In this episode of Yes She Can!, I sit down with Irene Godínez, a fellow daughter of Mexican immigrants and a LatinxEd fellowship alum, to talk about the moments that shaped her as a leader.

Irene shares how her parents helped newly arrived immigrants feel at home in North Carolina by renting out Latin American movies, and how those early lessons in building community carried into her work engaging young Latinx voters through Poder NC Action.

I recorded this conversation as part of my LatinxEd fellowship networking project, and one of my favorite takeaways was Irene’s reminder that we can take risks even when we’re scared. Tune in for a conversation about Mexican roots, building community, and giving yourself permission to try something no one around you has done before.

In this episode of the Yes She Can Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Mayra Gaona—a first-generation Mexican-American scholar, full-time professor, and the inspiring creator behind @becomingadoctora.

Dr. Gaona shares her journey of perseverance: from navigating higher education as a first-generation student, to earning her PhD in School Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, to her current role shaping future leaders as a professor. She also reflects on her time as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Urban Youth Trauma Center, where she worked to support youth impacted by trauma.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Gaona reminds us of the importance of returning to our “why”—the passion and purpose that drives us forward, even in moments of doubt. Her story is one of resilience, breaking barriers, and using education as a tool for empowerment.

In this episode of Yes She Can!, we sit down with Keegan Lee, a sophomore honors student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and co-author of "60 Days of Disconnect." Keegan shares her transformative journey of stepping away from social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, detailing how this decision impacted her mental health and personal growth. Through her candid reflections and advocacy, she challenges the pervasive influence of digital platforms and emphasizes the importance of mindful technology use.

Whether you're seeking inspiration to reassess your own digital habits or looking to understand the broader implications of social media on mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.