Latina South

"I always say, if you have a brain, if have a body...you have a voice and you can be a leader. And we are all influential in our own networks. - Gigi Pedraza, Founding Executive Director of Latino Community Fund of Georgia Gigi Pedraza is founding Executive Director of the nonprofit, Latino Community Fund of Georgia. In part two of our conversation, Gigi shares what she loves about living in South including the increasing diversity of people in the region.  She also shares more about the challenges facing nonprofits - from the way the work is perceived to having to face society's most complex  challenges with limited resources. Gigi invites all of us to become leaders in our own spaces and support the organizations doing impactful work in the Latinx community. Find out more about Latinos for Democracy redistricting work, Un Mapa Para Todos.Connect with Latino Community Fund of Georgia and support their work: @lcf_georgia.If you missed Part 1 of our conversation, you can listen here: https://bit.ly/GigiPedraza Thank you for supporting Latina South podcast! Please share the show with a friend or drop us a line: hola@latinasouth.com. Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

"The most important thing that someone can have, if they don't understand something, is curiosity. [If] people just ask why, I think we have already common ground. - Gigi Pedraza, Latino Community Fund of Georgia Gigi Pedraza is the founding Executive Director of the nonprofit, Latino Community Fund of Georgia and one of the most influential Latinas in the state. In the first of two parts of our conversation, Gigi shares with us the catalytic moments which fueled her journey to become both a social entrepreneur and vocal advocate for the Latino Community in Georgia. Gigi also shares her thoughts on philanthropy and her approach to both creating awareness and securing resources for the organizations tackling the most complex issues for the Latino community Georgia.  Stay tuned and be sure to listen to part two of this episode where Gigi reveals more about living in the South, nonprofit challenges and critical issues impacting the community.  

"It's important that you network with other leaders, directors - not necessarily just executives - so that they are advocating for you as well. It's not just a one of one, it's one of many conversations that you have to have to build that network and for others to also be able to envision how you can be part of that leadership team." - Ana BaskharoneAna Baskharone is a Director in a large utilities company headquartered in Houston, Texas. After 30 years of working hard, Ana began to feel stuck in her career - so she hired a coach. That move, among others, helped her to land a new position when she began to advocate for herself and share her story as a leader. Ana talks about her Latina identity and her journey as a first generation college student to corporate director. She describes her love of golf and its parallels to life. She also shares her passion for early childhood education as a Board member of nonprofit, Collaborative for Children. Thank you for supporting Latina South podcast! Please share the show with a friend or drop us a line: hola@latinasouth.com. Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

"Anger is the spark.  You know, anger is good sometimes. It's good if it moves you to action." - Dr. Betina Kaplan, Co-founder, ULead Athens Dr. Betina Kaplan teaches Latin American cultures and literatures at the University of Georgia. In 2010 she became angered by the policies banning undocumented students from the top 5 public universities in Georgia. Betina shares how anger inspired her to take action - she became part of the founding group of Freedom University in Atlanta, a safe space for undocumented students to continue their education. In 2014, she also co-founded ULead Athens, a volunteer organization enabling college access for immigrant students and students from immigrant families - where she continues her work today. Thank you for supporting Latina South podcast! Please share the show with a friend or drop us a line: hola@latinasouth.com. Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.  

“I said: send me, let me go, I want to do this." - Ashley Garcia, COVID ICU NurseTejana and healthcare hero, Ashley Garcia, is a nurse who, early in career and at the height of the pandemic, volunteered to work in COVID Intensive Care Units of hospitals throughout the country. In addition to sharing stories from the ICU, Ashley talks about how being a part of a team and having a self-care routine got her through difficult times while she caring for others. She also talks getting married to her long-time love in a drive-thru wedding where guests were able to drop off gifts and receive their packaged dinner while enjoying music by a Selena impersonator - a time of joy and celebration during the toughest days of the pandemic. Mental health is more important now than ever. For resources and help, please visit National Alliance on Mental Illness: nami.org. Thank you for supporting Latina South podcast! Please share the show with a friend or drop us a line: hola@latinasouth.com. Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.  

