The Latino Majority
The Latino Majority podcast highlights the leaders of our country’s new majority—one that is increasingly multicultural, increasingly diverse, and increasingly Latino. With each episode, our host Pedro A. Guerrero speaks with Latino leaders in business and culture about their career journeys and lessons learned.
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Roots Before Résumés; The Story Before Success with Victor Arias Jr.
07/08/2026
Roots Before Résumés; The Story Before Success with Victor Arias Jr.
Long before Victor Arias Jr. became one of the country's most respected executive recruiters and institution builders, his story began in El Paso—shaped by grandparents who fed immigrants at their front door, parents whose resilience became his blueprint for leadership, and a family that taught him humility, faith, hard work, and service long before he ever stepped into a boardroom. In this deeply personal conversation, Victor reflects on the experiences that transformed his life—from overcoming imposter syndrome at Stanford Graduate School of Business to helping build organizations like the Latino Business Action Network, the Latino Corporate Directors Association, and Prospanica. Along the way, he shares the leadership principles he has used to evaluate thousands of executives, why character matters more than credentials, and how curiosity, humility, and resilience consistently separate exceptional leaders from everyone else. The conversation also explores one of the defining opportunities of our time: the growing influence of Latino entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators in shaping America's economic future. Victor explains why data alone isn't enough—that positive stories must accompany the numbers—and why telling the Latino story is essential not only for the broader country, but for Latinos themselves. Ultimately, this is a conversation about legacy. About understanding where we come from, honoring those who came before us, and ensuring that future generations inherit both the opportunities we've built and the stories that made them possible. Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up in El Paso and the influence of family roots Lessons learned from immigrant grandparents and resilient parents Overcoming imposter syndrome at Stanford The leadership qualities that matter more than résumés Executive search and identifying exceptional leaders Building the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN) Why Latino entrepreneurship is reshaping the American economy Storytelling, identity, and changing the Latino narrative Mexico, North American competitiveness, and the future economy Legacy, mentorship, and the responsibility to lift others Connect with Victor Arias Jr. United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Latino Business Action Network (LBAN)
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Francisco Leon: The CEO Who Crossed the Border Every Day
06/24/2026
Francisco Leon: The CEO Who Crossed the Border Every Day
Francisco Leon's story begins with a daily border crossing. Born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, Francisco spent more than a decade crossing between Mexico and the United States every day to attend school in San Diego. What began as a sacrifice by his parents to create greater opportunities for their children became the foundation for a unique perspective on leadership, problem-solving, and opportunity. In this conversation, Francisco reflects on growing up between two countries, learning to navigate two cultures, and how those experiences shaped his path from border kid to CEO of a publicly traded energy company. As President and CEO of California Resources Corporation, Francisco now leads one of California's most important energy companies at a time when energy security, affordability, climate policy, and geopolitics are colliding in real time. He discusses the realities of producing energy in California, the importance of local energy production, and why communities are at the center of every major decision the company makes. The conversation explores how leadership changes when you're responsible for critical infrastructure, thousands of employees, and the energy needs of millions of people. Francisco also shares his vision for the future of Latino leadership. While many Latinos continue to celebrate being the "first" in a particular role, he believes the next chapter must be about becoming the many. From business and technology to politics and culture, Francisco argues that the barriers have been broken and that the challenge now is building the pipeline for future generations. This episode is a story about ambition, responsibility, and the opportunities that emerge when immigrant families take a leap of faith. Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up in Mexico City and relocating to Tijuana Crossing the U.S.-Mexico border every day to attend school The sacrifices immigrant parents make to create opportunity Learning leadership through football, basketball, and organized sports Adapting to life between two cultures and two countries How border life shaped Francisco's worldview The journey from CFO to CEO of California Resources Corporation Leading a publicly traded company in California's energy sector Navigating politics, regulation, and public perception Why energy affordability has become a critical issue The importance of local energy production California's first carbon capture and storage project Energy security, sustainability, and innovation Latino representation in corporate leadership Moving beyond being the "first and only" Connect with Francisco Leon
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Marysol Castro: From the Bronx to the Mic That Changed Baseball
06/17/2026
Marysol Castro: From the Bronx to the Mic That Changed Baseball
