We are honored to have an inspiring and transformative leader join us: Irene Packer-Halsey. With over 50 years of experience, Irene has dedicated her life to empowering BIPOC communities to drive social change and justice. Her journey, which began in her adolescent years, has been guided by a clear and unwavering purpose—creating vibrant, fair, and just communities where intergenerational families and children can thrive.

Throughout her career, Irene has worn many hats—trainer, coach, mentor, and activist—always with a focus on inspiring and uplifting others. Her passion and expertise have shaped national social justice training and advocacy organizations, building strong networks and partnerships to achieve meaningful change.

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!

Ellen is the founder and CEO of Hedley & Bennett, the company behind the premium aprons that have taken the culinary world by storm. What started in her tiny L.A. apartment has grown into a multi-million dollar business, built on grit, vision, and relentless action. But Ellen’s impact goes far beyond aprons—she’s also the author of Dream First, Details Later: How to Quit Overthinking & Make It Happen!

In this episode, we’ll talk about the mindset that helped Ellen turn an idea into a thriving business, why taking the first step matters more than having a perfect plan, and how we can all embrace a little more courage in our own lives. If you’ve ever hesitated to start something because you weren’t "ready," this conversation is for you.

https://www.hedleyandbennett.com

John Torres, an extraordinary leader with over 20 years of experience as an educator, lawyer, and occasional judge. 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.

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.

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.

At IDRA, Hector has pioneered initiatives like Youth Leadership Now, an asset-based program that empowers students in at-risk situations to become community leaders and blaze a pathway to success. He also co-directs Re-energizing Leadership to Achieve Greater Student Success, a project that transforms school instruction through innovative practices and school-community collaboration.

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.

En esta conversación profunda y reflexiva, Andrade explora cómo la historia, la herencia indígena mexicana y la colaboración comunitaria moldean su enfoque de liderazgo. Este episodio es una invitación a reflexionar sobre cómo liderar desde el corazón puede transformar comunidades y promover justicia social.

Our guest, 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.

Join us as we discuss Natanael’s inspiring story, his professional journey, and his vision for a world where leaders harvest love to create stronger, more inclusive communities. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, this episode will inspire you to lead with intention, courage, and heart.

Let’s dive in!

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 2019, fundó RacismoMX, una organización que busca erradicar el racismo y clasismo en México a través de la educación, el litigio y la incidencia. Su impacto lo ha llevado a ser fellow de organizaciones internacionales como Echoing Green y Ashoka, y actualmente es asambleísta en el Consejo para Prevenir la Discriminación en la CDMX, además de miembro del Grupo de Expertos de la ONU en la Declaración de Durban.

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!

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.

Today, we’ll explore the themes of his book, his incredible story of activism, and the lessons we can all learn from his unwavering commitment to social justice.

Paulina Valdavinos 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.

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.

In our final episode of the season, we highlight the inspiring journeys of three remarkable Latine leaders making a difference in their communities:

Caleb Cazares Garay: A high school senior, athlete, and volunteer dedicated to developing his leadership skills. Caleb is passionate about creating a better world for his younger siblings and other Latine children and youth.

Josue Villalobos: Recently graduated from high school and set to attend the University of Washington in the fall. Josue actively participates in school and community activities, fostering a sense of belonging and connection wherever he goes.

Nez Gonzalez: An inspirational Latine leader, co-founder, and teacher with Fortaleza Familiar. Nez is committed to the wellness of Indigenous Chicanx Latinx Lesbian Gay Bi Queer Trans Two-Spirit young people and their families in Colorado. With a background in religious studies, Nez leads Latine families in traditions of inclusion and empowerment.

Thank you for joining us this season. Enjoy your summer and remember, “rest is resistance.” We’ll return with Season 4 on September 15th, 2024, kicking off with historical facts for Latine History Month. Our new season will explore the theme, “Thriving as a Latine Leader through Vulnerability,” a topic inspired by reflections on our past three seasons. See you then!

Tania and Peter talk to Dr. Nieto about her powerful book Beyond Inclusion, Beyond Empowerment: A Developmental Strategy to Liberate Everyone.

Dr. Leticia Nieto has been an active poet, dramatist, and performer since 1978.

She has been a psychotherapist and trainer in anti-oppression and expressive techniques including psychodrama, playback theater, and theater of the oppressed since 1980.

She is a leadership coach, psychotherapist, and educator specializing in liberation, equity, and evolutionary creativity.

Her 2010 book, Beyond Inclusion, Beyond Empowerment: A Developmental Strategy to Liberate Everyone, is an accessible analysis of the dynamics of oppression and supremacy that offers readers ways to develop skills to promote social justice.

Dr. Nieto brings an enlivening approach to coaching, training and facilitation, drawing on expressive techniques and embodied practices to involve participants deeply and create opportunities for insight and change.

Peter and Tania talk with Mimi and Nez about Latine Leadership.

Mimi Madrid​ and Nez Gonzalez are two inspirational Latine leaders and part of the team at Fortaleza Familiar, an organization dedicated to the wellness of Indigenous Chicanx Latinx Lesbian Gay Bi Queer Trans Two-Spirit young people and their families in Colorado.

Mimi is a mexica chicanx queer two-spirit writer, multimedia-maker, organizer the Executive Director of the organization.

Nez Gonzalez (he/him) is co-founder of the organization and now serves as Community Workshop Facilitator. Nez shares expertise and organizing for trans student rights in Denver high schools. He has experience creating workshops designed to educate on queer and racial identities for both youth and their families.

