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.

It is time. Time to remember where we come from.Time to honor what has always sustained us.

Maíz is more than food—it is memory, identity, and resistance. It carries the stories of our ancestors, the wisdom of the land, and the strength of our communities. From kitchen tables to community gatherings, maíz reminds us that nourishment is not just physical—it’s cultural, spiritual, and deeply rooted in who we are. In this episode of Adelante Leadership, we explore the power of maíz—how something so simple holds generations of knowledge, resilience, and connection. We’ll talk about how it feeds not just our bodies, but our sense of belonging, and why reclaiming these traditions matters now more than ever. And we ground this conversation in lived experience. Dr. Randy Nuñez, son of Petra and Ambrosio Nuñez—who migrated from Sinaloa, Mexico through South Texas to Washington State as farmworkers in the 1960s—brings forward a story rooted in land, labor, and legacy.

Leaders in nonprofits and social movements often feel stuck—overwhelmed by complex systems, limited resources, and constant struggle. In this episode, hosts Tania Hino and Peter Bloch Garcia explore how leaders can move from struggle to flow, designing organizations and networks that make power work for them, not against them.

Drawing on the insights of strategist and author Cyndi Suarez, who has worked with the Movement for Black Lives and led Nonprofit Quarterly, we’ll dive into liberatory power, organizational design, and leadership strategies that create clarity, collaboration, and lasting impact.

Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, organizing for change, or curious about how power shapes social movements, this episode is packed with ideas tohelp you lead with intention.