Podcasts about hispanic chamber

Latino-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. economy, yet many owners still struggle when it's time to sell or transition. Gaps in financial records, limited access to the right advisors, and the absence of an exit plan often lead owners to shut down or hand over their businesses without capturing real value. Rudy Bustamante, Financial Planner at OneIndiana Financial Group, discusses why this happens and what can be done about it. He explains how cultural and language barriers complicate the process, why succession planning is rarely discussed, and how simple systems and accurate financials can change the outcome for an owner and their family. Rudy also highlights the resources owners should know about and how to spot advisors who understand the unique needs of the Latino business community.   In this episode, you will: Learn why many Latino business owners fail to plan for an exit  Understand the role of financial records and planning in a successful business transition Discover the cultural and language barriers that affect Latino business sales and how to address them   Highlights: (00:00) Meet Rudy Bustamante (04:19) Challenges faced by Latino-owned businesses (10:53) Generational wealth and business transition (20:09) Retirement in the Latino community (22:47) Family dynamics and retirement plans (23:11) Transitioning Latino businesses (28:35) Predatory practices and community trust (30:52) Building trust and resources   Follow Rudy: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudybustamanteoif/ Website: https://www.bustamanteconsulting.com/ Learn more about OneIndiana Financial Group: https://www.oneindianafinancial.com/   Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders   Resources for Latino Business Owners National & Broad-Reach Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI) – Free education programs, some scholarships, research, and the "Scaling Program": https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/labs-initiatives/slei Latino Business Action Network (LBAN) – Stanford-partnered scaling and exit-planning cohorts: www.lban.us U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Spanish-language resources, free counseling: https://www.sba.gov/document/support-national-resource-guide-spanish SCORE Mentoring – Free mentors, many bilingual, search for "Spanish" or "Latino": https://www.score.org/find-mentor  Exit-Planning & Valuation Specific International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) – Broker directory; filter for Spanish-speaking: https://www.ibba.org/ Value Builder System – Free "Value Builder Score" questionnaire (Spanish version available): https://valuebuilder.com/ Capital & Financial Clean-Up Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) – Latino-focused lenders who understand informal records: search "CDFI Latino", https://oportun.com/ or https://www.liftfund.com/ Accion Opportunity Fund – Loans and bilingual coaching specifically for Latino owners: https://aofund.org/ Local/Regional Powerhouses U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) – Local chapters everywhere: www.ushcc.com Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) – DC/Maryland/Virginia: https://www.ledcmetro.org/ Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA):  https://medasf.org/ Books & Quick Reads (in Spanish or bilingual) "De Emprendedor a Empresario" – LBAN/Stanford free PDF "Finish Big" by Bo Burlingham (Spanish edition available)

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Jenny Mendez and Betsabeé Romero. JENNY MENDEZ, Cultural Arts Director Mattie Rhodes Arts Center and Gallery was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Growing up in a neighborhood filled with family and friends on Kansas City's West Side. As a young girl Jenny enjoyed hearing stories from her grandmother, these stories were such an inspiration to Jenny in her love of her culture and heritage. Jenny attended the Kansas City Art Institute majoring in painting, she also studied both printmaking and photography. She was involved in community mural projects as a high school student and into college. She has always given back to her community. She has been employed with the Mattie Rhodes Center for the past twenty- five years and is responsible for all arts programming for the agency as the Cultural Arts Director. Through her work she is able to educate the community on the Latino culture through art. Being able to inspire children through art is what she is most passionate about – giving children and young artists a place to learn, create, express themselves, imagine, and grow in the arts. She has served and participated on many boards and committees through the years advocating for the arts and community. Her most valued appointment was to the board of the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC). Most recently in March of 2020 as part of Women's History Month she was awarded the Nuestra Latina Award for the Arts by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Her work in the community is valued and shows her commitment to being a voice for the Latinx artists, students and individuals. Showing her expertise in the creative process and authenticity to arts and culture through her work and partnerships with the Kansas City Museum and the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. She is very committed to continue to be a voice for the Latinx and arts communities at large. Mattie Rhodes Art and Cultural Center is located at 1701 Jarboe, KCMO www.mattierhodes.org BETSABEÉ ROMERO- Knitting Ties, Project Description: The installation features the creation of two sculptural soccer goals with nets crafted from metal lattices. These lattices will showcase characters that represent both soccer and the pre-Hispanic ball game, creating a bridge between contemporary sports and ancient cultural traditions. The metallic lattices will be interwoven with threads of various fibers, with the characters cut along the length and width of each goal's net. All elements will be handcrafted by migrants and local artisans, emphasizing community collaboration and cultural exchange. Elements of the Sculptural Objective: Metallic Lattices-metal cutouts are interconnected in a lattice configuration, forming modular structures that provide a sculptural foundation for artistic interventions. Community Networks-Fabrics crafted by volunteers and artisans interweave with lattices, forming distinctive patterns that narrate the stories of their communities. Athletic Emblems-Symbolic figures associated with soccer are integrated into the sculptural design, linking artistic expression with the passion for football. Betsabeé Romero; Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communication with a specialization in Participatory Communication, Universidad Iberoamericana (1984) Master's Degree in Visual Arts, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (1986) Diploma from l'École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (1989) Art History Studies at l'École du Louvre (1988-1989) Doctoral studies in Art History, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, no degree completed (1990-1993) Exhibitions: Romero has held over 100 solo exhibitions across five continents, with notable shows at the British Museum (2015), Grand Palais (2019), Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (2022), York Avenue in Washington (2018), Place Vieille Bourse in Lille, France (2019), Nevada Museum of Art (2014), Neuberger Museum (2011), Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (2012), Canberra University Museum (2002), La Recoleta, Buenos Aires (2019), Mexico Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020 (2021), and Place du Louvre (2021). In 2024, her exhibition "Huellas para Recordar" featured five monumental sculptures on Park Avenue (81st, 82nd, and 83rd Streets) by invitation of NYC Parks & Recreation. Also in 2024, "The Endless Spiral" was featured at the Venice Biennale Official Collateral Event at Galeria Belacqua LaMassa, St. Mark's Square, by invitation of MOLAA. In Mexico, highlights include the Mega Ofrenda at Mexico City's Zócalo (2016), Museo Frida Kahlo (2019, 2013), Museo Anahuacalli (2015), Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso (2014), Museo Amparo, Puebla (2008), MARCO, Monterrey (2009), and Museo Carrillo Gil (1999). Collections: Her work is part of major collections including the British Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Houston, Phoenix Art Museum, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal, Daros Collection (Switzerland), Nelson-Atkins Museum, Nevada Museum of Art, World Bank Collection, LACMA California, FEMSA, Irish Museum of Modern Art, El Museo del Barrio, Museo de Arte Moderno de México, MUAC, and Michigan State University. Biennials: Monterrey Biennial, Tamayo Biennial, inSite (Tijuana-San Diego), La Courneuve Biennial, Puerto Rico Graphics Triennial, Polygráfica Philadelphia, Ljubljana Graphics Biennial, Havana Biennial, Porto Alegre Biennial, Cairo Biennial, Sur Buenos Aires Biennial, Bogotá, and United Arab Emirates. Official selection for collateral projects at the 2024 Venice Biennale with the solo exhibition "Endless Spiral" with MOLAA Museum at the Bellaacqua La Massa Foundation in St. Mark's Square. Awards: Prix Oric'Art, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, 1988 Grand Acquisition Prize in Installation, Second Monterrey Biennial, Museo de Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, 1994 First Prize, Cairo Biennial, 2006 Millésimé Prize in Visual Arts, 2018 Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, France, 2020 First Prize in Pavilion Design

A week into ICE's “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” New Orleans' immigrant community, along with businesses that employ immigrants, are feeling the effects. This week, Mayra Pineda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, pushes back against misinformation online and shares what she's hearing from area businesses and what the chamber is doing to support New Orleans' only growing community.

Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president Gary Torres joined WBJ editor Kirk Seminoff for the BizTalk with the Wichita Business Journal podcast on Oct. 21, 2025.

During Hispanic Heritage Month 2025, we draw inspiration from the leadership, accomplishments, legacies, and lived experiences of Latino individuals throughout the United States. This inspiration culminated in the creation of the Rooted Leadership initiative within the Latina Today podcast series, with the invaluable support of the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati In this Rooted Leadership interview, Lorena Mora-Mowy engages in a conversation with Alfonso Cornejo, the President of the Hispanic Chamber of Cincinnati USA, and Pam Rincones, the Executive Director of the Hispanic Chamber of Cincinnati USA. Alfonso Cornejo provides insights into the chamber's growth since its establishment on March 19, 1996, when it was known as the Ohio Tri-State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The chamber's nearly three-decade support of the Greater Cincinnati region has yielded valuable lessons in business, individual, and industry development. Cornejo underscores the chamber's commitment to leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural awareness through various events, programs, and services. Alfoso emphasizes the chamber's significant contributions to the community while advocating for the recognition of the substantial impact of Hispanic/Latinos on the region. Pam Rincones, the Executive Director of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who was recently appointed to the position, shares her vision for the chamber's role over the next five years. Additionally, she discusses the strategic partnerships she is planning to establish with for-profit and nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to expand opportunities and support economic development in Cincinnati.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes comedian Carlos Chamon and Hathaway Maranda Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement Great Plains SPCA. CARLOS CHAMON- Get ready to make a splash at the fourth annual Fountain City Comedy Festival.  A festival designed to highlight Kansas City's independent arts scene that promises waves of laughter! Taking place in the heart of Kansas City, this unique festival will feature 20 hilarious shows across 10 unique and independent venues throughout the Kansas City Metro area. 50 of the best comics from across the country will take over a different neighborhood each night with shows, happy hours, and after parties. Night 1 (18th & Vine) – Night 2 (Midtown) – Night 3 (West Bottoms) – Night 4 (Crossroads). Headliners Aaron Branch – Hailing from Kansas City, Aaron has made waves with his performances on Netflix's Unstable and Online with Kevin Langue and Aaron's unique brand of social media.  He returns home to headline The Gem Theater on Wed. 10/22 with the incredible RYAN DAVIS opening the show. Ahren Belisle – Breaking out on America's Got Talent and Kill Tony, Ahren Belisle is a mute comic who communicates to the crowd through his phone.  His quick wit and fast fingers make for an unforgettable show. Heather Shaw – Heather Shaw is a seasoned stand-up comic who has gained a large following on social media for her humor and uncanny resemblance to Jim Carrey. She's been featured on The Today Show and has worked with comics such as Mark Normand, Eric Andre, and Fortune Feimster. Eddie Pepitone – Eddie is a force of nature on stage, switching between social rage and self-doubt. His shows are an energetic combo of calm and chaos, blue-collar angst and sardonic enlightenment. He's been featured on Conan, Chappelle's Show, and more. Few comedians working today channel the power of the rant better than Eddie Pepitone. Kyle Ayers – Kyle Ayers is a comedian from Missouri currently based in Los Angeles who hosts the popular podcast and live show, Never Seen It, where comedians rewrite famous movies and TV shows they've never seen. You may have seen Ayers at his hit Edinburgh Fringe and Off-Broadway show HARD TO SAY about his Trigeminal Neuralgia diagnosis performing his stand-up on Conan. Chloe Radcliffe – Hailing from the Midwest and proud of it, standup and actor Chloe Radcliffe recently led the New York Times' list of recommended shows at the 2024 New York Comedy Festival. She was named one of Deadline's 15 Comedians Ready To Break Out In 2025, and one of Vulture's Comedians You Should And Will Know. Jay Jurden – Jay Jurden is a New York based comedian, writer and actor. Originally from Mississippi, Jay regularly performs comedy all over the country. He was recently a Staff Writer for Apple TV+'s  Emmy-nominated show, The Problem With Jon Stewart. Jay has performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon three times and has also been seen on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central Featuring, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and HBO's High Maintenance.   The Fountain City Comedy Festival aims to celebrate the vibrant independent comedy scene in Kansas City while bringing together top talent from around the nation to see the best parts of our city. Whether you're a comedy fan or looking for a fun night out, this festival has something for everyone. www.fountaincitycomedyfest.com/ HATHAWAY MARANDA, Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement Great Plains SPCA- Great Plains SPCA invites the community to honor cherished animal companions during a weeklong Día de los Muertos Pet Remembrance observance, beginning Monday, October 27, 7–9 PM, at Great Plains SPCA's Merriam Campus. In partnership with La Mega KC, Consulado de Mexico in Kansas City, MO, Dos Tequilas KC, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, Mattie Rhodes Center, and Guadalupe Center. The celebration will feature a beautifully curated altar where the public is welcome to add photos, toys, treats, and mementos honoring their beloved pets. The altar will remain open for visits throughout the week during Great Plains SPCA business hours. October 27 is recognized as Día de los Muertos for Pets, a tradition that began in 2019 when a Mexican animal funeral services company proposed the date to honor lost animal companions. Rooted in ancient indigenous beliefs that dogs guide souls through the afterlife, this modern practice celebrates the joy pets bring to our lives while providing comfort and healing to grieving pet families. How to Participate: • Create an ofrenda: Bring a photo, favorite toy, or treat to place on the community altar. • Add personal touches: Include items that represent your pet's unique personality. • Light a candle: Invite your pet's spirit to join you in remembrance. • Share stories: Speak about your pet's life and the memories you cherish. • Reflect: Take a moment to appreciate the unconditional love your pet gave. • Leave a gift: Donations to Great Plains SPCA will support lifesaving programs for pets and families in our community. “Pets are family, and honoring their memory in a meaningful, culturally rich tradition helps heal the heart,” said Tam Singer, CEO of Great Plains SPCA. “At Great Plains SPCA, we are proud to serve our community not just through adoptions and animal care, but by offering compassionate programs that connect people and pets in moments of both joy and remembrance.” This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own ofrenda items and to invite friends and family to share in this celebration of beloved pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge. Open hours for this event will mirror daily adoptions center operations, Tuesday – Sunday 11AM – 7PM. Great Plains SPCA is located at 5424 Antioch Dr. Merriam, KS www.greatplainsspca.org

