S7 EP20: Finale w/Co-hosts: A Year of Latina Leadership
Our founder Anjelica Cazares sits down with our 3 co-hosts to reflect on our year here at the Latina Leadership Podcast. Our co-hosts Carolina Arenas, Sonia Ramirez, and Jacqueline Villagomez reminisce on their favorite interviews this year, and what they’ve learned from speaking with such powerful and inspiring Latinas. From speaking on hardships to showing gratitude, our hosts get real with one another as they reflect on their year at a glance. Each co-host provides a different perspective on what it means to be a Latina Leader, and how they have been transformed by the work they do here on the LLP. Tune in to find out more about what to expect for season 8, and leave a comment below if there are any Latina Leaders you’d like to see on our podcast next! Thank you for a wonderful year, and we can’t wait to show you what’s to come in 2024!
S7 EP19: Laura Gump, Kroger’s First Latina President
Kroger’s first ever Latina President, Laura Gump, sits down with our founder, Anjelica Cazares, to give some insight into the grocery business, and how she navigates this environment as a Latina. Laura explains how she utilizes her differences as a strength, and taps into her Latina roots to better her community and help Kroger develop a better understanding of the wants and needs of the Latino community as a whole. Laura likes to label herself as a unicorn, a metaphor to embrace your differences and recognize how these same differences is what makes you special in the first place. We can’t think of a better way to illustrate just how beautiful and magical it is to be a Latina. We are proud to be Unicorns! Tune in to listen to Anjelica and Laura speak on higher education, community outreach, and what kind of advantages being a unicorn brings to the table in a professional setting.
S7 EP18: Liz Rebecca Alarcón: Reporting with Purpose
Newsflash! Our podcast founder, Anjelica Cazares, sits down with Liz Alarcón, the founder and executive director of Project Pulso, a media outlet that shares history, culture, and commentary for and by Latinos. Liz’s story began when she noticed the considerable lack of Latino representation in mainstream media. She realized that Latinos needed a place to let their stories be heard, and created Project Pulso to give Latinos a platform to do just that. Not only does Project Pulso elevate Latinos, but they also use their platform to promote other marginalized communities. It is important to Project Pulso, (and us here at the LLP) that oppressed voices do not remain silenced. When minority groups band together in support of one another, we become a greater force that can accomplish many things. Tune in to hear more about the roots of Project Pulso, and check out their page where every post is a celebration of the past, present, and future of Latino heritage and lifestyle.
S7 EP17:Dr. Laura Murillo: Breaking Barriers and Shattering Ceilings
Dr. Laura Murillo takes the term “girl-boss” to a whole new level. Not only is she the founding President/CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she is also the founding executive producer and host of six radio stations, four TV stations, the author of the international best-selling book, Lead in Life, previously the highest ranked Latina at Memorial Hermann in the Texas medical center, and so much more (if you can believe it!). Dr. Murillo has accomplished many great things that put Latina professionals at the forefront of the conversation. She has created history for her fellow Latinas by breaking the systemic barriers that prevent minorities from occupying high power positions. Host, Anjelica Cazares, sits down with Dr. Murillo to discuss her amazing career, and how she uses her success to give back to her communities and help others tap into their potential to become successful leaders themselves
S7 EP16:Diana Gomez: Latina Law Trailblazer
Order in the court! Our co-host Carolina Arenas sits down with Diana Gomez to discuss her historical position as the first ever Latina President of the Houston Bar Association. Prior to her presidential status, Diana had a successful career as an attorney, and shares with us some insight into the legal world. Like many of us, Diana’s ambition for a career in law came from her desire to offer a better life for her family. Diana’s story once again proves just how resilient the Latina spirit can be. Did you know the HBA went 153 years without having a Latina as President? Don’t believe me? Listen for yourself and tune in to this week’s episode about Diana’s incredible career!
S7 EP15:Bridging the Latina Pay Gap: A Conversation with Advocates
“Calladita te ves bonita.” In English, this saying roughly translates to “You look prettier when you’re quiet.” This is a common phrase told to Latina women to encourage them to stay silent and hold their tongues about issues that may be pressing them. Whether it be in the workforce, at home, or in relationships, Latina women have been conditioned to believe that their voices do not matter. On October 8th, 2023, our co-host Sonia Ramirez sat down with six inspiring Latinas at the Latina Equal Pay Day Brunch to show the world that our voices DO matter. Listen as they discuss the gender pay gap, and encourage other Latinas to use their voices to stand up for the wages they deserve.
