought her to the p…

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Creating a Community for First-Gen Student Success: Insights from FirstGen Forward Leaders 44:52

5M ago44:52

44:52

Send us a text What drives a first-generation college student to not only enroll but thrive? Join us on First Gen FM as we shine a spotlight on the inspiring stories of Dr. Martina Martin, Catherine Johnson, Ashlee Kocina Young, Wendy Beesley, and Dr. Jennifer Sutton from First Gen Forward. Guests share their personal journey of either discovering …

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Writing Smart Girl, a memoir of a first-gen journey: A conversation with author Dr. La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles 46:32

6M ago46:32

46:32

Send us a text What happens when a first-generation college graduate transforms her experiences into a powerful memoir? Dr. La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles joins me on FirstGen FM to share how a simple conversation with her daughter Zoe and an inspiring interview with Erica Alfaro sparked the creation of her memoir, "Smart Girl." LT describes how writing…

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George A. Thomas (Season 2, Episode 2) 22:32

6M ago22:32

22:32

As part of the First Gen Lawyer's Project, Noah Woods, Esq. and Brandi Doniere, Esq., both members of the Toledo Bar Association (TBA), interview George A. Thomas, CEO of the Fair Housing Center, on his journey through his career and what brought him to the practice of law. Through meaningful mentorships, programming and podcasts, the TBA hopes to …

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Guiding Students From First-Gen Student to First-Gen Professional with Lisa Rivera 34:01

6M ago34:01

34:01

Send us a text Lisa Rivera, the director of First Generation Student Initiatives at Suffolk University, joins us to share her journey from being a first-gen student in Florida to making her mark in higher education. Listen as Lisa recounts how the AVID program and her mentor, Ms. Dennison, were pivotal in her path to Allegheny College. Her story is…

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How New Policies May Shape the Future of American Higher Education: Thoughts from a recent webinar 14:20

7M ago14:20

14:20

Send us a text In this episode, I share a few takeaways on post-election landscape with insights from Ted Mitchell and Michelle Asher Cooper from a recent webinar: Post-Election Outlook: What to Watch in Higher Education. I talk about what I heard from these experts from the American Council on Education and the Lumina Foundation, and the potential…

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Kim Kuhn (Season 2, Episode 1) 17:48

7M ago17:48

17:48

As part of the First Gen Lawyer's Project, Karl Strauss, Esq. and Noah Woods, Esq., both members of the Toledo Bar Association (TBA), interview Kimberly B. Kuhn, a Partner with Churchill, Smith, Gonzalez & Kuhn LLP., on her journey through her career and what brought her to the practice of law. Through meaningful mentorships, programming and podcas…

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Navigating Career Paths: Success Stories and Strategies for First-Generation Students with Mike Wysocki 45:09

7M ago45:09

45:09

Send us a text Join us for a conversation with Mike Wysocki, a first-generation graduate, who reveals how he turned hurdles into stepping stones on his journey to success. From a working-class suburb of Boston to the broader horizons of UMass Amherst, Mike candidly shares how a change in major from engineering to sociology opened unexpected doors. …

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The Assets First-Generation Students Bring to College with Jen Schoen 24:42

7M ago24:42

24:42

Send us a text Let's talk about the strengths first-generation students bring to campus based on a research article and an ASHE research presentation. Join me, Jen Schoen, as we challenge the deficit narrative and uncover the qualities that these students contribute to higher education. As part of First-Generation Student Celebration Week, I draw f…

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Searching for Scholarships: 3 Tips for First-Generation Students with Jen Schoen 11:47

8M ago11:47

11:47

Send us a text Discover three secrets to finding scholarships tailored for first-generation students that are ready for our students to use. Join me, Jen Schoen, as I share tools like College Greenlight and Scholarship Owl to discover opportunities that fit student's background and aspirations. We'll talk about asking for help from teachers, adviso…