"The only thing we have guaranteed in this world is that we are going to face change. That, to me, has always been an empowering thought...all my life, I have faced change with optimism." - Mariela Romero Mariela Romero is an award-winning journalist and Univision's Regional Community Empowerment Director and host of the television magazine, Conexion Fin de Semana. With 27 Emmys and a Latin Grammy nomination among her accomplishments, she has over 25 years of television and radio broadcast experience. Her first day at CNN Radio En Español  took place on the terror-filled September 11, 2001. Let's listen as she shares how that one day of reporting prepared her for journalism in a way she could not have even imagined. Mariela also shares with us how her time as a hospital and court interpreter opened both her eyes and her heart to the issues impacting the Latino community and inspires her empowerment work today.  Here are just of few organizations Mariela mentions in her interview. She helps to provide nonprofit heroes a voice in her daily work and invites us to support these organizations as well.Latin American AssociationLatino Community Fund of GeorgiaCorners OutreachLos Niños PrimeroLa Amistad Thank you for supporting Latina South podcast! Please share the show with a friend or drop us a line: hola@latinasouth.com. Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Hopefully, like many of you, we are taking a break! We'll enjoy some summer vibes while working to bring you Series II of some of the most inspiring stories of amazing Latinas making things happen throughout the South. In the meantime, I invite you to listen to a REPLAY of Latina South Episode 14, featuring Latina Marcie Chapa where she talks about her journey as a world class percussionist.  Also make sure you visit the shownotes where we include a link to our recent Latina South listener survey! Let us know what you think for a chance to shape the show and to win some Latina South swag. Thanks for your support! Hasta la proxima, see y'all! To listen to prior episodes and more, visit us: www.latinasouth.com Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Hopefully like all of you, we're taking a break! We'll enjoy some summer vibes while working to bring you Series II of some of the most inspiring stories of amazing Latinas making things happen throughout the South. In the meantime, I invite you to listen mi amiga, my friend, Audra Agen of Women in the Arena podcast where she celebrates everyday women living extraordinary lives in plain sight. Let's listen as Audra speaks to Latina and educational leader, Dr. Lupita Hightower where she talks about her passion for education and her journey to District Superintendent in Arizona. Also make sure you visit the shownotes where we include a link to our recent Latina South listener survey! Let us know what you think for a chance to shape the show and to win some Latina South swag. Thanks for your support! Hasta la proxima, see y'all! To listen to prior episodes and more, visit us: www.latinasouth.com Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Hopefully, like all of you, we're taking a break! We'll enjoy some summer vibes while working to bring you Series II of some of the most inspiring stories of amazing Latinas making things happen throughout the South. In the meantime, I invite you to listen to a REPLAY of Latina South Episode 5 featuring Laura Murvartian where she talks about making memories through travel and more.  Also make sure you visit the shownotes where we include a link to our recent Latina South listener survey! Let us know what you think for a chance to shape the show and to win some Latina South swag. Thanks for your support! Hasta la proxima, see y'all! To listen to prior episodes and more, visit us: www.latinasouth.com Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

"We get one ride..." - Women in the Arena Podcast Guest Delilah Buitrón Arrebola Hopefully, like all of you, we're taking a break! We'll enjoy some summer vibes while working to bring you Series II of some of the most inspiring stories of amazing Latinas making things happen throughout the South. In the meantime, I invite you to listen mi amiga, my friend, Audra Agen of Women in the Arena podcast where she celebrates everyday women living extraordinary lives in plain sight. Let's listen as Audra speaks to Latina and Flamenco dancer, Delilah Buitrón Arrebola where she talks about her journey to dance and more.  Also make sure you visit the shownotes where we include a link to our recent Latina South listener survey! Let us know what you think for a chance to shape the show and to win some Latina South swag. Thanks for your support! Hasta la proxima, see y'all! To listen to prior episodes and more, visit us: www.latinasouth.com Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

"What is being Simply Latina? It really doesn't have to fit a narrative. It's just YOU being whatever you feel like as being Latina....We each have our own perspective of what that looks like.”" - Nataly Suarez, Simply Latina Nataly, Blanca, & Samy Suarez are three sisters and founders of Simply Latina, a growing brand based out of Atlanta, Georgia that began with scented candles and apparel inspired by their Mexican culture. With cute sayings like ‘Sana, sana, colita de rana,” and “Necesito mi cafecito,” they incorporate their bicultural and family experiences into their scents and creations. Let's listen as they share with us what it takes to start a business and keep it going, all while having each other's back and putting family first. Keep up with their newest creations and inspirations on Instagram @SimplyLatinaDesigns or visit their shop on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyLatina.  Thanks for supporting Latina South podcast! Please share the show with a friend or drop us a line: hola@latinasouth.com. Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