In this episode, we sit down with Hector Velazquez Executive Director from the Sonoma County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to talk about the power of connection, cultural leadership, and economic opportunity. Learn how the Chamber supports Hispanic entrepreneurs, strengthens local partnerships, and builds a more inclusive business community in Sonoma County.

In this episode of Digging Deep by OKIE811, hosts M.G. Govia and Luis Rendon catch up on the last 90 days, big outreach wins, and what's ahead for the rest of the year. From the success of July's Hispanic Chamber job fair to building momentum for the upcoming Spanish Safety Day in October, they share how OKIE811 is connecting with communities across Oklahoma—both in English and Spanish.   Luis talks about his ride-along with USIC, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the locator's role, challenges in the field, and the importance of clear communication between contractors and locators. M.G. and Luis also discuss the ongoing development of OKIE811's new Learning Management System, training opportunities, and recent event highlights, including Virtual Safety Day and the ORWA Expo.   Whether you're an excavator, contractor, or safety professional, this episode is packed with updates, event announcements, and insight into how OKIE811 works to keep Oklahoma safe.  

Professional Summary Valeria Aloe is an award-winning author, speaker, and high-performance business coach who founded the Rising Together movement to help professionals unlearn limiting mindsets and build the clarity, confidence, and behaviors needed to reach their next level. Her signature work combines mindset transformation with applied behavior change to accelerate individual and team performance. valeriaaloe.com Born in Argentina, Valeria was the first in her family to graduate from college. She holds undergraduate degrees in Finance and Business Administration and later pursued graduate studies in the U.S., building a global career across corporate, nonprofit, and startup environments. Her corporate experience spans major organizations including Procter & Gamble, Citibank, Reckitt Benckiser, PwC and TIAA, and she has more than two decades of experience helping leaders and teams perform at scale. Episode Summary: In this deeply moving and insightful episode, Shannon Huffman Polson speaks with Valeria Aloe—author, spiritual scientist, and founder of the Rising Together Movement—about the invisible ancestral mindsets that shape our lives, leadership, and wellbeing. From her childhood in rural Argentina to Ivy League classrooms and corporate America, Valeria shares her powerful journey through burnout, healing, and spiritual awakening. Together, they explore how trauma is inherited, how to reverse internalized limitations, and why true leadership starts with self-awareness and micro-steps. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to live more fully, lead more authentically, and rise with others—especially first-generation professionals and allies. Episode Highlights: From Rural Argentina to Ivy League: Valeria's journey from a dusty town to Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business—and how she overcame fear, culture shock, and the pressure of being first-generation. The Burnout That Sparked a Movement: What led Valeria to collapse emotionally and physically in 2016, and how that turning point inspired her to reexamine everything she believed about success. Unpacking Ancestral Mindsets: How culturally inherited beliefs—about authority, sacrifice, success, and identity—impact professionals, especially in Latino communities, and how to begin healing them. From Trauma to Triumph: Why healing inherited trauma is essential, how colonization affects modern mindsets, and the science behind generational pain and potential. Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: The key difference—and how to overcome the inner voice that says “Don't bother them.” Spiritual Science in Leadership: Valeria's journey into spiritual studies and how embracing the identity of a soul having a human experience changed everything. Micro-Steps, Major Shifts: Why transformation doesn't require giant leaps—and how simple breathing exercises and mindset shifts can rewire your professional and personal life. Building Bridges: How to create unity in a polarized world, celebrate shared humanity, and foster meaningful connections across diverse identities.  Resources & Mentions: Valeria Aloe's Book: Unbeatable Latinas Rising Together Movement: www.valeriaaloe.com — Valeria's platform for empowering first-generation professionals and allies. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey – Where Valeria led entrepreneurship programs. Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth – Where Valeria earned her MBA. Studies on Epigenetics – Research on how trauma and resilience are passed across generations.  

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Navy Veteran Trinidad Aguirre, CEO and Co-Founder of VetsForever, a VA Accredited Law Group that supports veterans in obtaining disability ratings and discharge upgrades. We talk about the importance of finding support in accessing the benefits applications for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestTrinidad Aguirre, a 100% disabled U.S. Navy Gulf War veteran, has excelled in both military and civilian careers. He is known for his hands-on leadership style and emotional intelligence, which he uses to build high-performing, collaborative teams. Integrity and innovation are the cornerstones of his leadership philosophy, which prioritizes mentorship, continuous improvement, and community impact. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to providing top-tier legal services to the veteran community.He has held several executive board positions, including with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as National President of Verizon's ERG Hispanic Support Organization, and as President of the American Marketing Association DFW. In addition, he has been at the forefront of change in the marketing industry, pushing for a greater emphasis on integrating awareness and advanced data analysis to effectively engage the desired target audience.A transformational leader driven by a passion for veteran advocacy, Trinidad has built a distinguished career dedicated to enhancing veterans' lives through financial security, mental health awareness, and strategic business excellence. He co-founded VetsForever (VF LLC), a 100% disabled veteran-owned organization. He leverages his two decades of dynamic experience in sales, marketing, and operational leadership to empower veterans to navigate the complexities of the VA claims process.Trinidad has implemented a proven, viable process for how VA-accredited organizations should approach the VA disability system. His primary mission focuses on delivering results within months rather than years, helping to meet veterans' urgent need for validation and economic support. The expedited process creates a safe space for veterans to improve and maintain their mental wellness. Financial security, in turn, provides the stability needed to sustain mental health, reinforcing his mission to integrate economic support with holistic veteran care.Trinidad is deeply committed to serving the community through his extensive involvement with nonprofit organizations such as OneTribe, Carry The Load, and the Stephen A Cohen Family Clinic. These organizations all concentrate on veterans' mental health, and Trinidad tirelessly supports through various initiatives that advocate for veterans and provide them with essential resources.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeVetsForever Web SitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is PsychArmor course, 15 Things Veteran Service Officers Want You to Know. This course aims to provide education about the role of Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) to make it easier for Veterans and their loved ones to navigate the benefits and claims process. We hope this course will encourage Veterans to work with a VSO to file claims for benefits, prevent continued misinformation about Veteran benefits and VSOs, and help Veterans recognize the importance of accessing the benefits they earned. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/15-things-veterans-service-officers-want-you-to-know Episode Partner: This week's episode is brought to you by Humana, a leading health and well-being company that has joined forces with PsychArmor to develop campaigns and courses that support veterans and their families in achieving their best health. To learn more about how Humana honors and serves veterans visit healthequity.humana.com/veterans Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Interview with Pamela Rincones, First Executive Director of the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA (HCCUSA). In an interview with Lorena Mora-Mowry, Rincones discusses her feelings about being the first Executive Director of HCCUSA. She also shares her upbringing and how her leadership style aligns with the organization's values. Additionally, she discusses the factors that have inspired her to pursue this path. Rincones outlines her professional journey, highlighting her extensive leadership experience and a proven track record of empowering diverse communities through economic opportunity and innovation. She has worked in corporations, nonprofit organizations, and community sectors, and she emphasizes how her diverse experiences will be valuable in her new role to support HCCUSA's mission of assisting Hispanic businesses across the Greater Cincinnati region. Rincones expresses optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead for the Hispanic Chamber in the upcoming years. She concludes the interview by addressing the Hispanic/Latino community in the Greater Cincinnati area. “I am honored to join HCCUSA and to help build a stronger platform for Hispanic businesses and entrepreneurs across the region,” said Pam Rincones. “Together, we can amplify opportunities, create meaningful change, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community.” Pam stated Pam Rincones possesses extensive expertise in inclusive leadership and human capital strategy. With over three decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations, she has guided leaders through transformative initiatives to cultivate inclusive and high-performing cultures. A Track Record of Recognized Impact: As former Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Fifth Third Bank and current consultant with Pope Consulting and Blue Circle Leadership Institute, Pam has led nationally recognized programs that have elevated engagement, fostered innovation, and enhanced talent development. A Passion for Purpose-Driven Community Engagement: Recognized for her ability to build collaborative partnerships and champion underrepresented voices, Pam employs a visionary approach to unlocking the potential of individuals and teams alike.

Welcome back to the 78644 Podcast ! In this special Cinco De Mayo episode, the celebration of Cinco de Mayo is explored, focusing on Lockhart's vibrant community event. Peter Brown, a Professor of Anthropology, and Todd Blomerth, Historian & Author, explain the historical significance of Cinco De Mayo, the Battle of Puebla, and its cultural impact. The episode covers the history of Cinco De Mayo, local festivities, and also focuses on Lockhart's vibrant community celebration, local festivities, and the role of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in promoting cultural awareness and supporting local talent. Rob Ortiz, the current chairman of the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, joins the conversation to share his personal journey and leadership role within the organization. He talks about how the Cinco De Mayo festival has grown in Lockhart, showcasing local businesses, musical acts, and community involvement. His leadership has helped steer the chamber through tough times and into a period of growth and support for the community. The episode also features a song from Lucky Joe, performing his track "A.M.O." in the Local Tracks segment and highlights Chaparral Cantina, a new venue in Lockhart and the historical images that tie the celebration to the community's rich heritage.Guests in This Episode:Peter Brown & Todd Blomerth - Who provide historical context for Cinco De Mayo.Rob Ortiz - Chairman of the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, sharing insights into the festival and community impact.Lucky Joe - Lockhart Musician, performing his track "A.M.O."What's Inside:Peter Brown & Todd Blomerth explain the true historical meaning behind Cinco De Mayo and its celebration.The role of the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in organizing the Cinco De Mayo event.Insights into the food and music lineup for the upcoming Cinco De Mayo festivities.How the festival supports local artists, vendors, and small businesses.A performance by Lucky Joe, featuring his song "A.M.O."The significance of Chaparral Cantina in Lockhart's cultural sceneThe historical images that highlight Cinco De Mayo's deeper meaning.