​"I believe in the power of youth, elimination of borders, popular education, all forms of art expression, intergenerational healing and learning, swaying on the continuums of gender expression, identity, and orientation, singing out-loud, leaving to come back, dancing in revolution, and sana-sana-colita-de-rana." - Mimi

"My hope is that we’re able to create loving communities where we’re free to be our queer indigenous selves." - Nez

Mimi Madrid (he/they/she) is a mexica chicanx queer two-spirit writer, multimedia-maker, organizer and tio. Mimi’s family roots start in Northern Mexico in the states of Chihuahua y Durango—homelands of her grandmas Dolores Puga y Rosa Torres. Mimi was born in El Paso, Texas and raised in so-called Denver, Colorado—the ancestral lands of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho people.

​Mimi's worked more than a decade in reproductive justice, youth leadership and LGBTQ+ liberation movements. Mimi’s focus is the development, implementation, and evaluation of cultural, wellness, and safety community programs, events, and curriculum. He’s worked with organizations around Denver that center LGBTQ folks, indigenous young people, survivors of violence, immigrant families, and communities of color.

Tania and Peter talk to Sonya about leadership coaching.

Sonya Perez-Lauterbach is a Certified Leadership Coach, Change Expert, and the creator of Leadership Atlas™ - a holistic approach to leadership development. Her mission is to change the paradigm of leadership to caring for the whole person through a mental, emotional, and embodied approach.

Through transformational 1:1 coaching Sonya supports change agents to become confident, effective and joyful leaders on their own terms. Her paradigm moves beyond self-care. She believes that authentic, empowered leadership is the key to healthy, thriving organizations that improve the world.. Learn more about Sonya at: www.sonyaperez.com

Josue Villalobos, is a senior in High School. He is an active participant in school and communal activities, doing his best to create a flourishing sense of belonging and connection everywhere he goes.

Josue states "I am glad you are tuning in to listen to my podcast episode and I encourage you to go out and accomplish that thing that's been on my mind!"

Tania and Peter talk to Amalia about her leadership with The Vida Agency.

Amalia Martino is Founder and President of The Vida Agency, a multi-service and multi-cultural company that works to advance racial equity in the Northwest. Her agency helps clients learn how to include and center the voices of people traditionally left out through innovative communications and public relations strategies. Amalia’s leadership amplifies the voices of the unheard and underserved and builds authentic bridges between our clients, the media, and community.

Peter and Tania talk to Carolina about her work with Mentes Puertorriqueñas en Acción.

Carolina Mejías Rivera es Gestora Cultural y Recreacionista. Tiene un bachillerato en Ciencias Sociales con concentración en Ciencias Políticas, segunda concentración en Recreación y una secuencia curricular en Cooperativismo; además, cuenta con una maestría en Gestión y Administración Cultural, ambos en la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras.

A lo largo de su carrera profesional ha desarrollado proyectos en los que involucra a las comunidades con el acceso universitario. Creó la iniciativa Impacto Recreativo, un proyecto que pretendía llevar talleres de arte y deportes a las escuelas como método para que los estudiantes se motivaran a entrar a la universidad. Posteriormente, desarrolló un proyecto similar llamado Puerto Rico Extreme Soccer que utilizaba el deporte del balompié como método para entrar a las universidades. Desde el 2012, forma parte de la organización Mentes Puertorriqueñas en Acción, donde ha desarrollado diversos programas como Mentes Pal Cambio, un programa de liderazgo y mentoría pre-universitaria para jóvenes de escuela superior; el programa #EnAcción que surge luego del huracán María, que consistió en insertar jóvenes universitarios y profesionales a comunidades para que sirvieran de facilitadores comunitarios; y que se ha transformado el mismo en un Laboratorio de Acción Cívica para jóvenes que quieran generar soluciones a retos sistémicos del país. Ha sido seleccionada para presentar los resultados de su trabajo en foros en Lima, Perú y Quito, Ecuador. En ambos programas ha recibido reconocimientos por su trabajo en la prensa como El Nuevo Día, Primera Hora y la revista Magacín.

A partir del 2022, asumió el rol de Directora Ejecutiva de Mentes Puertorriqueñas en Acción (MPA), donde ha logrado $4,109,351.20 de aporte social económico para la sostenibilidad del tercer sector y las comunidades a través de los programas; activó 769 voluntaries para atender la emergencia luego del Huracán Fiona que atravesó el país; y ha sido una voz para la fuerza laboral emergente en diversos foros en universidades, asociaciones de cooperativas, gremios gubernamentales, espacios filantrópicos y prensa radial. De igual forma, ha colaborado con organizaciones fuera de Puerto Rico como Unidos US, participando como panelista en Workforce Development Summit 2022; y en Migrant Cliniciants Network desarrollando un currículo de Liderazgo y Abogacía para las comunidades agrícolas de Puerto Rico e Islas Vírgenes.

Mentes Puertorriqueñas en Acción (MPA) es una organización sin fines de lucro 501c3 que trabaja para dar paso a una nueva generación de líderes comprometidos con la justicia social y capaces de afrontar los retos de Puerto Rico.

Tania and Peter speak to Marcela about her leadership and her work with Pueblos Unidos.

Marcela Díaz is the Founding Executive Director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, a statewide immigrant-based organization that works to promote racial and worker justice in New Mexico. Through its community organizing, electoral engagement, litigation, and policy advocacy efforts, Somos has helped shape New Mexico’s immigrant and worker’s rights landscape for over two decades. With Marcela's leadership, the organization has spearheaded several local and statewide laws and has won dozens of awards for its grassroots work.

Peter and Tania speak to Angela about her youth leadership and wisdom.

Angela Armendariz is an inspiring Latine youth leader from Mexico. From a young age she became aware of the social challenges and barriers to BIPOC people in the United States and stepped into her leadership journey organizing students to create supportive and caring community with other Latine youth. She attends Olympic College earning college credit while completing her high school diploma and creating the first Latine student organization in the institutions.