Flavia Cornejo: A First-Gen Latina Living Abroad and Redefining the American Dream

TL;DR: Flavia Cornejo grew up as a first-generation Peruvian-American in New Jersey and spent the last five years living outside the US. Her story challenges what the American Dream is supposed to look like and gives other Latinas permission to define it for themselves.

Growing up as a first-generation Latina in the United States often comes with a unique mix of gratitude and pressure.

Gratitude for the opportunities our parents sacrificed so much for, and pressure to live up to the “American Dream” they envisioned. But what happens when that dream doesn’t fit the life you truly want?

In this episode of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast, I sat down with Flavia Cornejo, also known online as @latinatraveler, a first-generation Peruvian-American who made the bold decision to move out of the United States and build a new life abroad.

Growing Up Between Two Worlds as a First-Gen Peruvian-American

Flavia was born and raised in New Jersey to immigrant parents who came from Peru in search of better opportunities.

Like many first-gen children, she grew up balancing two worlds, honoring her parents’ culture at home while navigating the American lifestyle outside of it.

She shared how that duality shaped her worldview early on, teaching her adaptability, resilience, and a deep appreciation for where she came from. Yet as she got older, she began to feel something pulling her in a different direction, a desire to explore life outside the familiar.

Related: Global Living: Doreen’s Journey Across 8 Countries — another story of a woman who found herself by leaving the familiar behind.

Why a First-Gen Latina Chose to Leave the US

Most immigrant parents dream of giving their children stability in the US, so when a first-gen child decides to leave, it can raise eyebrows.

Flavia admitted that moving abroad wasn’t an easy decision, but it was one driven by curiosity and self-discovery.

Over the past five years, she has lived outside of the US, immersing herself in new cultures, forming global friendships and learning to define success on her own terms.

“I realized that the American Dream is not one-size-fits-all,” she said during our conversation. “For me, freedom meant exploring the world and finding joy outside of what society expected.”

Have a story like Flavia’s and want to share it with the world? The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course gives you the full roadmap ?

What It Really Means to Redefine the American Dream

Flavia’s story beautifully captures what so many first- and second-generation immigrants come to realize: that the American Dream doesn’t have to happen in America.

It’s about creating a life that feels authentic to you, whether that’s building a business, traveling the world, or simply living at a pace that brings peace.

Her story challenges the traditional narrative and opens the door for others to dream differently without guilt or fear.

As she continues sharing her journey through her platform @latinatraveler, she’s inspiring other Latinas to step outside their comfort zones and explore the world with confidence.

Also on the podcast: Miss Paulette on Why Immigrant Stories Need to Be Told in Their Own Words — on representation, generational stories and finding your voice.

Not sure which podcast format fits your story? Take the quiz to find out.

The Latina Living Abroad Experience: What Nobody Talks About

There’s a conversation that doesn’t happen enough in Latina spaces: what it actually feels like to choose a life outside of the country your parents sacrificed so much to get into.

It’s not just about travel. It’s about identity. About being a first-gen Latina who loves her roots but refuses to be limited by the version of success that was handed to her.

Flavia carries both of those things at once. Her Peruvian roots. Her American upbringing. And now a life that belongs entirely to her.

That balance is something many Latinas in the diaspora will recognize immediately.

Related: From Deportation to Empowering Latinas with Gicela Holguin — another Latina who refused to let her story be defined by someone else.

FAQ: Redefining the American Dream as a First-Gen Latina

Can a first-gen Latina move abroad without losing her cultural identity?

Absolutely — and Flavia is proof. Moving abroad doesn’t mean leaving your roots behind. If anything, many first-gen Latinas find that living outside the US actually deepens their connection to their heritage because they’re seeing it from a new perspective. Your identity travels with you.

How do I explain to my immigrant parents that I want to live abroad?

This is one of the hardest conversations a first-gen Latina can have. What helps is framing it around your values, not just your desire for freedom. Share how living abroad aligns with the same work ethic, curiosity, and ambition they instilled in you. It won’t always land right away — but leading with gratitude and clarity goes a long way.

Is the American Dream still relevant for second-generation Latinas?

Yes — but it looks different now. For our parents, the American Dream was about survival and stability. For many second-gen Latinas, it’s about freedom, fulfillment, and redefining success on our own terms. Flavia’s story is a perfect example of that evolution.

Your Story Deserves to Be Heard

Flavia left the country her parents crossed borders to reach, and turned that into a platform that inspires thousands of Latinas to live on their own terms.

That’s what happens when you stop shrinking your life to fit someone else’s dream.

If you have a story, a mission, or a perspective that deserves an audience, your podcast is how you share it.

Ready to launch your show? The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course will take you from idea to launch without the overwhelm.

Want hands-on support? Explore all podcast coaching services here.

About the Author & Podcast Coach

Heidy De La Cruz is a podcast coach who helps Latinas start podcasts without feeling overwhelmed.

After launching her first podcast in 2022, she saw how many women had powerful stories, experiences, and business ideas. But felt stuck by the planning, tech, and moving parts of podcasting.

Now she helps women go from idea to published show with simple, clear support that makes launching feel doable.

Whether you need a roadmap, hands-on help, or ongoing support, explore her services, including 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course, and Podcast Editing and Production Services.

Your voice deserves to be heard, and Heidy is here to help you bring it to life.

Key Takeaways from Flavia’s Story

You can honor your parents’ sacrifices while still choosing your own path.
Home is not always a place — it’s where you feel most at peace.
The American Dream can evolve. It’s about freedom, not location.
Being a first-gen Latina doesn’t mean your life has to follow one script.
Sharing your story — wherever you are in the world — gives other women permission to do the same.