Latina Leadership Podcast

In this episode, we're joined by Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS, who's been leading the charge for Latino communities for over 20 years. She breaks down how UnidosUS has fought for healthcare access, homeownership, DACA protections, and registered over a million new Latino voters (sí, ¡un millón!). Janet keeps it real about the challenges, like budget cuts and anti-immigrant policies...

Amiga, if dating apps have ever made you feel unseen, this episode is for you. Ashley Molina Kabba, founder of Alyst Dating, created a space made with minority professionals in mind because love should feel safe, intentional, and true to who we are. She shares how she turned frustration into innovation, launched her own tech startup, and stayed grounded through it all. We talk about imposter syndr...

In this episode, amiga, we sit down with Isabella Arguello Bacy, a therapist, licensed master social worker, and proud Latina from Houston's Acres Homes. Isabella opens up about how her upbringing and heritage shaped her approach to mental health care, advocacy, and creating safe spaces for Latinas and communities of color. We explore the unique challenges first-gen Latinas face, from high expecta...

Season 11 is here, amiga, and we're kicking things off with Jessa McKinnis, founder of Jessa McKinnis Consulting. In this episode, Jessa gets real about the ups and downs of launching a business, facing criticism, and finding purpose through a strengths-based approach. We discuss how leaning into your unique talents (even when others don't quite understand them) can help you lead with confidence,...

In this special "Best of Season 10" episode, co-host Andrea Diaz reflects on the powerful stories, honest moments, and major takeaways that made this season unforgettable. These conversations made us laugh, cry, and feel seen. Andrea also shares what these stories meant to her personally. If you're new here, this is a perfect way to jump in. And if you've been with us all season – gracias, amiga....

This week, amiga, we're getting real with Marcela Arietta, holistic therapist and entrepreneur. Marcela walks us through what it really takes to stay grounded while running a business, especially when working with family. She shares how healing stress, setting energetic boundaries, and staying connected to her cultural roots have shaped her journey. We talk about spiritual hygiene (yes, that's a t...

Amiga, in this episode, we're joined by the powerful and intuitive Jasmin Alejandrez, astrologer, psychic, numerologist, and all-around spiritual guide. Jasmin opens up about what it's like doing decolonial and liberation-centered spiritual work while navigating censorship and tokenization. She shares the deep influence of her abuela, a proud bruja, and how reconnecting with ancestral wisdom shape...

In this episode, we're pulling up a seat with two powerhouse mujeres—Hady Mendez and Nancy Marmolejo—the heart and soul behind Lean In Latinas, a national volunteer-run organization creating space for Latinas to connect, grow, and rise together. From closing the pay gap to building meaningful mentorship circles, these two are on a mission to support Latinas through every step of their professional...

Let's get real about money, amiga. In this episode, Alejandra Rojas, founder of The Brown Way to Money, shares how she went from corporate finance to becoming a money trauma practitioner, helping women of color heal, grow, and build wealth. We talk guilt, ambition, and the emotional weight behind money – and how to release it. Alejandra's framework empowers us to set bold goals, shift from scarcit...

Amiga, if you've ever felt like the only one in the room or wondered where the Latina role models in tech are, this one's for you. In this episode, we sit down with Nikki Barua, the interim CEO of Latinas in Tech, who opens up about finding her way without a clear path ahead. With three master's degrees (yes, three!), Nikki turned her curiosity into her superpower, blending art, science, and busin...

Amiga, in this episode, we chat with Gineyda Cornelio, Director of Marketing and Latin Strategy at Audiomack, and trust us, her story hits different. Raised by Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, Gineyda grew up with music in her blood and big dreams in her heart. As she made moves in the music world, she opened up about the hustle, the setbacks, and the power of betting on yourself in that journe...

Amiga, meet Leodeli Trevino, a powerhouse mom, full-time professional, and passionate advocate for education and community empowerment. In this episode, Leodeli shares her inspiring story of overcoming obstacles, returning to school, and balancing life's challenges to pursue her bachelor's degree–and now, her master's. As the president of HACEMOS, she's making a huge impact in the Latino community...

Amiga, in this heartfelt episode, counselor Xochitl Rodriguez opens up about her life, from a privileged but tumultuous childhood in Mexico to rebuilding from scratch after her father's sudden disappearance. She shares how she learned English through sheer determination, overcame deep personal struggles, and found her calling in mental health. She talks about motherhood, working with teens, and th...

In this episode, we chat with Rosa Casquino, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Healing Guide Counseling Center, about her journey through trauma and how she's helping others heal. Rosa shares how her powerful story of overcoming domestic violence and sexual abuse to become a trauma therapist dedicated to supporting our community. She breaks down the importance of mental health and r...

Amiga, get ready to rethink everything you've heard about nutrition! In this episode, we sit down with Mariana Dineen, a proud Latina registered dietitian and founder of Elemental Health. She's on a mission to bring culture back to the conversation around wellness. She debunks diet myths and her journey to making health more accessible and culturally relevant. Join us as we dive into how we can ta...

Join us for an empowering chat with Dr. Johanna Moya, the incredible Executive Director of Con Mi Madre, a program that's changing the game for first-gen Latinas and their madres. From middle school to college, Con Mi Madre provides the support these young women need to thrive–and with a 97% graduation rate, it's clear the impact is real! Dr. Moya shares her inspiring journey from Cuba to leading...

Amiga, ever wondered what it takes to break into the world of patent law? Judge Miriam Quinn, an administrative patent judge at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, shares her incredible journey from engineering to patent law. In this episode, she opens up about overcoming gender bias, the power of mentorship, and embracing change with confidence (even when it feels scary!). Her story is a remind...

Amigas, join Anjelica as she sits down with Carmen Fraser, a Breast Cancer Post-Operative Patient, as she shares her powerful journey from diagnosis to recovery. In this heartfelt conversation, Carmen opens up about the emotional challenges of fighting breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and how her faith, family support, and positive mindset played a crucial role in her healing. She...

Amigas, 2024 was a year to remember, and it's time to look back on all the amazing moments we shared on the Latina Leadership Podcast. In this special wrap-up episode, Gracie reflects on powerful episodes, like Kate del Castillo's live discussion on voting and leadership, Gabriela Kane Guardia's work with Latinitas, and Celeste Gomez's inspiring poetry in 'Besos.' We also celebrated incredible mil...

Amigas, get ready for an exciting conversation! Anjelica sits down with Alejandra Salazar, the Founder and CEO of Croing, a creative agency that's revolutionizing the way brands connect with people. Alejandra shares her incredible journey from Venezuela to New York, how her diverse cultural experiences shaped her agency's approach and the importance of social listening in today's marketing world....

Amigas, this episode is full of insight and inspiration! Gracie chats with Cynthia Kleinbaum, a Global Marketing Leader with over 20 years of experience and Co-Founder and Co-Host of A La Latina Network. Cynthia shares her journey from growing up in Mexico to building a powerhouse career in corporate marketing. Reflecting on her challenges and inspirations, she talks about how her experiences shap...

Amigas, this conversation will warm your heart! Anjelica sits down with Stephanie Ramirez, Vice President of School Based Clinics at Legacy Community Health, to discuss how these clinics bring comfort and care to communities in need, tackling food disparity and providing judgment-free health services. As a first-gen Latina, Stephanie shares the personal experiences that inspired her career, her pa...

Amigas, this episode is a heartfelt journey you won't want to miss for anyone passionate about education and opportunity! Anjelica sits down with Trina Silva, Education Foundation and Partnerships Director at Harris County Department of Education, to talk about the incredible resources and programs available to the community. Trina shares how her journey as a first-gen Latina shaped her advocacy f...

Amigas, this conversation is a must-listen! Anjelica sits down with the incredible Ana Arriola-Kanada to dive into her journey as an entrepreneur, innovator, global creative leader, and craftswoman. From California to Japan, she's built successful startups and driven groundbreaking work in emerging technologies and product design. Ana's entrepreneurial spirit has shaped industries while staying tr...

Amigas, get ready for a conversation that's as heartfelt as it is inspiring. Anjelica speaks with the incredibly talented Celeste Gomez, an author and poet whose words beautifully capture life's struggles and triumphs. Celeste opens up about living with OCD, navigating grief, and how writing became her refuge and source of strength. She shares insights from her first book and gives us a sneak peek...