Diversity Fuels our Work and Life – Now and Always (Part 1)

Angie Balderas has always been brilliant. Raised by Mexican American parents, she tested out of high school at 16, opting to take courses at a Jr. College instead. With a newfound sense of freedom and a more flexible schedule, Angie knocked on the door of a local Spanish-language radio station looking for a job. She was a shoo-in. That very day, she began what would grow into a remarkable career in radio, communications, and engaging the Latino community.

Since that time, Angie’s work has been something to celebrate. In 2018, she was named one of Radio Inc.’s most influential women in radio, a title she proudly held as she appeared on the magazine’s cover in June of that year. Angie would go on to be recognized by the publication again in 2021. As Angie and Amalia discuss this accomplishment, they touch on how proud Angie’s family is of her, their unwavering support, and how no one reaches success without a little help and care from others.

And Angie knows a thing or two about success! Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Entravision Communications, a digital agency focused on reaching both Hispanic and mainstream customers. She also serves on the Executive Board for Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, an organization working to support women seeking management and leadership positions in radio.

In this episode Amalia’s guest is Roberto Yglesias, during the week he is a successful Product Manager for one of the top Software companies in the world (yes, that Software Company), and on the weekends, an adrenaline seeking National Rally Champion . Roberto’s passion for cars as a child, eventually led him to discover rally car racing (rallying). That’s just like normal track racing, right? Wrong! Rallying takes place on gravel and dirt roads, surrounded by trees and unpredictable terrain. Picture 80 – 90 vehicles racing each other at top speeds through windy roads in the forest and you still don’t get the full picture. 

Luckily Roberto gives Amalia a Rally 101 of sorts, explaining the ins and outs of it all including how a young boy growing up in Costa Rica would eventually travel to the U.S., becoming the latest Rally Champion of Latino decent to hold the title. But this conversation isn’t all about finding a higher gear. They also discuss how finding something as unpredictable and uncontrollable as racing has done wonders for his mental health. In Roberto’s words “I’m an overthinker always strategizing so I have a hard time being present. So, when I’m driving, it forces me to be present. I found this to be very good for my mental health.” 

It's that “being present” that has benefitted him in more ways than one, from strategizing for projects, analyzing opportunities, to impacting his overall outlook on life. So buckle up and get ready for Amalia and Roberto to take you on a ride; learning to disconnect, embracing the unpredictable, and feeling the adrenaline to enjoy life to its fullest. 

Enjoy! Keep up with Roberto @PuraVidaRally on Instagram

Tatiana Lee is a disabled Black woman, and mighty proud of that fact. Born with spina bifida, Tatiana’s an accomplished actress who has appeared in such hit movies as, “Footloose,” “Jade,” and “Together & Better.” She’s also modeled in campaigns for big name brands like Apple, Target, and Zappos. Tatiana is also a social activist, championing the cause for people with disabilities. In this episode of The Whole Damn Pie, Tatiana brilliantly talks about the issue of inclusion versus accessibility, and explains the differences– and makes able-bodied people feel comfortable using the word disability.

Maybe it’s because she’s Amalia’s #2 at the shop. Or maybe it’s because we want to hear a sun-drenched tropical voice, rather than our own urban ones. Whatever her reason, Amalia rarely gives up her podcast mic to anyone. But as you’ll hear, Mafe Cobaleda-Yglesias es differente.  

About her upbringing, Mafe (pronounced “ma-FAY”) says she “had the privilege of growing up in Costa Rica” after her parents fled Colombia during that country’s battle against guerillas. Recently she found time to escape the chilly Seattle weather to reside on the beaches of this popular Central American gem . When she’s not working, Mafe is, “visiting family, visiting beaches, and seeing a few monkeys around.” (We’re not sure if she means that literally or figuratively. Or both.)  

