The Latinx/e In Social Work Podcast

Tune in to a captivating episode of Latinx In Social Work as I engage in a heartfelt conversation with Madeline Maldonado, LCSW, and Mary Taveras Garcia, LCSW. During this episode, I speak with them about how they both founded Minette LCSW Psychotherapy Services, PLLC, a social work clinic with the mission to be inclusive and equitable. This episode highlights the importance of fostering an inclus...

I'm thrilled to welcome Rosita L. Marinez to the show today as we explore her incredible journey from social worker to being in a senior leadership position as the Director of Housing Operations at Fountain House. In this eye-opening episode, we discuss the power of empathy and dedication in her career and her work's impact on the community. Rosita also dispels the common misconception t...

In this episode, Social Worker Veronica Gonzalez shares her insights on coping with trauma in the workplace and strategies for practicing self-care. Veronica draws from her experience working with clients who have experienced trauma and discusses the importance of self-care in preventing burnout and maintaining emotional resilience. She also shares practical tips and techniques for practicing self...

Listen as our guest, Bas Moreno candidly shares his personal journey through loss and the challenges he has faced. He offers insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to heal and find meaning in the face of adversity. Join us for a conversation about resilience, hope, and the power of community. Topics we talk about include: Celebrating Your Own Accomplishments: The Power of Self-Appreciation Bu...

In this episode, I sit down with Harleny Vasquez, a passionate Latina woman who shares her journey of overcoming low self-worth. Despite her success and driven nature, she candidly shares how she used work as a distraction from her true feelings and the challenges she faced on her path to self-discovery and empowerment.  Topics we touch on in this episode include The impact of growing up with a si...

If there's a word I can use to describe this episode, it would be "rollercoaster." Listening to Budy's stories will have you laughing, smiling, and grieving - all in one episode! Topics we touch on include: How Latina mothers internalize events that happen in their lives  Budy's experience dealing with the guilt of a passing brother  Unpacking trauma and the steps you need...

I'm sure many of us have felt like outsiders at some point in our lives, and my guest today Dr. Leti Cavazos, LCSW is no exception. From deciding to pursue a career in helping male domestic abuse victims, chasing her education in her 40s, to being the only Latina woman in her circle who doesn't speak Spanish - Dr. Leti Cavazos is an icon of what it means to break free from social norms. ...

Get ready to hear a very passionate side of me. For today’s episode, I have one of our contributing authors, Antonio Morales, on, and we talk about all the things I love: psychedelics, shamanism, breaking white supremacy, living in oppression, and so much more. You will love this episode if you’re into self-development, spirituality, standing against oppression, and self-love. Topics we touch on i...

Being a Latinx woman in today’s world requires you to play many roles. From setting boundaries at work, managing imposter syndrome, being there for your family, and making sure you take the time to work on your self-worth.  My guest today, Giselle Rodriguez, shares how she’s been able to juggle all these hats. Topics we touch on in this episode include: Being the “fixer” in the family What got Gis...

My guest today might be the first-ever Latinx billionaire - and I mean it. Join me in this absolutely moving and tear-jerking episode of the Latinx In Social Work podcast, where I interview the inspiring Jean Carlos Osorio. Spoilers: this is the first time I've ever cried during a podcast. It's that good.  Topics we touch on in today's episode include: The mental health journey Jean...

Pursuing success as a Latina can be tough. From being there for our family, living up to our parent’s expectations, and giving back to the community that helped make us who we are - we balance a lot! Today my guest Yaberci is no different. She's a mission-driven Latina who's put in hard work to be where she's at today. Join us in today's episode as we speak with Yaberci about w...

Managing imposter syndrome as a leader can be tough, especially when you have others relying on you. As a leadership development specialist, my guest today Dr. Damary Bonilla Rodriguez, shares with us what she's learned from her journey of coaching and inspiring hundreds of leaders in the Latinx community across various professions. Topics we cover in today's episode include: How and why...

