In Episode 8 of Adelante Leadership, titled “Joy from Decency and Kindness,” we speak with Julio, an award-winning journalist, nonprofit-media veteran, and advocate for equitable storytelling.

Julio previously served as president of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Futuro Media and founded Latino Rebels and The Latino Newsletter. His writing and commentary have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, MSNBC, ESPN, and other major outlets. He currently works with Free Press to advance narrative change, rapid-response storytelling, and resource development.

This conversation explores the connection between leadership, media, justice, joy, decency, and kindness. Julio reminds us that how we tell stories—and how we treat one another—can help transform communities and create space for more equitable leadership.

Learn more about Julio and his work at The Latino Newsletter, Latino Rebels, and Free Press.

What would change in our communities if decency and kindness became central to the way we lead?

In this episode of Adelante Leadership, we welcome Dr. Alcalde, author of What Your Comfort Costs Us. Born in Lima, Peru, Dr. Alcalde is an immigrant, mother, public health professional, writer, and anti-supremacist leader whose work spans philanthropy, academia, government, nonprofit organizations, and grassroots movements.

Drawing from her lived experiences and professional journey, Dr. Alcalde invites us to examine how workplace cultures rooted in colonialism, patriarchy, and supremacy can cause harm and limit our collective potential. We explore the cost of comfort, the importance of empathy and solidarity, and the need to reimagine leadership and organizational culture.

This episode challenges us to ask: Who benefits from our comfort, who carries its cost, and what would become possible if we created workplaces grounded in justice, care, creativity, and shared responsibility?

In this inspiring episode of the Adelante Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Joaquin “Muerte” Abrego—musician, composer, storyteller, and community activist—to explore the transformative power of music and the joy it brings to our lives and communities.

Raised in the San Felipe barrio of Del Rio and now based in San Antonio, Joaquin shares his journey as a lifelong artist whose music is deeply rooted in cultura, community, and social justice. Drawing inspiration from Chicano soul, Motown, and doo-wop, Joaquin reflects on how music became both a source of healing and a vehicle for preserving history, identity, and love.

From performing on the streets to helping found influential bands such as Combo Cósmico, Los Nahuatlatos, Eddie and the Valiants, and Joaquin and the Glowliners, Joaquin discusses the lessons he's learned about creativity, leadership, collaboration, and staying connected to one's roots. He also shares how art can inspire positive change and strengthen cultural pride across generations.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation about the joy of music, the power of storytelling, and the enduring spirit of the Chicano community.

Listen now and discover how music can connect us, uplift us, and move us forward—adelante.

In this episode, we’re joined by a true pioneer in digital activism and political storytelling, Markos Moulitsas Zúniga—founder of the groundbreaking political blog Daily Kos, a platform that transformed how grassroots movements organize, communicate, and create impact in the digital age.

Markos’s journey is anything but ordinary. Born in Chicago and raised in El Salvador, his life was shaped by the realities of civil war, which ultimately brought his family back to the United States. From serving in the U.S. Army to earning multiple degrees, including a law degree, his path reflects resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to civic engagement.