WDP episodes in order they appear:

• Episode 3 (Part 1 & Part 2): Diversity Fuels our Work and Life – Now and Always Ft. Priya Saxena
• Episode 5: Be the Dumbest Person in the Room, and Other Smart Advice Ft. Dr. Murray Ross
• Episode 6: Let’s Talk Money Honey and Food, Love, and Health Ft. Heather Lowrey
• Episode 1: Be Ready. Be Hydrated. For the Community. By the Community. Ft. Black Stax & TVA

Special Thank You to The Whole Damn Pie team:               

• Executive Producer: Lisa Wharf        
• Producer/Writer: Amir Sadeghi         
• Episode Coordinator: Ryann Anderson               
• Graphic Designer: Ciara Honig  
• Copywriter: Darren Teruel  
• Music: “I Love My Life” (written & performed by Black Stax)

Sheree is super-well organized. When Amalia first met her at a kids’ soccer match, she noticed that all of Sheree’s Tupperware, full of prepared food, were all color-coded for each of her family members attending the game. In fact, even Amalia’s daughter took notice, too, and said, “Mom, you could learn something from her.”

She turns 40 this year. (Amalia welcomes her into the club with her usual cool and nonchalant demeanor: “Wow! Congratulations. Welcome! Because the 40s are fucking awesome!”)

Unpaid volunteer work (a lot of it) honed her work ethic and marketable skills.

Director of Operations at Caffe Ladro for nearly 8 years.

Wakes up at 3:45am, gets out of bed at 4:15am, and tries to be at work by 5:30am. (Editor’s note: How much coffee does it take Sheree to do this?)

By the time you read this, Sheree will have likely moved on to her next opportunity as Chief of Operations at Lady Yum, which she describes as a “whimsical business” built on macarons, champagne, and mischief. (Sounds like a good time!)

Less than a minute into this special edition Thanksgiving episode, you soon realize this isn’t like past episodes of The Whole Damn Pie. Not when your guest happens to be your 19-year-old daughter. Amalia meets her match with Sophia, but you also can sense how much love and care there is between mother and daughter. They have this amazing dynamic together sharing stories about crazy holiday and family traditions, what they love and what they’d change, and how they both appreciate the strong women in their family being the reason everyone comes together. In between the laughter and games, Amalia and Sophia discuss their thoughts on utilizing social media to broadcast “good deeds” during this time of year while still being authentic.

Later in the episode, Sophia shares details on what she’s learned about herself having to start college through the pandemic: “It taught me the importance of being alone and being sound and aligned with everything in your life” she says. Wise words coming from a young person just starting her life and still getting to know this version of herself. The two play a holiday edition of “ask me anything,” with the real highlights coming from Sophia, how she would level-up Thanksgiving, and the moment she knew her Mom was “cool.” Enjoy!

A therapist in today’s society can carry so many different meanings. But Heather doesn’t just carry her titles; she utilizes them. To her, they are living, breathing documents. Like the Constitution (but for your mental health). Amalia and Heather talk about the ties between addiction and money. Race and money. Self-worth and money. And intergenerational wealth. (Are you picking up on a common theme here?)

They also point out how far women of color have come, yet how far they have to go, still. These waters run deep, ladies and gentlemen.

Shifting gears slightly, Heather and Amalia discuss topic #1 on everyone’s mind (well, maybe #2; sex might be #1 on peoples’ list): money. Heather has a rather atypical stance on money and our relationship or affair with it: “I mentioned compassion earlier, but it’s also setting time to be with our money,” she says. “So really challenging the avoidance, even when it doesn’t feel good. It feels worse when you don’t know what’s happening. And that doesn’t mean checking your bank balance everyday because that can create fixation, and too much of a fixation can lead to avoidance.” For more about Heather and her work visit www.wisemindfinancial.com

You have probably heard of Kaiser Permanante, where Dr. Ross is a big-wig, but may not know what they do, or even why you heard of them. Yet, they are extremely relevant in our social conversation about the disparities in the American healthcare system. But today’s chat is not about HMOs, HSAs, FSAs, or even WFH (working from home). etc. 

While any conversation with Dr. Murray Ross, or Murray, as Amalia calls him, has the potential to become quite heady and intellectual, Amalia keeps it eye-level, boots-on-the-ground, and light-hearted– although its implications are quite meaningful and practical. The gist of the today’s The Whole Damn Pie: each-one-teach-one.

Amalia and Christy’s conversation explores the roles they play in raising young women, supporting one another, and always looking for opportunities to encourage those around them. Christy shares the importance of leading with optimism and the impact that has made on her career, family, health, and community. It’s an encouraging conversation about giving yourself the mental space to prioritize self, while investing in and supporting those around you.