Sara, LCSW, CFSW

Being a social work entrepreneur doesn’t always fit into a 9–5 schedule. 👀 Some days are filled with cafecito-fueled meetings, community-building, and dreaming big. Other days look like admin work, co-working with amigas, recording podcasts, and squeezing in rest where I can. This is what building The First Gen Madrina looks like behind the scenes. It’s not just one role, one title, or one lane. It’s all the pieces coming together to support first-gen students, professionals, and social workers in real, intentional ways. Every conversation, every collaboration, every quiet moment of planning matters. This is just a glimpse of how it all comes to life! 💜

Social workers, your community is here! Join The Madrina Network today! 🎉 The Madrina Network: A Community for Social Workers is officially open for enrollment! This is your space to grow, connect, and thrive with other social workers who get it. Whether you’re a student, recent grad, or seasoned professional, this community is designed to pour back into you. Join us for group coaching, personal and professional development workshops, resource directories, a group chat of amazing social workers, and much more! 📅 Sign-ups are open until November 24th! 🔗 Head to the link in my bio to join today! Let’s build a network rooted in support, empowerment, and community. 💜

There’s something really special about going from a virtual connection…to a real-life hug. 🫶🏽 At the HACE Summit, I connected in person with three incredible guests from The First Gen Madrina Podcast, and for two of them, it was our very first time meeting face-to-face! That moment alone reminded me how powerful this work and these relationships truly are. Here’s a little throwback so you can tap into their wisdom too: ✨ Episode 39 with my Jefa-hermana Paulaska Ramirez An entrepreneur and founder of Generation Fearless, a nonprofit supporting first-gen women. We talked about: • Navigating life without a roadmap • Cultural challenges we carry • What it actually looks like to take care of our mental health as first gens ✨ Episode 91 with Dr. Stephanie Bannister of First Gen Forward This conversation was REAL. We got into: • The “hidden curriculum” in college + professional spaces • What first-generation students aren’t taught but are expected to know • The impact of changes within the Department of Education ✨ Episode 123 with Carlos Martin One of my favorite money conversations. We explored: • Money shame • Cultural stigmas around wealth • How we’re actively working toward generational wealth Seeing these conversations come full circle, in real life, in community, and in shared spaces of leadership was grounding and affirming in ways I can’t fully put into words. This is your sign to go back and listen (or re-listen 👀). The gems are STILL gemming! 🎧 Check the link in my bio or tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.

I thought I was “bad with money”… but it was actually my ADHD and anxiety running the show. Here’s how it showed up for me: 1. Impulsivity: Spending in the moment for dopamine, relief, or a sense of control… and then dealing with the guilt later. 2. Forgetfulness: Missing payments, losing track of subscriptions, or simply not following through because my brain had 20 tabs open. 3. Avoidance: Not checking my bank account, putting off budgeting, and ignoring the numbers because they felt overwhelming or anxiety-inducing. For a long time, I internalized this as: “I’m just not disciplined enough,” or “I’m bad with money.” But that narrative misses something important. We don’t talk enough about how our mental health and brain wiring impact our relationship with money. This is not about diagnosis, it’s about offering you perspective. Because when you understand the why, you can finally start building systems that actually support you… instead of shaming yourself into change. So, here’s the thing. You may not be “bad with money”. You might just need support that aligns with how your brain works. Can anyone else relate? 🤔

If you’re a social worker afraid of “rocking the boat”… this is your reminder that it is okay to do so. At the HACE Summit last month, we discussed what it means to create “good trouble,” and this topic couldn’t be more relevant for our field. I began to think about how I unapologetically tell my students to speak up for themselves. I teach them to advocate for the education and experience they deserve and to prioritize their self-care. We are losing too many social workers to burnout, and it is time we address it. I won’t apologize for encouraging them to “rock the boat.” Because when systems aren’t supporting you, you are allowed to push back. That’s what we do as social workers. Yes, it can feel uncomfortable, especially if you were taught to stay quiet and be grateful. Our voices matter, and you deserve the same support that you give to clients. Just remember: advocating for change doesn’t mean abandoning yourself. Self-care is part of the work. For more insight and ways to take care of yourself in the process, subscribe to my newsletter Madrina Network, using the link in bio! Think about this: Where in your work are you being called to create “good trouble”?

Somewhere along the way, we were taught that being a good social worker meant saying yes to everything. This month on The First Gen Madrina podcast, I get real about this “good social worker” mentality. Have you ever stayed late multiple nights? Have you ever taken on more cases than you signed up for? Have you ever answered emails after hours? To a certain extent, this could be realistic in most jobs but not in the long-term. And for my first gens? That pressure hits even deeper. Because it’s not just about you. It’s about our family, community and our legacy. But here’s the truth: That version of “good” is not sustainable. It can lead to: 1️⃣ Blurred boundaries. 2️⃣Exhaustion. 3️⃣Burnout. And slowly… losing yourself in the work you once felt called to do. So let’s redefine it. ✨ A good social worker sets boundaries. ✨ A good social worker rests without guilt. ✨ A good social worker advocates for others AND themselves. Because you cannot pour into others from an empty cup, and a burnt-out social worker cannot create meaningful change. But a supported, grounded, and empowered one? That’s where the impact lives. Check out this week’s podcast for more! So I’ll ask you this: What does being a “good” social worker mean to you now?