Marysol Castro’s story begins in the Bronx, where curiosity, sports, and a belief that the world was bigger than her neighborhood set her on an extraordinary path. From earning a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school at age 13 to becoming the first Latina public address announcer in Major League Baseball and the first female announcer in New York Mets history, Marysol has consistently broken barriers while staying true to who she is. In this conversation, Marysol reflects on growing up Puerto Rican in New York, the transformative power of education, and how being bilingual became one of the greatest assets in her journalism career. She shares candid stories about navigating media as a Latina, facing skepticism and microaggressions, surviving multiple industry layoffs, and reinventing herself again and again as the media landscape evolved. Through it all, sports remained her anchor—a source of discipline, resilience, and community. Marysol also takes us inside the unforgettable moment she first stepped behind the microphone at Citi Field, becoming a visible symbol of possibility for the next generation. The conversation expands into women’s sports, entrepreneurship, representation in media, and the importance of opening doors rather than gatekeeping opportunities. Ultimately, Marysol’s story is about persistence, reinvention, and a belief that Latinos have always been part of the American story—and always will be. Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up Puerto Rican in the Bronx Receiving a scholarship to attend boarding school at age 13 Discovering the world beyond New York City Sports as a lifelong source of confidence and identity Why bilingualism became a career advantage The importance of mentors and teachers who believe in you Attending the Columbia Journalism School Early career lessons in local television news Navigating media as a Latina journalist Facing and overcoming workplace microaggressions Working at Good Morning America, CBS News, and ESPN The realities of layoffs and reinvention in media Becoming the first Latina public address announcer in Major League Baseball Life behind the microphone at New York Mets games The cultural significance of baseball for Latino communities Why women’s sports represent a major growth opportunity Building Her Playbook and Lead Off Media Latino representation and gatekeeping within media industries Creating opportunities for the next generation Connect with Marysol Castro Lead Off Media
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“I Belong Everywhere": Antonio Tijerino’s American Story
06/03/2026
“I Belong Everywhere": Antonio Tijerino’s American Story
Antonio Tijerino’s story begins with silence. Arriving in the United States from Nicaragua as a child, unable to speak English, he was held back in first grade and struggled to understand a world that often misunderstood him. In this deeply personal conversation, Antonio reflects on identity, belonging, assimilation, and the cultural touchstones — from Brillantina to Roberto Clemente — that helped him navigate growing up Latino in America. As President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Antonio has spent decades helping shape the national narrative around Latino leadership, culture, education, and opportunity. He shares how icons like Fernando Valenzuela, Los Lobos, and Cheech Marin became symbols of connection and pride — not just for Latinos, but for America itself. The conversation explores why storytelling matters, why narrative change is essential, and why Latino history is inseparable from American history. Antonio also offers a passionate vision for the future: one rooted in youth leadership, imagination, inclusivity, and action. From workforce development and education to mental health and civic responsibility, he argues that the next 250 years of America will be shaped by the Latino community — if we are willing to believe in ourselves, support one another, and lead now. This episode is both a reflection on identity and a call to action: Aquí vamos. Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up as a Nicaraguan immigrant in the United States Being held back in first grade because of language barriers The emotional impact of assimilation and identity loss Why Roberto Clemente became Antonio’s childhood hero The cultural significance of Fernando Valenzuela and “Fernandomania” Latino representation in sports, music, television, and the arts The mission and evolution of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Why narrative change is critical for the Latino community Latino contributions to American innovation, labor, and culture The importance of supporting farm workers and immigrant communities Internal division, imposter syndrome, and language shame within the Latino community Why leadership starts with believing in others Building social capital and empowering young leaders Antonio’s philosophy: “Imagination + Action = Impact” Creativity, recklessness, and why he took erasers away from his children Mental health challenges facing the Latino community Why Antonio remains optimistic about the future of Latino leadership Connect with Antonio Tijerino on LinkedIn
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Lori Lizarraga On Journalism, Identity, and the Power of Listening
05/20/2026
Lori Lizarraga On Journalism, Identity, and the Power of Listening