Dr. Johnny Garcia is a distinguished entrepreneur and technology leader, celebrated for founding and leading multiple successful businesses, including SimIS Inc. Inspired by his humble beginnings on the cotton fields of Lubbock, Texas, and driven by a commitment to service, Dr. Garcia has become a prominent figure in modeling and simulation, as well as healthcare innovation. With degrees from Old Dominion University, St. Leo College, and Florida Institute of Technology, he has contributed significantly to various community service initiatives and serves on numerous boards, including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by Dr. Johnny Garcia, founder and CEO of SimIS Inc. Dr. Garcia shares his journey from growing up in poverty in Texas to becoming a successful entrepreneur and community leader. Bob and Johnny discuss his educational background, military service, and the various business ventures he has undertaken, including his work in modeling and simulation, cybersecurity, and medical simulation. They also delve into the importance of leadership, community involvement, and overcoming challenges in business. This insightful conversation highlights the key elements of leadership and perseverance that have driven Dr. Garcia's success. Learn about all of these and more nuggets of insight in this latest episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of Lifelong Learning: Johnny Garcia emphasizes continuous education and learning from experiences, suggesting that one can continuously evolve as a leader. Adapting Leadership Styles: Leadership methods must adapt to the changing workforce and environment, focusing on work harmony and employee satisfaction. Community Involvement: Active involvement in the community can provide significant business benefits and helps in personal and professional growth. Innovation and Adaptability: Success in business often involves adapting to failure and finding new opportunities, such as Garcia's movement from military simulation to healthcare and other verticals. Value of Military Service: Military experience can serve as an excellent foundation for leadership, discipline, and entrepreneurial ventures. QUOTES "You have to constantly be educating yourself. Lifelong learning is key." "In order to be successful in any business, you have to be audacious." "Happy employees do better work; it's about work harmony, not just work-life balance." "Where else in the entire world could I go from working in the cotton fields at 12 years old to what I'm doing today? Only in this great country." About Robert: Robert is a #1 Best Selling Author, Speaker, Award-Winning CEO, and above all, a Leadership Coach by heart. Join Robert and together you will lead with confidence, unify your team, and expand your comfort zone. Where to find Robert: Website - https://robertpizzini.com/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The biggest misconception about the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando? That it's only for Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs. President & CEO Pedro Turushina joins OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao to share why he and his team are supporting all businesses across the region, and at the same time offering support for their Hispanic members.

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Jaime di Paulo, CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber, joins Lisa Dent to discuss what the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is telling the undocumented Hispanic businesses in Illinois in case deportations happen.

In this episode, we sit down with Elisha González, Vice President of Community Relations and Government Affairs of FAIRWINDS Credit Union and Executive Director of the FAIRWINDS Foundation. You'll hear her inspiring story and journey from educator to banking executive while discovering practical insights on financial literacy and community development. Learn how the FAIRWINDS Foundation is breaking down barriers through its $400,000 investment in local organizations and financial education programs that reached over 200,000 people. Elisha also shares valuable perspectives on leadership, risk-taking, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs in underserved communities as chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando.

Nuevo en Latina Today Podcast series: Entrevista con Alfonso Cornejo, presidente Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati sobre los logros del 2024 y los planes para el 2025. Alfonso habla sobre el impacto económico, social y cultural que ha tenido en el área metropolitana de Cincinnati sus más de 100,000 habitantes de origen hispano. El mensaje de Alfonso es la unidad y cohesión para enfrentar los retos que se avecinan en el 2025.

MCALLEN, Texas - A former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico says chambers of commerce and the business community in general can help turn down ugly political rhetoric.Antonio Garza was asked if political rhetoric hampers trade negotiations and good trade policies. He was asked this question by Cynthia Sakulenzki, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, during a recent webinar that RGVHCC organized.“I'm kind of glad you asked that one, because I do think it gives me an opportunity to say something to the role that the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber can play, and other private sector (entities can play) as we prepare for the (USMCA) sunset review process - whether it initiates on day one of the new administration, or whether you have a more institutional process that allows for some time to think about it,” Garza said.“I think, typically, the rhetoric coming out of really all three countries (the United States, Mexico, and Canada), at times acts as a headwind. That outsized rhetoric makes it hard for people to sit at the table and work towards solutions and the ability for the private sector to help shape the debate, drive the debate, inform the debate is very good.”Garza said he is of the view that the notion of political leadership is almost an oxymoron."You get more leadership out of the private sector. And office holders, if they know that the private sector is active and engaged, are more likely to listen and more likely to be responsive. So, it can create kind of a virtuous thing, but I think it has to be driven by the private sector,” Garza said.“Without the private sector involvement, the political rhetoric tends to be kind of loud, not as well informed, and acts as a headwind to actually getting good and constructive things done.”Garza noted that while the question from Sakulenzki was asked in relation to trade matters between the United States and Mexico, it could just as easily apply to immigration policy.“Immediately, the political class injects kind of a level of rhetorical excess that makes it hard, because people are locked down and take positions before you get into the nuances of, what does reform mean? What do we need in terms of our economy? what do we need in terms of our security? What do we need? And you don't have those conversations if the rhetoric gets too loud and the private sector isn't at the table saying, turn down the volume. Let's try to get something done. “So, I do think chambers and individual businesspeople play an enormous role in offsetting or at least muting some of the potential harm that outside rhetoric can cause.” The webinar took place just before the U.S. presidential election.Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

The Moneywise Radio Show and Podcast Friday, November 1st  BE MONEYWISE. Moneywise Wealth Management I "The Moneywise Guys" podcast call: 661-847-1000 text in anytime: 661-396-1000 website: www.MoneywiseGuys.com facebook: Moneywise_Wealth_Management instagram: MoneywiseWealthManagement Guest: Jay Tamsi, CEO of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce website: https://kchcc.org/   