“Mental Health Awareness Month” is great… but my anxiety doesn’t clock out on June 1st. Here’s the truth I’ve been sitting with lately. After 15 years of managing my anxiety without medication… I made the decision to start. This wasn’t an easy choice. It was layered, emotional, and deeply personal. But here’s why I said yes to myself and accepting additional support: 1. My body was speaking loudly Hair loss (I’ll share more soon), constant weakness, and even impacts on my heart… I couldn’t ignore it anymore. 2. My ADHD diagnosis shifted everything It helped me understand how my brain works and also where I needed more support, not just more discipline. 3. The world we’re living in isn’t slowing down And pushing myself to “just cope” in chaos? That’s not sustainable for anyone. Overall, this decision doesn’t define me. It supports me. I share this because I know how much stigma still exists, especially in our communities, around medication, mental health, and asking for help. Now here is your truth. You get to choose what support looks like for YOU. On your own terms. One day, I’ll go deeper into this on the podcast. But for now… just know you’re not alone in navigating these decisions. Mental health awareness is not limited to just one month. We are in this together all 365 days of the year! 💜 #mentalhealthawarenessmonth💚 #firstgenhealing #latinamentalhealth #adhdwomen #breakthestigma

Imposter syndrome doesn’t magically disappear once you become a social worker. I’ve seen it show up over and over again with students and recent grads I work with… Have you ever heard that quiet voice that says, “Who am I to do this work?” “What if I’m not good enough?” Or “What if they find out I don’t have it all together?” If you do, I see you! And here’s the truth most people won’t tell you: It doesn’t 100% go away. But you can learn how to manage it. Here are 3 ways to start: ✨ 1. Recognize your triggers Notice when imposter syndrome shows up. Is it during supervision? Your first client session? When comparing yourself to others? Awareness is power. ✨ 2. Reframe the narrative That inner voice isn’t always telling the truth. Challenge it. Rewrite it. Instead of “I don’t know what I’m doing,” try: “I am learning, growing, and gaining experience every day.” ✨ 3. State the facts + prioritize self-care Look at the evidence. You earned your degree. You showed up. You’re doing the work. And don’t forget that taking care of yourself is part of being an effective social worker, not separate from it. You don’t have to be perfect to be impactful. You just have to keep showing up for yourself! 💜

What I wish I knew before becoming a social worker... There are things no one really prepares you for when you step into social work. Not in school, not in training, and not always once you’re actually in it. You learn them through the lived experience of the work: the pressure, the responsibility, and the moments you start questioning yourself more than the system. I put together a newsletter sharing some of the biggest lessons I wish I had known earlier in my journey, especially for those of us navigating burnout, identity, and what it means to stay in this field without losing yourself. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin, underappreciated, or like you’re trying to figure it all out as you go… this is for you. Go to the link in bio to subscribe and receive the full newsletter! 💜

If you don’t schedule your reset, burnout will schedule it for you. It’s easy to get caught in the grind. There’s always something to do, somewhere to be, something that feels urgent. And if we don’t intentionally create space to reset, burnout isn’t a question of if… it becomes a question of when. That’s why Mondays are my reset. Not to catch up on everything I didn’t finish but to come back to myself first. I use this day to slow down, plan my week with intention, and make space for what actually matters. My weekly reset is not about productivity. It’s about presence. Because clarity doesn’t come from doing more… it comes from coming back to yourself. So...How do you reset for your week?

Ever wondered what it really takes to start a private practice or business? 👀 Inside the Madrina Network: A Community of Social Workers, we recently hosted an exclusive Private Practice 101 workshop, and it was everything we needed and more! From breaking down the actual steps to start a practice, to having real conversations about the fears, mindset shifts, and business side of things… this was the kind of space we don’t always get access to. When you join the Madrina Network, you’re not just joining a community, you’re stepping into: ✨Support from fellow members who remind you that you are not alone ✨Direct support from a fellow social worker who truly gets it. ✨Opportunities for both personal and professional development and much more! This workshop was just a glimpse of what’s waiting for you inside… and it’s exclusive to members only! A huge thank you and shoutout to @kathy.acosta.fig for facilitating such an engaging and transparent session. She showed up with honesty, wisdom, and openness, creating a space where members felt comfortable asking questions and truly learning together! Ready to pour into yourself and your growth? Tap the link in bio to join us! 💜

April is Financial Literacy Month! 💸 Let’s talk about something important right now… having multiple income streams. This is not coming from a place of hustle culture, but from a place of stability, choice, and protection in an unpredictable job market. As social workers, we pour so much into others… but we also deserve: ✔️ Financial security ✔️ Options in our careers ✔️ The ability to build savings (3–6 months is the goal 👀) This newsletter, we’re diving into: ✨ Different types of income streams (including non-entrepreneurial options) ✨ How to be strategic without burning out ✨ Ways to align your income with your long-term goals Because this isn’t about doing more… it’s about doing what’s sustainable. 💌 Want the full breakdown + ideas you can actually start exploring? Subscribe to the Madrina Network Newsletter using the link in bio! 💜 #SocialWork #FinancialLiteracyMonth #SocialWorkers #moneymatters MentalHealthMatters