puerto rican culture

Jose Jordan leads interiors focused on justice and civic spaces at DLR Group in Florida. Justice and civic space interiors are often overlooked, but Jose believes they can be thoughtfully designed to empower and inspire. One example of this approach is a recent juvenile detention center project in Birmingham, Alabama where the history of steelwork was implemented to motivate residents toward a new potential.

Jose also offers up some career advice—care deeply and passionately about your work. This attracts others who also care, creating an environment where everyone works as a team for shared goals.

Jose recently rediscovered his Puerto Rican heritage on a trip to Old San Juan. The history, architecture, culture, food, and family connections left a deep impression. Now, during Hispanic Heritage Month, Jose enjoys spending time with family, eating traditional Puerto Rican food, and introducing others to the culture. He values bringing people together through food, music, and laughter and aims to create spaces that have the same welcoming community feel.

Learn more about Jose Jordan.

Learn more about Jose's company DLR Group.

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Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art,' where Rob Lee brings to light the stories and inspirations of Elisa Milan, a renowned chef and business owner, celebrated for her expertise in crafting delectable Puerto Rican empanadas and coquito. As the proud owner of The Empanada Lady, located in the vibrant Station North Arts District of Baltimore city, Elisa's culinary talents have captivated taste buds far and wide. With a strong commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and adhering to traditional recipes, her empanadas are renowned for their authentic Puerto Rican flavors. Whether catering at Motorhouse in Baltimore or serving hungry patrons at her own eatery, Elisa Milan's passion for bringing the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine to life shines through in every delightful bite.

ABOUT The Empanada Lady
The Empanada Lady makes authentic Puerto Rican cuisine including hand-rolled Empanadas and Coquito, traditional Puerto Rican Egg Nog, which has an important connection to her roots. The Empanada Lady is currently catering at non-profit arts hub, gallery, and performance space Motor House. 

Within this edition:

• Elisa Milan, also known as The Empanada Lady, is a chef and business owner specializing in Puerto Rican empanadas and coquitos.
• She started her business after making a bet with a friend that she could make money selling food.
• Elisa's food is known for its flavor and authenticity, using traditional recipes passed down from her grandmother.
• She believes that food is energy and puts love and positive energy into every dish she makes.
• Elisa has embraced social media to grow her business and show gratitude to her customers.
• She is a strong advocate for Puerto Rican culture and wants to be seen and acknowledged in the food industry.
• Elisa's motto is "all love always" and she is grateful for the abundance in her life.

Prepare for an exciting episode Elisa started her business after making a bet with a friend that she could make money selling food. Since then, she has been cooking every day and providing delicious empanadas to her customers. Elisa's food is known for its flavor and authenticity, using traditional recipes passed down from her grandmother. She believes that food is energy and puts love and positive energy into every dish she makes. Elisa has also embraced social media to grow her business and show gratitude to her customers. She is a strong advocate for Puerto Rican culture and wants to be seen and acknowledged in the food industry. Elisa's motto is "all love always" and she is grateful for the abundance in her life.

Mentioned in this episode
The Empanada Lady

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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

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