EP 130: The First Gen Madrina: Bridging Professional Growth Emotional Wellness & Financial Empowerment

NASW Social Work Talks Podcast

NASW Social Work Talks The First Gen Madrina Bridging Professional Growth Emotional Wellness and Financial Empowerment with Sara Diaz LCSW Founder of the First Gen Madrina LLC and Podcast HPCC Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center

Sara Diaz, LCSW, founder of The First Gen Madrina, LLC, joins us to explore the unique experiences of first-generation students and professionals. In this episode, Sara discusses the intersection of financial empowerment, mental wellness, and professional development—particularly for first-generation communities.

Sara also leads The Madrina Network, https://thefirstgenmadrina.com/, an online coaching and community space specifically designed to support social workers navigating transitions or seeking purpose in their work.

First Gen Madrina Podcast https://thefirstgenmadrina.buzzsprout.com/


Sara Diaz, LCSW, founder of The First Gen Madrina, LLC, joins us to explore the unique experiences of first-generation students and professionals. In this episode, Sara discusses the intersection of financial empowerment, mental wellness, and professional development—particularly for first-generation communities.

Sara also leads The Madrina Network, https://thefirstgenmadrina.com/, an online coaching and community space specifically designed to support social workers navigating transitions or seeking purpose in their work.


Elisabeth Lamotte

Our host for this episode is NASW member Elisabeth Joy LaMotte, LICSW, founder of the DC Counseling and Psychotherapy Center and author of "Overcoming Your Parents’ Divorce." She serves on the Board of Advisors of her graduate school, the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice, the Trustees' Council of Penn Women, and the board of NASW’s Private Practice Section Committee.


August 4, 2025

Listen to Episode 130


Read a transcript of episode 130

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Recommended Books

First Gen by Alejandra Campoverdi: First Gen a book by Alejandra Campoverdi - Bookshop.org US

Smart Girl by Dr. La'Tonya Rease Miles: https://www.smartgirlbook.com/

HPCC Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center


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