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Building Bridges for First-Gen Professionals: Insights from Brianna Logan, CEO of FirstGen Evolve 39:57

8M ago39:57

39:57

Send us a text Brianna Logan's journey from her parents' Caribbean roots to becoming a successful CEO is inspiring. In our latest episode, Brianna, a first-generation college graduate, shares her personal story of overcoming challenges and finding her path in the professional world. Her experience navigating college and her career without a clear r…

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Empowering First-Gen Students: Building Sustainable Support Programs at the University of Missouri with Selena Meints 42:30

8M ago42:30

42:30

Send us a text Discover the journey of Selena Meints, the First Generation Initiatives Coordinator at the University of Missouri, as she shares her story from being a first-generation college student to leading a first-gen initiative on campus. Selena shares her journey navigating the college experience without a traditional support system, which i…

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Navigating From College to Career: The Transition of First-Generation Professionals with Cesar Margarito 33:57

8M ago33:57

33:57

Send us a text First-generation students have unique needs as they navigate their transition from college to their first professional career. Join me as I chat with Cesar Margarito, whose transformative journey from a small Mexican town to working on his a doctoral degree at the University of Southern California sheds light on the experiences of fi…

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Supporting First-Generation Graduate Students: A New Program at The Chicago School with Jennifer Stripe Portillo 36:34

9M ago36:34

36:34

Send us a text Curious about the unique hurdles first-generation graduate students face and solutions to support them? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jennifer Stripe Portillo, Dean of Student Success and Title IX Coordinator at the Chicago School. Jennifer opens up about her own journey as a first-gen college student and shares how i…

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First-Gens for Kamala Virtual Event 1:33

9M ago1:33

1:33

Send us a text Here's the link to register: https://tinyurl.com/FG4Kamala October 1, 2024 from 8:00pm - 9:30pmET, First-Gens for Kamala Note that there will be speakers from the first-gen community - authors, CEOs, Non-profit founders - as panelists but Vice President Kamala Harris herself is not expected. From event organizer Dr. Sara E Whitley an…

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The Power of Representation: First-Gen Narratives in Popular Culture with Dr. James Winfield 30:48

9M ago30:48

30:48

Send us a text Join us as we explore the increasing presence of first-gen narratives in popular culture and question whether this trend stems from educators' growing interest or a genuine rise in such stories. From "A Different World" to "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," we dissect how these shows tackle themes of belonging and equity. Dr. Winfield pr…

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Three Statistics to Know About First-Generation College Students 7:55

9M ago7:55

7:55

Send us a text What if the key to enriching our educational system lies in a group that's often overlooked? Discover why first-generation college students are crucial to the lifeblood of higher education in my latest solo episode. I'll take you through three compelling data points that highlight the massive presence of first-gen students in U.S. co…

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Kyle Silvers, Esq. (Episode 4) 15:59

1y ago15:59

15:59

Through meaningful mentorships, programming and podcasts, the TBA hopes to create a network of resources and connections to help first generation attorneys and law students establish their careers and find a home within the Toledo legal community. Learn more about the First Gen Lawyer's Project at www.toledobar.org/firstgen.…

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Mag. Carmille L. Akande (Episode 3) 17:46

1y ago17:46

17:46

Through meaningful mentorships, programming and podcasts, the TBA hopes to create a network of resources and connections to help first generation attorneys and law students establish their careers and find a home within the Toledo legal community. Learn more about the First Gen Lawyer's Project at www.toledobar.org/firstgen.…

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Empowering First-Generation Students: A Dive into Northeastern University's Torch Scholars Selection 16:44

1+ y ago16:44

16:44

Send us a text Discover Northeastern University's commitment to First Gen students in the latest First Gen FM podcast episode. Join me, Jen, as I journey solo this week, pulling back the curtain on the scholarship selection process, particularly focusing on the Torch Scholars Program. This week's episode shares stories and insights, as I recount th…