What happens when a journalist turns the lens back on the industry itself? In this episode of The Latino Majority, Pedro A. Guerrero sits down with award-winning journalist Lori Lizarraga for a deeply personal conversation about media, identity, accountability, and the responsibility of telling the truth — even when it comes at a personal cost. Lori reflects on growing up in rural Texas as the daughter of immigrants, stumbling into journalism almost by accident, and discovering a profession that immediately felt like home. From local newsrooms to national platforms like NPR’s Code Switch, she shares how curiosity, courage, and a relentless desire to “dig” shaped her career and worldview. The conversation also dives into Lori’s widely discussed essay Latinxed, the fallout that followed, and why she still believes journalism must hold itself accountable the same way it scrutinizes every other institution. Along the way, Pedro and Lori unpack the growing disconnect between media and the public, the difference between conversation and conversion, and why America’s story cannot be told without Latinos at its center. By the end of the episode, Lori offers a powerful reflection on identity, belonging, and the complicated beauty of the Latino experience in America — reminding us that there is no single Latino story, only millions of interconnected human ones. Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up in rural Texas as the daughter of immigrants Discovering journalism by accident at SMU Why curiosity became Lori’s greatest strength as a reporter Mentorship and learning accountability journalism Writing the essay Latinxed and the professional fallout that followed The relationship between journalism and advocacy Why mainstream media often misses what communities are actually feeling The danger of replacing conversation with “conversion” Polarization, cancel culture, and the loss of listening The evolving role of Latino journalists in American media Why “Latino” is both useful and deeply incomplete as a label The inseparable relationship between the Latino story and the American story Connect with Lori Lizarraga NPR’s NPR Code Switch Follow Lori Lizarraga on social media Read Lori’s essay Latinxed
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Raíces: Root, Remember, and Reclaiming with Sylvia Banderas Coffinet
05/06/2026
Raíces: Root, Remember, and Reclaiming with Sylvia Banderas Coffinet
What does it mean to truly belong? In this powerful episode of The Latino Majority, Sylvia Banderas Coffinet shares a deeply personal journey shaped by identity, resilience, and the pursuit of belonging. Born in Guadalajara and raised in a mixed-status immigrant family in East Los Angeles, Sylvia reflects on growing up undocumented and the profound impact that experience had on how she sees herself—and the world around her. As a child, she encountered exclusion in its most painful form, particularly during the era of anti-immigrant legislation in California. But rather than internalize those narratives, Sylvia questioned them. She recognized early on that the stories being told about her community did not reflect the truth she lived. That realization sparked a lifelong commitment to storytelling—and to ensuring that Latinos have ownership over their own narratives. Throughout the conversation, Sylvia connects her lived experience to her leadership philosophy. Drawing from the strength of the women in her family and the wisdom of her teachers, she shares how empathy and toughness are not opposing forces—but complementary ones. Like water, true strength can be both gentle and unstoppable. This episode also explores the evolving media landscape and the growing importance of authentic, community-driven storytelling. Sylvia emphasizes that while traditional media has often failed to fully represent Latino voices, a new era is emerging—one where creators, platforms, and individuals are reclaiming their stories. At its core, this conversation is about raíces—roots. About remembering who we are, reclaiming our narrative, and building a future grounded in truth, unity, and cultural pride. Topics Discussed in This Episode • Growing up in Guadalajara and early cultural influences • Living in a mixed-status family and the experience of being undocumented • The impact of anti-immigrant policies on identity and belonging • Understanding exclusion—and why belonging is a fundamental human need • How teachers and mentors shaped confidence and self-belief • The balance between empathy and toughness in leadership • Lessons from matriarchal strength and feminine leadership • Discovering purpose through storytelling and narrative ownership • Challenges and transformation within the media and advertising industries • The importance of “for us, by us” storytelling • Reclaiming Latino identity and rejecting limiting narratives • The need for unity and collective progress within the Latino community Connect with Sylvia Banderas Coffinet • 4As (American Association of Advertising Agencies) • LinkedIn: •
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From Olympic Dreams to the Voice of Global Football: Passion, Pressure, and Purpose with Fernando Palomo
04/22/2026
From Olympic Dreams to the Voice of Global Football: Passion, Pressure, and Purpose with Fernando Palomo
What does it take to turn curiosity into a career that reaches millions? In this episode of The Latino Majority, Fernando Palomo shares his journey from a young boy in El Salvador, waking up early to watch Olympic documentaries, to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in global football. Long before the broadcasts and stadiums, there was a deep obsession with understanding sports, collecting newspaper clippings, reading everything he could find, and dreaming of becoming an Olympian. When that dream fell short, a new path revealed itself. At just 15 years old, Fernando knocked on the door of a TV station with nothing but preparation and belief. That moment sparked a career built on discipline, storytelling, and relentless growth. Today, through his work with ESPN, he brings audiences into the emotion and intensity of the game, making them feel every moment, not just hear it. This conversation goes far beyond sports. Fernando reflects on loss, identity, and the pressure to perform, drawing powerful parallels between athletics, business, and life. From embracing competition to finding purpose through storytelling, his journey is a masterclass in resilience and perspective. At its core, this episode is about embracing the obstacles, trusting the process, and understanding that the path forward is built through challenge, not in spite of it.
