Vida De PhD

In this episode, Guest Doré shares her journey into the non-academic world. Doré talks about some of the key differences between non-academic and academic professions which can be useful to learn about if you are on the fence on where your career can take you. Doré also shares about how national organizations have brought community into her life and professional life. Tune in to learn more!  

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Melissa shares the moment she became inspired to pursue a PhD. Lorena and Melissa bond over how being in a Latina sorority was useful in the pursuit of a PhD because of the community that membership brings. Finally, Melissa shares what her future holds for her outside of academia. Tune in to learn more!  

En amor y poder, Lorena

In this episode, Guest Juan shares his inspirational background as a Latino male and high school English teacher. Juan also walks us through the journey of being a full time teacher while balancing pursuing his PhD. Finally, he shares what the future holds for his journey and his words of wisdom for those who may be on this non-traditional path of pursuing a PhD. 

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Mindy shares her journey as a first generation multi-racial scholar and how her inspiration for her research interests and career fall into place very naturally. Mindy opens up and shares a very vulnerable part of her journey of becoming a parent through the adoption of her nephew at 24 during the pursuit of her PhD. Mindy’s openness reminds us that we all are on unique journeys and should be supportive of each other. Mindy ends by sharing how integral the support of her lab sisters and cohort friends was to surviving the PhD. Tune in to learn from Mindy’s story and her words of wisdom. 

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Gustavo starts by sharing his favorite song which had a fun back story to it and it's a song that many Latinos enjoy! Gustavo then walks us through his journey through academia and to his current position as a full professor. The field has a limited number of Latino scholars and to be able to interview one that is a full professor and towards the more experienced end of his career was incredible. Gustavo ends by sharing some inspiring words of wisdom. Tune in to learn from Gustavo’s wisdom. 

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In honor of Black History Month, in this episode two amazing friends and Black scholars in Lorena’s life were interviewed. Guests August and Tekisha started by sharing their journeys as Black scholars in academia, their research agendas on Black families, and where their inspiration for that work was born. They also share so MANY nuggets of wisdom that I hope uplifts and sheds some inspiration for Black scholars out there and also scholars of color.  Tune in, this one is not one to be missed!

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Melissa has a fruitful conversation with Lorena on mentorship and editorship. Lorena starts by sharing how Melissa’s mentorship was integral to her successful PhD journey. Melissa shares tidbits on how professors can support students in their academic pursuits. Next, we dive into Melissa’s work as editor of the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships and how she has invested time and resources into making the peer review process more equitable. Dive in to learn from Melissa and her awesome experiences. 

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Norma shares her humble beginnings and how it led into her passion for research and doing community engaged work. Norma highlights some key parts of her Latina identity and experiences that were integral to her journey to pursuing her PhD and the work she conducts now as an academic. Norma also shares some great nuggets of wisdom for aspiring applied researchers out there who may wonder how to straddle the world of academia while still making an impact on their communities. 

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Deya shares her journey to become an urban planner. She shares in detail how her journey was influenced by her identities as a Latina and a mother. We also dive into nuggets of wisdom of what she has learned across her journey. Tune in, to learn more about the journey of becoming an urban planner!

Note- In the introduction Dr. Deyanira Nevarez Martinez's last names were reversed. Her name is as published in the episode title.

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Lauren shares all the different kinds of non-academic spaces she has worked in throughout her professional journey. Lauren also dives into nuggets of wisdom about the differences between the diverse non-academic spaces through which your career can take you. We also talk about key points you should know as you make decisions about where to take your non-academic journey. Most importantly, Lauren shares some words of wisdom that may serve you well as you make the move into the non-academic world. Tune in, if you are in your journey of moving into an non-academic career path!

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Jenny shares her journey into starting her Clinical Psychology PhD. She shares how the years between her bachelor’s degree and starting her PhD were integral to her journey. We also jump into the mental health needs we would love for research and practice to better serve Latino families in. Finally, we also dive into the role of God and faith play in our professional journeys. Hope you enjoy this episode. 