Armando Contreras is the National president and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy Inc. The organization has 55 affiliates, 53 of which are here in the United States and two are in Canada. Armando grew up in East Los Angeles and then attended college at the University of Southern California where he obtained a degree in Business Administration. Later he secured a Master's degree in Divinity from the University of San Francisco.   Armando has worked both in the for profit world as well as for and with several nonprofit organizations. He tells us about all his life adventures including being a cancer survivor now for ten years.   Mr. Contreras and I have a great discussion about his vision for UCP which this year is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Along the way, UCP expanded services beyond just working with persons with Cerebral Palsy. As he explains, the same kinds of services required by people with CP also apply to persons with Downs and Autism.   I hope what Armando discusses with me inspires you as much as it did me. Please let me know what you think.     About the Guest:   Armando A. Contreras is the President and CEO of the Washington, D.C. and Vienna, Virginia-based United Cerebral Palsy Inc., one of the nation's leading health associations providing vital services and advocating for the inclusion of people living with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome via its 55 affiliates (53 in the U.S. and two in Canada).   A native of Los Angeles, Armando's professional career includes having served as CEO of UCP of Central Arizona, President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AZHCC), Director of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, and Executive Director of the Council on Small Business under former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano.   He was featured in Activator Magazine's March 2021 issue (“A Servant Leader's Faithful Journey”). In November 2016, Arizona Business Magazine recognized him as a top CEO in the nonprofit health sector. In 2015, Armando was named one of the most Influential Minority Business Leaders in Arizona. He was also the featured CEO in the December 2013 issue of Arizona Business Magazine, and the Phoenix Business Journal awarded him a Champions in Diversity award in 2012. Armando was a special guest on The Hill newspaper's virtual Disability Summit, featuring policymakers, business and nonprofit leaders discussing ways to increase employment across the disability community.   Armando attended the Harvard School of Business Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program. In May 2001, he was honored to meet with President George W. Bush to discuss faith-based and community initiatives during a White House gathering on the topic.   Today, Armando serves on the Board of SourceAmerica. He is a former member of the Bishop's Finance Committee of the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, and he recently completed a term serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Kino Border Initiative, a binational organization that promotes U.S.-Mexico border and immigration policies that affirm the dignity of the human person.   Armando earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in theology from the University of San Francisco. He also received certificates from the Indiana University School of Philanthropy and Harvard University.   He and his wife, Norma Contreras, live in Phoenix, where they are active in the community, particularly contributing their time and talents to faith-based social justice issues. The couple has three adult children and a grandson with another grandson on the way.       About the Host:   Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/   https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!   Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast   If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset .   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review   Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.       Transcription Notes:   Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:21 Welcome to another edition of unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet, and I won't go through all that again, it's inclusion because that means we include disabilities. Diversity typically doesn't, but the unexpected is what we get to deal with a lot as well. It's all fun, and we're glad that you're able to be here with us, wherever you happen to be. Our guest today is Armando Contreras, who is the president of United Cerebral Palsy, Inc, and I'm really anxious to hear more about that keeps keeps him, and I think a lot of us busy, and there's a lot of good stories and very relevant things to talk about regarding that. So let's get to it, Armando, I want to thank you and really appreciate you being here. Michael,   Armando Contreras ** 02:06 it's such a pleasure, and really it's an honor that I can be here on your show. So thank you for the kind invitation. Well, you   Michael Hingson ** 02:15 are. You're certainly most welcome, and Armando is one of those people who came to us again because of Sheldon Lewis here at accessibe, and he's he's keeping us busy, which is a good thing, and he's probably working on getting Armando to use accessibe, unless you already are with UCP. I haven't checked the website lately. Well, we   Armando Contreras ** 02:33 have. So we've already put in that, I believe, a plugin, and some of our affiliates are actually using accessibe as well,   Michael Hingson ** 02:43 which is cool, and it does a lot to help, which is, of course, what it's all about. Because accessibe, using AI, is able to do a lot of the work with the AI widget, not all, but a lot that needs to be done. So it's really great that you guys are using it, and I appreciate that and thank you for it, or on behalf of all of us at accessibe, yeah,   Armando Contreras ** 03:04 you're welcome. Well,   Michael Hingson ** 03:06 why don't we start as I love to do at the beginning? Why don't tell us a little bit about kind of the early Armando growing up and all that sort of stuff? Yes, so might as well,   Armando Contreras ** 03:18 yeah, the early Armando, growing up, was in East Los Angeles, in East LA so my father had a disability for most of his life. He had a he was in a car accident, and the doctors had said he would never work again. And right about that time when he had that car accident. I was born. I was the first, the oldest of three and my brother Louis and my sister Elizabeth. So life really changed for him, because he was middle class entrepreneur in Mexico, while he was American citizen. Then when he married my mom, then they moved over to Los Angeles, and eventually East Los Angeles, and that's where I grew up. I grew up pretty much in, you can say, in poverty. And while we were in a neighborhood called in Barrio, it's just a neighborhood of of, really, for the most part, a lot of good people. Our neighbors were fantastic, and we knew each other. So that was kind of like the beginning of many years of really, you know, experiencing disabilities with my dad and seeing what he had gone through. And it was a it was a tough, really. It was a tough. It was tough growing up, let me put it to you that way, for for many reasons. So then later, I got involved with the Catholic Church, Saint Lucy. Catholic Church in Los Angeles or a small town called City terrace, and that kind of that really changed a lot for me, as far as getting involved with community issues, getting involved in helping people, getting involved in connecting with the kind of the local issues that were happening in the city of Los Angeles, because those priests, those Catholic priests, were very involved in that, in ministries, and they went outside of the ministries to help community members, regardless if they were Catholic or not, what. And prior to that, I got involved as a musician. So I was a trumpet player, and I played trumpet at St Lucy's church for about 23 years. But then that that did something, something of sort of a miracle for me, because when I applied after going to a junior college in Los Angeles College, and then I applied to a dream university, USC, so the University of Southern California, and I think one of the big reasons that I got in was because of my community involvement, so that that led to a full scholarship, and that was quite the blessing for me, because there was no way that that we can afford me going to a private university. So, you know, that's kind of like, in the nutshell, my my upbringing, otherwise I would be here three days, you know,   Michael Hingson ** 06:30 yeah, what year? What years were you at USC,   Armando Contreras ** 06:34 I was there. I was there in 8085 through 87 ish, around that time? Yeah, around that that time? Yeah, I graduated in 87   Michael Hingson ** 06:46 that's that's much beyond my favorite USC football game, which was, how was it? I think Notre Dame was leading SC 24 to nothing at the end of the first half. You know, the game, I can tell by the end, it was 55 to 24 USC, which is the way it should be.   Armando Contreras ** 07:07 You know, SC had his great moments, and sc has had their challenging moments. Has Yeah. So, you know, last year, it could have been a better year for us. But, you know, we look to the future. And like I always say, don't fight on. So fight on   Michael Hingson ** 07:23 is right. My wife did her graduate work at SC I've never been to a football game there or anywhere, and one of these days, I'd love to go, but she just passed away in November of 2022 we were married for 40 years, but I've already been an SC fan before I married her, and one of my favorite SC stories is that the day we got married, we arrived at the church, and it was supposed to be a wedding that would pack the church. A lot of people wanted to come and see us get together, but the wedding was supposed to start at four o'clock, and like the church was less than half full on about 412 suddenly the doors opened, and this whole crowd came in, and the wedding went forward, only about 15 minutes late. Later, we tried to find out what it was that kept people away for so long. And what we heard was everyone was in their cars waiting for the end of the USC Notre Dame game. And since SC one, it was that God clearly was on our side.   Armando Contreras ** 08:25 I love that. Yeah, it's a great story. And my my sister, condolences for loss.   Michael Hingson ** 08:31 Well, thank you. You know she her body was just slowing down. She was in a wheelchair her whole life, and just in 2022, things were kind of catching up. And as I say, the spirit tends to move ahead of the body sometimes, and that's what happened. But she's watching somewhere, and if I misbehave, I'll hear about it. I'm not at all worried I'm going to try to be a good kid. But that's great that she did go to USC, and you said something else. I think that's really interesting to me, and that is that where you grew up, people were very nice and very friendly. And I think that is so often true, and a lot of times people stray into some of these areas and they think it's going to be horrible, and they they look for the worst, and they find it because they're not looking for the best. They're not looking to try to find friendly people and and it's so unfortunate that too many, too many times, we don't really look for the best in people. And unfortunately, then it comes out.   Armando Contreras ** 09:34 Well, you know, I I could only say great things about East LA and the barrio that I, that I grew up in, were there elements in there? Of course, sure you were, we were about a block away from from the gang activity, and you just had a choice, right? And thanks to my parents that were super strict, they didn't, they didn't allow me to make those kind of choices when I was younger. You know. To join the gangs, but that element was in front of you, you know, and some of them, some of the folks I still know today, some of them that were in gangs and stuff, now they've settled down. They have families, but I just have to say that there was a sense of community there where I grew up, even, even, or despite the elements that were around us. So yes, do I hear the negativity when they somebody mentions East Los Angeles? Yes, but I could, I have to say that even though we grew up in poverty and even though there was a lot of challenges for us as a family, I I really cherish the neighbors that were there. When I remember that the kind of those gatherings, we had nothing. So there was no we played, you know, with just a regular basketball or something. There was no communication via a cell phone or anything like that. Yeah. So, you know, I have only good things to say. And part of my upbringing there today, I realized that wow, I was I was working on a strategic plan without even knowing what a strategic plan was back in the day. Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 11:17 Do you think that today it's harder, or there's more of that kind of activity, or is it just that people are now having their attention drawn more to it, and again, still, I think all too often deal with it in such a negative way. But do you think it's worse than it was?   Armando Contreras ** 11:36 I mean, if we're talking about, if we're talking about gang activity. I mean that still, I think, is just as prominent that today, unfortunately, than what it was this as it was back. You know, when I grew up in the night, in the 60s, I believe that leaders, community leaders, our representatives, really have to invest into communities, invest in education, invest in in jobs, right? Because people, naturally, some of them, will start looking for a way of making a living, and they may choose a different route. In addition to that, gangs and they become a family. So, you know, parents do need to, you know, also be aware of what their kids are doing, and support them and and nurture them and show them love, right? And because, if you really get to the bottom of it, and you start speaking to a gang member, she or he, there's underlining problems, and maybe comes from family. You know, there could be so many things that are happening, but I truly have a vision that that someday there's going to be more funds invested into communities like East Los Angeles, because a lot of great people come out of there, and I'm not talking about myself, but there's just a lot of good people, good hearted people, that really like to help their neighbor and others. When   Michael Hingson ** 13:10 I was selling in New York, when still living in California, and would go back and spend days at a time, I stayed at a particular hotel in midtown Manhattan, Near Time Square, and if I went out at night, every so often, somebody would come up and he would say, I'm one of the guardian angels. You're familiar with them? Yes. And he said, I'm with guardian angels. I want to walk with you. And I said, you know, you don't need to. And he said, I want to. And I didn't mind, but what I always felt and and experienced was if I treated people right, if I treated people like people, if I was I was treated like someone, and I didn't really need to fear any of the other kinds of things. Now, I'm sure there were crazies around, but in general, I really do think that if we would be a little bit more open to just accepting and not fear so much those things that we don't understand, or those kinds of communities that we're not as knowledgeable about, and I'm not so much thinking of the gangs, but just all the other communities, like East LA and watts and so on, we would be a whole lot better off, and we would learn to get along with people better.   Armando Contreras ** 14:31 I totally agree with that. I think it's building relationships, right, and getting to help and getting to know, you know, folks from different ethnicities, people with different abilities, right? It all comes together. Here is that, knowing them, respecting them, listening for understanding, and then building a friendship, right? And collaborating together. Um. For the betterment of humanity. That's what I believe, where it's at, and everybody has an opportunity to do that.   Michael Hingson ** 15:08 Yeah, and I just think that we, we, we somehow also need to get the politics out of providing the funds. And I don't know, it's just people have locked themselves into some very hard political decisions sometimes that that don't help the process at all.   Armando Contreras ** 15:26 Yeah? Michael, so yes, yes. Part of it is yes, taking out the politics, but the other part of it is bringing in the politics right? Is letting our our representatives, our public officials, and on the local level, on the municipality level, state level, on the federal level, to bring them in and know what the issues are, because we're all part of the fabric of society. Yeah, all somehow we do give, and we do contribute, and I don't, I don't care what ethnicity, what religion you are, if you if you have a disability, if you don't have a disability, we're all part of the society, and I believe that our representatives really need to know that and how we contribute in a very big way.   Michael Hingson ** 16:16 I think the biggest part is they need to be open to listening to hear that some do, some don't. And I am a firm believer in the fact that over time, all the issues that we need to deal with will get dealt with.   Armando Contreras ** 16:30 I believe so too, and I think those that those that don't listen to communities, for whatever reason it is that eventually somebody in their family or them may end up in that situation themselves, and then, you know, they'll begin to have that lived experience. But while they've had a chance to make a difference, and if they ignore it, then there was a window of opportunity for them to do something.   Michael Hingson ** 17:01 Yeah, well, and, and if they choose to ignore that again, I believe that things will will happen to deal with that, whatever it is, and hopefully it it doesn't a negative, horrible thing that has to happen to make them realize it. But I think in some cases, that has been what has occurred. But I have a lot of faith in the human race. Yes, so do I. Well, so you, what was your degree in from USC?   Armando Contreras ** 17:29 It was in business administration.   Michael Hingson ** 17:32 Ah. And did you go to any football games?   Armando Contreras ** 17:35 I did, yeah, good   Michael Hingson ** 17:36 for you. My wife did too. Yeah.   Armando Contreras ** 17:38 And, and most recently, most recently, I've gone to the last two USC UCLA games. So last year, it was great. It was fantastic. We were at the Rose Bowl at, you know, in UCLA territory this year, not so good. We were so good, not so good. We were at home at the Coliseum. And, you know, it didn't, it didn't work at a while, but it was a fun game. I   Michael Hingson ** 18:04 don't know, what do you think of the coach?   Armando Contreras ** 18:07 Um, I think that he's good, and I think that he will continue to be successful this year, this next year. I think it will be better this year. Yeah, I think so. And they got this young, this young man that showed up at the at the bowl game. I'm trying to remember Miller. I think it was Miller, and it was his name, and he showed up. He was a he, he did a fantastic job. And I do see a great future for him at USC and perhaps in in the in the NFL.   Michael Hingson ** 18:40 Well, it'll be fun. I know they got a new defensive coordinator and that they needed, so we'll, we'll see how it goes. But we won't bore everyone with football and our likes, but it's nevertheless, it's part of the world. So there you go, but then you went on to the University of San Francisco, right?   Armando Contreras ** 19:01 I did. So that was a few years later, and I graduated, I believe, in 2004 and I it was, it was something that drew me, and it was an opportunity for me to get a degree in Theology at a Jesuit university. So at that time, I was working for a faith based Catholic organization, a national organization called the National Catholic council for Hispanic ministry. And what we looked at overall in the United States were the issues of upper mobility for Hispanic Catholics for immigrants, or for our sisters and brothers that are immigrants, the issues that are happening with Hispanic families, education was a huge thing. You know, how do we how do we move, you know, our children that from, you know, grammar school to. Catholic high schools and perhaps Catholic universities were, yeah, unfortunate. Unfortunately, I have to say, is that there's not a whole lot of access, and we're the backbone of the Catholic Church, right? Because it's so expensive. So those were the things that that we were part of, and one of the opportunities that came about was attending the University of San Francisco and and I received, you know, I earned a degree in theology, master's degree, yes,   Michael Hingson ** 20:32 well, let's go back a little bit. So you graduated from SC then what did you do?   Armando Contreras ** 20:37 Well, then I had several jobs after that. I worked for a nonprofit in Los Angeles that helped people get jobs. And then after that, I believe, I went into a construction company as a contract administrator. I was here for maybe a year and a half or so, and then I went on for whatever reason I was interested in real estate. So then I worked for a corporation that did mortgage loans. And in that I met a gentleman who had his own real estate company, and then we decided to start our own real estate company. So I did that for about seven, seven years, and then I I got hired to work with this nonprofit, the National Catholic council that I just mentioned a little bit ago. I was there for about 10 and a half years. So I had I had a chance to travel around the nation and to meet with Hispanic Catholic leaders, lay leaders. I got to meet with religious orders of men and women from Jesuits, Franciscans, many other different orders. So it was, it was really a insightful time for me in those 10 and a half years about our church. And then after that, we moved from Los Angeles to Phoenix. And shortly after that, I got hired. Let's see here. I'm trying to remember the I got hired by governor Janet Napolitano, but I was her small business advocate, and in about 11 months, I moved into being a deputy director of a one of her departments, the Arizona register of contractors, and soon after that, I was on her cabinet. So I was honored to serve under Janet Napolitano when she moved to Washington, DC, because President Barack Obama appointed her as Secretary of Homeland Security. Then I moved on to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, here Arizona, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. And then about a year later, then that's where I had folks come to me and said, there's an organization here that is the United Cerebral Palsy association of central Arizona. And I said, Well, I'm going to maybe put the word out and see who might be interested in that position, which was a CEO position. And then they said, No, we're looking for somebody like you. So to make a long story short, I got hired. And that was really a beginning of of a lot of things. I got hired not because I had the clinical background, or the researcher background, or that I had been involved with disabilities. I got hired so then I can take take that organization to another level, where they wanted to increase the revenues, they wanted to increase their brand awareness. They wanted to make sure that we had stronger collaborations in the community in Arizona, in in Phoenix, and that's why I got hired, to make sure that we enhance that to benefit the children and adults that we were serving.   Michael Hingson ** 24:05 Well. So what do you think about the differences since you've been in a position to have done both working in the for profit corporate kind of world, as opposed to working in the the nonprofit sector? That's,   Armando Contreras ** 24:21 that's Michael. That's a really interesting question, because there are similarities,   Michael Hingson ** 24:27 I know, and I've done the same thing. I've worked for both as well. Well,   Armando Contreras ** 24:31 look, you know, I'm working for a nonprofit, and those that are going to be listening to this, that are CEOs are working in development for both for profits and nonprofits. There's not a whole there's not a big difference there. Because we strive to be sustainable, like a for profit. We strive to look at years to come, because we want to be around and help people in the next 1015, 75, Years which we we're celebrating this year, our 75th anniversary. So part of our responsibility as a leader, as a president and CEO, is really looking beyond the years that you're going to be there. You can, you can serve for one year, 10 years, 20 years, 30 years. But really the i i truly believe that the test is, once you leave, will that organization continue to survive because of what you put together? So to answer your question, a lot of similarities between a for profit and a non profit. However, at the end of the day, the mission for us is to not make a profit, but to be sustainable so we can continue our life saving work   Michael Hingson ** 25:49 and for not, not for profits. Nonprofits generally tend to work more in an arena where they're trying to make a social difference. And although they're they're still selling products. The products are different. They're oftentimes less tangible, although a lot of the services that that they provide, like UCB, UCP provides and so on, end up being very tangible, but still there's there's an intangibility, but still, I agree with you that the reality is that they're very similar. Development is extremely similar to what a for profit company does. And in reality, when you're in development, you're in sales, and when you're in sales, you're in development, it's just that people have come up with two words for the same thing, but they're so similar in what you ultimately are trying to get from them, and ultimately, how you present to people who you want to be your customers or your donors, is so much the same as well.   Armando Contreras ** 27:00 Yeah, I agree with you, Michael, so in development, because I also have a background in fundraising, it's aligning with the folks that have the same vision and that would want to contribute for an impact that's happening in society. So with United Cerebral Palsy and our affiliates are providing direct services to children and adults with cerebral palsy and many other conditions. So there are people that are very, very generous, but I have to say that in the world of philanthropy now, donors are becoming a lot more informed, and they want to make sure that the dollar that they're going to donate, that it's going to go a long way. Yeah, so obviously they're looking at at administrative costs versus your program program costs, right? And that's a good thing. I encourage the philanthropic community to do that, to do their research and to pick those nonprofits in the United States or maybe around the world that are really making a huge impact. Michael, we we serve 100 and approximately 155,000 children and adults on an annual basis, and this is our affiliates that are working day in and day out to provide those services, vital services, life saving services, and services that maybe other organizations don't or people don't want to do. So those are the things that that people that are going to invest their return is really what's happening in the lives of 1000s and hundreds of 1000s of people. Many,   Michael Hingson ** 28:45 many years ago, I remember watching a little bit of a telethon. It was actually on Channel 13 out here, kcop, and it was back in what had to be the early to mid 80s, I think, and it was a telethon put on by the Society for the Prevention of blindness, which I don't even know whether they're around anymore, but at the end of the telethon, they had raised, I think, like $200,000 it was a local, Just independent television station doing it. But what we learned was that 95% of the cost of the telethon went to pay for it, and that the organization only ended up with about 5% of that $200,000 which is, of course, a real problem.   Armando Contreras ** 29:39 It is so like I mentioned before, is that today you're having more informed donors, right, that are looking at that ratio, right? Yeah, how much of their dollar is going to go to actual services, right? Versus cost for putting on a. For putting like you mentioned, a telethon today, there's not a whole lot of telethons going on. Have a million channels, but back in the day, I remember the channels 13, 574, and maybe 11 nine. Yeah, 11 nine. So there was a few more today. What do you have? 234, 100, and then more and all of that. There's other ways that I certainly believe that that can be as impactful and less expensive than the telethons. But sure, you bring up a really good point, is that if you're going to, if you're a donor, if you're a philanthropist, if you really want to have your money change people's lives, they have to do some homework. Yeah, they have to look at that nonprofit and to make sure that 90% of your dollars not going into it, and 90% is not going into it, administrative expenses. It   Michael Hingson ** 30:55 may well be that that 90% works or maybe a little bit less. You're spending a little bit more money on administration, if you can justify it, to say, but look out of that we are able to reach more people and thus get more money. But I do think it's, it's a it's a tight rope.   Armando Contreras ** 31:20 Yeah, I definitely agree with that, that you have to be strategic when you're out fundraising and your your case statement really has to be where it's so compelling that and then showing the data and and and bringing children and adults to tell their story, right of how their lives have been changed. Those are the storytelling is really part, one part, or a major part, of development and fundraising.   