Empower Hour with Gina Zapanta | Empowered With Gina

In this episode of  @empoweredwithgina  host Gina Zapanta sits down with Dr. Yanira Hernandez, LCSW and Director of Palante Therapy, to talk about what “strength” really looks like for women and for children of immigrants. Dr. Hernandez shares her journey from South Central Los Angeles to UCLA and USC, why mental health support in schools matters, and how intergenerational trauma shows up in the b...

In this episode of  ⁨@empoweredwithgina⁩  host Gina Zapanta sits down with Heather Reese—Pennsylvania personal injury attorney, plus-size model, and activist. Adopted from Peru and raised in Delaware, Heather shares how identity, privilege, and relentless networking shaped her path to a J.D., why Latina representation in law matters, and how to build a career that doesn’t cost you your health or s...

In this episode of @empoweredwithgina host Gina Zapanta sits down with actress, producer, and Mira LA founder Arianna Lemus for a raw conversation about what it really takes to turn rejection into power. Arianna opens up about her journey — from competing in pageants and facing heartbreak to creating a platform that uplifts women of color in film. She and Gina talk about the ego deaths, mindset sh...

In this episode of Empowered with Gina , attorney and founder Gina Zapanta sits down with Naibe Reynoso and Bel Hernández Castillo , the powerhouse duo behind LatinaFest , to talk about The Latina Power Shift — a movement redefining what representation looks like. From Chicano activism to Emmy-winning journalism and producing, Naibe and Bel share how they turned frustration into fuel and built the...

You’re not stuck because life’s unfair — you’re stuck because you keep defending the habits that hold you back. In this solo episode of Empowered With Gina, Gina Zapanta exposes how we use confidence to mask avoidance, and how saying “that’s just how I am” becomes the excuse that keeps us stagnant. Gina breaks down the real difference between self-awareness and self-sabotage, helping you see that...

In this exclusive  @empoweredwithgina  episode, Gina Zapanta interviews Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass inside City Hall for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and fighting for justice. Mayor Bass opens up about the real challenges of leading Los Angeles — from self-doubt and public criticism to immigration, natural disasters, and creating opportunities for women and communities of...

When does loyalty stop being a strength and start becoming self-destruction? In this episode of Empowered with Gina , Gina Zapanta breaks down the truth about toxic relationships — whether it’s friends, family, or even a partner — and why protecting your peace has to come first. If you’ve ever felt guilty for pulling away from toxic people or pressured to stay “loyal” in unhealthy situations, this...

In this episode of Empowered With Gina , Gina sits down with Candice Horry—a mom, executive, and wife of NBA champion Robert Horry—whose story began with open-heart surgery at just two years old. Doctors warned she’d never play sports or have children; Candice became a multi-sport athlete, won the Girls Softball World Series at 12, and later welcomed two grounded kids. She shares how sports built...

Most women say they want a “good man” — but the truth is, many don’t end up with one. Not because good men don’t exist, but because women are taught to shrink, settle, and silence their standards just to be chosen. In this raw and unapologetic video, Gina Zapanta calls out the lies women have been told about being “too much” and exposes the real reason so many women tolerate inconsistency, immatur...

Most of us aren’t exhausted because we’re “doing too much.” We’re exhausted because we keep living for everyone else. You’re tired because you don’t know how to say no. You’re drained because you keep putting yourself dead last — convincing yourself that’s loyalty, strength, or love. But it’s not. It’s self-abandonment. In this episode of  @empoweredwithgina  , Gina breaks down the hard truth abou...

Struggling to set boundaries without feeling guilty? Wondering why people don’t respect you, keep crossing the line, or why toxic friends, family, or relationships drain your energy? You’re not alone. In this episode of Empowered With Gina, Gina Zapanta breaks down the real reason people disrespect your boundaries — and how to finally stop tolerating it. You’ll learn why guilt makes boundary-setti...

In this episode of  @empoweredwithgina  Gina Zapanta reminds women that big dreams don’t require bigger visions — they require better habits. Too often, we believe we’re “stuck” because we lack clarity or the right opportunity, when in reality, we’re missing the daily structure, discipline, and self-leadership it takes to bring our goals to life. Gina shares five powerful truths about why your hab...

