This week on Entre Tías y Amiguis, we’re talking about what happens when the life you built no longer fits.

In this powerful conversation, Adri is joined by alignment and visibility coach Gina Moreno, founder of Empowermente, to talk about choosing yourself, over and over again. From walking away from engineering to navigating family estrangement and healing from PCOS, Gina shares the non-linear, grief-soaked, intuitive path that brought her back to her voice.

This episode is for the cycle breakers who are in the in-between. The ones doing everything “right” but still feeling disconnected. The ones afraid to choose joy because it might disappoint others. The ones becoming someone they haven’t met yet.

Together, we talk about:

• First-gen disillusionment and realizing success didn’t mean fulfillment
• Burnout, grief, and how the body always tells the truth
• The spiritual and emotional weight of walking away from a toxic caretaker
• Rebuilding health and identity after PCOS and burnout
• How storytelling becomes a tool for healing, rest, and reconnection
• Working in seasons, embracing rest, and redefining legacy on your own terms

Gina reminds us that healing isn’t always pretty, but it’s always powerful. And that sometimes, the scariest choice — choosing yourself — is the most sacred one.

This is tía wisdom in real time. Tune in when you’re ready to remember who you’re becoming.

About Gina Moreno

Gina Moreno is a first-generation Mexican-American alignment and visibility coach, speaker, and founder of Empowermente, a platform dedicated to helping multi-passionate Latinas step into their power. From engineering and tech to public speaking and coaching, Gina’s journey is all about breaking cycles and building a life rooted in purpose, clarity, and bold action.

Through her signature programs and content, she helps women embrace their full selves, share their stories, and create impact on their own terms.

Connect with Gina and her work:

• Website: https://soygina.com/welcome-to-empowermente-the-journey-of-personal-empowerment/
• Empowermente Podcast: Spotify
• Instagram: @soyginamoreno

Welcome back to Entre Tías y Amiguis! Season 2 begins with mucho corazón y dedicacion a la comunidad. In this special episode, Adri is joined by fellow therapist and tía Sofia Mendoza, LCSW, for a tender conversation on what it means to return, pause, and feel it all during a season of collective grief, burnout, and survival.

This is not a “how to feel better fast” episode. It’s a spacious, compassionate reminder that your body knows, your nervous system is doing its best, and your humanity is worth honoring, even when you’re in low power mode.

Together, we talk about:

• Why our bodies slow down before our minds catch up
• The iPhone “low battery” metaphor you didn’t know you needed
• Garlic parts (not onions) and letting your inner teen rest
• How collective grief is activating ancestral, political, and personal trauma
• Small joy as resistance: music, mangoes, mutual aid, and movement
• Why can’t we dream if we’re not sleeping

We also take intentional pauses, invite you to check in with your own body, and remind you, you’re not alone in any of this.

This is comadreo con terapia — raw, real, and rooted in love.

About Sofia Mendoza, LCSW

Sofia Mendoza is a Latina licensed clinical social worker in Long Beach, CA. She's a proud daughter of Salvadoran and Mexican immigrants. She works in community mental health and private practice, specializing in helping women of color recover from trauma and burnout. Sofia is passionate about helping people live the life they dream of, full of joy, creativity, and recovery. As a former child therapist, she uses her creativity to make mental health topics accessible and digestible for the entire familia. Sofia is also a writer and has published over 30 different mental health journals, planners, and notebooks. Many of her books are bilingual or offered in Spanish. This year, she's also co-authoring a book on Healing from Racial Trauma, which will be released around November 26.

Connect with Sofia and her work:

• Website: www.sofiamendozalcsw.com
• Webinar for Therapists — "When Fear Becomes Reality": https://sofiamendozalcsw.com/service/webinar-when-fear-becomes-reality/
• Therapy IG: https://www.instagram.com/mendingrootstherapy
• Books IG: https://www.instagram.com/mendingrootshealingspaces
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-mendoza-lcsw-baa19510/
• Free E-Book — "Cultural & Creative Practices to Combat Burnout": https://p.mendingrootshealingspaces.com/burnoutcreativity
• Newsletter Signup: https://mendingroots.kit.com/updates

Listener Invitation:

Take this episode slow. Pause when you need to. Stretch. Drink water. Go for a walk. Check in with yourself. And if something resonates, share it with someone you care about.

