Meet Dr. Janice Castro, Ph.D.

We recently connected with Dr. Janice Castro, Ph.D. and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Janice , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I was born and raised in Maryland and went to the University of Maryland for undergrad, so I thought I already knew what it was like to attend a predominantly white institution, but when I moved to Nebraska for my Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, it felt very different. I was the only Latina in my cohort, sometimes the only person who spoke Spanish, and I even felt nervous to speak my language in public. People would ask what it was like for me to “cross the border,” even though I was born in the United States.

By my first year, I realized I didn’t want to keep feeling like the “lonely Latina.” So, I created what I needed most: community. I started the Latina/o Graduate Student Association to help support and connect with other Latine graduate students. That experience taught me that speaking up for yourself and finding belonging often go hand in hand.

Now, as a psychologist, speaker, and host of the Latine ADHD podcast, I keep that same mission close to my heart. Creating spaces where people don’t have to feel like the only one in the room. Connection builds hope, and community can heal in ways that isolation never will.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a psychologist, speaker, and host of the Latine ADHD podcast, where I talk about ADHD through a Latine cultural lens. My work combines psychology, storytelling, and social change. I’m on a mission to break the stigma around mental health and empower Latine and BIPOC communities feel more seen and supported.

What excites me most is that I get to do this work in many ways! As a psychologist, I feel honored that people trust me to guide them on their healing journey. ADHD can affect every part of life—your health, your job, your relationships, and even how you see yourself. For BIPOC individuals, there are extra challenge like cultural stigma, misdiagnosis, and too often, mistreatment.

As a speaker, I love sharing tools that help people understand ADHD and reconnect with their strengths and cultural pride. My signature talks— What Perseverance Really Looks Like (and Why You Already Have It), Unlocking Motivation: 4 Powerful Steps to Energize Teams and Drive Success, and Navigating ADHD in the Latine Community: Breaking Barriers and Building Resilience— blend psychology, heart, and practical steps that people can use right away.

Through my podcast, I get to offer free mental health education and amplify the voices of BIPOC guests who talk about living with ADHD. Their stories of resilience and growth give listeners hope and help them feel seen and less alone.

Although I don’t have ADHD myself, I deeply empathize with feeling like an outsider in systems not built for people like me. As a bilingual, bicultural, first-generation college graduate and daughter of Peruvian immigrants, I know what it’s like to feel the pressure to prove yourself and hide parts of who you are. Learning about neurodiversity expanded my understanding of inclusion and reshaped how I see human potential.

I chose to specialize in adult ADHD because I see it as a bigger movement toward equity and redefining how we value different kinds of minds. Whether through therapy, speaking, or my podcast, my goal is to make mental health conversations more culturally grounded, relatable, and full of hope.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Vulnerability, self-compassion, and perseverance are the three qualities that shaped my journey the most.

My biggest advice for anyone starting out is this: trust yourself and the unique perspective you bring. Your life experiences are your greatest asset—they give you empathy and insight that no textbook can teach.

You can build vulnerability by surrounding yourself with people you trust. Let others see you as human. Ask for help, find mentors, and connect with peers who understand your “why.” Being open with others is what helps you grow.

Self-compassion is a lifelong practice. One of my favorite tools comes from Dr. Kristin Neff’s research on self-compassion. It’s about noticing how you feel without judgment, remembering that you’re not alone, and speaking to yourself with kindness. The goal isn’t to silence your inner critic, it’s to change how you talk to yourself.

And, perseverance doesn’t mean pushing through no matter what. It’s learning when to pause. Setting boundaries is an act of strength, not selfishness. I love how Dr. Jamie Eaddy puts it— in many BIPOC communities, we’re taught “staying strong” means hiding our emotions. That kind of survival mode can harm our health and peace. If you grew up seeing that model, ask yourself: is that still working for me today?

Vulnerability, self-compassion, and perseverance are like muscles. They grow with time and intention. Together, they’ve taught me that success isn’t about never struggling, or never letting others see your struggle. It’s about learning to keep showing up, softer and wiser each time.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

¡Sí! I’m always open to partnering with people and organizations that care about mental health and want to create spaces where everyone feels seen, understood, and supported.

On the therapy side, I’m currently welcoming new clients who want a culturally aware approach to healing, especially adults dealing with ADHD, burnout, or big life changes. I love helping people build self-awareness, set healthy boundaries, and live in a way that matches their values.

As a speaker, I enjoy helping teams and workplaces become more inclusive. My goal is to show leaders how to create environments where every brain can thrive. When workplaces support neurodivergent employees, everyone benefits! Productivity goes up, creativity grows, and people feel more connected and confident. In my talks, I help leaders notice challenges, celebrate strengths, and make changes that help their teams do their best work.

My signature talks—What Perseverance Really Looks Like (and Why You Already Have It), Unlocking Motivation, and Navigating ADHD in the Latine Community—blend psychology, storytelling, and actionable strategies that inspire lasting change.

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