In this episode of Empowered with Gina, Gina Zapanta sits down with Margherita Giubilei — a driven, resilient, and inspiring attorney at Alder Law whose journey from a small town in Italy to the courtrooms of Los Angeles is anything but ordinary. At 19, Margherita left behind comfort, family, and everything familiar to chase a dream across the world. With no connections, limited English, and nothi...

In this episode of ‪@empoweredwithgina‬ Gina Zapanta delivers a powerful message about the truth behind healing. She challenges the belief that therapy and journaling are enough when the real issue is the environment itself. Gina shares her personal experience with walking away from toxic people and spaces — and why emotional healing can’t happen without physical and energetic distance. She remind...

In this episode of  @empoweredwithgina Gina Zapanta challenges the myth that peace is something that just happens when life slows down or the chaos fades. Instead, she breaks down why peace is earned — through discipline, structure, healing, and boundaries. Gina explains how being overwhelmed is often a sign of poor energy management, not bad luck. She calls out the habit of overcommitting, the ad...

In this powerful solo episode of  Empowered with Gina  Gina Zapanta gets real about something we all do: spotting toxic people, calling them red flags, and then… still keeping them around. Nope. Not anymore. Gina breaks down why ignoring your intuition is dangerous, not just annoying — and how subtle, energy-draining relationships can sabotage your growth, mental peace, and wellness. She gives vie...

We love to talk about self-love—but too often, we confuse it with bubble baths, cheat days, and "taking it easy." Real self-love? It's called discipline. In this solo  @empoweredwithgina  episode, Gina Zapanta breaks down why motivation is overrated and why discipline is the real secret to building the life you say you want. She shares the truth about micro-abandonments, how excuses...

Gina Zapanta sits down with dynamic wardrobe stylist and costume designer Bo Roses to talk all things style, identity, and empowerment. Bo shares her inspiring journey—from growing up in San Diego without access to fashion school, to building a successful styling career in Los Angeles through grit, passion, and word of mouth. The two dive into how style can be a form of storytelling, why knowing y...

In this episode of  @empoweredwithgina  Gina Zapanta sits down with Sam Hernandez Ortega — fellow partner at Alder Law, and Latina attorney who defied every expectation. Born and raised in Boyle Heights to parents who never finished high school, Sam didn’t know a single lawyer growing up. But after watching the OJ trial as a child, she decided she was going to be one—no matter what. Sam opens up a...

In this powerful episode of  ⁨@empoweredwithgina⁩  Gina Zapanta sits down with Alexis Ramos — Co-President of Sixteenth Sports and a true game-changer in the world of sports. From growing up in East County San Diego to becoming one of the youngest Latina agents to sign a first-round NFL draft pick, Alexis shares her bold journey of faith, hustle, and purpose. She’s not just helping athletes succee...

Do you feel like you're constantly triggered by what people say, how they react to you, or even your own inner critic? In this episode of  ⁨@empoweredwithgina⁩  Gina Zapanta breaks down the real reason we get triggered—and how to stop letting outside noise run your life. She dives deep into the science of your brain, your subconscious programming, and the power of language. Gina shares how to...

Ever dreamed of quitting your corporate job to travel the world with your amigas? Mariza Elizarraraz did just that — and built a thriving business doing it. In this episode of  @empoweredwithgina  Gina Zapanta sits down with the founder of Amigas on Tour to talk about how she went from Amazon HR exec to curating 28 international group trips a year for women who crave connection, culture, and commu...

In this inspiring episode of  @empoweredwithgina  Gina sits down with Veronica Pedersen, founder of Timeless Skincare. From growing up as a first-generation Latina, working odd jobs, and starting a beauty brand with just $400—Veronica shares how she built a multimillion-dollar skincare empire her way. They talk about the power of staying true to yourself, building a business without outside invest...

What happens when you say yes to an unexpected opportunity? In this episode of  @empoweredwithgina  I sit down with two powerhouse women, Daisy Tornel and Yovy Daniels, who turned a simple DM into a life-changing journey of leadership, empowerment, and impact. We dive into their roles at Todo Wafi, a powerful media platform that's breaking barriers, amplifying Latino voices, supporting women-o...

In this episode of  @empoweredwithgina  Gina Zapanta sits down with Logan Doerries, founder of The School of Styling and host of the Motherheard Retreat, to talk about the real side of building a business while raising babies and refusing to play by anyone else’s rules. Logan opens up about navigating motherhood, burnout, and imposter syndrome—all while scaling a business that started with flat la...