Michael Hingson ** 31:56 Well, tell us a little bit about UCP, the history and so on, if you would to inform more people about it.   Armando Contreras ** 32:02 Well, one, you know, I'm, I'm so excited to share with everybody that we're celebrating our 75th anniversary, right? Uh, 75 years of providing vital services, right? 75 years of having our direct service professionals, the folks that are working at home, under the home community based services. We have we have pre Ks, the different therapies that are out there. We have group homes, we have transportation, we have employment. There's so many things that we're bringing to the community. But it started in 1949 right? It started with concerned citizens and concerned parents, that they felt that in that time, which was a totally different world for people with disabilities, that they felt that something more had to happen, that no more can society or the doctors or people in authority can say, would your kids have to go to an institution no matter if they had Down syndrome? Well, maybe autism wasn't. Were so prevalent back then, maybe not as prevalent, but cerebral palsy, spinal bifid, all of that that their kids suddenly were taken away from their home.   Michael Hingson ** 33:22 Well, my parents were told by our doctors that they should send me to a home when it was discovered I was blind, and my parents rejected that, which was very fortunate, but   Armando Contreras ** 33:32 yeah, and good for your parents. And that's how it started, right? I think, I think a lot of nonprofits started in that way, but back in 1949 that's when a group of parents got together and said, we have to do something more right. Then today, we've evolved where we're in the disability world, there's greater access than there was before, there's more inclusion than there was before, right? We're trying at least that used because UCP national and our affiliates, we're trying to help people be more independent, if it's through legislation, research, therapies, everything that we're trying to do. And we're very we're very centric to those issues that are out there, and we're trying to make a huge difference. So what I'm looking at is, I'm looking at another 75 years and that United Cerebral Palsy. One we're trying to in here. Four goals. One is brand awareness. Also let folks know about our 75th year anniversary. But one of the bigger things Michael that is the challenge for us is that United Cerebral Palsy serves children and adults with cerebral palsy and other conditions, so we're trying to bring that message out. And figuring out, how can we let the community know that if your child has Down syndrome autism, that we are there providing vital services for for them as well. The next goal is development, or what we just spoke about, connecting with the philanthropic community, because we, while a lot of our affiliates rely on government funding and reimbursement, I believe that there's another level that we have to engage with, and that's the philanthropic community right. There are millions and millions of dollars. Michael, I go to this to a an event called the heckling event in Orlando, I've been going there for now five years, and those professionals that are working with Planned Giving, some of them will come to me and say that their clients don't know where to give their money to. That's why we're present there, and that's why other profits are there too, as well. Is that we need to educate the community that that you can actually invest in something that's going to bring back this return of investment, but more of a humanity return, and something that's going to be great for society. The other goal that we have is advocacy. So we're known throughout the federal government, the Biden administration, as well as the Trump administration community, communicated with us, especially during COVID So we had communications with the White House. We still do. We're engaged at the Congress and Senate level with various representatives and senators to make sure that they create legislation that's going to be beneficial for our for the for the disability community, and that we don't ever go back to the institutions that that would be their only option. Unfortunately, Michael, today, there's still institutions that exist, not as many as before, but there's still institution the last goal we have is to grow our footprint, not only nationally, but but internationally. So we're having discussions locally, in places that were not present, to grow our footprint, to see how we can collaborate. We're also having, I'm having conversations with people on the global level, like the International cerebral palsy society, like aacpdm, the Academy for cerebral palsy. I've been invited twice, once, well, I got invited last year to the International Congress on cerebral palsy in Mexico City, I got invited again. I was their president, and I gave a speech. And I got invited again this year, in March, I'll be in medida Yucatan at an international congress again, and that brings a lot of awareness for us, brand awareness, and the main thing is really collaboration. So I kind of touched upon some of the some of the goals, Michael, and some of the things that important things and vital things that our affiliates are doing. So if there's, if there's something else that you want me to elaborate, I'd be glad, more than glad to do. So how are   Michael Hingson ** 38:19 you working toward creating more and better brand awareness to the general population?   Armando Contreras ** 38:27 Well, one of the things that we're doing, given that we have this window of opportunity that we're celebrating our 75th year, and that begins in that started in February, and we'll go all the way through January 31 is that one, we have a lot of partners out there that are doing things like you're doing access to be right, that invited me on this program. And that's one of the beautiful things that in social media, it's not it's not very expensive for us to be out there. So we're using the media vehicles such as LinkedIn, Facebook and the others that are out there. And we're also using YouTube to spread the message out there. So we're we're also sharing the stories of our affiliates and their accomplishments and the people that are being served, the parents and their children, so they can share those great stories that sometimes are miracle stories because of the people that are serving them and providing quality services, care and love. So that's one vehicle. The other one is that I I was on 26 I traveled to 26 locations last year, so I'm also providing that message out there. And then within our affiliate network, they're also doing marketing, and they're doing. Brand awareness as well. So it's a whole it's really this whole core nation that we want, not only the nation, no, but globally. Let the people know who is you at UCP and United Cerebral Palsy,   Michael Hingson ** 40:16 what caused UCP to add in as part of the services that are provided, services for people with downs and autism, as opposed to just UCP   Armando Contreras ** 40:32 or UCP. Yeah, so if I go back to when I was at the local United Cerebral Palsy the UC central Arizona. It just happened to be that the programs, the same programs that were provided for children and adults with cerebral palsy, also were beneficial to other conditions. I'm not a researcher, but when there's a breakthrough in cerebral palsy or in autism or in a different condition, they try to see if that same breakthrough will help people with different conditions. What we do know is that the therapies that are being offered to children and adults with cerebral palsy, those same types of therapies are also impactful to other conditions. So what was happening is that, then parents started to to, I guess, the word went out, and what we have across the board in the United States is that we have a high percentage of non cerebral palsy clients, or we'll call them family members, that are are getting services because that's much needed. One Michael is like respite, like respite care. You know any, any family can use that rest, that respite care, no matter what the condition is. So if you're offering that, then you can offer it to the disability community, a broad range of of people that have various conditions,   Michael Hingson ** 42:13 which makes perfect sense, because a lot of the care that needs to be provided is very similar. Well, or is the same? Yes, well, you know, you, I understand, had a an involvement with cancer, and you survived that. How has that affected you and in your attitude? Because, clearly, you're a very sensitive person and very much involved in community and family and helping people. But what, what was the whole situation with you in cancer?   Armando Contreras ** 42:42 You know, I think it's that. I think that's, it's the experience that all people go through when they first hear that you have cancer, right? First thought is, are you going to survive? You know, the first, first thing that comes to you is that it's, it's terminal, right? You're not going to get through it. You know this when you hear news like that, and you know, maybe it's the same as parents hearing that their child has cerebral palsy or disability, you know, you just, you just, it's a scary moment. It's a scary time. So what? Yeah, it was a difficult time for me and for my family, especially, I think my family knowing that I had transitional carcinoma, high grade, and it was a it was a tumor in my bladder that was nine and a half centimeters. I haven't really talked about it a lot, but it's been 10 years. So February, when I had seen that as a suggestion, like you want to talk about that, my first thought was, No, I think I'm going to skip it. But a few seconds later, I said, maybe it's time for me to share with the community, because it's been 10 years since I was diagnosed so and I'll try to make this short, I got diagnosed huge tumor. They had asked me if I wanted that tumor to be taken out, otherwise I could die. And I said, of course. So they took out the tumor. I had a brilliant surgeon that did that. And then after that, they basically said to me that if I don't, if I don't do radical surgery, taking out my bladder, taking out some lymph nodes, my prostate, that I wouldn't live very long, that I had really, like a 35% chance or less to live. So I had said that I wanted to put a pause on this rush, and that perhaps there's an option out there, perhaps there was another way, because I knew that billions of dollars have been raised for cancer. And maybe because this is a whole new journey for me, that the cure was somewhere out there. Well, after going to five different doctors for second opinions, they all said the same to me, that I only had one choice, and that choice radical surgery. And even after that, even after that, I was still I was confused, I was scared, but I was still. There was a pause that I felt that maybe there was something out there. So thanks to my sister, she really saved my life. She connected me with the scientists that she was researching, and that scientist said, you know, I only, I've only done lab studies on this particular oil called frankincense oil. I haven't done any clinical studies, and today, Michael, there's still no clinical studies on frankincense oil. So I started doing that three months after they they took the tumor out. I had 20 more tumors come back in my bladder. But they were small. They were lesions. So I just asked them to scrape, scrape them. The doctors were furious with me. I get it. I mean, that was, that was a protocol. I totally get it, you know. But something, people say that I had a lot of courage. I'm not sure if it was, like just something, it could have been something was telling you. I mean, I definitely there was a lot of prayer during that time. Yeah, a lot of prayer happening at that time. I just couldn't see myself dying, and I didn't want that to happen. So just to kind of, like, kind of close on this is that when those 20 tumors came back, they scraped them. They were supposed to be a lot more coming back, or it was going to invade my body. Three months later, I had nothing, absolutely nothing. Three months after that, I had six lesions come back, and that was March of 2015, so it's been nine years since the last reoccurrence. It's been 10 years since I was diagnosed, and I get checked very often. Once a year in the beginning, I would go in and get checked every three months. So it's been quite the miracle. But I have to say, this is that one I changed. I had changed my diet at the time for about four and a half years, I was strictly doing a lot of juicing, no sugar, a lot of prayer, a lot of family love, a lot of support. I did the frankincense oil. So I think in a comprehensive way, that helped me, and that gave me another option. And I'm very grateful for that, and I'm very grateful that every day I wake up and I say to God, thank you for sparing me. But on the advocacy side, Michael, I just didn't leave it there. I've had conversations with with the with the University of Arizona, with the Arizona State University, with Cancer Centers of America, with St Joseph's Hospital, with my alma mater, USC, and the last conversation I had was with Georgetown University, and these were top CEOs. And I was sharing my documentation, because I have it all there. But sadly, I have to say that they're not interested. They're not interested in a cure, and I'll continue to pursue it when the opportunity continues on, but it's only my story, and I didn't want to leave it where. Well, Lord, thank you so much. You know it never came back, so thank you. No, I have a responsibility to figure out some ways, somehow, that my my story, can turn into a clinical study, and that someday, and maybe not in my my time, that there's going to be an option for millions of people that will contract cancers. So that's my story in a nutshell. Thank you for asking.   Michael Hingson ** 49:04 So what did the frankincense oil actually do? I assume that you feel it was a very significant part of your ability to deal with it.   Armando Contreras ** 49:12 Yeah, it's a good question, because medically, I can't tell you, because we haven't done right? Yeah, we haven't done clinical studies. And I've been, I've been asking these universities and these hospitals and these cancer firms, you know that are out there, and said, Why don't we do the clinical studies so you can so you can see exactly what it did. I can't tell you that what it did. The only thing I can tell you is that is that as they, as they as they took samples of the cancerous tumors. So you had the big tumor, and then the 20 small tumors, and then you had the six lesions that, according to the scientists, dr, dr Lynn, HK Lynn, what he did see is that the cancer cells were becoming less aggressive. And at the end, some of the cancer cells actually turn into good cells. Now, you know, people can believe that or not. I'm I'm okay with that. Sure, only thing I'm saying, Michael is that there should be, there should be clinical studies on this, because I believe it would save hundreds of 1000s of lives. What was it? We don't know. Was it the combination? Is it the combination of me juicing on a daily basis for four and a half years? Was it that, as a Catholic, you know, I was going through all the different sacraments, prayers and healing masses? So I believe there was a holistic healing process. And then my family that was supporting me during a very difficult time,   Michael Hingson ** 50:49 sounds to me like it's time to write a book.   Armando Contreras ** 50:54 I've I've been asked many times, and I think when I think, when, when I feel that, that when I'm ready for that, that, yeah, that's that will happen.   Michael Hingson ** 51:03 Yes, you've got to, you've got to feel ready and feel that it's the right time. But that might be one way to bring visibility to it. Yes, well, you know, you you value family a lot. I understand that there are music connections in your family, has music always been a part of your life or   Armando Contreras ** 51:24 or, yeah, I think I think so. I think that. Well, I know so, because when I was the trumpet player, young trumpet player at St Lucy's Catholic Church, a few years later, my lovely wife, Norma, joined the choir. I didn't know she was married, but she joined the choir. And you know, we have this thing that she doesn't agree with me, but I say, hey, when I when I met you, when I seen you, was love at first sight. And and I said, but not for you. It took a while. And she says, no, no, but so So music, I was playing trumpet, normal was singing. And then later we got married, and then we had our first child. Was Andrea, Andrea Michelle, our daughter, our beautiful daughter, who's with child today, her and her husband, Fabian. So she knew that in our home there was a lot of music happening, and if it was church or at home. And then our second child, Armando, Michael, he started catching on a little bit, but we started to notice that he started to sing and sing right in tune. And then we said, hey, maybe there's something here. So his first recital in Los Angeles, he's saying pop by the Sailor Man and over the rainbow. And he did pretty good. So later he joined as a as a young child, you know, five years old, he joined the choir at St Lucy's. And then we moved. We moved from, we moved from Los Angeles over to Phoenix, Arizona, which was a great blessing being here. And we then were exploring how we can continue to support his talent. And he joined the Grammy Award winning Phoenix boys choir, and that's where he began to sing. Got to meet some wonderful people. They had wonderful directors there, and had a great experience. That experience led him to fall in love with the classics. Oh, there he began to be part of some of the local, local opera performances. So to make a long story short, Norma, my wife and I supported him. He went to the Cleveland Institute of Music, from there in vocals, and then from there, he went to the University of Missouri in Kansas City for his masters. And today he's a professional opera singer. He's a baritone. So it's it's been amazing. All our kids are amazing. I also have to mention that our youngest Andrew, Matthew. He went to Gonzaga University and then graduated from Lewis and Clark in clinical psychology. He's worked with a lot of kids with disabilities. He's a drummer and he's a guitar player. So yes, music is a big part of our family.   Michael Hingson ** 54:28 Well, it is getting to be that time of the year that Gonzaga will become visible again as we get back down to march madness. I actually, I actually had the pleasure of going up there once to speak and and I hadn't really known a lot about Gonzaga at the time, and they were the ones who told me, however, one always said, Where is Gonzaga? You know what? What kind of a place is it? And so I've kept up with it ever since, but it is kind of funny that their basketball team is good. Yeah.   Armando Contreras ** 54:59 Yeah, it's a, it's a beautiful place. It's a great Jesuit university. We, I, you know, he had a great experience. This is Andrew. He had a great experience out there. So, yes, I totally agree. Yeah, we had a chance to go out to Bob, trying to remember the city here. Spokane, yeah, yeah, yeah. Spokane, various times with him,   Michael Hingson ** 55:25 that's pretty cool. Well, so is he professionally doing music now? No, so,   Armando Contreras ** 55:30 So Andrew, our youngest, he's professionally now a clinical psychologist. Ah, yeah, now and now. Armando, Michael, he is a professional opera singer, right? And that's what he does. So, you know, his, his, one of his dreams, is going to be singing at the Metropolitan Ooh, we do see that perhaps happening within a year or two, because they he'll be, right? He'll be auditioning for that, probably very soon, and he's very young. He's just 34 years old.   Michael Hingson ** 56:03 So that'd be super What would you like people to know about the disability community in general, when we think about disabilities, you know, when there's so many prejudices, what would you like people to know and in terms of disabilities and how to maybe change attitudes, yeah,   Armando Contreras ** 56:23 well, they're definitely part of the fabric of society, and we, nobody, not me, or anybody else in in any organization, can speak for them. We need to allow for them and give them that opportunity and space to voice their concerns, to voice whatever joy they have, to voice things that we need to hear in our community. We have to provide while we're here in the United States, and there's been laws that have been enacted, enacted that laws now have to be updated. We have antiquated laws that do not even pay people with disabilities even minimum wage, right? So, so that we really have to be conscious of a community that is part of our society. We need to engage. Furthermore, we have to collaborate. We need them as public, public officials. They need to run for office, right? Some of them do. They have to be part of the decision making, decisions that are being made from all levels of government, all levels of corporation, all levels of nonprofits. And that's the way, that's the way I really see it. Is that, and we also have to have breakthroughs in research, right? What are some of the things that that we can do so we can those lives can be more that they would have more of a more access, right? That even if you go to certain states in the United States that I've been, there's not even accessibility for wheelchairs. And just speak about the airlines, right? How, how and why are people thinking in those corporations that a person that has a disability can easily go into their bathrooms. There's no way, right flying, especially if it's a long flight. So no, there's, there's been some great things Michael that have, that have evolved and happened through a collaboration of a lot of advocates, and a lot of them are self advocates, but we still have a long way to go.   Michael Hingson ** 59:08 Yeah, and I think that's absolutely true. So what is UCP Inc doing to celebrate its 75th anniversary? What kinds of plans do you have and where do you go from here?   Armando Contreras ** 59:19 Well, we do have a an annual conference coming up in Orlando, and this year in April. So that's a good thing for us, you know. But the bigger thing for us is to celebrate is really bringing that education, bringing that awareness of what we're doing, not only in here in the United States, but we also have affiliates in Canada. So as we celebrate, part of our celebration is educating the society about exactly what we do and please, you know, knock on our door for for help. So that's that's really part of it. The other part of it is acknowledge. Gene, the folks that started UCP back in 1949 right? Like the, like the golden sins, and also the housemans and many others that that have helped us get through the 75 years.   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:18 Yeah, well, it's, a great milestone to be able to celebrate 75 years, and I am sure that you, with your background, is very concerned about making sure that there is great sustainability for the future, which is really important and cool that you're thinking about that, because it's something that always needs to be with us in whatever we're doing. That's a good thing. Any kind of last thoughts that you have that you want to convey to people who are listening or watching us.   Armando Contreras ** 1:00:51 Yes, one is first, I want to share my gratitude for inviting me, Michael. And then second, please reach out to us the disability community. Please find us@ucp.org we may be in your backyard. If there are organizations out there that want to become an affiliate of United Cerebral Palsy, please reach out to us as well. We are here. We want to continue to be here for the next 75 years, so that our community can be part and be an inclusive part of our society. That we can bring that help, bring that independence, but we can continue to see those miracles, that children that we're told, and families that were told that they would never walk. I've seen them walk, and were physicians that said to a mom and dad that their child would never move or never speak, and I've seen them hug their parents and tell them that they love them, right? And we want to continue to make those miracles happen through therapies, through early detection, through early intervention, all these forms of of of a reach that we have through United Cerebral Palsy in the United States and Canada and and watched for us in the near future as we begin to go global, and that's really a vision that that I have. But and also, again, is that it's important to know that we know that I know that, Michael, you know that is that everybody is a fabric at society, some way, somehow, no matter their abilities. And that's really important, important message for people to know.   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:43 I agree. Well, I want to thank you for being here with us and conveying all this information, and I hope people will take it to heart and that they'll support UCP and and reach out and learn more about the organization and that you are doing, and will continue to do a lot to just help people in general, with disabilities, which is cool. I appreciate that, and I want to thank Go ahead. No, no.   Armando Contreras ** 1:03:10 I just wanted to thank and I also want to thank accessibe, right? That's how we got here. So I really thank them for what they're doing and providing. I love their model that they have. They have a for profit, a for profit model. However, the services that they, that they provide for nonprofits, are free, and that's that's amazing. So we're really happy with the services, the access services for websites, the accessibility that they're providing for people in the disability community to have that access. Well,   Michael Hingson ** 1:03:48 thank you, and we're excited about the time ahead and and I think that's that's a good thing, and we'll all work to make it happen. Well, I want to thank everyone who was listening and watching today. We really appreciate it. I hope that you'll give us a five star rating wherever you're observing our podcast. We value that. Love it. If you'd reach out to me, give me your thoughts, your opinions and Armando for you and for all of our guests, our listeners and so on today, if you know of anyone else who ought to be a guest on unstoppable mindset, please let us know. Provide introductions. We're always looking for guests. You can reach out to me directly at Michael H, i@accessibe.com that's m, I, C, H, A, E, L, H, I at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S, I, B, e.com, or go to our podcast page, www dot Michael hinkson.com/podcast, and Michael Hinkson is spelled M, I C, H, A, E, L, H, I N, G, S o, n.com/podcast, so we really do value all the thoughts and and information and suggestions that people provide. Yeah, as I think I've mentioned to many of you before, I also do travel and speak, especially after September 11, 2001 if anyone needs a speaker, please reach out. You can get me easiest at speaker at Michael hingson.com but however you do it, you've got all sorts of ways to reach out to me. Love to hear from you. And you know, once again, Armando, I want to thank you very much for being here, and thank you for all of your time today.   Armando Contreras ** 1:05:24 Michael, thank you many blessings to you and your family, and many blessings to everybody out there who is going to listen to this podcast interview.   Michael Hingson ** 1:05:39 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, host Tim Melanson interviews Remi Leibovic, a content marketer and owner of RCL Media. Remi shares her journey, highlighting a recent success with the Latina Entrepreneur Training Program through the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in New Jersey. The episode delves into the unique aspects of RCL Media's approach, including on-site content creation and comprehensive social media management. Remi also opens up about challenges she's faced, such as dealing with QuickBooks, and lessons learned from those experiences. The conversation shifts to practical advice on maintaining social media relevance, the importance of consistent practice, and the critical distinction between fans and audience. Remi discusses her upcoming masterclasses aimed at helping various business sectors improve their social media strategies and emphasizes the need for businesses to stay authentic and engage consistently. Who is Remi Leibovic? Remi Leibovic, MCM, is the founder and CEO of RCL Media, a Latina-owned social media agency based in New Jersey. Specializing in social media outreach and creative content, she helps businesses boost their visibility and drive sales. With a Masters in Communication Management from Rutgers University, Remi is passionate about leveraging the power of storytelling and content creation to foster meaningful engagement between businesses and their target audiences. Connect with Remi Leibovic: Website: https://rclmedia.net/home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rclmediaofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rcl-media-llc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rclmediaofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rclmediallc I love connecting with Work at Home RockStars! Reach out on LinkedIn, Instagram, or via email. Website: https://workathomerockstar.com WHR Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Feel free to DM us on any of our social platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar Email: tim@workathomerockstar.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson In this Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest 00:23 A Story of Success 02:43 Overcoming Business Challenges 09:16 The Importance of Practice 16:26 Engaging with Your Audience 22:46 Exciting Business Updates 33:31 Conclusion and Farewell

