conversations with my friends

Lourdes Rosado is the President and General Counsel of Latino Justice, a nonprofit which serves Latinos across the U.S., and they also happen to be celebrating their 50th anniversary this year with various public events (find them at www.latinojustice.org)! Lourdes has been trailblazing as a civil rights litigator for the past 25+ years with a passion for social justice and a love for journalism. She's a native New Yorker and first generation Cuban-American and Puerto Rican. Listen as we talk about how she is fighting for Latino justice across the U.S.!

Melissa McDonald is Chief Operating Officer of La Raza Development Fund where she helps connect U.S. Latinos to valuable resources to help them achieve their goals and business dreams. However, at the core of her commitment to this work is a deep belief in the spirit and tenacity of Latinas. We talk about it on this new episode of the Latina Leadership Series. Tune in now!

She's the funny woman that's won thousands of hearts on social media with her hilarious and endearing videos. When Estefania Saavedra set out to start a social media presence, however, she had no idea it would become the runaway success it is today. I was thrilled to sit down with her as part of the Latina Leadership Series to talk about the business of being funny!

This event was packed with so much positive energy and excitement for being together. I was excited to return to the annual Spoiled Latina Summit put on annually by my amiga Yvonne Guidry - better known as Spoiled Latina online - earlier this summer. During the event I also had a chance to speak to several of the Latinas in attendance, and what they had to share was so inspirational and funny. Take a listen to our conversations in this episode and let me know what you think!

This summer I had the chance to attend NHPO Houston's Membership Drive and Board Placement event in Houston to speak to Latinas LIVE and in person at the event about, of course, leadership. The conversations were inspiring and informative. Take a listen, and let me know who we should bring back for a more in-depth conversation. Thank you ladies for all your energy and charisma!

Ladies and gentlemen, I am so excited to share with you all a brand new series that I am kicking off today with my good friend Amanda Hewitt. Amanda and I met several years ago as bloggers and we have remained friends ever since. We may not always see eye to eye on eveything, but we respect each other enough to respect each other's perspectives.

She's an educator and an entrepreneur with a passion for making education attainable for all. Through her nonprofit, The Courage to Bee, Inc., Kerlin is able to provide school supplies, technology, and skill-building workshops to underserved families. In addition, she is preparing to become a school principal. Get to know this powerhouse Latina on this episode of the Latina Leadership Series.

Liz Lara-Carreño is the Director of Market & Outreach for Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses in Houston, as well as a well-known Latina leader across the Greater Houston region. I was excited to share some time with her on this latest episode of the Latina Leadership Series.

Desirée Klaus is a creative by nature, and intentional in her purpose. During our time together on this episode we talk about her latest project – her podcast ‘Let’s Vámonos,’ as well as her background as a singer, and much more. Join me as we get to know Desirée a bit more.  

Carolyn Kiel is an experienced training and talent development leader who helps global companies prepare their employees to succeed in changing business environments. On her podcast 'Beyond 6 Seconds' she holds candid interviews with individuals from all walks of life, and today she is my guest on this episode. Tune in for a very open and candid conversation.

She is a 20-year tech veteran who worked her way up the corporate ladder within Silicon Valley from humble beginnings in Fresno, CA. Today, she is also the creator and host of the popular podcast 'Latinas: from the Block to the Boardroom.' I was excited to speak with Theresa on this episode of the Latina Leadership Series.

Mayra Alejandra is a financial coach who is passionate about teaching Latinas how to grow their net worth and become Debt-Free Latinas! Her podcast by the name 'Debt-Free Latina' inspires and motivates listeners to pursue their financial goals and be wise with their money. On this episode she joins me for a very interesting conversation about our relationship with money!

Latinas from all walks of life joined me for this live recording of a special Latina Leadership Series episode at the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Annual Luncheon in October. Take a listen and prepare to be inspired! 

Sandy Garza is an on-screen and voiceover actress, as well as an advocate for women's mental health. She joins me on this episode of the Latina Leadership Series to share part of her very inspirational story. 

Four of my nieces join me for a very special edition of the Latina Leadership Series. I wanted to include their perspective on the topic of family dynamics as young Latinas. Joining me are my nieces Alexandra, Gabby, Breanna and Nicole.

Alicia Elatassi is a Business, Travel and Lifestyle Podcaster based in Houston, Texas. She joined me on this episode of the Latina Leadership to share her journey through life and business. You will definitely enjoy getting to know Alicia! 

You might know her as "Liz Al Aire" from her impressive career as a radio personality, or from her growing social media presence. On this episode, Liz Arreola joins me for a candid conversation about her career, her path to becoming a Latina leader, and how she supports other women as well. 

On this episode of the Latina Leadership series I am joined by Jose "Pepe" Estrada, who serves as Director of Public Affairs for Walmart. We discuss the importance of Latina representation in the corporate space, the diversity of the Latino community, and the responsibility of helping Latinas find leadership roles. 

Aurora Losada is a former managing editor for Houston's largest newspaper, the Houston Chronicle, and is also a Latino market expert. She joins me in my Latina Leadership Series to discuss her career and her life journey.