S7 EP14: Stand In Your Worth, with Nopalera Founder Sandra Velasquez
Sandra Velasquez is the Founder and CEO of Nopalera, the Latina-owned luxury beauty brand making its mark…on its own terms. You may know Sandra from her time as the front woman of band, Pistolera, or from her appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank, where she turned down more than one offer. In fact, she’s turned down multiple offers from several retail companies that just didn’t align with Nopalera’s ethos. And that is: to stand in your worth, embody the bold, and by any and all means – remain resilient. Sandra is a proud Chicana, and pays homage to the beauty of Mexican culture in her luxurious line of Nopalera products. She chats with our co-host Jacqueline Villagomez and discusses the importance of knowing your worth and advocating for what you want in life – and that means sometimes creating your own path. The future of Nopalera depends on all of us to continue supporting the beauty brand with our purchases, and with Nopalera currently celebrating its three year anniversary with a site-wide sale, we cannot think of a better way to celebrate than with a little retail therapy!
S7 EP13: Claudia Ortega-Hogue: A Leap of Faith and an Open Door
On this special episode, Jacqueline and Sonia chat with Claudia Ortega-Hogue, President of the League of Women Voters Houston (the first Latina President in 100 years) and Founder & CEO of Global Communities Houston, LLC. With today being Election Day, Claudia discusses the importance of voting and many of the resources that the League of Women Voters-Houston offers to all voters, such as the new multilingual Houston voter’s guide. Get it at houstonvotersguide.org. They also discuss Claudia’s career journey, and how taking a leap of faith is oftentimes necessary to getting to that next level. Claudia believes in giving back and showing up for her community, and always reminding herself to keep moving forward! She has some great advice for Latinas everywhere – ¡sí se puede!
S7 EP12: Martina Ibáñez-Baldor – Leading the Next Generation of Latinas in Journalism
On this week’s Latina Leadership Podcast, Sonia sits down with Deputy Design Director for the L.A. Times, Martina Ibáñez-Baldor. As a Latina born in Toronto and raised in Wisconsin, Martina speaks about her experience being one of the only Latino families around. A true creative at-heart, Martina’s work stems from a love of photography and Latino stories. Martina discusses her newest project at the L.A. Times, De Los, and what sets them apart from traditional news stories. Tune in to hear about the pressures that Latinas sometimes face in their culture and why it is so important for Latinas to “take up space.”
S7 EP11: Ana Hageage – A Lifetime of Advocacy
Ana Hageage works for the U.S. Department of Labor under the Biden Administration as the Chief of Staff for the Employment and Training Administration (ETA). She reflects on her passion for advocacy in underserved communities by helping them find better working opportunities, and emphasizes to our co-host, Jacqueline Villagomez, the importance of equity and how she works to promote this at the Department of Labor. Ana speaks on overcoming obstacles to get to where she is today, including learning how to balance motherhood while maintaining a successful career. Tune in to hear more about Ana’s life, and her advice to young Latinas looking for the next step – don’t be afraid of failure.
S7 EP10: I Love Chamoy with Annie Leal
Our co-host Anjelica Cazares sits down with founder and CEO of I Love Chamoy, Annie Leal. I Love Chamoy is a small business that specializes in the production of sugar-free chamoy, creating a healthier alternative for diabetics and those alike. After her father was diagnosed with diabetes, Annie was inspired to begin working on her own sugar-free chamoy recipe once she noticed there was no sugar-free alternative for her father to enjoy. Starting her business in the midst of the pandemic, I Love Chamoy garnered much of its success online, and built an audience of consumers through their social media. Today, I Love Chamoy is sold across Texas through one of the states’ biggest retailers, HEB, as well as in select Home Goods stores in addition to their online store front. Listen to Annie share more behind the beginning of I Love Chamoy, and how her online presence has helped grow her business into what it is today.
S7 EP9:María Paula Correa: Building a Career through Passion
María Paula Correa is currently the Chief Relationship Officer at Libra Group, a global business group that applies the strength of its global network and capabilities to deliver cross-sector insights and growth at scale. Prior to this, María was Chief of Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic of Colombia in the government of President Iván Duque Márquez, as well as Advisor to the Chief of Staff during President Álvaro Uribe’s Presidential administration. María has always had a passion for politics, and shares her professional journey with co-host Carolina Arenas. María details the challenges that come with having high profile positions, and the steps she took to get to the career she has today. Tune in to listen to María’s incredible climb through her career, and her advice to women looking to pursue their own profession.