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From El Paso to Vogue: Redefining Beauty, Power, and Latinidad
04/08/2026
From El Paso to Vogue: Redefining Beauty, Power, and Latinidad
What does it mean to be seen—not as a trend, but as truth? In this powerful episode of The Latino Majority, Karla Martínez de Salas—Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Mexico and Latin America—shares her journey from El Paso to the highest levels of global fashion media. Raised in a bicultural environment where identity was fluid but not always fully understood, Karla didn’t fully confront what it meant to belong until she stepped into elite spaces where she was often the outsider. From cold-calling internships in the late ’90s to navigating the cultural codes of New York, Paris, and beyond, Karla built her career through curiosity, resilience, and an ability to adapt without losing herself. She opens up about the realities of breaking into an industry shaped by privilege—and the importance of relationships, work ethic, and cultural awareness in staying there. Now leading Vogue Mexico and Latin America, Karla is doing more than editing a magazine—she’s reshaping the narrative of beauty and representation. By prioritizing local voices, spotlighting Afro-Latina and Indigenous women, and challenging Eurocentric standards, she’s helping redefine who gets seen and celebrated on a global stage. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: that perspective matters. That being an outsider can become your greatest advantage. And that storytelling—when done with intention—can shift culture. From the groundbreaking Yalitza Aparicio cover to elevating emerging creatives across Latin America, Karla shares how authenticity, cultural pride, and local storytelling are driving the future of fashion and media. This episode is ultimately about identity, belonging, and the responsibility of shaping how a community sees itself—and how the world sees it.
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The Nod: Identity, Power, and the Latino Majority with Audrey Ponzio
03/25/2026
The Nod: Identity, Power, and the Latino Majority with Audrey Ponzio
What does it mean to truly be seen? In this powerful episode of The Latino Majority, Audrey Ponzio—founding partner of APC Collective—shares a deeply personal journey from El Paso to the highest levels of corporate communications. Raised in a community where identity was simply lived, not questioned, Audrey didn’t fully confront what it meant to be Latina until she left home and entered spaces where she was suddenly “othered.” From being the only multicultural voice in the room to navigating tokenization, microaggressions, and the weight of representation, Audrey opens up about the hidden cost of rising through corporate America—and the strength it takes to lead with authenticity. Along the way, she reveals how her upbringing, her instincts as a communicator, and her commitment to excellence became her greatest advantages. At the heart of this conversation is a simple but profound idea: “the nod.” That unspoken moment of recognition between people who share lived experience—a quiet but powerful acknowledgment of resilience, identity, and belonging. Audrey challenges us to think bigger—not just about representation, but about ownership. Building our own tables. Supporting our own stories. Using our economic and cultural power intentionally. Because the Latino community isn’t a supporting character in America’s story—it’s central to it. This episode is ultimately a love story—about identity, about community, and about learning to see yourself fully… and then helping others do the same.
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The Power of “We”: Leadership, Identity, and Making Sport Accessible to All with Adriana Peon
03/11/2026
The Power of “We”: Leadership, Identity, and Making Sport Accessible to All with Adriana Peon
What happens when a young girl in Mexico City refuses to accept that soccer “isn’t for girls”? For Adriana Peñón, that early challenge became the foundation for a lifetime of leadership. Today, as CEO of Decathlon Americas, Adriana oversees markets across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia — but the fire that drives her began long before the boardroom. It began on the field, asking a simple question: Why not me? Raised between Mexico and the United States, Adriana learned early that identity is fluid. In Mexico, her Latina identity blended into the majority; in Silicon Valley, it became one of her most defining characteristics. Navigating those different environments shaped her perspective on power, representation, and the danger of reducing the Latino experience to a single narrative. For Adriana, leadership isn’t about fitting into existing structures — it’s about expanding the space so others can belong. In this conversation with host Pedro Antonio Guerrero, Adriana shares lessons from scaling global businesses at companies like Meta, PayPal, and McKinsey, and what it truly takes to lead a brand across cultures and continents. From democratizing access to sports to shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance, she reflects on the importance of curiosity, resilience, and empathy — especially in moments when you feel like the only one in the room. Ultimately, Adriana reminds us that the story of the Latino majority isn’t written in the language of “I.” It’s written in the language of we — community, shared identity, and a collective belief that opportunity should be accessible to everyone.
