When You're Invisible

Yajaira: Being Underestimated as a Young Latina Mom

Finding out she was pregnant came as an utter shock to a 16 year old who hadn’t yet realized that her actions had consequences. Letting down her immigrant parents was her biggest fear. She learned at a young age to believe in herself, no matter what.  Today as a 26 year old mother to a nine year old daughter, Yajaira is still eager to prove herself. She thrives off the energy of New York City’s hospitality industry, but that doesn’t mean her career always provides the stability she needs, or that her managers recognize her hard work. As a young ambitious Latina people act like she has time to work her way up the professional ladder. They underestimate the responsibilities she has at home and don’t acknowledge the leadership she is capable of. From memories of her own childhood to her reflections on raising her daughter, Yajaira’s story is filled with inspiration, determination, confidence, and positivity.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

This is my love letter to the working class people and immigrants who shaped me. Too often we focus on stories about people who have achieved positions of influence, wealth, and power. On this podcast, we won’t be doing that. Many of our guests have never been interviewed before. I want to shed light on the experiences of folks who feel invisible. What do everyday people have to say about their lives, their country, their hopes and dreams, and what they believe would make the world a better place? 
I’m your host, Maria Fernenda Diez and I’m a first gen Mexican-American. Growing up, my family moved to different regions of the US - from the East Coast to the Midwest to the South - and we were on food stamps when I was young before we became middle class. I ended up getting an almost full ride to the Ivy League but never left my roots behind. I call myself an in-betweener because I’m part of many communities, but don’t fully fit into one single community. Although this can be lonely at times, it’s a vulnerability that can help me connect with others, have honest conversations, and build genuine connections.