Unapologetically First Gen

Inside Business Immigration Law with Lucy Magadichian

In this episode, we're joined by Lucy Magadichian - immigration attorney, boutique practice owner, and immigrant herself - who has spent over 20 years helping companies and individuals navigate the complex world of U.S. immigration law. Lucy breaks down the business side of immigration in a way that's accessible and eye-opening. We talk about why mobility restrictions are one of the biggest hurdles facing foreign workers right now, how antiquated the U.S. immigration system really is, the heartbreaking reality of 15+ year green card waits for some applicants, and the importance of hiring a legitimate immigration attorney (and how to verify one).  Plus, Lucy shares her own first-gen story - moving from Bulgaria at age 12, becoming her family's translator, and the sneaker moment that started her American education. RESOURCES & TERMS MENTIONED * Learn more about Lucy on her website https://www.lmaglaw.com [https://www.lmaglaw.com] or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-magardichian-22abba7/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-magardichian-22abba7/] * Learn more about H1B Visas [https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/immigration/h1b]: or O-1 Visas [https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement] or check out the USCIC website [https://www.uscis.gov/] for information on other visas or scenarios.

What Schools Are Missing with School Committee Member Luisa de Paula Santos

In this episode, we’re joined by Luisa de Paula Santos—educator, labor organizer, and newly elected member of the Cambridge School Committee. As a first-gen immigrant and current paraprofessional, Luisa brings a powerful perspective from inside the education system. We talk about what it’s like to move from organizing workers to running for public office, what she saw working in schools that pushed her to run, and the complicated realities educators face behind the scenes. From underfunded classrooms to the fear teachers have about speaking up, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how school systems really operate. We also explore the role parents play in school communities, how districts sometimes pit teachers and families against each other, and why building stronger school communities is of the most important ways to support students. Luisa shares what it’s like navigating bureaucracy as a newly elected official, how her first-gen identity shapes her leadership, and why she’s determined to fight for dignity and justice in education. RESOURCES & TERMS MENTIONED * Learn more about IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [https://ncld.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/240502-Learn-the-Law-Individuals-with-Disabilities-Education-Act.pdf]. * Get to know Luisa [https://www.luisaforschoolcommittee.org/meet-luisa]  * If you live in Cambridge, MA and want to share your perspective, Luisa encourages you to reach out: luisa4schoolcommittee @gmail.com [http://gmail.com]. JOIN THE COMMUNITY & SUPPORT US * Get your Unapologetically First Gen mug [https://www.azoraops.com/ufg-store] — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen. * Join our email list [https://www.azoraops.com/ufg-podcast] for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments. * Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/ufgpodcast/] to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

Our One-Year Anniversary: What First-Gen Looks Like in One Family

We made it—one full year of Unapologetically First Gen 🎉 For our anniversary episode, we wanted to do something special (and very on brand): invite family into the conversation. In this episode, Lesley and Stacy are joined by two of their older cousins, Michelle and Suzete, for an unfiltered, no-outline conversation about immigration, identity, and what it means to grow up first-gen—even within the same family. As some of the oldest cousins on their dad’s side, Michelle and Suzete helped pave the road the rest of us walked on, and their stories reveal just how different first-gen life can look across ages, neighborhoods, and circumstances. What unfolds is funny, tender, raw, and deeply honest. From early memories of arriving in the U.S., to intergenerational living in the legendary “Braga compound,” to conversations about shame, pride, community, and becoming yourself over time—this episode is a reminder that there is no single immigrant experience. JOIN THE COMMUNITY & SUPPORT US * Get your Unapologetically First Gen mug [https://www.azoraops.com/ufg-store] — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen. * Join our email list [https://www.azoraops.com/ufg-podcast] for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments. * Follow us on You Tube [https://www.youtube.com/@UFGPodcast] and Instagram (@UFGPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/ufgpodcast/]) and on to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

Taking a Breath: Self-Care in a Heavy Season

In this episode, we slow things down and talk honestly about self-care in times of anger, grief, and nonstop news cycles. We’re not experts, and this isn’t a “just light a candle and you’ll be fine” conversation. It’s a real check-in on what it looks like to take care of ourselves so we can keep showing up. We share what’s been grounding us lately — from therapy tools and reading fiction again, to leaning into play, silliness, and hobbies that don’t need to be productive or monetized. We also talk about setting boundaries with the news and social media, finding balance between staying informed and burning out, and why rest isn’t optional if we want to stay in this work for the long haul. Throughout the episode, we reflect on how self-care helps us move from feeling stuck in anger to feeling empowered, connected, and able to take action — without losing ourselves in the process. JOIN THE COMMUNITY & SUPPORT US * Get your Unapologetically First Gen mug [https://www.azoraops.com/ufg-store] — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen. * Join our email list [https://www.azoraops.com/ufg-podcast] for new episodes, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes sister moments. * Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/ufgpodcast/] to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.

Dispelling Immigration Myths (and Why They’re So Dangerous)

In this episode of Unapologetically First Gen, Stacy walks us through some of the most common — and most harmful — myths about immigrants in the U.S., using research from the International Institute of New England [https://iine.org/] as a starting point. Lesley reacts in real time, adding personal stories, lived experience, and plenty of righteous anger as we unpack why these myths persist, who they harm, and how dehumanization shows up in policy, media, and everyday conversations. This episode is heavy but necessary. We talk about immigration backlogs, asylum, crime myths, voting misinformation, economic impact, language access, and anti-Muslim rhetoric. Most of all, we talk about why humanizing immigrant stories matters now more than ever. RESOURCES & TERMS MENTIONED * The article used: Dispelling 10 Common Myths About Immigrants and Refugees [https://iine.org/2024/04/dispelling-10-common-myths-about-immigrants-and-refugees/?hsa_acc=9101453466&hsa_cam=20404612066&hsa_grp=159039315822&hsa_ad=698048149194&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-381952138218&hsa_kw=facts%20about%20immigrants&hsa_mt=p&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20404612066] * If you want to support adult education check out Randolph Community Partnership [https://www.rcpinc.org/] or your local adult ed program.   * Pasteis De Nata [https://portugaliamarketplace.com/products/avos-pasteis-de-natas?srsltid=AfmBOoqAQCAwWrL6LEk25fcgAr4mNSzwTDGuvaEGa58-eh9p9Rd5H--S]  * Information on the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Balbir_Singh_Sodhi] * Get information on applying for documented status on USCIS’s site [https://www.uscis.gov/]  * Find and contact your elected representatives  [https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials] JOIN THE COMMUNITY & SUPPORT US * Get your Unapologetically First Gen mug [https://www.azoraops.com/ufg-store] — perfect desk buddy and gift for your fave first-gen. * Join our email list [https://www.azoraops.com/ufg-podcast] for new episodes, more ways to help, and behind-the-scenes sister moments. * Follow us on Instagram @UFGPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/ufgpodcast/] to peek at the sister shenanigans, Portuguese snacks, and episode drops.