Architects of Latino Success

Opportunity isn't given. It's built, shared, and passed on. Felix DeHerrera grew up with parents who made up in spirit what life didn't always offer in resources. Their optimism and desire to see their children succeed became the through line of everything Felix would go on to build — a career spanning four decades in brokerage, mortgage banking, and investment, and a legacy defined...

Build with intention. Lead with heart. Never Settle.   Nuria Rivera — CEO and Founder of Novation Title — has built her career and her company on a simple but powerful truth: people are everything. Her drive to connect, grow, and show up fully for her team and clients isn't a strategy. It's who she is.  In this episode, Nuria shares how her background shaped the leader she's become,...

Success is not just about closing deals. It is about the lives you impact along the way. Joe Castillo welcomes Erika Villegas, a respected real estate professional serving the Chicago market, known for her commitment to community, leadership, and advancing Hispanic homeownership. In this episode, Erika shares a candid and vulnerable look into her real estate journey, including the challenges she h...

The most powerful careers are not built on strategy alone. They are built on purpose. Josue Soto is a real estate professional whose path was shaped by the right people showing up at the right time, reminding him of the strengths he carried and encouraging him to put them to work. His natural ability to connect, listen, and genuinely serve others laid the foundation for a career rooted in somethin...

Success doesn’t always begin with a plan. Sometimes it starts with a simple conversation. Joe Castillo welcomes A.T. Almeida, CEO and Team Leader of The American Dream Group in Dallas–Fort Worth and a National Board Director with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP). Originally from Brazil, A.T. came to the United States with limited English and a determination t...

Leading from Within: Elevating Professionals and Expanding NAHREP’s Global Vision In this episode of Architects of Latino Success , Joe Castillo sits down with Oralia Herrera, 2025 NAHREP National President, to reflect on her leadership journey and the impact of serving at the highest level of the organization. Oralia shares how she was first introduced to real estate and given the opportunity to...

 Building Cultures that Support People, Progress, and Possibility In this episode, Joe Castillo speaks with Teresa Palacios Smith, Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer at HomeServices of America, about leadership, inclusion, and long-term impact. Teresa shares how her professional journey has shaped her approach to inclusion as an ongoing practice rooted in trust, accountability, and engagement....

NAHREP:  Stewarding a Movement, Not a Moment  At the start of a new year, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the purpose that has guided NAHREP’s work—and continues to shape its path forward. In this conversation, Gary Acosta, co-founder and CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), shares perspective on building and stewarding a movement rooted in s...

From Risk to Resilience: Building Success on Your Own Terms Edwin Acevedo’s career was built through self-ambition, a strong desire to succeed, and an entrepreneurial spirit. He transitioned from a corporate engineering role to pursuing real estate, stepping into the industry at the onset of the 2008 recession—a leap that required conviction, resilience, and trust in himself. In this episode, Edwi...

From Sales to Strategy: Transitioning from Top Producer to Corporate Leader Transitioning from being a top-producing agent into corporate leadership wasn’t simple — and Danny Hernandez is the first to say the shift was intimidating. What gave him the courage to move forward was trust: trust in the people who believed in him, and trust in the opportunities they saw before he could see them himself....

Leading Through Identity, Inclusion & Purpose in Real Estate In this episode, Tanya Reu-Narvaez shares reflections on finding purpose in unexpected places and how embracing who you are can become a source of strength in leadership. She discusses the importance of inclusion, championing representation, and staying grounded in a mission that aligns with your values. Tanya also highlights how her...

Leading with Accountability and Compassion: Building Businesses That Last True leadership isn’t just about results; it’s about accountability, empathy, and the courage to grow together. In this episode, Jason Madiedo, CEO of Panorama Mortgage Group, shares how holding people accountable with compassion creates the foundation for strong teams and lasting impact. Jason discusses how great leaders ap...

From Entrepreneurial Drive to Venture Leadership and Purpose-Driven Impact Success isn’t always a straight line—it’s built through passion, risk, and the courage to choose yourself. In this episode, Laura Lucas, Founder & CEO of Pandocap and General Partner at L’ATTITUDE Ventures, shares how her entrepreneurial spirit shaped a career defined by purpose, innovation, and opportunity. With authen...

From Corporate Strategy to Championing Latino Wealth and Representation Leadership is about influence, purpose, and the responsibility to create access for others. In this episode, Camilo Escalante, Executive Director of Diverse Segments at Guaranteed Rate and Chair of NAHREP’s Corporate Board of Governors, shares how his career evolved from corporate strategy to community impact. With candor and...

From Brokerage Success to Coaching Leaders and Elevating Latino Professionals Leadership is more than titles—it’s about courage, mentorship, and lifting others as you climb. In this episode, Broker/Owner, investor, and NAHREP leader Daisy López-Cid shares her journey from building a thriving real estate business to being recognized as the “coach of coaches” within the organization. With honesty an...

From Immigrant Roots to Brokerage Leadership and Advocacy That Elevates Communities Impact isn’t accidental—it’s built through grit, service, and the decision to lead. In this episode, Broker/Owner and NAHREP leader Jerry Ascencio shares how an immigrant start became a platform for entrepreneurship and advocacy: breaking into real estate, building teams, and championing Latino homeownership. Tune...

Turning Risks into Returns and Returns into Lasting Impact Success isn’t just about wins—it’s about the risks you take, the confidence you build, and the discipline you practice along the way. In this episode, Jona Gamboa, CEO of Gamboa Real Estate Group, shares how calculated risks, smart investing, and leading through practice shaped his journey. Tune in for insights on work ethic, resilience, a...

Turning Sacrifice into Strategy—and Strategy into Generational Wealth A lot of people talk about success—but few talk about the sacrifices it takes to get there. In this episode, Sara Rodriguez shares why discipline matters more than income, how living below your means can create generational opportunity, and the mindset shifts that turn short-term sacrifices into long-term gains. If you're s...

Leading the #1 Century 21 office in the Southwest region! Juan Martinez didn’t get to the top by accident. As the leader of the #1 Century 21 office in Las Vegas, he’s built his business on sharp strategy, relentless execution, and an unshakable commitment to growth. In this episode, Juan shares how staying focused, embracing discipline, and thinking long-term helped him rise above the noise. This...

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Leo Pareja goes deeper into the values and decisions that have defined his leadership journey. He shares candid reflections on legacy, balancing ambition with purpose, and what it truly means to create impact at scale. From shaping industry change to mentoring the next generation, Leo offers perspective not just on success—but on significance. If you'r...

Everyone sees the success—but few see the inner work behind it. In this episode, Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, shares the lessons that shaped his journey—from starting in real estate as a teenager to becoming one of the most influential Latino leaders in the industry. He opens up about what it takes to grow beyond personal wins, how ego can limit impact, and why purpose-driven leadership matters...