How do repeat business and trust impact a successful real estate career? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Paula and Antonio Pou, share their extensive 25-year journey in the Northeast Florida real estate market. With over $17 million in sales volume in 2023 alone, they talk about their successful partnership in real estate, the importance of mentorship, the power of building lasting relationships, and staying educated on the latest market trends. Paula and Antonio Pou are both Latino back ground. Antonio was born and raised in PR, he ios of Colombian parents born in NY and have lived in Jax since 1984.  He started his real estate career since 1999 at the young age of 23 and has been his life long career. They average about 1 sale per week for the last 10 years selling over 10 million a year, this career is their passion and they are a power team that loves to help their customers and making dreams come true. Taking every challenge in this market and turning these challenges into opportunities to thrive. Tune in to this episode as Paula and Antonio provides practical advice on how to use social media effectively, maintaining personal connections with past clients, and the value of building a supportive team!    00:00 - 03:40 Meet Paula and Antonio Pou ·        Introducing Paula and Antonio Pou, a powerhouse couple with over 25 years of experience in Northeast Florida real estate. ·        Consistently achieving million-dollar sales months. ·        Their journey from meeting at church in the early '90s, engaging in missionary work, to building a successful career in real estate. ·        Paula began her real estate career in 1989, while Antonio joined her in 2003, after working at the post office and a similar delivery company to UPS or FedEx. 03:41 - 15:14 Working as a Real Estate Team ·        Professional transition from a data entry role at Merrill Lynch to becoming a successful real estate agent. ·        They recounts early challenges, including working weekends and needing extensive support, which led to joining the well-regarded Watson Realty Corp. ·        Important elements that contributed to their success included: o   Mentorship; o   Supportive brokerage environment; and o   Intensive floor time for lead generation. ·        Dividing responsibilities based on their strengths, ensuring effective teamwork. ·        Trust, patient negotiation, and reliability are noted as key attributes that have fostered long-term client relationships and repeat business. 15:14 - 39:56 Balancing Work and Personal Life ·        The significance of establishing trust and connection with clients in the real estate industry. ·        Emphasizing the 'know, like, and trust' factor ·        Strategies for new agents, handling uncooperative agents, and the importance of personal and consistent client communication. ·        Experiences in handling short sales and foreclosures are shared, along with the benefits of expanding into investment properties. ·        The value of a long-term approach, genuine relationships, community involvement, and the pivotal role of real estate agents in the housing market. 39:56 - 44:46 Referral-Based Business and Past Marketing Efforts ·        The significance of long-term relationships in the real estate industry. ·        How real estate professionals benefit from nurturing friendships with clients, who may eventually provide referrals or repeat business. ·        Selling homes to multiple generations within the same families and highlight the flexibility and rewarding aspects of their work. ·        The value of community involvement and how their business practices, including: o   Bilingual marketing strategies; o   Serve diverse client bases effectively. 44:46 - 57:18 Mentorship and Supporting New Agents ·        The importance of continuous training and relationship building in the real estate industry. ·        Their engagement with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and their dedication to monthly training to stay up-to-date with industry changes. ·        The value of attending training sessions and making personal connections with referrals, such as sending handwritten cards. ·        Mentoring new agents, helping them with practical advice such as partnering with loan officers and title companies. ·        The importance of being proactive and knowledgeable to effectively assist clients, ensure successful transactions, and foster long-term relationships. 57:18 - 01:07:06 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways ·        The mindset behind using social media in real estate, emphasizing storytelling over simple posts. ·        The importance of short, engaging videos, and the need for captions. ·        The value of training, building a support network, and the importance of confidence for new agents. ·        Real-life examples illustrate how social media can build relationships and trust with clients, even from a distance. ·        Persistence and the joy of helping others in the real estate industry.   Quotes: "Get to know the customer, give them your strengths, that gives people confidence in you and they feel that they can trust you and get to know you a little better.” – Paula Pou “To me, it's very important to be trained and to be knowledgeable because that's the only way you can help your customer.” – Paula Pou “If we can help you and a client wants to buy an investment property but we see it's not a smart decision. We'd rather not sell it to them because we are actually helping them avoid a disaster and lose money.” – Antonio Pou   To contact Paula and Antonio Pou, learn more about their business, and make them a part of your network, make sure to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Website.   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pousellsjaxhomes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paula.hernandezpou.9 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-pou-36b458159/ Website: https://thepouteam.yourfhrm.com   If you want to build your business and become more discoverable online, Streamlined Media has you covered. Check out how they can help you build an evergreen revenue generator all powered by content creation!   SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best.

