Grad School Femtoring: Inclusive Grad School Stories, Personal Development, and Productivity Tips for First-Gen BIPOCs

In this episode, I share the eight career moves I’m implementing this year for personal and professional growth and to flourish this year. These steps involve undertaking a coaching certification program, publishing more blog articles and podcast episodes, networking, becoming a part of speaker's bureau, continuing with therapy and a business coach, and setting strict boundaries. Amid the career a...

In this episode, I share my secret weapon for improving focus and productivity — brown noise. I explain how brown noise helps with focusing on tasks one may not be interested in doing. I also mention how this might be a useful sound cue to use for those of us that want to quiet our minds or block out external noises.  Preorder my forthcoming book by going to  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠isgradschoolforme.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In today’s episode, Briana Muñoz Flores shares her insights on managing toxic work environments. Briana is a 4th generation Latina born and raised in Central California. She has a bachelor’s in Ethnomusicology and Afro-American Studies from UCLA and a Masters in Higher Education from USC. She's worked in family businesses since she was young and spent most of her professional career working in uni...

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I talk about the importance of having an effective workflow instead of a new tool for improved productivity.  I also share an example of my personal workflow which is a mix of using an online calendar and tasks management system in a way that honors my shifting energy levels.  I stress the importance of not overcomplicating tasks, finding a bal...

In this episode, I share advice on what to do if you run into a tight grad school deadline. My advice is particularly tailored towards non-traditional grad school applicants individuals returning to school later in life.  I ask that you consider a few things before starting your application materials. Consider the cost of attendance, see if you can talk to alumni, faculty, or grad students to gaug...

For this episode, I offer an in-depth overview of my signature group coaching program, The Grad School Femtoring Academy, an eight-week group coaching program specifically designed for first-generation BIPOC individuals.  The program teaches the foundations of personal development and sustainable productivity. In the episode, I walk you through  the structure of the program, the learning modules,...

In this episode Dr. Michelle Gibbs shares her journey completing a PhD in nutritional sciences as a wife and mom of three children. Dr. Michelle supports other mamas doing PhDs and helps them to navigate the juggle-struggle purposefully, so they can reach their life and academic goals without sacrificing what matters! She discusses the isolation and challenges she faced throughout her doctoral pro...

To start the Gregorian new year in 2024, I discuss my future plans for the Grad School Femtoring podcast. I also share two practical calendaring tasks you can take for promoting your growth and wellbeing this year. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  for my group coaching program to start working on your personal growth and gain sustainable productivity skills. Enrollment is open and closes January 17...

In this episode, I share the top ten most-played Grad School Femtoring Podcast episodes of 2023. I describe what was covered in each episode and share clips so that you can learn more. Here is a list of those episodes if you want to binge-listen to them all. ​ Surviving College and Grad School as a Highly Sensitive Student ​ ​ Six Ways to Overcome Dissertation Writing Anxiety ​ ​ Navigating Unspok...

In this episode on Grad School Femtoring podcast, I discuss methods for end-of-year reflection and planning for the new year. I share my tradition of selecting a “word of the year” that helps to guide my decisions. I also share the practice of creating a vision board while cautioning anyone who chooses to create one to set encouraging goals. And, I acknowledge that this time of year can be hard on...

In this episode, we cover the topic of debunking private sector myths and creating impact in non-academic roles with Sandra Torres. Sandra is a STEM career coach and entrepreneur. With over a decade of experience, she empowers PhD graduate students and postdocs to seamlessly transition from academia to the private sector, while honoring their values. Drawing from her own successful transition 12 y...

In this episode, I discuss the topic of whether grad school is an investment or an opportunity cost. I define these terms and discuss examples of when it might be a worthwhile investment and when the opportunity costs might outweigh the benefits of pursuing an advanced degree. Preorder my forthcoming book by going to  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠isgradschoolforme.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  for my group coac...

