Stepping Into Latine Leadership

Through conversation and sharing stories, Latine community leaders encourage others to step into their power, to act on their vision, and make the world a better place for their community, family, and future generations.

Recent Episodes

  • Season 4 Episode 11: Irene Packer Halsey

    In this episode, Irene shares her wisdom, insights, and the importance of standing with each other as we work toward a more just and equitable future. Her powerful motto, “Pa’lante! Siempre Pa’lante! So The People May Live!”, reminds us of the strength in unity and the courage to move forward together.

    Tune in as we explore Irene’s incredible journey, her life’s purpose, and the ways we can all stand with each other to create lasting impact. Let’s get started!s here

  • Season 4 Episode 10: Ellen Marie Bennett

    Ellen Bennett Page , a visionary entrepreneur and inspiring leader.

    Ellen is the founder and CEO of Hedley & Bennett, renowned for crafting high-quality aprons and kitchen gear with creativity and purpose. Her journey from line cook to thriving business owner exemplifies resilience, bold decision-making, and the power of dreaming big.

    Ellen is also the author of the motivational book, "Dream First, Details Later: How to Quit Overthinking & Make It Happen!" Tune in to hear her share powerful insights on entrepreneurship, creativity, and leading with passion.

    Don’t miss this empowering conversation—perfect for anyone ready to embrace bold leadership and bring their dreams to life!

  • Season 4 Episode 9: John Torres - Be the passion

    John is a thought
    leader and strategy execution expert who has transformed organizations in the C-suite, litigation, and university spaces through his meaningful and impactful approach to leadership.


    Born and raised on a farm in northeastern Colorado, John’s journey began alongside migrant workers in the fields. From those humble beginnings, he has risen to prominence, balancing a dynamic career that includes serving as a pro tem
    judge. John’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and leading with purpose.'

    In this episode, we’ll explore how John’s roots and experiences have shaped his unique approach to leadership. From the fields to the bench, his commitment to lending passion to everything he does has created a meaningful and impactful life. Join us as we dive into his inspiring journey and learn how he uses his
    story to uplift and empower others.

  • Season 4 Episode 8: Dr. Curtis Acosta - “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Doors to Leadership and Social Justice.”

    Dr. Curtis Acosta is a visionary educator and Founder of the Acosta Educational Partnership, dedicated to transforming education through equity and justice. Named one of the “Top 10 Latinos to Watch in US Politics” by Huffington Post, his impactful work has been featured in the documentaries Precious Knowledge and Dolores, and covered by major media like The Daily Show, CNN, PBS, and The New York Times.

    An accomplished scholar, Dr. Acosta has published extensively on education and social justice, contributing to influential books like Educational Courage and Rethinking Ethnic Studies.

    Grounded in the resilience of his ancestors, Dr. Acosta continues to inspire with his vision for equitable education.

  • Season 4 Episode 7: Hector Bojorquez - Vulnerability and its transformative power in education.

    Hector Bojorquez, a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in education. Hector began his journey as an educator in a bilingual elementary school classroom, where he saw firsthand the profound impact of culturally responsive teaching. Today, as the Director of Operations and Educational Practice at the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), he is shaping racially equitable education systems that lift up students, families, and school communities.

    In this episode, we’ll explore how vulnerability has guided Hector’s work in education—from building trust with students and teachers to creating spaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. We’ll discuss the challenges and triumphs of transforming schools into inclusive, collaborative environments and how vulnerability serves as a catalyst for both personal and systemic change.

  • Season 4 Episode 6 : Lorena Andrade - Liderando con autenticidad y vulnerabilidad.

    Lorena comparte cómo su liderazgo está enraizado en la autenticidad y la vulnerabilidad, cualidades que han sido fundamentales para fortalecer a las mujeres en su comunidad. Desde su experiencia organizando a mujeres desplazadas de la industria de la confección tras la implementación del TLCAN, Andrade ha demostrado un compromiso inquebrantable con el empoderamiento y la creación de espacios donde las mujeres puedan liderar y prosperar.