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Dr. Aceves takes some time to express her gratitude for you all and all the challenges and amazing things that have unfolded for her in 2023. She ends the episode by challenging you to reflect and set your intention for 2024. Thank you for listening and following. Can’t wait for the stories that will be shared in 2024!

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Gaby shares her journey from getting her PhD to where she sees the future taking her journey. Dr. Livas Stein is open and vulnerable with us about how she has felt she is ”faking it” to make it at times. It was amazing to hear about the community engaged work she does and how her work and research have evolved. Dr. Livas Stein also shares some amazing wisdom on how to overcome imposter syndrome and how to build relationships with colleagues. I learned so much about Gaby. I hope you take away some nuggets of wisdom just like I did!  

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Sendy shares her journey into advocacy work. Sendy is one of the first guests on the podcast without a PhD who has such an amazing and inspiring journey. Her journey sheds light on the value of experience and heart and I would say she has an honorary PhD in life as she mentions in the episode. Life experience and heart can take you pretty far in life if you allow them to. Hope this episode inspires you to think and go outside of the box like it did for me.  Thank you Sendy!  

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest José shares his journey to academia as a professor. He talks about his first failed PhD and how meeting the right people at the right time set him on his current path. He ends by sharing his words of wisdom to show up just as you are… that is your value! Hope this one resonates with you like it did for me.    

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Lorena shares her experiences with the internships that she did in graduate school. Lorena also talks about key things you can do if you are interested in pursuing an internship to explore your career options! Lorena also talks about wisdom she learned from doing these internships and hopes its resonates with you!   

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Susie shares her journey about how she landed a job with PBS and how that experience inspired her to get a PhD. Susie also shares how her Latina identity has showed up in the different spaces she has navigated. We also dive into encouraging folks to explore different options that may be out there before committing to a PhD. Hope this episode resonates with you! 

En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Virnaliz shares her journey of pursuing a PhD as an Afro-Latina. We talk about all the high and lows one encounters in the PhD journey. You also get to hear about what she's looking to do post PhD studies. She also shares some great nuggets of wisdom. Enjoy!  En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Sabrina shares her journey of becoming faculty at a community college while pursuing a PhD. We dive into key aspects of how we became friends and how crucial community building and mentorship was in that process. Hope this episode helps you learn something new that could help you on your journey!  En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Lorena does a quick check-in on what is to come on the podcast and dives into Hispanic Heritage Month. She shares a few points that can be important for us to reflect on in these last few days of this beautiful month. En amor y poder, Lorena 

In this episode, Guest Dominique shares how she has built community during her grad school journey. We dive into key aspects of community that are helpful and Dominique offers some amazing words of wisdom. Hope this episode helps you build community.  En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Guest Alicia shares her journey from pursuing her PhD to owning and leading her own research organization as CEO. We also dive into how she made these crucial decisions of leaving academia to become her own boss. We also got to chat about how to balance personal life and goals with our professional goals and achievements. Hope this episode helps you think through how you can be an entrepreneur with a PhD.  En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, guest Dr. Josi Bañales and I talk about the community based research she is doing. Through our conversation, we also touch on the importance of community more broadly and mentorship in our career paths. Josi is scholar that I admire and it was amazing to hear more of her story. She is a fellow Latina who honestly always inspires me. Josi is my first academic on the podcast to showcase how our PhDs can take us on many unique journeys. Hope this resonates with you... en amor y poder, Lorena

In this episode, Guest Amber shares her journey into policy relevant work. She also dives into her community participatory based work that she currently conducts that aligns with her long-term career goals. Amber and I also dive into the beautiful ways in which scholars of color can connect with each other personally and within bigger research spaces such as societies/research organizations. Hope this episode helps you think through what a policy relevant path looks like in real time.  En amor y poder, Lorena 

In this episode, I reflect back to when I started my grad school journey! This one is for all my people out there starting their PhD programs or if you are starting a new school year. I share some of the challenges I faced going into grad school and tips for how I navigated this transition. These tips may be useful as your start or even if you are already further along in your grad school journey. Overall, it may be useful for you to hear that I too struggled as a way to normalize that change is not easy and it’s okay to not have it all figured out. En amor y poder, Lorena 