It's well-known that social work is not a well-paying profession. But my guest today is changing that. Join Maria Lizardo and I, as we discuss her mission in fighting for fair pay for social workers everywhere.  Topics we touch on in this episode include: Why being a social worker can be isolating Maria's career path to becoming an Executive Director How experiencing trauma doesn't...

My guest today will blow your mind. She's been featured on websites like Forbes, she is a pilot, an author, and runs a 7-figure business. Her passion for helping others embrace their story and reminding them that they're capable of amazing things makes her an inspiration to the Latinx/e community. Join us as we chat with Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz to talk about success and the importance of...

From the depths of people's suffering to helping the youth advocate for themselves in court, in this episode of the podcast, Maria shares with us what her experience has been serving on the front lines as a community advocate. Topics we touch on in today's episode include: Advice for upcoming social workers who want to become a psychotherapist  Some of the challenges with being a psychot...

Finding support and breaking the stigma around problem substance use can be tough, especially in the Latinx/e community. Luckily, my guests today are doing amazing work to help those suffering from substance use to find the support they need. Join me as I speak with leaders from Partnership to End Addiction as we talk about all things related to disorder.  Topics we cover in today's episode i...

When you step into your greatness and live life authentically, a lot can happen for you. My guest today, Harleny, is a perfect example of that. Join us as she shares her journey to overcoming her previous limiting beliefs and how she found her passion in helping others by choosing to be herself. Some other topics we touch on in today's episode include: Why it's important to live life as...

As a multiracial social service provider specializing in helping trans folks, Amelia has nothing but wisdom to share regarding LGBTQ rights and creating an inclusive environment.  During this episode, we chatted with Amelia on several topics including: Tips for parents raising a child who is exploring their gender identity  What it took for them to start their private practice  How to balance bein...

Finding the right community can make all the difference in your life - from feeling like you can be your authentic self to receiving support from others who share the same lived experiences as you. In today’s show, Paula McMillan-Perez shares with us how she found her community.  Beyond talking about communities, during this episode we also touch on: Paula’s experience with the Latinx culture  The...

Our guest today, Dr. Cindy Bautista-Thomas, is truly an inspiration, from growing up on the welfare system to finding success in today’s world, join us as she shares with us how she was able to do it.  Topics we touch on in today’s wide-ranging conversation include: Dr. Cindy’s self-development toolkit she uses to stay motivated, positive, and productive  The childhood welfare system and what it w...

How does a social worker charged with working with families and young parents navigate her infertility diagnosis? Imagine being told you’re not able to have kids and having to explain that to a large Latinx family, all the while advocating on behalf of those experiencing the same trauma. Those are just some of the stories that our guest Luisa shared with us in today’s episode.  Join us as Luisa ex...

Tania’s passion for helping children in the welfare system, her love for photography, and her previous experience being the only Mexican in the room makes this episode a must-listen.  As a contributing author to the best seller, Latinx In Social Work, Tania shares her unique take on the world including: Advice for parents who are considering adoption The burden of being the first in her family to...

We can all learn a lot from our guest Laudy Burgos’s journey as an ambitious Latina mother. Whether it’s feeling like you want to do more with your life, balancing multiple jobs, or feeling alone - Laudy shares with us some of the many golden nugget lessons she’s learned along the way.  Topics we cover in today’s episode include: The transformative experience Laudy went through writing her chapter...

Have you ever felt invisible in the workplace? Maybe you tried to voice an opinion but weren’t heard properly or maybe you stood up for something only to be misinterpreted. Well today, our featured author Karen Ciego shares her journey of feeling invisible in the healthcare industry and how she overcame it in order to become a leader in her organization.  During this episode, we’ll be touching on...

Having come out as LGBTQ+ identifying to her father when she was 18 and forced to leave her house as a consequence, our guest Jessica Hardial has many stories to share with us in today’s episode.  Topics we cover today include: Jessica’s experience with an abusive father and how that played a role in her adult life The challenges with navigating as an LGBTQ+ member in the Latinx community  The imp...