"Your favorite version of you is who you can be every single day. And that is what my biggest lesson is from making the film, working on the next film and doing all the things I've done. My absolute favorite version of Denise is the one that I get to be and the one that I choose to be every single day. And it's actually where all of the success lives as well. It's possible for you because it's possible for me. " - Denise Soler Cox Denise Soler Cox is an award-winning Latina filmmaker and cultural storyteller dedicated to helping people transform how we experience culture, identity, and what it means to belong. Denise talks about how a night out in Miami inspired her multi-year journey to create the film, Project Eñye, an exploration of first generation Latinx identity. Denise also shares about how she ‘pokes the beehive' on hot topics via her podcast: The Self-ish Latina. She also reveals her next film project, an idea inspired by the hidden and often painful stories of Latinas shared with her throughout her travels. Denise talks with Adela about the seeds in her life which started her 17-year journey to realizing the film, Project Eñye, a film about Latinx identity and belonging. Adela says the film will stand the test of time because the message still resonates today especially with the growing Latinx community in Georgia and throughout the South. Denise describes her experience living in Miami (and we count Florida as part of the South ;) where she embraced her Latinidad, and when she decided not to mispronounce her last name, Soler, ever again. They also talk about how representation matters in all walks of life. Her podcast, The Self-ish Latina, gives us all permission to take care of ourselves to get what we need to make us happy, even if it ‘pokes the beehive' of some community norms - if you dare listen to it.  In her exploration of identity, she has discovered the Eñye experience of belonging is a universal one and can apply to many communities where people relocate across cultures and have families. Denise talks about her next film which encourages healing through the courageous sharing of painful stories.  Connect with Denise on public speaking opportunities on belonging - she even offers a trade for Atlanta-based Spanx!  Thanks for supporting Latina South podcast! Please share the show with a friend or drop us a line: hola@latinasouth.com. Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

"One of the things that I would say was very important for me to run [for US Congress] was because...the reality is that no one else is going to come tell me what that experience is like. It's one of those things that you really have to do, to really understand what it takes [and] what's necessary. One of the things that I learned is what I still need to do to potentially be successful the next time that I may run, or may quite frankly, do anything else. " - Brenda Lopez Romero In this second of two episodes, we welcome again Brenda Lopez Romero. In this part of the conversation, Brenda talks about the changing demographics in Georgia, her Latina identity including lingering issues within our own Latino community. She also reveals some critical lessons learned about what it takes to run for US Congress in Georgia - a recent process she says she could only learn from by trying it for herself. In case you missed it, be sure to listen to the first episode where Brenda shares about her early life and how it feels to be among the first and the few Latina-elected officials in Georgia. She also talks about what we can do to offer young people exposure to the places where decisions are made - helping to build experience in the future leaders of our community. Visit us: www.latinasouth.com and follow us @LatinaSouth. Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

"As young people, your job right now is to put in a lot of work. And for me, I see that as the investment. You have to invest in yourself first, by putting in the work and by doing the best job that you can. And when you're young...you don't have to sleep." - Brenda Lopez Romero.............In the first of two parts of this Episode, we talk with powerhouse Latina, Brenda Lopez Romero. Brenda made history in 2016 when she became the very first Latina elected to the Georgia General Assembly. Born in Mexico, she came to the US at age 5 and became a US citizen in 2008. Let’s listen as Brenda talks about how it feels to be among the first and the few. She shares her personal story, like that of her father’s, as one of responsibility and hard work from a very young age. She also talks about what we can do to offer young people exposure to the places where decisions are made - helping to build experience in the future leaders of our community. And there we pause the first of two parts of Episode 18 of our interview with Brenda Lopez Romero. Stay tuned and be sure to listen to the second episode where Brenda reveals some critical lessons learned during her 2020 US Congressional campaign in Georgia - a process she says she could only learn from by running and trying it herself. Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

"Just because I am an immigrant, just because I am a woman, just because I am half Afro-Latina or half-Malay, I can still do it. You have the same power that I do." - Ish Gayle Ish Gayle shares with us how she grew up in Panama City, Panama with a Malaysian father and an Afro-Latina mother and her experience moving to the US as a young adult. Ish also talks about her time working for the Atlanta Regional Commission and her path to obtaining a college degree later in life  She also describes her work with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) and the Center for Pan Asian Community Services in Atlanta (CPACS). Her work with EME Mujer, Empowering, Motivating, and Empowering Latinas, a GHCC program also holds a special place in her heart.  Thank you for listening to Latina South! Please join us for our first Cocktails y Charlas: A Virtual Conversation event on Thurs @7P US EST, May 6, 2021. Register to receive a complimentary Georgia-made, Latina South pottery mug! Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.  

"Being from the South and being Latina, at least my experience and in my journey...I felt like they were working against each other. And back to that feeling of 'Ni de Aquí o Ni de Alla,' as I look back I see so much complexity in that story." - Elaine Utin  Elaine talks about growing up in the South between a pecan and peach orchard. Born in Peru, she describes spending her formative years in faith-based communities influenced by her father while also visiting Peru and experiencing food, music, and language from her mother and grandmother. She talks about using the two sides of her brain when describing the two sides of her identity. She eventually realizes the complexity of her identity in her experience as a first-generation college student and in her college years. She begins to unpack the many layers of her experiences in the development of her work with the Latinx community. Elaine talks about LatinxEd and how her lived experience of being a learner in the South influenced her approach to creating the South Carolina nonprofit organization which serves youth in the Latinx community. Adela asks Elaine, “What does your support structure look like?” Elaine talks about the challenges of being an entrepreneur while being a Mom and using coaching as a tool to help her with mindset and personal growth. She also talks about democratizing coaching for Latinx youth through the program Somos Carolina. We can support Elaine and her work by visiting LatinxEd.org and learn more about impactful programs like College y Consejos and Somos Carolina. Words of wisdom from Elaine: She encourages us all to allow ourselves to experience the complexity and nuance that is our own humanity and Latinx identity. Thank you for listening to Latina South! If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or drop us a note at hola@latinasouth.com. For more episodes, please visit our website: www.latinasouth.com. Or follow us on social media @LatinaSouth.  Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