    Hablamos sobre los programas transformadores que ha desarrollado junto a su equipo en LMO, como el Centro Mayapan, que incluye iniciativas empresariales sociales como Café Mayapan, Rayito de Sol Guardería y LumMetik Trading Co. Lorena también destaca los valores culturales e históricos que guían proyectos como la granja comunitaria Tierra es Vida y el Museo Maychen.

  • Season 4 Episode 5 : Natanael Mateus-Ruiz -The power to harvest love in your leadership.

    Natanael Mateus-Ruiz, is an extraordinary educator and leader specializing in leadership development, peace education, human development, language, and conflict resolution. As a certified mediator and seasoned expert, Natanael has devoted his life to transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth and connection. His journey as an immigrant and survivor of violence shaped his commitment to creating a more peaceful world, one interaction at a time.

    Natanael’s approach to leadership centers on the transformative power of peace. With a deep belief in education as a tool for conflict resolution, he has worked with universities and communities worldwide to train leaders who embody compassion and empathy. His philosophy goes beyond resolving disputes—it’s about fostering love and understanding as the foundation for sustainable leadership.

  • Season4 Episode 4: José Antonio Aguilar Contreras - Antiracismo y vulnerabilidad : Liderazgo para una sociedad justa.

    José Antonio Aguilar Contreras, Director de RacismoMX. José Antonio es un líder y activista comprometido con la defensa de los Derechos Humanos y la igualdad racial en México. Con una formación sólida en economía por el ITAM y un MBA de la Universidad de Essex, ha ampliado su conocimiento en racismo y xenofobia en instituciones como la UNAM, El Colegio de México y la Universidad de Guadalajara.

    En este episodio, exploraremos el poder de la vulnerabilidad en el liderazgo y cómo abrazarla puede abrir el camino para un activismo antirracista más profundo y transformador. Acompáñennos mientras profundizamos en el papel del liderazgo en la lucha contra la discriminación y en cómo podemos todos ser agentes de cambio. ¡Comencemos!

  • Season 4 Episode 3: Luis A. Miranda Jr - Relentless.

    Luis Miranda Jr., a renowned political strategist, philanthropist, and author. Luis has dedicated his life to advocating for Latino communities and driving meaningful change in the U.S. His book, "Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That Is Transforming America", dives deep into his personal journey, his work as an advocate, and how his relentless spirit continues to shape the future for Latinos in this country.

  • Season 4 Episode 2: Paulina Valdovinos Mercado - Accesing your strength from ancestors.


    Paulina Valdovinos Mercado is currently working on completing her college degree and studying Public Policy and Economics. She is a leader and community organizer in Central Washington. She is also currently serving as an Alianza Youth Fellow in a program of Latino Community Fund that drives a youth-led movement of collective voices to bring change to their communities.

  • Season 4- Episode 1: Dr. CarolLaine Garcia - Liberation Through Vulnerability.

    Dra. García is a visionary on a mission to revolutionize leadership with healing. With a PhD in organizational psychology + a decade of DEIB leadership consulting within Fortune 500, Dr. García uses her expertise and passions to facilitate positive changes in individuals and organizations. As the first generation PhD in her Dominican-American immigrant family, Dr. García embodies resilience and ancestral pride. Drawing on her vibrant cultural herstories and holistic self-healing transformations, she's disrupting outdated leadership paradigms through her pioneering approach: Queen Mindset Leadership which she created for leading authentically with empowered identities that centers holistic inner healing and wellness as a conduit for social justice. Dr. Garcia identifies as an AfroLatina Holistic Executive Coach, Chakras Healer, Keynote Speaker, Poetry Writer and Founder of Dr. García Brands A holistic healing & leadership development firm created for women de color.

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Tania and Peter
 

Meet the Hosts

Follow along with the hosts Peter Bloch Garcia (he/him/él) and Tania Hino Gonzalez (she/her/ella), as they discuss a broad range of topics and interview latine leaders.