Durante el mes de la herencia hispana 2024 les invitamos conocer las historia de Alfonso Cornejo, , Presidente de la Cincinnati Hispanic Chamber USA.

ONE STORY A DAY / Una historia para cada Día es una iniciativa para celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana 2024 de la Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA y MujerLatinaToday.com Daniel A. Minera es el director ejecutivo de Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati Foundation en Cincinnati, Ohio. Daniel comparte su llegada de Guatemala a los Estados Unidos, los valores de sus padres y su trasfondo cultural y cómo esto lo ha moldeado su vida actual. De igual forma, nos habla sobre su motivación para apoyar la educación en Cincinnati y comparte su mensaje como líder y miembro de la comunidad de Cincinnati, Daniel comparte un consejo a las personas y a la comunidad latina de Ohio. Conoce más sobre la Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati Foundation en www.hccincinnatifoundation.org

According to a poll from the Washington Post and Ipsos, approximately 6 in 10 Americans believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are "a good thing." But Missouri is apart of a large number of states where anti-DEI bills are being introduced. Take a look back at our DEI conversations with professionals in the St. Louis area. This episode features Chief DEI Officer for Greater St. Louis, Inc., Valerie Patton, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro St. Louis' President & CEO, Martha Garcia-Kampen, and VP of DEI for Caleres, Amy Hunter. _ What were your thoughts on this episode? Visit ninepbs.org/listenstlouis and let us know. Subscribe to #NinePBS so you never miss an episode of the #CarolDanielPodcast! https://bit.ly/3OIXoWD     

Lindsay LaBennett's career journey is a reflection of her strong family influences and unwavering dedication to hard work and respect. Inspired by her mother's engineering background and her grandmother's farm upbringing, Lindsay developed a robust work ethic and a deep understanding of herself. Lindsay's interest in sports and entertainment grew through internships and her time as an Account Executive in Diversity Affairs at NASCAR, where she was the liaison between NASCAR and the NAACP, National Urban League, Council de La Raza and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. With a 14-year tenure at Wasserman, she's now the Vice President of Inclusion and Impact, channeling her experiences and values into creating a more inclusive environment, with a focus on diversity, equity, and social change in sports. "Diversity Beyond the Checkbox" is presented by The Diversity Movement and hosted by Inc 200 Female Founders award winner, Jackie Ferguson.  Follow Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and YouTube. Check out exclusive bonus content on BeyondtheCheckbox.com! This show is proud to be a part of The Living Corporate Network and to be produced by Earfluence.

In his pursuit of justice, Hugo has received recognition from various entities. He was named Marketing Professional of the Year by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and was given the prestigious Trailblazer Award by the National Association of Minority Attorneys. Having achieved significant success in the marketing world, Hugo remains grounded and committed to his mission. He believes in the power of leveraging digital innovation to help law firms reach untapped markets and to bring justice closer to those who need it. Join us as we delve into the world of Spanish legal marketing for law firms with Hugo E. Gomez, a visionary who is rewriting the rules of legal marketing and ensuring that no community is left behind.

It's Fiesta time in San Antonio! First, we talk Fiesta favorites. Next, lots of interesting news from SAFC's leadership shared at a recent breakfast with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce downtown. A women's team? Feruzzi's role? We dig into the business of soccer. Then, we discuss SAFC's 0-0 forgettable draw with the OC. What's next? A Fiesta Road Trip to Hartford and Miami over the next 10 days. Then, we celebrate our new leader in the Puro Four aka Can You Beat a Six Year Old? Finally, free kicks in Wrexham and Boerne. Enjoy!

Today on Casting Confidential the roundtable is joined by special guest Elaine Del Valle. In this unfiltered conversation Elaine and the Casting Confidential Roundtable discuss just how well casting understands the challenges and obstacles actors face in the industry's rabid and ever changing landscape. This episode is a must listen!! Elaine is a native New York, Puerto Rican Casting Director and multi-hyphenate Storyteller. As a bilingual, with a keen eye and her pulse on the Latino community, Elaine was approached to source on-camera talent. Elaine is a member of CSA and has provided casting for high profile brands, agencies, and studios, including for Comedy Central and PBS Kids. Elaine is a recognized leader. She received the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Arts award. She was a NY Board of Education Literacy Day Keynote Speaker. Her inspirational journey was featured in the PBS documentary series Beating The Odds and the NYC housing projects, where Elaine grew up named a park bench in her honor, recognizing her outstanding efforts to uplift the community.  ​ Her awards include the HBO Latinx Director award and from many festivals including SXSW, Urbanworld, Catalyst Stories, and Seriesfest.  ​ Elaine's feature film directorial debut is a genre dance-drama-thriller Tubi original, Midnight Hustle. Her second narrative feature, Between Rockaway and Mother Gaston, which she wrote and directed, is currently in post-production. The YA family drama shares Elaine's personal coming-of-age story and was filmed in New York and Puerto Rico. The story is adapted from Elaine's award-winning short film, autobiographical novel and Off-Broadway stage play, Brownsville Bred. Elaine is a WarnerMedia 150 Artist, Sundance Writer & Director Lab alumna, Shondaland Director finalist and two-time Lynn Shelton and Imagen Impact award nominee. Follow ⁠Elaine⁠ & ⁠Del Valle Casting⁠ ⁠Official Site⁠ CASTING CONFIDENTIAL: Join veteran casting director Rose Rosen and her dynamic panel of industry experts in a candid, no-holds-barred virtual round table discussion. Delve into the casting business in each weekly episode of the podcast, where we reveal  insights and stories from the fiercely guarded world of casting. Get ready to laugh, learn, and uncover the secrets behind the scenes that shape the creative content consumed worldwide.  What do casting directors truly wish producers understood? What brings them the greatest joy? And how can actors elevate their craft to stand out? "Casting Confidential" pulls back the curtain on the reality of survival in show business.  Do you have what it takes? Join the conversation and find out for yourself. Join us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Casting Confidential Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Rose Rosen, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roserosencsa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kimberly Ehrlich, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyehrlich4⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Paisley Baker, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@coatcheck3⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Artwork by: Ace Anderson ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thestripedheart⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by: Orville Wright ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ohyeahbeats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by: Laura Linda Bradley ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauralindabradley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hashtags: #castingconfidential #castingconfidentialpodcast #roseknows #actors **The opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast reflect only the opinions of each individual casting director. They do not reflect the opinions of any other official group or entity. Additionally, nothing in this show should be construed as an offer of employment.