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Storytelling as Survival: Fear, Identity, and the Power of Love with Eduardo Placer
02/25/2026
Storytelling as Survival: Fear, Identity, and the Power of Love with Eduardo Placer
For Eduardo Placer, the story starts at home. Raised in a Cuban household shaped by exile, education, and resilience, he learned early that how much you know is how much you’re worth. Knowledge was currency. Self-awareness was survival. He spent fifteen years as a professional actor before founding Fearless Communicators. Today, he coaches presidential candidates and Fortune 500 leaders, helping them find the narratives that define their leadership. He calls himself a “story doula.” The work turned deeply personal during a night stranded alone on a Colorado mountain in a blizzard. With no service and no rescue in sight, Placer faced a choice: either fear would narrate the story, or he would. That moment reinforced what he now teaches leaders across industries. Storytelling is not performance. It is power. As a queer Latino navigating masculinity, perfectionism, and entrepreneurship, Placer understands that the stories we inherit are not always the ones we are meant to keep. In this episode of The Latino Majority, he joins Pedro to explore authorship, identity, and why reclaiming your narrative may be the most important leadership decision you make.
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"Hello, My Friend": Leadership, Identity, and Financial Power with BlackRock's Oscar Pulido
02/11/2026
"Hello, My Friend": Leadership, Identity, and Financial Power with BlackRock's Oscar Pulido
For Oscar Pulido, the story begins in Queens. Raised as a first-generation Colombian American, he grew up watching his parents navigate sacrifice, immigration, and opportunity—lessons that would quietly shape how he leads today. Long before becoming a Managing Director at BlackRock or the host of The Bid, Pulido learned the value of humility, bilingualism, and earning trust in rooms where you may not always feel like you belong. Those early experiences became professional superpowers. As his career advanced, Pulido discovered that leadership in modern finance isn't defined by authority or fear, but by communication, accessibility, and relationships. In an industry often perceived as closed or intimidating, he has made it his mission to demystify markets, expand access, and empower communities—especially Latinos—to move from participation on the margins to ownership in the future.
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Mario Carrasco Dives into the Impact of Immigration Raids to Provide Data-Driven Insights
12/09/2025
Mario Carrasco Dives into the Impact of Immigration Raids to Provide Data-Driven Insights
Since 2011, Mario Carrasco has built a successful cultural insights agency alongside his cofounder Roy Eduardo Kokoyachuk: ThinkNow. Carrasco and the agency partner with influential brands and government institutions to pull back the curtain on what shapes consumer behavior using data—particularly Hispanic and Latino consumers. ThinkNow has produced a multitude of research since its founding, including Carrasco’s work on the Hispanic Millennial Project and We are GenZ studies. The agency established itself at the forefront of data-driven insights. As 2025 comes to a close, ThinkNow and Carrasco are doing what had yet to be done: determine the impact of on Hispanic communities and the economy, while providing actionable insights for how brands can step in to support Latino consumers.
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Andrés Acebo Ascends to Serve His Hometown Community
11/13/2025
Andrés Acebo Ascends to Serve His Hometown Community
The first-generation son of Cuban immigrants. The first in his family to earn college degrees, a bachelor’s degree at Brown University and then a JD from Rutgers Law School. Andrés Acebo could have gone on to bigger and greater opportunities in new cities, new countries. But he chose to return to the New Jersey community where he grew up, where he serves as the youngest university president in the state. His lived experience empowers his service to the students of New Jersey City University, which he’s successfully brought from fiscal emergency to positive recovery. It’s a privilege that Acebo doesn’t take for granted, and he sees the impact of his work reflected back at him on campus every day.
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Inside the Mind of a Billion-Dollar Builder: Fernando De Leon’s Story
07/18/2025
Inside the Mind of a Billion-Dollar Builder: Fernando De Leon’s Story
Fernando De Leon counts himself as one of the luckiest guys in the world. The Mexican American billionaire grew up in Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Mexico, graduated cum laude from Harvard, and began his career as an analyst at Goldman Sachs before launching Leon Capital Group. The humble real estate company in Texas has grown into a powerhouse with businesses across financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Along the way, De Leon hit billionaire status and receiving a self-made score of 10 from Forbes—putting him in the ranks with twenty other people with the same score, including Oprah. De Leon is deeply committed to giving back through his family foundation, which focuses on tackling poverty in South Texas and northern Mexico, and through the De Leon Scholars Program, which invests in the next generation of changemakers across the state to Texas. In a special live taping of The Latino Majority podcast held at The Alumni Society’s Leadership Summit in Chicago, De Leon shares his story of resilience and success from humble beginnings to becoming one of the few Mexican American billionaires.