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, we discussed the topic of how to better serve formerly incarcerated and system impacted students with our guest, Alexzander “Zander” Calderon. Zander is a father and life long partner, cholo, Chicano del barrio, and co-founder of Cabrillo & Hartnell' college’s Rising Scholars Student Clubs. He’s also formerly incarcerated, a Loyola Law Forensic...

In this podcast episode, I share three entrepreneurial lessons that I’ve learned and that can also help current and prospective grad students succeed. I discuss the importance of networking and community building, the value of iteration and learning from failures, and the need to stay adaptable and open to learning new things. By applying these entrepreneurial principles, you can achieve greater s...

This week we cover the topic of financial wellness and wealth building with our guest, Leah Davis. Leah Davis is a dedicated Wealth and Wellness Coach for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Women of Color. She is committed to supporting women with mastering their mindset, behaviors, and habits with money to achieve their desired financial outcomes. Leah is a certified Domestic Violence Advocate and br...

This week I'm sharing some key questions you should ask yourself when considering applying to graduate school. These questions cover your motivations, career goals, and level of self-awareness. After answering these questions, you'll be closer to making an informed decision regarding whether or not it makes sense for you to pursue grad school. I'm also excited to announce my new book "Is Grad Scho...

On today's episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, we dive deep into ancestor work, lineage, and legacy building with my dear friend Camila Lacques-Zapién. As first-gen BIPOC students and professionals, understanding our histories and tapping into ancestral wisdom can be profoundly healing and empowering. Camila Lacques-Zapién helps BIPOC & first gen visionaries build legacies rooted in comm...

In this episode, I discuss the topic of why you need a got done list rather than a to-do list. I break down what a got-done list is, how I've used it in the past and how I'm using it now. I also share a free resource you can download to start creating your own got-done list and celebrating your own accomplishments. ⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  for my group coaching program to start working on your personal g...

I’m excited to share that today’s episode features Michael A. Hunt who comes on the show to discuss the topic of holistic critical mentorship and reexamining how we mentor. Michael is a native of Baltimore who has served as a university/college administrator, middle & high school math instructor, musical vocalist, and social justice educator, shaping the lives of today's leaders. Michael’s work, f...

In this episode, Dra. Yvette discusses the topic of how she plans for the best and worst of circumstances and what happens when both of those things happen at the same time. She also shares an update on a recent trip she made to Princeton University and the lessons she's learned from her recent speaking engagements. ⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  for my group coaching program to start working on your personal...

In this solo episode, I focus on the topic of micro self-care and why self-care is especially important during busy seasons, like the fall term. I share more about my personal experience with chronic illness and why self-care is a necessity for me. I define micro self-care and share examples of what this can look like. I also share some resources for you to learn more about micro self-care and res...

Today's episode is packed with invaluable insights from Dr. Antoinette Newsome, who recently completed her doctoral program while working full-time. Dr. Antoinette is a low-income, first-generation, Black and mixed-race woman who centers the identities of marginalized groups in her practice and research. As a scholar-practitioner, Antoinette is passionate about social justice and equity-based work...

In this episode, Dra. Yvette discusses the topic of the adjunctification of academia as well as how and why it’s important to plan for a career outside of the tenure-track. Believe it or not, you likely have had a professor who earns wages that are below the poverty line, relies on public assistance, and/or  struggles to meet their basic needs. If you are being trained to become a tenure-track pro...

This week, I am thrilled to have Dr. Gina Ann Garcia with us who talks to us about equity and justice in Hispanic Serving Institutions. Dr. Garcia is a professor in the Berkeley School of Education. Dra. Gina's research centers on issues of equity and diversity in higher education with an emphasis on understanding how Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) embrace and enact an organizational identit...

In this solo episode, I talk about the harsh financial realities of early entrepreneurship and share my own experience. I was prompted to share about this due to informational interviews I've been invited on and many instances where I realized that a lot of people have no clue what goes on behind closed doors within a single-member business and their finances. I stress the importance of transparen...