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Unlocking the College Prep Scholars: Questbridge Insights and Resources with Dr. Christian Martell 34:55

1+ y ago34:55

34:55

Send us a text Unlock the secrets of the College Prep Scholars (CPS) program with Dr. Christian Martell from Questbridge. We zoom in on CPS and its role as a stepping stone for high-achieving, low-income, high school juniors aiming for the Questbridge National College Match. Learn about the program's history, its application process, and the unpara…

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Turning Points and Triumphs: Guiding First-Genration Students to Their True Calling with Dr. Ashanti Chunn 48:23

1+ y ago48:23

48:23

Send us a text Have you ever considered every turn in your path as a stepping stone towards your true calling? Dr. Ashanti Chunn, our guest from Tennessee State University, shares her compelling switch from biology to education and how it fueled her passion for mentoring first-generation college students through the transformative You FIRST Project…

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Andrea Young (Episode 2) 15:36

1+ y ago15:36

15:36

As part of the First Gen Lawyer's Project, Karl Strauss, Esq. and Noah Woods (3L), both members of the Toledo Bar Association (TBA), interview Andrea Young, an attorney with the Law Offices of Charles E. Boyk, on her journey through her career and what brought her to the practice of law. Through meaningful mentorships, programming and podcasts, the…

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Monica Yvonne (Episode 1) 15:31

1+ y ago15:31

15:31

As part of the First Gen Lawyer's Project, Karl Strauss, Esq. and Noah Woods (3L), both members of the Toledo Bar Association (TBA), interview Monica Yvonne, Supervising Attorney with Legal Aid of Western Ohio, on her journey through her career and what brought her to the practice of law. Through meaningful mentorships, programming and podcasts, th…

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Navigating Academia: The Journey of First-Generation Working Class Graduate Student Lauren Harvey 50:43

1+ y ago50:43

50:43

Send us a text What does it feel like to navigate the world of academia as a first-generation and working class graduate student? This week, I had the privilege of exploring this question with Lauren Harvey, a current PhD student at Rice University. With personal experiences and a wealth of insights brimming from her own journey, Lauren doesn't hol…

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Empowering First-Generation College Students: The Cardinal First Initiative with Julie Carballo 37:27

1+ y ago37:27

37:27

Send us a text Join Julie Carballo, the assistant dean of students for first-generation and military affiliated initiatives at North Central College, and me for an enlightening journey as we explore the Cardinal First program. Julie's not just an advocate, but a beacon of hope for first-generation college students, guiding them through the labyrint…

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Paving the Way for First-Generation Students: Denise El Habach on Innovating College Preparation and Career Readiness 39:08

1+ y ago39:08

39:08

Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to truly empower first-generation college students? Denise El Habach, a fierce advocate and a Gear Up Coach at Youngker High School, Buckeye, Arizona, has some answers that might surprise you. With an insider's perspective, Denise takes us on a journey into the inspiring and challenging world of working wi…

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Advocacy and Resilience: Zach Desjardins' Impact on First-Generation Education 44:29

1+ y ago44:29

44:29

Send us a text Meet Zach Desjardins, a first-generation student turned holistic academic advisor at the University of Albany. His story, from almost losing his college dreams due to financial aid errors to finding his way through with the Upward Bound program, is the embodiment of resilience, determination, and dedication. In our engaging conversat…

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Navigating PWIs as a Student of Color: A Dialogue with Diversity Advocate Gregory Saint-Dick 41:54

1+ y ago41:54

41:54

Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to be a first-generation student of color in a predominantly white institution? Gregory Saint-Dick, diversity advocate and the director for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, joins us to shed light on his personal journey in higher education. Gregory gives us a gl…

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The Superpower of First-Generation Students: A Discussion with D'ric Jackson 37:39

1+ y ago37:39

37:39

Send us a text Get ready for an exhilarating journey as we welcome D'ric Jackson, a first-generation college student turned advocate, who is reshaping the narrative around higher education. With a background inspired by the '90s Spider-Man series and a dedication to psychology, Derek's unique lens turns an often daunting experience into a thrilling…

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The Beauty of Entrepreneurship: Sylwia Wiesenberg’s Success Story 20:50

1+ y ago20:50

20:50

In this episode of Beautiful Journey, host Alya Michelson welcomes Sylwia Wiesenberg, a beauty entrepreneur and the founder of BAWDY Beauty, DOPE Naturally, and TONIQUE Fitness. Sylwia's story is one of resilience and determination. Born in Poland, she embarked on a global adventure to pursue her college education. After graduating from the Univers…

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A Journey of Empowerment: Lola Adeyemo's Inspiring Story 23:58

1+ y ago23:58

23:58

In this inspiring episode of "Beautiful Journey," Host Alya Michelson joins Lola Adeyemo, CEO & founder of EQImindset, who embarked on a life-changing adventure from Nigeria to the United States to pursue a university degree. But her journey was about more than academics; it was a transformative experience that revealed unexpected lessons along the…

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Ep.8 - Yvonne Green on Creating a High School Mentoring Program for College Access 49:20

2y ago49:20

49:20

Send us a text Yvonne Green works in the Broward County Schools and shares her work with the BRACE Cadets, a group of students who are selected, receive training, and then create projects to share information about going to college and paying for it. We talk abut the primary and secondary gains these mentors get from the program, and the impact of …

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Ep. 7 - A Conversation Matt Newlin: Creating Systems for Success for Rural and First-generation Students 43:43

2y ago43:43

43:43

Send us a text This week, Matt Newlin and I talk about his role consulting with college campuses about creating successful systems for first-generation, rural, and low-income students. We spend time talking about Matt's journey to and through college, move into a conversation about debt management and financial literacy, and then helping faculty un…

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A year of blessings 47:20

2y ago47:20

47:20

Welcome back to Keeping it Real by Gabriela M.C. this is the final episode of season 3! On this episode I share how I was able to align with my higher path in just one year and what each person that came into my life contributed to my journey in order to make that possible. Thank you for listening, sharing, and coming along the journey. I hope you …

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Ep. 6 - Elevating Art by and for First-Generation Students with M.C. Damm of Boston University 43:53

2y ago43:53

43:53

Send us a text Art by and for first-generation students provides a creative outlet and a powerful way to connect with student experiences. Art work in first-generation spaces is important, and art made by first-generation students is even better. M.C. Damm, assistant director of Boston University's Newbury Center talks about their first-gen art ini…

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Ep. 5 - Talking with Ryan Fewins-Bliss of MCAN on Higher Education Messages, Engaging Communities, and Dreaming Big 25:47

2y ago25:47

25:47

Send us a text Ryan Fewins-Bliss is the Executive Director of the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). He shares his thoughts on the messages first-generation, BIPOC, and other students and families are receiving about going going to college, and how we need to have a data-informed approach to counteracting these messages that college is not for…

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Voice of America: Journalist Ksenia Turkova’s Journey from Kyiv 28:39

2y ago28:39

28:39

In this fascinating new episode of "Beautiful Journey," host Alya Michelson joins Ksenia Turkova, a Voice of America journalist who has worked in TV and radio for over 20 years. Alya talks with Ksenia about their early days in Moscow, where both worked as journalists for different media companies. They discuss Ksenia's radio work in Kyiv just befor…

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Ep. 4 - Talking mentoring and mentorship with Dr. Natalie Hart 43:23

2y ago43:23

43:23

Send us a text Today I talk with Dr. Natalie Hart, a former student who was a Washington State Achievers Scholar at the University of Washington while I was the director of that program. Our conversation covers her from third grade when she knew she'd be a doctor (an astronaut doctor?), to her mentors that encouraged her to dream big, and what she …