“My words are specifically to the Latinas of the South: Your voice is so important, needed, of value, beautiful. You have a style and an energy that this world needs more of.” – Stefanie Diaz Stefanie talks about her personal and family journey to claiming her Latina identity, growing up in Georgia and feeling between two worlds. She describes going back to Puerto Rico and feeling as if she’s leaving a part of her heart behind when she leaves the island. She also talks about finding her tribe later in life. Stefanie tells us what led to her work with Zane Venture Fund and her podcast, She Conquers Capital. Letting go of fear and going after her dreams with intention was an approach inspired by her son.  One thing we can do to overcome the fears of ‘not being ready’ or imposter syndrome is to flip the script and instead congratulate ourselves for being in a place where we are about to grow and develop. Adela and Stefanie talk about how she is helping to make the venture capital world more welcoming. One way is how she uses her podcast platform, She Conquers Capital, to educate all about the world of capital while elevating the voices of underrepresented founders. Her advice: go to where you are celebrated and know your own value all while challenging yourself to come out of your safe zone. Stephanie talks more about the inspiration behind creating the WOE (The Women Only Experience) for female founders. She leaves some words of wisdom for the Latinas of the South – our voices are both important and needed. Thank you for listening to Latina South! If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or drop us a note at hola@latinasouth.com. For more episodes, please visit our website: www.latinasouth.com. Or follow us on social media @LatinaSouth. Podcast Music: “The OGS Present Higher” Written by Divinity Roxx, Marcie Chapa, Katty Rodriguez, Nikki Glaspie, Tia Fuller Published by Hot Tottie Music (ASCAP), Wambui Publishing Company, I M A Funkateer (BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

“There’s nothing more [important] to life than just being happy and being your true self and who you are supposed to be and who you are supposed to be with. If other people are not allowing you to have that, shame on them. Only you are responsible for your happiness.” – Marcie Chapa Born and raised in Houston, Texas, world percussionist Marcie Chapa now finds herself in California as an arts educator, sharing her gift of percussion with her students.  Adela asks Marcie how she felt being surrounded by so many female percussionists back when she auditioned for Beyonce’s all-female touring band. She admits she wanted to say to everyone, “Where have y’all been all my life?” She cherishes the relationships she made during that time on tour. Marcie talks about her Latina identity and being Tejana - at times feeling not Mexican enough and not American enough. Marcie also reveals about how love and happiness happened for her later in life with the support of family and friends. Marcie asks us to consider supporting the Arts Council of Monterey County where she serves as a Board member and also the North Monterey County High School music program. The song  “Higher” by the OGs used with Marcie Chapa's permission. You can find out more about them here https://theogsofficial.bandcamp.com/releases. Thank you for listening to Latina South & please leave a review!    

“Not only seek mentors, but also seek sponsors. A sponsor is somebody that is a decision maker that will raise a hand...while you are not at the table, who will fight for a raise for you, who will fight for a change in job title for you.” – Adriana Varela, Global Immigration Attorney In this episode, global immigration attorney Adriana Varela describes her Latina identity and relocating from Mexico to the US as an adult. She describes how these experiences inform her servant leader approach to serving multicultural employees and their families in the sometimes-challenging  world of international assignment relocations. Adriana talks more about servant leadership and her journey from volunteering with little experience to ultimately being invited to lead as Chair of the Board of Directors of New American Pathways, an Atlanta nonprofit with the mission of helping refugees thrive. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of GALEO, a nonprofit with the mission of increasing civic engagement within the Georgia Latino community. Adriana provides some words of wisdom to Latinas in the South: get involved. Now is not the time to be an observer, it is a time to act – to educate ourselves and to raise our hands to make things happen.  Thank you for listening to Latina South podcast. Visit our Patreon page to support our show. Please also leave a review and share this episode with a friend. To listen to more episodes, visit us at www.LatinaSouth.com.

“Don’t assume people are always against something...but also don’t assume that people are going to be supportive. You have to have logical arguments, you have to do your homework, you have to have the statistics and the research as to why you want to implement a change. I think it’s really important that you are prepared.” - Hon. Deborah Gonzalez, District Attorney of the Western Judicial Circuit in Georgia. Deborah talks about her Latina identity and how being Boricua shows up in her everyday life. Deborah shares her journey to making history by becoming the first Latina district attorney in Georgia and the first woman district attorney in the Western judicial circuit. Before she was able to run, she took on the governor with a lawsuit that was appealed 5 times and ultimately resulted in a unanimous vote from the state supreme court which allowed an election to take place. Adela asks, “Deborah, what kept you going?” She kept going because she felt that she was right. She thinks about this message often from her father - if there is something that needs to be done and you are the only one that could do it, it is your duty to do that thing. Deborah has a message to the voters who did not vote for her: give her a chance. Her word for 2021 is to ‘listen’ which for her means having an open-door policy and inviting everyone to conversation. Her approach also includes frequent communication and keeping people informed so they know more about what happens in the district attorney’s office. She shares some lessons learned from her time serving in the Georgia General Assembly. Being prepared is very important for her and is what the people who elected her deserve in order to effect change. Deborah opens up about the demands of public service and shares strategies that help mitigate the impact on her time and energy. It is important to have a support system and for each person to define parameters that work for them and their situation. For her, support comes from her husband and taking the time for self-care in order to keep from burning the candle at both ends. Watching Netflix with a glass of wine and her kitten on her lap provides her with needed respite.  She talks more about her family, her grown children and grandchildren. Her grandsons provide Deborah with inspiration to approach the important work of criminal justice with humanity. While living in the South presented some challenges for her at first, now she feels confident in calling Georgia home. Her choice to live in Georgia inspires her to work harder to make her home a better place for all people. Deborah shares some words of wisdom – you have what you need inside of you. What you have to offer the world is what the community needs. You have a role to play and people need you to fulfill that role. Deborah invites us to learn more about criminal justice reform, a bipartisan issue. To support criminal justice work, consider Justice is On the Agenda Fund designed to bridge the gap between resources needed for reform and available dollars. Donations are used for training and community outreach and other activities the District Attorney's office could not fund on its own. Other organizations include The Georgia Justice Reform Partnership and the Georgia Justice Project. You can also contact Deborah directly at deborah@deborahgonzalez.com and follow her on Facebook  @DG4DA.

“I still hold myself accountable for sitting at the table and having a voice at the table when others don’t. For me that’s a huge responsibility but it’s also a huge honor to be able to be a voice for people who perhaps feel unheard or unseen.” – Nury Castillo Crawford  In 2016, Nury Castillo Crawford was driven to write her own book based upon her own personal journey from Peru to the US in order to counter the negative immigrant narratives being circulated on the time. While doing the research in publishing her book, she decided to create her own publishing house, 1010 Publishing which focuses on bilingual stories. Her book, 3585 Miles to Be an American Girl,  is the first in her Sofia  series. Nury talks about how being Latina has always been a big part of who she is and how it helped her to thrive in a new and changing world. Education and giving back to the community is very important to her. Nury shares her experience of living in the South and speaking up, even when others may not like it. She has some tips for both children and adults on how to speak your voice – it’s not always what you have to say, but how you say it. Nury talks about another book, Soy Mexicana, Soy Me, a story of a young girl moving between two countries and two cultures. Her publishing company is also expanding offerings in multiple languages. We can best support Nury and her work by visiting 1010Publishing.com and by sharing on social media @1010Publishing to help increase awareness of biliteracy which helps to empower bicultural communities. Nury offers words of wisdom: you can make a difference, even if you help one person. She encourages everyone  to think about elevating others in their daily lives, even just one person at time.  Thank you for listening! You can support Latina South on Patreon  and by sharing this episode with a friend. 

“I don’t necessarily believe in the idea we were fed that everybody is in competition with each other. I truly believe that with collaboration you can actually accomplish a lot more, and what better way to be able to grow in so many different markets if you’re able to work with us instead of against us.” – Rita Bautista    Rita shares her vision for the Latina Podcasters Network. Adela asks, “Why Latinas? And Why now?” Rita says “Why not Latinas?” The Latinx community have a 1.7 Trillion dollar buying power and Latinas are the fastest growing segment of small business developers. It is time and representation matters. Latinas are an important part of what is going to shape this country. Rita talks about the beauty of Honduras and mentions a recent hurricane that devastated the area. She shares her parent’s background - her father was a merchant marine and her mother who bravely moved to the US on her own as a young woman. Rita describes how she brings the bold and gritty aspects of being Catratcha, or Hondureńa, to her everyday life.  Living as Latina in the South, specifically in the unique cities of Houston and New Orleans, leads her to appreciate the prevailing sense of tradition and keeping those traditions alive - whether good or bad. Kindness, football and food are also important aspects she enjoys. She talks more about sports and how it allowed her to be loud with her family. Her family had a big influence on her being a visionary and tells us all to stop worrying about what other people think. She shares more about the 10:10:1 concept: 10 goals she wants to accomplish, 10 things to be grateful for, and the 1 next step to help you get you closer to accomplishing at least one goal. It’s how she trains her mind to see the opportunities all around her. Rita talks about her approach to being welcoming and providing support to Latina podcasters which includes building community and resources for helping to monetize their work. She talks about the uniqueness of Latina voices in the South and showing the talent coming out of the region and changing the narrative of Latina’s contributions in the community. She reveals how she’s worked on herself a lot and having been in some challenging and uncertain times in her life.  She shares some words of wisdom – we must be the ones to determine what happiness looks like and position yourself to get want you want. And also take a second to look at the happiness you already have around you. To support Rita, follow the list of Latina Podcasters on Spotify playlist and connect to the Latina Podcasters Network . Thank you for listening! Please visit us at https://www.latinasouth.com/

"It's important to me to be unapologetic about the stories that I'm representing through my work and even being unapologetic about the way that I represent myself in the spaces that I get to be in." - Yehimi Cambrón Host Adela Yelton asks Yehimi, “How did Art find you?” Yehimi explains how the art classroom became a space for her to express herself as a little girl in an English language-dominant environment. She talks about being Latina, undocumented and Mexicana, in the South and how she hopes her Monuments theme will lead to a more inclusive South in spite of the area's ubiquitous monuments to the confederate legacy. Teaching and her relationships with students and the community were integral to Yehimi's path to being able to pursue her work as an artist full time.  She talks about working with the nonprofit organization Living Walls and finding the courage to say yes to her first public art projects in her Atlanta community.  Yehimi's personal experience as a Latina, undocumented and Mexicana in the South influences her artist voice and work. She also focuses on creating spaces through her murals where others can share their stories and speak for themselves. Adela and Yehimi talk about “Monuments, Our Immigrant Mothers” located in Decatur, Georgia and moments of connection. She welcomes conversations about her murals and understands that her work sometimes makes people feel uncomfortable. As creators, they talk about not taking on all the burdens of the world and for people having the responsibility to educate themselves - and ask themselves why - when they feel discomfort.  The migrating monarch butterfly features prominently in the mural “We Give Each Other the World” located in Hapeville, Georgia near Atlanta's airport. The monarch image serves as a symbol of migration and is a way to connect to the stories of immigrants and why they migrate. Her approach is community-centered and inclusive. The individual stories and interactions are what keep her going, even in difficult times.  Yehimi talks about her legacy and her hope for the long-term impact of her work in spite of the ephemeral nature of her murals. Adela asks how we can best support Yehimi and her work – by purchasing prints directly from her at www.yehimicambron.com. Sharing her images on social media platforms like Instagram: @ycambron is also an impactful way to support her as an artist. Yehimi wants Latinas and young immigrant women to know, "there is hope and you have the power to go after your goals." Thank you to our listeners for your support! Visit us a Latina South or drop us a line at hola@latinasouth.com and let us know what you think. And please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review wherever you are listening. 

You can find original Show Notes for this and other Latina South episodes on the show's website https://www.latinasouth.com/shownotes/rochelle-bradford-on-latina-identity-career-and-feeling-in-between-ep-1. While you're there, please leave a message and let us know what you think: hola@latinasouth.com.Thank you for your support in 2020 and looking forward to continuing the conversations in 2021 and beyond!

“Even in this past year… I’ve had the opportunity to just breathe for a minute. As a Latina, family has always been everything to me and it just made me realize again that I needed to focus on my family and I wanted to spend more time with them. And it was okay...it was okay.” – Jennifer Salazar Hutcheson Jennifer talks about her Latina identity and her Peruvian background and growing up in New York. After 9/11 she moved to Georgia where she met her husband who became aware of the racial overtones to her experiences. (1:30) She finds herself back in North Carolina to be with family. She shares a scary experience that happened to her and her two young sons while walking in Charlotte. (8:30) Jennifer opens up about her youngest son and the beginning of their journey with autism. She finds support with family and the blogging community. She talks about seeing things in a different way. She shares her experience with her son using the word ‘Tree’ during the holidays and her reaction of happiness that they are able to connect with the word.  She talks about how it is difficult to find in-person support in her area and how it may be because parents are in different places about being open with their needs. (11.50) Jennifer talks about starting her blog Mami2Mommy.com. With a background in public relations and communication she was able to connect with other Latina moms using this platform. She talks about the early days of blogging – attending Blogalicious and Hispanicize events and finding her people in the Latino community and helping to build it. Her son calls her a pioneer. (20:40) She talks about her parents and family hustling and working hard and learning from them. Jennifer talks about taking a pause for now and shares her words of wisdom: to give ourselves the opportunity to take a break and just breathe. Adela thanks Jennifer for opening our eyes on so many things. (27:37) Thank you! The best way to support Latina South podcast is to listen, share with a friend, subscribe, rate and leave a review wherever you listen. Also support us on Patreon.