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David “Big Papi" Ortiz’s New Game: Philanthropy, Rum, and Redefining Success
06/18/2025
David “Big Papi" Ortiz’s New Game: Philanthropy, Rum, and Redefining Success
Everyone knows famed Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz as Big Papi. He made a name for himself in the batter’s box as a designated hitter, winning seven Silver Slugger awards, joining the 500 Home Run Club, and helping the Red Sox break its 86-year World Series drought—and win two more World Series before his retirement in 2016. But his work didn’t end when he stepped off the field for the final time. Big Papi transformed into a philanthropist and entrepreneur, drawing on his dedication for family, community, and the Dominican Republic. His foundation, the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, helps provide critical pediatric services to children in New England and the Dominican Republic. And his latest entrepreneurial venture, Ozama Rum, is crafted entirely in his home country, from sugar cane to bottle. It all comes down to dedication, hard work, and proving people wrong.
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The Alumni Society’s Ricardo Anzaldua Is a Coalition Builder
06/05/2025
The Alumni Society’s Ricardo Anzaldua Is a Coalition Builder
If anyone knows the power behind convening Latinos to make an impact, it’s Ricardo Anzaldua. His impulse to organize and bring Latinos together began early while growing up in New Mexico and South Texas. In high school as the Chicano movement gained traction, he became a strong advocate for Mexican American civil rights and a community organizer. He took that passion to elite institutions like his alma mater, Brown University where he advocated for diversifying student admissions and increased support for students of color. While earning his law degree at Harvard, he helped lead an all-Latino summit of students from all Ivy League schools to discuss breaking barriers for future generations. For many, it became a semblance of home—a space to share stories, pride, and culture-bending experiences with peers from far-flung corners of the country. Decades later, inspired by those energizing student gatherings, Ricardo cofounded The Alumni Society in 2015 to once again bring together like-minded Latinos this time to show corporations the thousands of successful, ambitious Latino leaders poised to make a difference at the highest level in corporate America. The Alumni Society’s tenth anniversary is on the horizon, and the work is far from over. Ricardo sees more opportunities than ever to empower the Latino community at all levels and become a force of change.
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Nationwide’s JJ Perez Believes in the Power of Education
05/14/2025
Nationwide’s JJ Perez Believes in the Power of Education
We are shaped by those who came before us and, in turn, we help shape the lives of those who come after us. Nationwide’s Juan José (JJ) Pérez knows this all too well. He grew up watching his father attend law school at night while working two jobs, making sacrifices while Perez and his siblings were young to not only better provide for their family in the long term but also be an example of what they could achieve. Those lessons continue to resonate with Perez today, both as president for Nationwide Financial’s Corporate Solutions and as a mentor for Latino youth in the Columbus community. He’s a fierce advocate for educational opportunity and empowering young Latinos to view education as a tool for leadership and advancement. Education changed the trajectory of his father’s life, and Perez knows it will be a catalyst for the Latino community in Ohio and beyond.
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Alex López Negrete Advocates for Reflective Marketing
04/30/2025
Alex López Negrete Advocates for Reflective Marketing
Forty years ago, Alex López Negrete saw an opportunity to represent the Hispanic market and provide strategic direction to some of the biggest names in corporate America. The Houston-based Lopez Negrete Communications, cofounded with his wife Cathy, is now the largest independently owned and operated Hispanic advertising firm in the country. López Negrete has been recognized over the years for his leadership in the space. Most recently, he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation Advertising Hall of Fame Class of 2025. His work is far from over. Latinos are the fastest-growing segment with undeniable economic power. Yet there is still a need to educate corporate America on how to reach the community. López Negrete, ever optimistic, looks toward growth. Reaching Latinos is not about checking a box. Marketers seek growth, and López Negrete knows the Latino community is opportunity they need to fully embrace.