S7 EP8: Victoria Zara: The Next Generation of Entrepreneurship
Our co-host Sonia Ramirez sits down with one of Houston’s youngest CEO’s, Victoria Zara! At only 10 years old, Victoria owns and operates her own aguas frescas business, curating a menu of 15 flavors all homemade by Victoria herself. @victoriaslemonade on instagram has become very popular amongst the Houston community. Her aguas frescas have become very successful, garnering a loyal audience and partnering with various Tiktok stars and some of your favorite companies like Foot Locker and Kendra Scott! Listen to Victoria share her experience as a young Latina entrepreneur, as well as shed some light onto what goes on behind the scenes of her fast growing business. You won’t want to miss the remarkable story of Victoria’s Lemonade!
S7 EP7:Kayla Castañeda: Navigating Motherhood while Growing a Culture-Driven Product
Kayla Castañeda is the Founder and CEO of Agua Bonita, a line of aguas frescas that come in fun and bold flavors that are true to tradition. Kayla shares with cohost Carolina Arenas that she created this line of beverages with migrant farmworkers in mind. Tune in as Kayla goes in depth about creating this cuturally-inspired brand, navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship, and sharing her top insights for other Latina entrepreneurs. This conversation will surely inspire you!
S7 EP6:Carolina Acosta: Connecting Latinos with Fun
Carolina (Caro) Acosta is the founder and CEO of Tragos Games, a drinking card game that highlights Latino cultural norms and traditions. After noticing a lack of Latino representation, Caro decided to create a game that focuses on different topics in Latino culture. Listen in to Caro explain how her small side project quickly developed into a viral game that is now sold in many major retailers, and the hardships that come with managing a fast growing company with co-host Carolina Arenas. Caro gives us insight into the making of Tragos Games, and gives advice to other up and coming Latina entrepreneurs who are looking to get into the world of game production. Tune in to find out more about Tragos Games and Caro’s incredible journey as a Latina entrepreneur!
S7 EP5:Eli Jas: Tapping into your Creative Energy through Vulnerability
Eli Jas is a Domican music artist, podcaster, and entrepreneur based in New York. Her podcast consists of inspirational conversations highlighting visionaries about their expertise, career journey, and entrepreneurship. In this personal conversation with cohost Sonia Ramirez, Eli shares insights on the upcoming creative work that she will be coming out with and dives deep into what it means to tap into your creative energy through vulnerability. You won’t want to miss this conversation!
S7 EP4:Claudia Romo Edelman: Advancing Equity for Latinas
Claudia Romo Edelman is the Founder of We Are All Human, a foundation that brings people together to rediscover our common humanity by advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Claudia shares her personal story and life-long mission to increase visibility of the Hispanic community with host Anjelica Cazares. Claudia has over 25 years of experience as a social entrepreneur and marketer for social causes and has blazed new paths to advance equity for the Hispanic community in the US. Tune in to hear her inspiring story as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month!
S7 EP3:Heidy de la Cruz: Redefining the American Dream through Entrepreneurship
Join us for this episode with Heidy de la Cruz as she discusses what redefining the ‘American Dream’ looks like through entrepreneurship with cohost, Diana Rubi . Heidy is an author and the podcaster behind “The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast” where immigrants share their stories about moving to the United States. In this episode, Heidy shares insight on the mindset shift that often needs to happen as an entrepreneur and her unique experience uplifting immigrant stories.
S7 EP2:Martha Araujo-Barrera: Paving Paths for Rising Generations
Martha Araujo-Barrera has earned a reputation for service and commitment to community. Yet prior to taking on the role of Public Affairs Manager for the popular Texas grocery-chain recently voted one of the best places to work, H-E-B, Martha knew she was destined for something important. In this candid conversation with the native Tejana she opens up about her trajectory to leadership and her personal and professional lessons along the way. We think you will definitely enjoy getting to know Martha Araujo-Barrera in this episode.
S7 EP1:Co-host Chat: Latinas in Entrepreneurship
Welcome back to the Latina Leadership Podcast as we kick off an exciting new season! Join us for our Season 7 premiere, where we delve into the vibrant world of Latina entrepreneurship. In this episode, your cohosts Anjelica Cazares, Carolina Arenas, Diana Rubi, and Sonia Ramirez revisit some of our most insightful conversations with Latina entrepreneurs from previous seasons. We’re revisiting their journeys, their challenges, and their remarkable successes. Tune in as we celebrate the spirit of Latina entrepreneurship, exploring the themes of leadership, community, and empowerment. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring business owner, or simply curious about the incredible stories of Latina leaders, this episode is a must-listen.
Take a listen to the episodes we referenced: