NHI Podcasts

Join us to hear more about the preparations behind the Texas 4-Day Great Debates! In this episode, we interview Great Debate participants from NHI Houston, Great Debate Staff from NHI Austin, as well as Isabella Sada Nieto, Director of the Texas 4-Day Great Debates. Hosts: Isabella Matamoros and Avril Cruz Audio Editing: Esteban Rosas Podcast Art: Diego Garcia Music: Zaiden Worley Social Media Sup...

Acompáñanos para escuchar más sobre la Experiencia de Participantes Internacionales. En este episodio, entrevistamos a tres valiosos NHIers de México y Guatemala. Jose Montenegro, Cesar Franco, y Alvaro Castillo comparten sus historias y consejos con nuestros seguidores. Host & Audio Editing: Isabella Matamoros and Avril Crus Podcast Art: Diego Garcia Music: Zaiden Worley Social Media Support:...

In this episode, Isabella Matamoros, a first-year student at the University of Georgia, and Mia Aguinaga, a first-year student at Augustana College, reflect on nostalgic CWS memories and breakthrough moments alongside some of NHI’s recent graduates. Emmanuel Gutierrez and Maulid Sanchez Carmona join the conversation, sharing their experiences being coached by George Washington University and Buckn...

Listeners hear from National Hispanic Institute (NHI) Trustee and Texas Collegiate World Series (CWS) Education Director Angela Masciale, as well as Texas Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) Education Director and NHI legacy George Nicolas Rodriguez. They reflect on their journeys within NHI’s mission, share insights from leading flagship youth leadership programs, and offer guidance...

In this episode, Isabella Matamoros, a first-year student at the University of Georgia, sits down with some of NHI's recent Great Debate participants. In the first segment, Isa interviews Emma Wulff to discuss her experience as an Oratory finalist at the 2025 Northeast Great Debate at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. In the second segment, Isa talks with Andrew Mefrige, Jacob...

In this episode, Isabella Matamoros, a first-year student at the University of Georgia, sits down with two groups of NHI volunteers who are major players in some of NHI’s emerging communities. In the first segment, Isa interviews Cruz Ramos, Camila Castro, and Diego Gomez Zamora to discuss expansion efforts in Omaha, Nebraska. Together, they share their reflections and lessons as they take on a ne...

In this episode, Isabella Sada Nieto, Director of the Texas 4-Day Great Debates, sits down with two of NHI’s most successful recruiters, Samuel Molloy and Isabella Matamoros. Together, they share their recruitment strategies, reflect on what drives their success, and offer valuable insights for new volunteers entering the year. Audio editing by: Isabella Matamoros Podcast art by: Diego Garcia Musi...

NHI president and founder Ernesto Nieto and education office leader Julio Cotto discuss the Great Debate mock trial and cross examination topics. Copyright (c) 2023. www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org

NHI president and founder Ernesto Nieto and education office leader Julio Cotto discuss the history of NHI's Great Debate. They present and dissect the 2023 Great Debate theme. www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org

In a conversation with Julio Cotto, NHI Senior Vice President and alumnus, founder and President Ernesto Nieto, and co-founder Gloria de Leon, the core NHI concept of "Community Equity Building (CEB)" is explored. Part of NHI's Spring Training program, this conversation is also relevant to alumni and the general public wanting to learn about a unique approach and mindset towards building community...

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto, Chris Nieto, and NHI Founder and President Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2019 Summer Learning Theme.

This was an interview conducted by Phil West of young entrepreneur, NHI alumna, and Celebracion presenter Rachel Basoco. An alumna of NHI at Houston and the Texas Great Debate, former Governor of the New York LDZ, All Star at the CWS, avid volunteer, and member of the Junior Faculty, Rachel has also been growing a business with NHI principles and alongside NHI members and investors. Learn more abo...

This was an interview conducted by Phil West of Anita Fernandez, 2018 NHI Distinguished Alumna at the Celebracion 2018 conference in San Marcos, Texas sponsored by the National Hispanic Institute in November. Anita was honored for her work in San Antonio and her years of service to the Institute in particular with the NHI at San Antonio Alliance () For more information on NHI, visit

This was an interview of Varo Maldonado conducted by Phil West at the Celebracion 2018 conference in San Marcos, Texas sponsored by the National Hispanic Institute in November. Varo was honored with this rare award for his 30+ years of supporting the work of the Institute and for being the catalyst for establishing the Colorado Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) which celebrates 30...

In a slight departure from previous conversations, NHI Founder and President Ernesto Nieto invites Tejano artists Ruben "El Gato Negro" Ramos and Leonard Davila of Street People to Maxwell to talk about the history and importance of Tejano music and the movement. Ernesto has been in talks with the two of them to produce a Southwest Experience that would honor, preserve, and promote American Latino...

Former head of NHI's Collaborative Research Center, Dr. Joseph Villescas has had a long history with NHI going back to being the younger sibling of an alumna. Years later, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus for his contributions to NHI's research, study, and publications. He was most notable for leading the editing and collaboration known as the "Perfect Storm Scenario" that is discussed...

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Mock Trial topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Extemporaneous Speaking topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Cross Examination debate topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Oratory topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Once known as part of a group of friends and high school volunteers known as the "LDZ Gods", A. J. Del Cueto, San Antonio alumnus and filmmaker drops by the NHI Ranch for a conversation about NHI memories, the state of Latinos in film, and future creative projects that set out to tell new Latino stories. A graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Texas at Austin, A.J. has bee...

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from Yorktown Heights, New York by way of the Bronx participated in 2005 and in her years has become an Education Director, Onsite Director, Secretary of State, curriculum specialist, trainer, and all around volunteer. This summer, Alexandria will challenge a longtime U.S. Congressman in New York for his seat. This conversation discusses her lessons and challenges of runni...

In this special episode, Ernesto is joined by co-founder Gloria de Leon as they interview New Mexico alumnus and first New Mexico LDZ "Ricky Miranda" award recipient - John Rodarte. A reflective conversation that accounts for over 25 years of history, they discuss the meaning behind the LDZ and its long-lasting impact 30 years after the first expansion LDZ - the 1988 New Mexico LDZ. John also talk...

Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and Founder, joined by Paola Hernandez and Julio Cotto, presents the opportunity for the NHI community to play a financial investor role this Spring through the "Change a Life" campaign. You can learn how you or your business can become investors and make an impact.

In this episode, Ernesto interviews longtime faculty member, trainer, former staffer, and all around engaged alumnus Tino Villarreal. Tino is the Project Administrator for the NHI at Tip of Texas Alliance but is also an Athletic Director of St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas. He is also a local leader on several boards and commissions. Ernesto asks Tino tough questions about coaching, leader...