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Bonus Episode: VIDA’s Felida Villarreal Propels the Rio Grande Valley Toward Success
04/16/2025
Bonus Episode: VIDA’s Felida Villarreal Propels the Rio Grande Valley Toward Success
Felida Villarreal understands firsthand the cultural and familial expectations of the Rio Grande Valley residents. The powerhouse nonprofit leader grew up in the region, earned her degrees at the local university, and continues to empower residents to achieve their own success right in the valley through VIDA and its training programs. Villarreal stepped into the president and CEO role before the age of thirty and has made significant strides for an already strong regional nonprofit in the past three years. She’s grown VIDA’s budget, staff, and program participants. She secured federal funding in partnership with other local organizations to address the nursing labor shortage. And she’s not slowing down. Villarreal found her own success and purpose in the Rio Grande Valley, and through VIDA, she’s creating paths for others to do the same.
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Acclaimed Author Marie Arana Changes Perceptions, One Story at a Time
04/02/2025
Acclaimed Author Marie Arana Changes Perceptions, One Story at a Time
From the very beginning, words have been important to Marie Arana. The Peruvian American’s childhood was filled with music and literature, which formed her passion for storytelling and books as she navigated growing up in a bicultural household. Having an American mother, Arana learned to provide a counter narrative to Peruvian perceptions of Americans. Her love of books and writing grew into a literary career: books editor for the Washington Post, the inaugural literary director of the Library of Congress, literary director for the National Book Festival, and champion for editors and writers alike. And today, her counter narrative is focused on sharing the history and stories of who Latinos are through books like Silver, Sword, and Stone, and the recently released LatinoLand. Arana knows that to reach the hearts and minds of all audiences, all you need is a good story.
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Javiera Balmaceda Pascal Proves Latino Stories Are for All Audiences
03/19/2025
Javiera Balmaceda Pascal Proves Latino Stories Are for All Audiences
Growing up in the ’80s with two working parents, Javiera Balmaceda Pascal often found herself at the movie theater with her younger brother Pedro Pascal. The siblings, raised in Texas and California by parents who had fled Chile, found comfort in the stories they saw on the screen. Where her brother chose to step in front of the camera, Balmaceda pursued shaping narratives instead—with a focus on Latin American storytelling. For the past two decades, the Chilean native has helped major production companies like HBO Latin America and now Amazon Prime develop successful series and films for Hispanic and international audiences. With each project she produces—News of a Kidnapping, Oscar-nominated Argentina, 1985, or the upcoming House of the Spirits—Balmaceda shows that there is a desire from all audiences for Latino storytelling.
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Carla Vernón Transforms Brands—and Herself
03/05/2025
Carla Vernón Transforms Brands—and Herself
Carla Vernón imagines a future that isn’t here yet. Her power of imagination has been her guide since childhood, allowing her to see beyond the information available to make decisions with both her head and her heart. The Princeton alum built her brand and leadership expertise at General Mills for almost twenty-two years, brought her vision to Amazon—and then became one of the first Afro-Latina CEOs of a US publicly traded company when she joined the Honest Company in 2023. She saw an opportunity to turnaround the personal care brand while transforming into the leader she was always meant to be. Vernón has stepped into her own not only as an executive but also an Afro-Latina leader. She’s unfolded her wings to fully be herself among her fellow Latinos, particularly on the board for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. She imagines a museum that inspires us to move forward and welcomes the rich complexities of what it means to be Latino.
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Ileana Musa Invests in Latino Financial Empowerment
12/11/2024
Ileana Musa Invests in Latino Financial Empowerment
Wealth is more than just finances. It’s about securing a legacy. Building a rich and fulfilling life. And Ileana Musa wants to make sure Latinos have every opportunity to build their wealth. She knows firsthand the challenges that come with building wealth. Musa was raised by a single mother, who brought her and her siblings over from Cuba at a young age. She saw her mother in action as an entrepreneur to take care of her family and build a brighter future. Through her work as head of sales at Morgan Stanley Private Bank and in the wealth management space, Musa focuses on the Latino community to provide financial empowerment. This mission culminates in The Latino Wealth Journey study, conducted in collaboration with the Morgan Stanley Institute for Inclusion, Hispanic Executive, and Semilla Multicultural. The report provides rich insights into the Latino financial journey and how they can build multigenerational wealth sooner rather than later. For Musa, it’s an exciting catalyst to move beyond achieving stability and secure financial independence and future for generations. Not tomorrow. Today.