“As a Latina woman, my person in any given place is tied to so many other things. My identity as a mother, as a leader in my social and family network, all of those things are deeply connected and an important part of anything else that I am doing.” – Blanca Catalina Garcia Blanca describes her work supporting women founders of color and tells us what goes into cultivating safe learning spaces. She talks about her approach to teaching entrepreneurship which involves encourages people to bring their whole selves to the experience and to trust themselves. (1:34) She talks about her parents’ path from Chile to the US and growing up between two cultures. She shares her experience with the differences between Latino cultures, specifically between her Chilean Andean background and Caribbean cultures predominant in Miami. (9:58) Working with youth in Florida led her to use innovative methods like combining creative art and entrepreneurship. (14:52) Adela asks Blanca to describe her approach to bridge building. She talks about silos and languages and how important it is to find people within these worlds or ‘bubbles’ who are willing and ready and help them connect with each other and ‘build the bridge’ to learning and opportunities. (18:00) Blanca talks about experiencing the South as a Latina. She talks about a deep sense of commonality and warmth which has become a ‘need to have’ for her. On the other hand, the city of Atlanta seems fractured and there is a need for moving past our neighborhood lines and connecting with each other. She challenges those who might be comfortable and not open to change – how much work does it take to maintain your reality? It is not necessarily more work, it just might just feel easier out of habit. (25:09) Blanca’s message to the Latinas of the South: We are so powerful. Let’s find each other and connect. We are on the rise. (32:30) Thank you for listening! Please visit us: https://www.latinasouth.com/ and support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LatinaSouth

“My Latina identity is grounded in everything that I do. My parents always infused in me…you’ve got to really know your roots, you’ve got to know where you came from and that’s something that you can never forget” – Janine Cabrera-Velde Janine talks about her Latina background with roots from both El Salvador and Bolivia and being the daughter of immigrants. She also talks about the two sides of growing up in Stone Mountain, Georgia – both the positive diversity of cultures and the negative impact of white flight. She clarifies what she means when she says, “Harvard needs us more than we need Harvard to be successful.” Education is a tool and it should not define you or your identity, it should help you do things that are meaningful for you. (7:10) She talks about her time at Harvard University, feeling out of place and finding comfort in connecting with campus workers. She was inspired to create an award-winning tutoring program for their children while also building community. She also talks about finding the entrepreneurial spark from the hustle and grind of hard-working father, mother, and brother – also inspiring her to take a risk with an administrative fellowship where she created learning opportunities for those working in the trades. (10:58) Janine describes how love and family led her back home to Georgia and her work at Emory. She shares her mother’s dicho “Educacion es la unica manera de sobresalir” and talks about her personal educational experience and how that highlighted educational disparities and differences in access to resources. Adela and Janine talk about the pros and cons of Charter Schools and how they create competition effecting some schools to increase educational standards and options for students. She talks about how she gives back now by serving on the governing board of her former high school, Chamblee Charter in DeKalb County, Georgia, and her experience as a mentor. (18:40) Janine’s words of wisdom as a Latina leader: question expectations of what you should be and become the person you want to be. She also emphasizes the importance of taking risks and using education as a tool. (28:00) Thank you for listening! Please visit us: https://www.latinasouth.com/ and support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LatinaSouth

“Once you feel that calling to do something, don’t shove it aside. Follow it, and don’t have regrets that you didn’t pursue that.” – Laura MurvartianAdela asks, “What goes into making memories?” Laura talks about being intentional about having amazing experiences together, even if it means waking up her family while traveling to watch a meteor shower. It’s also about prioritizing experiences over material things and comfort. Laura shares her favorite experiences and memories, including a very special one where she got to share her Latino traditions with her diverse family. And also enjoying the gratitude that comes from others when they talk about the experiences she helped create (1:42) Laura talks more about her Latina background being Mexican-Armenian and growing up in Minnesota. She describes becoming woke about Latino culture in graduate school and the summer before and welcoming it. Laura describes the path that led her to the South and Atlanta. (8:17) Laura keeps it real about what she likes about living in the South – being surrounded by civil rights history and the close proximity to many types of topography – and what she doesn’t like. One of the challenges is having humanistic and atheist beliefs when Christianity can be such a big part of Southern culture (13:13) Adela asks, “What goes into helping people realize their dreams.” She uses her years of business and negotiation skills to help talented women achieve success, like artist Yehimi Cambron. She focuses on the business tools so that they can focus on their talent. Laura talks more about her path to developing her mad negotiation skills and how it led her to the wine business. (18:03) Laura talks more about wine – buying it and recommends a good Bordeaux for those who have a taste for red blends. And let’s not forget, Laura also writes songs! She talks more about music and the powerful moments of collaborating with other women. We also learn about what inspired her to write the lyrics to, Fearless Woman you can find the song and more from CLM music here. (23:35) Laura imparts her words of wisdom which include “Once you feel that calling to do something, don’t shove it aside. Follow it, and don’t have regrets that you didn’t pursue that.” (33:34) Thank you! The best way to support Latina South podcast is to listen, share with a friend, subscribe, rate and leave a review wherever you listen. And support us on Patreon!

