Digame: Viviana Vazquez is Dedicated to Helping BIPOC First Gen Thrive Financially

Viviana Vazquez is a financial education content creator behind @OverGenPoverty, and the founder of First-Gen Wealth, LLC. She empowers first-generation individuals and BIPOC communities through her free educational content and newsletter. She’s a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and an MBA candidacy and has used her acquired knowledge to blaze a path for herself in the financial literacy space. She has more than six years experience teaching financial literacy, including two in NYC public schools. With a following of over 120k across social media platforms, she uses her influence to bridge the wealth gap and promote financial independence, while advocating for equitable opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Which Latina(s) have had the greatest impact on your life and why?

My mom and my sister — without question. My mom gave up her dream of becoming a teacher in Mexico to come to the U.S. so that her parents could have a better life. That sacrifice shaped everything for me. It’s why I’m so committed to giving my parents a better life while still chasing my own dreams. And my sister? She’s my day one — watching her build her own business from the ground up motivates me every single day. The women in my family are my biggest inspiration.

If you could meet a Latina icon who is no longer alive, who would it be and why?

Frida Kahlo. Her art, her defiance, her vulnerability — she was ahead of her time in so many ways. I admire how she turned pain into power and never watered herself down. I’d love to talk to her about identity, legacy, and how she stayed true to herself even when the world didn’t understand her.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Go after the life you want, even if it feels selfish.” As a first-gen daughter, it’s easy to feel guilty for choosing your dreams over security or tradition. But I’ve learned that pursuing the life I want doesn’t take away from my family — it honors everything they’ve sacrificed for me.

What was the scariest part of pursuing your career goals and how did you push through?

Quitting teaching after just two years was terrifying. I felt like I was letting everyone down by leaving a stable government job — especially my family. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t meant to stay. What helped me push through was reminding myself that I wasn’t quitting on them — I was choosing me, and I was choosing more. Making this one move allowed me to show up for others in a bigger way now.

How do you stay connected to your cultural roots?

I’m super close with my family, and that connection is what keeps me grounded in my culture. Whether it’s speaking Spanish at the dinner table, celebrating every birthday with tamales and barbacoa, or just spending time with my parents and extended family — I never feel far from my roots because they’re woven into my everyday life.

What do you wish more people understood about what you do?

That @OverGenPoverty wasn’t born out of a desire to “influence” — it came from feeling alone. I was navigating money shame, generational guilt, and no one around me was talking about it. I just wanted to connect with people who got it. I never expected the platform to grow the way it did — but I’m so grateful it did, because it means more of us are finding each other.

What motivates you?

My parents. My family. My entire extended family. Everything I do is driven by the desire to give them access to the kinds of experiences I’ve been blessed to have. Whether it’s travel, rest, or financial peace — I want them to know what that feels like, too.

How did you end up on the professional path you’re on now?

Honestly? Trial and learning (not error). I tried teaching, and realized it wasn’t for me. I moved into the legal nonprofit world and again — not quite right. Then I pivoted to tech, and something clicked. It felt like the first time I wasn’t just surviving — I was building. I learned to trust myself through each pivot, even when it was scary. I also learned that it’s never too late to change careers and try something new. Lastly, whatever career moves you make, even if you feel like they’re not quite right, are always valuable learning experiences!

What is your greatest professional achievement so far? Personal achievement?

Professionally, breaking into tech and job hopping my way to a salary that allows me to breathe — and give back. Personally, it’s being able to support my parents financially every month. That’s always been the goal, and doing it consistently means everything to me.

Often we are the only Latinas in the room or one of a few, what has it been like being a Latina in your field?

It’s empowering, but it’s also a lot of pressure. Sometimes I feel like I’m carrying all of our stories with me — the wins, the wounds, the hopes. But I remind myself that even just being in those rooms is a radical act. I’m not just showing up for me — I’m showing up for every first-gen Latina who deserves a seat at the table.

What pop culture moment made you feel seen as a Latina?

America Ferrera’s monologue in Barbie — I felt that in my soul. But also, when Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti album went #1 and he hit the Grammys stage and still spoke Spanish, unapologetically. Those moments remind me that we don’t have to assimilate to be worthy of visibility.

How do you practice and prioritize self care?

I’ve learned that self-care isn’t just about what you do, it’s about what you unlearn. I’ve had to unlearn guilt around rest, and I’m still working on it. These days, I make space for journaling, long walks, catching up with my siblings, and setting boundaries — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Shoutout a Latina’s IG account that could use more love and tell us why you’re a fan:

@FintechLatina — not only is she my real-life friend, but she’s the reason I had the courage to job hop and ask for more. She’s smart, down-to-earth, and a real girl’s girl who uplifts everyone around her.

Shoutout your favorite Latina-owned business and why:

Lizzie’s Dog Club — it’s my sister’s business and I’ve watched her build it with so much heart and hustle. It’s not just a dog-walking business, it’s a Latina-owned, family-powered dream in motion.