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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Pursues a Brighter Future
10/23/2024
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Pursues a Brighter Future
Being a political trailblazer is in Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s DNA. Her grandfather Eugene D. Lujan was one of the first Hispanic justices of the New Mexico Supreme Court. In 2019, she made history as the first Democratic Latina elected governor in the United States. Lujan Grisham’s successes for New Mexicans—investing in high-quality education from early childhood through college, reaching historic economic growth, setting ambitious climate goals—come from the relationships she’s built during her forty-year career. She is honest about the challenges that lie ahead and the conversations that need to happen. For Lujan Grisham, to be a leader is to represent your community. She sees her responsibility, her legacy, to uplift the next generation of Latinos and Latinas. To have our elected officials better represent America. It’s a challenging path, but it’s one worth pursuing.
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Monica Gil Lives Out Family Values to Create a Brighter Future
09/25/2024
Monica Gil Lives Out Family Values to Create a Brighter Future
Grit. Perseverance. Love. Those family values have been and will always be part of Monica Gil, who grew up the youngest of twelve children. She watched her parents and older siblings navigate systems and unspoken rules of the game, trailblazing a path for her to advance. Throughout her career at Nielsen and now at NBCUniversal Telemundo, Gil has always figured out how to reach back to bring Latinos along with her. To remove that “hassle factor” for Latinos and Latinas, and to remove barriers for future generations to get into spaces where they are few and far between. She’s launched women’s leadership programs, going beyond just doing one-on-ones. There’s also the Telemundo Academy, which serves students interested in pursuing careers in the media industry. Providing exposure to leadership and corporate opportunities is an important piece of the puzzle to Gil. It allows our community, our familia, to celebrate the wins and the defining moments together.
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Dolores Huerta Fights the Good Fight
08/14/2024
Dolores Huerta Fights the Good Fight
Advocacy is at the heart of everything Dolores Huerta does. It was the influence of her mother’s community activism and her initial time as a teacher that spurred her lifelong journey as a community organizer. She met César Chavez while serving in the Stockton Community Service Organization, and the pair went on to launch the United Farm Workers union in 1962. That was only the beginning for Huerta. She became the most visible spokesperson for the union, securing seemingly impossible feats that allowed California farm workers to wield economic power. She challenged gender discrimination within the farm workers’ movement and campaigned in the early 2000s to encourage Latinas to run for office. At 94, Huerta continues her life’s work as president and founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. She’s advocating for women’s rights and the Equal Rights Amendment. She’s encouraging young Latinos to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Because for Dolores Huerta, Latinos are the future.
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How Avocados Shape American Identity with Alvaro Luque
07/31/2024
How Avocados Shape American Identity with Alvaro Luque
For Alvaro Luque, marketing strategies that promote avocados and celebrate the rich heritage of the Latino community will always be the way to go. With a career marked by groundbreaking initiatives, including AFM's historic Super Bowl advertising campaigns, Alvaro has solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in the marketing world. His dedication to authenticity and cultural resonance has propelled AFM to unprecedented success. He’s also sparked meaningful conversations about diversity, inclusion, and representation. Alvaro shares insights into the complexities of bicultural identity, the evolving landscape of marketing to a multicultural nation and the transformative power of storytelling – something we especially champion here at The Latino Majority. Through his experiences and wisdom, get inspired to embrace your own cultural heritage and contribute to a more inclusive society.
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The Story of Latinos in America: Must-Listen Moments from Our Show
07/16/2024
The Story of Latinos in America: Must-Listen Moments from Our Show
In every episode of The Latino Majority, we ask our guests a significant question: "If you were to author the story of Latinos in America today, what would be the theme and title?" Over fifty episodes later, we've gathered profound reflections from a diverse array of voices. This special compilation highlights some of the most impactful moments, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and dynamism of the Latino community. Whether you're a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, we hope these stories inspire and resonate with you. Enjoy!
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Stacie de Armas and the Data Driving the Latino Marketplace
07/03/2024
Stacie de Armas and the Data Driving the Latino Marketplace
For Stacie de Armas, a trailblazer in media and cultural representation, her passion for exploring the intricate layers of Latino identity in modern America is unmistakable. As a first-generation Cubana, Stacie brings a wealth of multicultural insights to her work as the Senior Vice President of Diverse Intelligence & Initiatives at Nielsen. Stacie's work has influenced major brands and media networks and deepened the understanding of the Latino community's cultural impact in the US. She continues to drive conversations and initiatives that celebrate the richness of Latino culture while empowering individuals to embrace their identities in an ever-changing world.
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