“If it’s something that you want, then you just go and do it. Don’t let anybody or anything stop you or talk you out of it…even if that’s YOU.” - Audra Agen, inspired by her grandmother.(1:35) Audra shares her vision for Women in the Arena podcast, to create a platform for women get the recognition they deserve and appreciate their value (3:25) Adela asks: Why Podcasting? Audra explains how she became an accidental podcaster. She describes her sales approach in the 'corporatey-corporate-corporate-world' and how that translates into her podcast interviews(7:34) Audra’s advice if you are thinking about starting a podcast: ‘just do it’; and how does she finds guests for her show(11:40) Her feisty, fierce entrepreneurial spirit comes from the wonderful women in her life, like her Sonoran grandmother. She shares more about her Hispanic Heritage and being a descendant of explorer Juan Bautista Francisco de Anza and his ties to the founding of the City of San Francisco.(19:84) More on her Latina identity, her Hispanic Heritage and some challenges (21:00) Audra describes living in the South-west and feeling free in the desert and mountains – it’s like being surrounded by an ‘environmental hug.’(24:30) On her welcoming experience as a college student in Guadalajara, Mexico and how she continues to share the pride of her Hispanic culture with her husband and children(29:48) Audra shares with us the best way to support her podcast: (1) listen and share and (2) refer amazing women for her to interview(31:00) Words of wisdom: listen to that quiet urging and dare to try. If it fails, so what. Try again. Bet on yourself!Visit us: https://www.latinasouth.com/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LatinaSouth

About our Guest: Evelyn ‘Mimi’ Woodson is a pioneer in local politics as the longest-serving Latino elected official in the state of Georgia. She talks about her 15 years of military service, her strong sense of faith, and how being known as the community candy lady led to her 25-years on the Columbus City Council.Mimi tells us she is okay with being a Southern Puerto Rican and shares what she likes about living in Columbus, Georgia (1:35)Mimi talks about the ups and downs of being in the Military (5:21)We learn about how being the community Candy Lady – which was about so much more than just selling candy (10:24)How a spiritual experience helped Mimi decide to run for office. She shares about the time she heard from somebody that she should NOT do something, and how it had the reverse effect on her (13:09)History lesson: Puerto Ricans are American citizens. Turning negative comments into an opportunity to educate – that’s one of her skills (21:10)Being the only Latina on City Council and the uniqueness of identifying with a community other than the one you’re supposed to represent. Being inclusive and humble are some of her keys to success (24:10)About leaving her thumbprint and her legacy in politics and some parting words of wisdom – we’re all beautiful like a Gucci bag (32:59)

About our Guest: Mayte Peck -  Mayte is an entrepreneur and owner of Mark of the Potter, a North Georgia pottery business. She previously owned local Atlanta favorite Peruvian restaurant, Sweet Devil Moon Cafe. A passionate advocate of women and minority-owned businesses, service is a part of her life as Board Chair for the nonprofit Latino Community Fund of Georgia.Ep. 2: Show NotesAdela asks: How has the pandemic impacted you? Mayte on virtual learning at home, missing family hugs, and how she finds balance (1:20)Mayte teaches us about her North Georgia pottery business and its connection to nature. Mark of the Potter (who is this Mark?), moonshine highway, and face jugs (7:40)We hear about Mayte's Peruvian background, adjustments, spirituality and finding her way (13:31)Mayte discusses the strategy and legacy of Sweet Devil Moon Café, and her favorite Peruvian dishes (21:00)Mayte talks about how service is now a big part of her life and how she gives back (27:24) Parting words of wisdom, find your why (33:12)Visit us: www.latinasouth.com

About our Guest: Dr. Rochelle Bradford -  Rochelle is an accomplished scientist, inventor and project management professional with a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Georgia Tech. Originally from the Boston area, Rochelle enjoys both a diverse social life in the South and being a Mom to teenaged twins. Ep. 1: Show NotesAdela asks: Are you Latina? Rochelle talks about her identity, culture and feeling ‘in-between.’ (1:16)Combining things and making them her own, Rochelle describes her rice recipe, and living in the South (7:47)Being a woman in science, being in the room where it happens (aka Hidden Figures), NOT being the note-taker (10:55)Adela and Rochelle discuss finding career support and ‘why don’t we talk about salary’ and other things (20:48)Rochelle for President? The closet, and always having to do more (25:05)Parting words of wisdom and being your authentic self (30:26)Visit us: www.latinasouth.com