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Ep. 3 - Let's Talk About Money - Credit cards, Investing and Loan payments, oh my! With TRIO Counselor Michelle Onaka 36:36

2y ago36:36

36:36

Send us a text Michelle Onaka, a recent TRIO SSS academic counselor, instructor, and data coordinator at Oregon State University, talks about engaging students in conversations around money. We talk about how to start conversations, about credit cards and debt aversion, investing, and even making plans to repay loans after graduations. Michelle sha…

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Ep. 2 - Why and how you can help students tell their stories with Dr. Rebecca Wiltberger Wiggins 54:45

2y ago54:45

54:45

Send us a text Storytelling for students, especially first-generation students can be empowering and enlightening, Learn how to help students tell authentic, meaningful stories, for admissions, scholarships, interviews, and even dates! Dr. Rebecca Wiltberger Wiggins joins me to talk about storytelling (and tells a few stories about her family and h…

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Ep. 1 - An Introduction to FirstGenFM and Jen 7:41

2y ago7:41

7:41

Send us a text FirstGenFM is broadcasting to high school and college educators who are working with first-generation college and college-bound students. It will be like a mini-conference session each week with takeaways to help you and your students thrive and learn about success. My goal is to create a web of knowledgeable advocates for first-gene…

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How Do You Do It all Gabby?! 28:12

3y ago28:12

28:12

This has to be the most popular question I get: Gabby how on earth do you do it all? First of all, I don’t. But I have to admit, I do A LOT more than most people around me and that’s because I’ve been building the skills for years now. On this episode I’ll take you with me on the ride that it’s been to get here so you can get all the tea as to “How…

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First Gen Guilt 30:53

3+ y ago30:53

30:53

First episode of 2022 and we're getting right into the good stuff. The guilt we feel because of the perceived "better life" we have compared to our parents, or what I like to call "First Gen Guilt." Tune in to join the conversation about these experiences so many of us share in common and how we can live our best lives as we get through it all! For…

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MY DEGREE FINALLY PAID OFF 21:14

4+ y ago21:14

21:14

At one point I thought that my sociology was just what I ended up choosing in order to graduate from college to avoid disappointing my parents. What was I supposed to do with a sociology degree? I mean I liked the classes and what I learned about human behavior and society in general, but what kind of jobs would I be able to apply for? I didn't thi…

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Risking it All: A First Gen Latina's Perspective on Marriage and Business 24:37

5y ago24:37

24:37

Hi podcast fam! I missed being on here and I can say with about 70% confidence that I'm getting my life together. (Watch life throw a curveball right after this lol). Thank you once again for tuning in! On this episode I make a contrast between marriage and having your own business. Just remember that before you say "I do" and signing your life awa…

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Surviving a Pandemic 21:07

5y ago21:07

21:07

Anxiety is at an all-time high right now and a lot more visible during this current COVID-19 pandemic. Tune into this podcast to hear my thoughts on what you need to get through any crisis and how to prepare yourself to get past it successfully. Thank you for giving me your time and hope you are all staying safe! IG: @gabrielamcee TikTok: gabrielam…

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Why you're NOT making progress 29:29

5+ y ago29:29

29:29

By Gabriela M.C.

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Starting your own business-Phase 2 20:58

5+ y ago20:58

20:58

Everyone tells you to "do your research" but what exactly does that look like today? Tune in to find out what I did for Postres Cafe and what tools you can use for your own business concept! Instagram: @gabrielamcee www.gabrielamc.com Youtube: gabrielamcee email: [email protected] Gabriela M.C.

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Episode 24: Managing Money with Dannielle 21:53

5+ y ago21:53

21:53

In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Dannielle Romoleroux, a Program Manager at a diversity recruiting start-up in New York, about her First Gen Journey. She recently started a passion project focused on documenting her financial goals and progress, First Gen Money. She discusses how she didn’t really consider money when applying to and attend…