Aspire Institute is excited to feature insights from our Aspire Global Collaborator, Sara Diaz, founder of The First Gen Madrina and Madrina Network. Diaz shares her expertise on supporting mental health for those from limited-income backgrounds and who are first-generation college students and professionals.
For many first-generation college students and professionals, navigating higher education and career paths often means charting unfamiliar territory. As both a first-generation college graduate and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Sara Diaz understands these challenges firsthand and has dedicated her career to creating culturally affirming spaces where first-gen experiences are seen, honored, and empowered.
Building a Bridge for First-Gen Mental Health
“As a proud first-generation college graduate and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I started The First Gen Madrina to be the ‘godmother figure’ or ‘Madrina’ for someone else that has no one to talk to about their mental health,” Diaz shared. “Growing up, I often felt like I was navigating systems alone whether it was higher education, mental health, or career development.”
This personal experience inspired Diaz to create The First Gen Madrina and subsequently, The Madrina Network.
“The First Gen Madrina, LLC is a mental health consulting firm that provides mental health support programming to universities, organizations and corporations around topics such as first-gen mental health, finance and mental health and imposter syndrome,” she explained. “I created The First Gen Madrina to provide culturally affirming support for first-gen students and professionals, and to create a space where our stories are seen, honored, and empowered through my podcast. The Madrina Network emerged as a natural extension of my business. It is an online community for social workers, in the United States, that provides them with mentorship, resources, support, and much more!”
The missions of Aspire Institute and The First Gen Madrina align to ensure a journey toward success and empowerment for all young leaders, especially those who are first-generation to attend university in their family.
Mental Health Challenges of First-Gen Journeys
The path for first-generation college students and professionals comes with unique pressures.
“Unfortunately, there are many aspects of our experience that may impact our overall wellbeing,” Diaz said. “Some of these may include: the constant pressure to ‘make it’ for yourself and your family, financial insecurity, and the weight of being the first can create chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout.”
Her practical advice centers on self-advocacy.
“We must learn how to advocate for ourselves, especially when it comes to taking care of our mental health,” she explained. “This is very stigmatized in most cultures, but it has become a necessity for us.”
Diaz emphasized that while family support is valuable, building diverse community connections through spaces, online groups, or mentorships is equally crucial.
Managing Imposter Syndrome: A Reframing Approach
When discussing imposter syndrome, the feeling of not belonging or deserving success in academic and professional settings, Sara Diaz offers a refreshing perspective.
“The first thing I will say is that I believe we cannot 100 percent overcome imposter syndrome,” she said. “We can overcome one instance or moment of imposter syndrome, but it might show up again in a different way.”
Rather than viewing it as something to permanently eliminate, Diaz suggests reframing how we approach these feelings.
“I like to reframe it to how can we manage our imposter syndrome and learn about our triggers so that we do not let it affect us,” she shared. “This reframe is powerful and motivates us to shut it down when it does come up for us.”
Her practical strategies for managing imposter syndrome include:
- Reframing your narrative: Replace thoughts like “I don’t belong here” with affirmations such as “I bring something valuable that this space needs” and “I am meant to be here.”
- Creating evidence lists: Document your accomplishments and review them when self-doubt emerges.
- Finding community: Surround yourself with people who see and affirm your value.
- Seeking professional support: Work with therapists or coaches who understand your lived experience.
Accessible Mental Health Resources on a Budget
For university students and early career professionals facing financial constraints, finding affordable mental health support can be challenging. Diaz acknowledges this reality while offering practical starting points.
“Unfortunately, there is a huge need when it comes to affordable and accessible resources,” she said. “There can also be challenges with language barriers and a lack of culturally responsive providers.”
Her recommendations include:
- University counseling centers: Often underutilized and free for students (though waitlists may exist)
- Community clinics or nonprofit organizations: Many offer sliding scale therapy options.
- Psychology Today: This platform allows you to filter providers by insurance coverage or self-pay rates
Beyond traditional therapy, Diaz suggests reading resources like “Break The Cycle” by Dr. Mariel Buque or “It Didn’t Start with You” by Mark Wolynn, and listening to her podcast, The First Gen Madrina, which regularly addresses mental health topics.
A Message of Self-Compassion
Perhaps Sara Diaz’s most powerful advice comes from combining professional expertise with her lived experience.
“Give yourself permission to grow at your own pace,” Diaz encouraged. “Healing and success are not linear.”
She reminds first-generation individuals and those from limited-income backgrounds to honor their journey while practicing self-care.
“You are your ancestors’ wildest dreams, but you must take care of yourself in the process,” she advised. “Be patient with yourself, find joy even in small moments, and never underestimate the impact of showing up as your whole, authentic self.”
Learn more about The First Gen Madrina and The Madrina Network here and join us for a special event with Sara Diaz on May 20th focused on mental health awareness across cultures! Learn more and register here.
Want to learn more about communities and free programs to develop yourself as a first-gen or limited-income college student? Learn more about our Aspire Leaders Program and join our community of changemakers from over 190 countries.