We are the helpers. We are the healers. And we deserve to rest, too.

In this final episode of Season 1 of Entre Tías y Amiguis, Adri sits down with her dear friend Andrea Vargas, LMFT, for a heartfelt conversation on the unexpected paths life takes us on, healing generational wounds, and learning to trust the process. Andrea shares her journey from aspiring accountant to therapist, the lessons she's learned along the way, and how our families, cultures, and inner voices shape our healing.

Together, Adri and Andrea reflect on what it means to navigate life as first-gen Latinas, the challenges of balancing our past and future, and the importance of choosing healing—both for ourselves and for those who come after us.

About our Amiguis:

Andrea Vargas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the creator of Sana Sana Colita de Trauma, an Instagram platform offering mental health resources for the Latino community, with an emphasis on Spanish-language accessibility. Andrea specializes in supporting first-gen individuals, immigrants, and their families as they navigate generational trauma and healing.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Andrea’s journey from business to therapy unfolded unexpectedly
• The impact of assimilation, acculturation, and identity on our mental health
• How first-gens navigate the contradictions of adulthood and family expectations
• The role of chosen family and community in healing
• Why dismantling inherited narratives is key to self-discovery
• How we can invite our parents and elders into mental health conversations

In Andrea's Words::

"We don’t just grieve what happens; we grieve what doesn’t happen. Healing isn’t about erasing pain—it’s about making space for something different."

In this episode of Entre Tías y Amiguis, Adri sits down with Stephanie Olano, a marriage and family therapist and founder of Awkward Money, to explore the deeply ingrained financial narratives that shape our relationship with money. They dive into the intersection of financial trauma, cultural identity, and generational beliefs, unpacking the ways that money anxiety manifests and how we can begin to reframe inherited financial scripts. Stephanie shares her personal journey of bridging her expertise in mental health with financial coaching and offers practical insights on how to heal money wounds while developing financial confidence.

About the Amiguis:

Stephanie Olano (she/her) is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of Awkward Money, a coaching platform focused on helping individuals navigate financial trauma and anxiety. With a background in mental health, Stephanie integrates trauma-informed practices with financial education to support BIPOC and immigrant communities in transforming their relationship with money. Through her work, she challenges financial shame, builds awareness of systemic barriers, and empowers people to take financial action that aligns with their values.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How financial trauma manifests and ways to recognize it in yourself
• The role of cultural norms and generational beliefs in shaping financial behaviors
• How money anxiety impacts relationships and decision-making
• The importance of grieving financial losses and reparenting your inner child
• Practical steps to reframe inherited money beliefs and build financial confidence

In Stephanie's Words:

"We have to be able to talk about money trauma in a way that acknowledges both the survival instincts of our ancestors and our ability to create new financial narratives for ourselves."

In this episode of Entre Tías y Amiguis, Adri sits down with Christina Rodriguez, founder of Latinas with Masters. Christina shares her inspiring journey as a first-gen Nicaraguan-American doctoral candidate and the intentionality behind creating a platform that uplifts Latinas in higher education. Together, Adri and Christina unpack their shared experiences navigating academia, deconstructing white supremacy in professional spaces, and finding their authentic voices.

About our Amiguis:

Christina Rodriguez is the founder and creator of Latinas with Masters, a community-driven platform amplifying Latina representation in higher education. A proud Nicaraguan-American, doctoral student in Educational Leadership, and mother of two, Christina is passionate about creating equitable pathways for women of color in academia. Through her work, Christina challenges traditional academic systems, promotes storytelling as a valid methodology, and uplifts her community with love and intention.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

- The challenges of navigating predominantly white institutions as Latinas.

- How cultural identity informs the way we show up in professional and academic spaces.

- The importance of storytelling and community in challenging academic norms.

- How Christina’s Latinas with Masters platform is breaking barriers and fostering belonging.

- Practical advice for showing up authentically and unapologetically.

In Christina's words:

"Don’t dummy yourself down to make others feel comfortable. Show up authentically and unapologetically—you belong in every space you enter."

In this Entre Tías y Amiguis episode, I sit down with Angel Rodriguez, an expert social worker and innovator with over two decades of experience. We dive into the power of storytelling as a tool for building connections, bridging generational gaps, and transforming communities. Angel shares her journey from government service to entrepreneurship, highlighting how storytelling shapes personal and professional growth.

