It is my pleasure to introduce you to Dr. Janice (ja-niece) Castro (she/her) who shares with us her story as she had to navigate through code-switching, overworking, and pushing through exhaustion before embracing her mission to help others feel seen and understood as they navigate their own mental health.

Dr. Castro is a bilingual Licensed Psychologist, Speaker, and Host of the Latine ADHD Podcast. As a first-generation college graduate and daughter of Peruvian immigrants, she specializes in Latine mental health and adult ADHD—bringing cultural humility to her work. 

Dr. Castro delivers talks on perseverance, motivation, ADHD in the Latine community, and neurodivergent advocacy. Through her podcast and speaking engagements, she offers practical tools and culturally relevant insights to support BIPOC communities.

She is on a mission to empower folks to navigate their mental health journey with perseverance and self-compassion.

Hola Doctora Janice, I’m so happy to have you here and to share more of what you do with our readers!

I know you talk a lot about the importance of having perseverance and self-compassion. Can you share a moment when you almost gave up, and what kept you going?

During my PhD, I often felt like giving up, especially in my seventh year after moving from Nebraska to Southern California for an internship. As a first-gen Latina in predominantly white institutions, I was constantly code-switching, overworking, and pushing through exhaustion with caffeine and pressure to prove myself.

That internship became a breaking point. I was in a toxic, unsupportive environment that triggered intense anxiety (racing heart, sweaty palms) and burn out. Two months before graduating with my PhD, I made the painful decision to withdraw, delaying my degree by two years.

It was one of the hardest moments of my career, but also the most transformative. I sought therapy, started medication, leaned on my community, and redefined my worth beyond productivity. What kept me going was remembering my purpose and the people who believed in me. That moment didn’t break me, it brought me back to myself.

That is so beautiful that you had a community to lean on during such a hard time in your life and career. What role does community play in your work now?

I give back to my community by sharing my expertise on Latine mental health and ADHD through my podcast—Latine ADHD. On the podcast, I invite experts in neurodiversity, as well as BIPOC guests, to share their real-life stories of living with ADHD, helping to validate others who may feel alone or stigmatized. I also share practical ADHD tips and psychoeducation through my social media platforms.

Community is the foundation of everything I do. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without the support, resilience, and inspiration of community.

I couldn’t agree more, community is at the core of my business too! What legacy do you hope to leave behind for your community and those who come after?

I hope the legacy I leave behind is one that reminds people, especially those from marginalized communities, that they are not alone. I want others to feel seen, validated, and understood in a world that often overlooks their stories. 

My hope is that through my work, people feel permission to live as their most authentic selves, to quiet the shame, and to embrace support. If even one person feels less alone, more empowered, and more connected because of what I’ve shared, then I’ve done my job.

What personal experiences influenced your mission to help folks feel seen and understood in this world?

My mission is deeply rooted in my lived experience as a daughter of immigrants, first-generation college graduate, Latina, navigating higher education and the mental health field. During my PhD journey, I often felt the weight of having to overperform, code-switch, and prove my worth in predominantly white institutions. That pressure led to burnout, anxiety, and a painful, but ultimately necessary, decision to withdraw from a toxic internship environment, delaying my graduation by two years.

That turning point reshaped how I understand success, healing, and self-worth. It also deepened my commitment to creating spaces that center community, rest, and authenticity, especially for Latine and BIPOC individuals who are often left out of mental health conversations. 

Through my Latine ADHD Podcast, public speaking, and online content, I aim to use my privilege as a neurotypical individual to amplify stories and share tools that validate and empower others. My goal is to help dismantle stigma and foster connection because no one should have to navigate these challenges alone.

I love how you’re able to pair your past experiences as well as your privilege to make a positive difference. We need more people like you who are ready to lead the way and help their community. 

Switching gears… If you had to describe yourself the way your best friend would, what would you tell people?

I would say I am funny, down to earth, and honest. 

Funny, because I enjoy humor, am witty, and I see comedy is an antidote to tragedy—it’s how we make light out of the dark as life can be hard a lot of times. Down to earth, because I am a very curious person and enjoy being able to connect with people. Honest, because I’m direct. I value relationships and the more upfront I can be about what I think and feel with others, and others with me, the better the communication and understanding between us.

Life can certainly be hard at times! How do you recharge when you’re feeling down or drained?

Meditating, going outside for a stroll in my neighborhood, hikes, dancing, watching funny shows, and letting myself get bored.

Letting yourself get bored is so underrated. I personally love going out for a walk without listening to anything so that I can let my mind wander. Some of my best ideas tend to come to me when I fully turn off my brain! 

Going back to your business, podcasting, and public speaking—what topics are you most passionate about speaking on?

I love talking about perseverance. I get to share my personal story of pushing through challenges as the daughter of immigrants and first-generation college graduate, Latina. From moving to multiple states and retaking exams to redoing an internship and figuring out how to make it through college and graduate school, I open up about the ups and downs. I feel passionate sharing my message to encourage others to be kind to themselves, keep going even when things get tough, and know that setbacks don’t define their worth. 

Another topic I’m passionate about speaking on is navigating ADHD in the Latine community. As a neurotypical individual, I aim to use my privilege to uplift and empower those who are often overlooked or misunderstood. I speak on cultural stigma, systemic barriers, and family dynamics, while also sharing practical tools for building resilience and advocating for culturally responsive, affirming care.

Those are amazing topics. How do you engage an audience and keep them captivated during your talks?

I keep my audience engaged by weaving together humor, personal stories, and real-life examples that make the content relatable and memorable. I also love it when the audience asks questions so I use interactive elements, such as asking reflective questions, using live polls, or inviting brief participation. 

My goal is to create a space that feels dynamic, inclusive, and encourages curiosity, so people walk away feeling both inspired and connected to the material.

Thank you so much for sharing more of your journey and perspectives with us, Dr. Janice Castro. To wrap things up, I’d love to ask you 3 rapid-fire questions.

What does success mean to you on a personal level?

Success means living in alignment with my values. It’s about creating a life where I can show up as my full self, support others in doing the same, and make a meaningful impact along the way. It’s about growth, rest, connection, fun times and knowing that I’m contributing to something bigger than myself while still honoring my own well-being.

What’s an exciting project you’re currently working on? 

The Latine ADHD Podcast is an exciting project I am currently working on! This is a space where ADHD and cultura intersect—a place to learn, feel seen, and build resilience. 

Whether you have ADHD, care for someone who does, or work in mental health, this podcast offers real-life strategies and culturally relevant insights. Join us for conversations with experts and everyday people as we tackle stigma, share stories, and explore practical tools for thriving with ADHD. 

If you could share one message with the world from a stage, what would it be?

You are not alone. There is nothing wrong with you. You are navigating systems that were never built for you. As a Latina, as the eldest daughter of immigrants, and first-gen college graduate, I know how heavy the pressure can feel to be everything for everyone. Your voice, your story, and your healing matter. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to rest. You are worthy of taking up space just as you are.

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