In this episode, I talk about 3 things that can be useful in making a decision to pursue a non-academic career or prepare you for this path if you are committed to a non-academic career. The 3 things include networking and building relationships, internships/applied experiences, and translating your research. Hope these tips are useful in your non-academic journey! En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, I talk about the beautiful ways my family has shown up to support my educational trajectory. Sometimes it can be so easy to get stuck on the stressful side of being Latino; but this week I wanted to highlight some of the amazing and beautiful ways my family has shown up for me. I hope you have some beautiful moments you cherish with your family too. En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Avelina and I talk about all things boundaries. We talked about boundaries with our families and how we navigate and negotiate those. We also dive into the importance of boundaries in our careers. We close by sharing ways we hold ourselves accountable with our boundaries. Hope something resonates for you in this episode. En amor y poder, Lorena 

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In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Villegas shares her journey into her non-academic career. We talk about experiences and strategies that were instrumental in ensuring her decision to leave academia and land the perfect research scientist job. We also dive into the role her Latina identity has play in this journey. Hope something resonates for you in this episode. En amor y poder, Lorena 

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nn this episode, I share some really personal stories about my own journey related to my dissertation and my experiences with my family when they were mixed status. Through these stories, I share how when something is for you it is for you no matter what even when it feels like it is not. These moments may make you question your entire existence, but I remind you ways that can support your journey forward because you are amazing! Hope something resonates for you in this episode. En amor y poder, Lorena

In this episode, listen to two Latinas interested in non-academic careers talk about what it's like to be first-gen and Latina in the pursuit of a PhD. We also dive into the code and context switching that many of us Latinas have to navigate on regular basis with our families. Hopefully something resonates from what Vanessa had to share with us. En amor y poder, Lorena

In this episode, take a listen to two Latinas who are dear friends talk about what it is like to actively explore your career options. We dive into the emotions and real deal about actively making choices about post PhD plans. We even dive into navigating family boundaries. Hope this one is useful. En amor y poder, Lorena

In this episode, I do a check-in and share about slowing down and envisioning your future. I take some time to share how important it is to slow down and quiet your mind to let yourself dream big when it comes to envisioning your future. This envisioning can include your career, your personal goals, or whatever your inner child wants to do. I share specific ways you can do this for yourself. Hope this is useful for you! En amor y poder, Lorena

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In this episode, I have my first non-academic career guest, Dr. Dianna Tran! Enjoy this episode where Dr. Tran shares a little about her science policy career path and how she got there. She also dives into some wisdom that could be useful for you as you explore your non-academic options. More guests coming your way. En amor y poder, Lorena

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In this episode, I dive into talking about the internal feelings and questions that came up for me as I always exploring non-academic careers. Facing questions such as "Did I FAIL if I am not going to be a professor?" and reframing this exploration process to be about filling my own cup instead of fulfilling expectations that were imposed on me without my knowledge. I want you all to find whatever fits you, academic or non-academic. En amor y poder, Lorena

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In this episode, we take a pause from the non-academic journeys conversations and dive into a topic that actually is important for career exploration, being authentically you! I take a moment to share what was on my heart on this topic and few ways that you can start figuring out how to just be you in your spaces and in your journey of getting a PhD and being a PhD. I want to see you shine and be joyful, enjoy! En amor y poder, Lorena

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In this episode, I share the real REAL with you about walking through all the feelings and changes that come with deciding to pursue a non-academic career. I hope a piece of this episode resonates with you. Part 3 coming next week! En amor y poder, Lorena

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Hi everyone! I know I have been off the grid for a bit. Here I give you vida update and hopefully fuels in whatever and wherever you are in your life journey. Con amor y poder- Lorena

Hey everyone! So I know I usually blog, but now I want to try something different.... podcasting. In this first episode, I share post NCFR 2022 conference reflections. Please let me know if this resonates with you and whether this new format is something you like. 

Enjoy! Be empowered, be well. This the first ever episode of Vida De PhD. 

Episode 2 is my second try at this podcast thing. In this episode, I dive into sharing about those days where everything goes sideways. These kinds of days happen to even the best of us. We are only human. This is another episode of Vida De PhD!