About Our Amiguis:

Angel Rodriguez is an expert social worker and innovator with over two decades of experience in public child welfare. As the CEO of rfc21, Angel provides comprehensive services, including curriculum development, leadership coaching, and grant management. She also serves as an expert witness for law firms and holds the position of Vice President on the Board of Directors for a local nonprofit in Los Angeles. Angel is passionate about community service and empowering organizations to thrive.

In Angel's Words:

"Storytelling is at the heart of connection. It allows us to understand, relate, and build bridges across generations and cultures."

This week on Entre Tías y Amiguis, I sit down with Angela Chavez (she/her), a proud introvert, community builder, and lifelong learner. From founding the nonprofit Chicas Latinas de Sacramento to advocating for culturally responsive leadership, Angela shares her journey of embracing her authentic self while creating meaningful spaces for others. Together, we explore the intersection of introversion, leadership, and the joy of slowing down.

About our Guest

Angela Chavez is the Communications and Public Affairs Director at Courage California and the founder of Chicas Latinas de Sacramento, a nonprofit she started in 2009 to empower Latina women through volunteering and cultural connection. Born and raised in Sacramento, Angela is a fourth-generation Mexican-American and a proud alumna of Sacramento State with a degree in journalism. Her journey reflects the power of introverts in community building and the importance of reclaiming time for self-discovery.

On This Episode

• The unique strengths of introverts in leadership and community building
• How Angela created and sustained Chicas Latinas de Sacramento for 15 years
• The intersection of identity, introversion, and cultural expectations
• Why slowing down and stepping back can be acts of self-care and cycle-breaking
• The importance of creating spaces for others while holding to your own needs

In Angela's words:

"Introverts have so much to offer. We're great strategists, listeners, and problem-solvers. The key is to trust yourself, your power, and your pace." – Angela Chavez

Mentioned in the Episode

• Chicas Latinas de Sacramento
• Courage California
• The role of introverts in leadership and community
• Strategies for balancing introversion with public-facing roles

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Welcome

(02:30) Growing Up with Teen Parents

(06:30) Discovering Interests and Creating Space Amid Chaos

(18:30) Introversion and Leadership in Community Building

(27:00) Founding Chicas Latinas de Sacramento

(37:30) Embracing Authenticity and Self-Discovery

(54:00) Angela’s Message for Introverts and Closing Thoughts

In this heartfelt episode of Entre Tías y Amiguis, Adri Rodriguez sits down with Cyn Magaña, a queer Xicana therapist and trauma-informed wellness practitioner. Together, they explore the transformative journey of being a cycle breaker, navigating the complexities of identity, healing, and authenticity as a queer Latina. Cyn shares their story of resilience, community, and the intentional steps that led to a bi-coastal private practice that integrates holistic and decolonized care.

About the Guest

Cynthia Magaña, LCSW (she/they), is a queer Xicana therapist with over a decade of experience across nonprofit, education, and startup sectors. They hold dual licensure in New York and California and are also a yoga instructor, sound and Reiki practitioner. Cyn is passionate about fostering healing and authenticity within diverse communities through accessible, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed practices.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• What it means to be a cycle breaker as a queer Latina.
• The emotional journey of reclaiming identity and authenticity.
• Cyn’s experience of navigating systems of whiteness while honoring their cultural roots.
• The importance of chosen family and community support in personal growth.
• How integrating holistic practices like yoga and sound healing enhances mental health.
• Tips for maintaining intentionality while breaking cycles and honoring rest.

Guest Quote

"We didn’t just get here to stay here; we’re meant to keep going—even if it’s slow, it’s still forward momentum."

Mentioned in the Episode

• Cycle breaking and chosen family.
• Yin yoga, sound healing, and restorative practices.
• Cyn’s new offering: "Off the Record," a consultation group for BIPOC clinicians transitioning to private practice.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: Cycle Breaking and Queer Latina Identity

06:45 – The Journey of Firsts: From Community College to NYU

12:35 – Navigating Identity and Belonging

20:00 – Claiming Queerness and Living Authentically

29:30 – Returning to California: Integrating Lessons Learned

38:00 – Trusting the Process and Embracing Rest

50:00 – New Offerings and Honoring Slow Growth

56:00 – Closing Thoughts: Living in Alignment