Martha Garcia-Kampen, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro St. Louis, discusses the impact of the St. Louis Hispanic Community. The discussion also explores myths and realities of the Latinx community.

In this episode, we are joined by guests JR Treviño, the Interim President and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Mark Vargas, a Master Plumber and the owner of Silverback Plumbing & Drain here in San Antonio. Tune in for a peek into San Antonio's business community! Join the "Let's Talk Business" podcast community on Patreon to engage with show hosts, guests, and fans. You'll also get exclusive content, member shoutouts on the show and early access to in-person events. Get access here: patreon.com/letstalkbusiness ▶ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/dzqVGV ✅ Marc Ebinger, Crükus Marketing Agency

This week Austin Meek is in conversation with Eric Terrezas, Director of Economic Development for the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. They'll be discussing the emergence of the Latino business community and how Spanish speakers in the area will mold future development in Waco. In this episode Austin also chats to Kasia Krecicka, the new artist in residence at the Art Center of Waco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Guillermo Cisneros, President & CEO of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 2003, The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to working with all membersof the community to increase the economic advancement of Hispanic-owned businesses and to assist theprofessional growth of Hispanics in West Michigan. Online: West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Fasten your seatbelts Mission CTRL Nation  Andrea Torres-Fodor is our  special studio guest in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.  Andrea is the Relationship Marketing Manager at Newtown Savings Bank and serves as the President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport.   In 2000, Fodor migrated from Quito, Ecuador with her family to the United States and like most immigrant families in pursuit of the American Dream, she was a focused leader at an early age.  Andrea had a vision of graduating from college, owning her own home, car and living on her own.  Tune in to hear how she ventured out in a foreign land on her own at 17 yrs to turn her dreams into reality.  Before our flight crew dives into the heart of the episode they spend time in the end zone talking discussing Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce relationship and the power of personal branding to drive sales of Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs jersey. . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

Hey friends! Welcome back to another impactful episode of Fierce Calling. Today we have an incredible guest joining us: Janet Perez Eckles. Janet takes us on a deeply personal and inspiring journey, sharing her story of overcoming adversity and finding hope in the face of literal darkness. Janet's life seemed like a dream come true, but everything changed when she was diagnosed with a retinal disease that rapidly stole her sight. Her marriage was in turmoil and her hope waning. Then something amazing happened, she met Jesus. She would need him more than she would know. As she continues to share, we'll hear about Janet's unimaginable tragedy. Yet, with unwavering strength and the peace that comes from her trust in God, Janet navigated the darkest of times and learned the power of forgiveness, even towards the man who took her son's life. Throughout this episode, Janet shares how her faith and unwavering belief in God's promises carried her through the most challenging moments of her life. She'll also discuss the importance of having Christ at the center of our relationships and the incredible transformation that can occur when we truly seek God's guidance. Janet's story is a testament to the power of resilience, forgiveness, and the unwavering faith that can lead us through even the darkest of days. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and moved as we dive deep into Janet Eckles' remarkable journey of faith and redemption. So grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and get ready for an episode that will leave you feeling empowered and uplifted! Grab Janet's Award-Winning Book, Now I See!   More About Janet! Blindness didn't slow her down, nor tragedy stop her. As an author, international speaker, and founder of JC Empowerment Ministries, Janet Perez Eckles gives a new meaning to God-given victory and success. She overcame not only the loss of her eyesight at 30, but endured the loss of her youngest son to violence as well as the acquittal of the man responsible. But rather than sink as a victim, each episode from which she rose above showcases the value of faith, forgiveness and tenacity. Though her life includes tragedy, her message and her books showcase God's power to restore any setback, heal any heartache and calm any storm. Without physical eyesight, but with a clear vision, she travels across the U.S. and internationally to empower her English- and Spanish-speaking audiences. In addition to her own five books, her writings include 32 stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, Guidepost Magazine, dozens of anthologies, Crosswalk.com and hundreds of print and online magazines. The media captures her compelling story as she's been featured on the cover of Hispanic Woman Magazine, 700 Club, Desperate America (Good Morning America), Lifestyle Magazine and Focus on the Family as well as dozens of national and regional media. Janet's work has been recognized by numerous awards including the Lifetime Achievement from the Hispanic Chamber of Commers of Central Florida, Latina Women who make a difference, Beyond Me Award, Professional Excellence and first runner-up for the Ms. Senior Florida pageant. Janet resides in Florida with her husband Dale, her adult children and delightful grandchildren. www.janetperezeckles.com Need Speakers for Your Events in 2024? If you're looking speakers for your events, did you know that both Janet and Doris are speakers? You can check out Janet's speaking page at womenspeakers.com here: https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/orlando/speaker/janet-eckles , and find Doris's speaking page here: https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift

David Thorne is CEO of Thumbscore, a financial wellness platform that reduces the stress of managing personal finance. Thumbscore solves for the workforce of millennials and Gen Z, who have strong financial literacy and positive financial habits but have high financial stress. In the episode, David explains why simple budgeting or micro-managing approaches are ineffective for these groups. They tend to be curious and want to be free to explore, but also value timely advice at the right moment. Thumbscore serves users at their 'financial moments of truth' providing insights, education, gamification, and the recommended next step to reduce financial stressors. Its customers are B2B2C insurance companies (for products), other financial products and services (emergency savings accounts, investments), and employers who wish to offer Financial Wellness as a Shared Service.  David is a nationally awarded software and data engineer. He was a corporate program manager for Boeing before starting his entrepreneurial journey, has an Executive MBA from Wichita State University and serves on the Hispanic Chamber board and on the Gathered board, a foster care nonprofit.  This episode was recorded live at Insurtech Insights New York 2023 in conjunction with InsurTech Association and our friends Joanna England Sebastian Tollak Megan Kuczynski. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

SHENIX™ is an innovative financial company built by Latinas/x, for Latinas/x, providing culturally relevant financial services to the Latina/x community to help them accelerate their economic and social transformation while prioritizing their cultural mindset. SHENIX™ offers financial education, digital financial services, career planning, and salary negotiation resources, and access to investment advisory services that support Latinas/x life goals.Their mission is to address Latina Equal Pay Day and support Latinas in closing the wealth gap, the widest faced by any group in the U.S. SHENIX™ is supported by the University of Illinois System, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce LatinX Incubator, Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, LatinaStyle Magazine, TechRise by P33, and is a member of 1871—Chicago's premier technology and entrepreneurship Center. Negocios Now National Hispanic Business Publication listed FARO Associates DBA SHENIX™ in its “50 Most Powerful Business in Illinois.”You can follow SHENIX™ on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn. Check out the SHENIX™ app.For full episode show notes, visit here.Loving episode 224? Leave us a review if you're listening on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Instagram & YouTube! Until next time, stay empowered, stay inspired and #staypoderosa ✨ WANT TO KICKSTART YOUR FINANCIAL JOURNEY?Download our FREE 14-page guide covering all the topics you need to start making your dinero moves. Visit here. From money mindset, to budget basics, we've got you covered.Check out this YQD™ Sponsor:BetterHelp—Professional support when you need it, at the fraction of the cost of in-person therapy. Get 10% off your first month with our sponsor: https://betterhelp.com/dinero Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/YoQuieroDinero. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jorge is a non-profit management professional who, for the last three years, has led Delmar Divine, a transformative project in North St. Louis City that provides shared space and myriad capacity building tools to 33 nonprofit organizations that collectively serve over 250,000 in the St. Louis MSA. He began his nonprofit career as CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro St. Louis which, during his tenure, increased membership and revenue by 40% and spearheaded growth of Hispanic business in the St. Louis metro area.

Despite facing contention and bipartisan challenges, AJ Rodriguez leads Texas 2036 in achieving record-breaking funding for education, healthcare, natural resources, and infrastructure during the state's regular legislative session. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the power of data in shaping policy solutions with Texas 2036 as a case study. Understand the role of regionalism in overcoming housing and transportation issues. Examine the need for constitutional reform in addressing state growth complexities. Investigate San Antonio's increasing importance in the advanced manufacturing sector. Contemplate the idea of a floating pay scale for enhancing the compensation of elected officials. Meet AJ Rodriguez, a passionate advocate for data-driven policy solutions and the Executive Vice President of Texas 2036, a nonpartisan public policy think tank. With his extensive background in both public service and the private sector, AJ's leadership and experience bring a unique perspective to the table. Previously, he served as the President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in San Antonio and as the Deputy City Manager under City Manager Cheryl Scully. AJ has a knack for making big-picture policy ideas a reality, and his dedication to bipartisan cooperation makes him a key player in Texas' future growth.

What do advocacy and support look like for Hispanic Business Enterprises (HBEs) so they can actually have equitable access to procurement opportunities? Meet Alma Del Toro, Co-Founder of BlueWave, a Supplier Development Program designed to strengthen Latino-owned businesses and get them BIG BUSINESS READY. In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, Alma shares how she partnered up with Co-Founder Eduardo Nuñez, also a former C-Level executive in the oil industry to create this much-needed training and capacity building curriculum to help business owners like me attain the required documentation and knowledge to align with the rules and regulations of most procurement departments in Corporate America – across all industries. URBANDER had the privilege to participate in Blue Wave's first cohort with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce sponsored by JPMorgan Chase. I'm very grateful to have been nominated by my cheerleader at Chase here in Orlando, Janice Lopez, and to have been accepted into the program. Access to this type of resource and support to scale in a significant way can be costly and difficult to secure. As we look forward to celebrating the upcoming celebration of URBANDER's quinceañero in business, I'm delighted that we were the recipient of this invaluable gift in the form of BlueWave's hands-on guidance. The initial self-assessment was extremely helpful in benchmarking our procurement readiness, and each session was a masterclass in compliance, policies, and procedures. I vividly recall when we were encouraged to access BlueWave's Document Library to see samples of how to implement best practices in operating a business. I was in disbelief and nearly cried; it was the first time in 15 years that I have received such a generous amount of assistance accompanied by Alma's outstanding level of coaching. Result: URBANDER received the PLATINUM badge – whoot whoot! This experience has been transformational, and I know that URBANDER, as well as the rest of my comrades in this cohort, will now have the tools and knowledge to seek opportunities that will exponentially grow our businesses. Alma Del Toro and Eduardo Nuñez, your leadership, authenticity, and selflessness does not go unnoticed. URBANDER's forthcoming quantum leap is part of Blue Wave's legacy, and it will impact wealth creation in our families for generations to come.

  Eddie Aldrete was just living his life in a suburban part of Washington DC, but he unexpectedly found himself at the forefront of bridging the US-Mexico relations. His career has taken him on a journey of advocating for a more inclusive and economically prosperous future, earning him respect from both sides of the border. What impact will Eddie's unique perspective have on the future of US-Mexico relations? In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, we will: Delve into the complexities of US-Mexico relations, focusing on immigration, border security, and economic possibilities. Discover the strategies to reinforce San Antonio's cross-border business partnerships for enhanced economic growth. Uncover the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with local charter reform initiatives. Get an insider's look at Eddie Aldrete's new podcast, Beyond the Bite, and the exploration of the intersection between politics and business. Analyze the influence of Proposition A on policing policies and crime rates in San Antonio. Eddie Aldrete is well-known for his deep understanding of the intricate US-Mexico relationship, providing valuable insight on cross-border trade, immigration, and border security. With over 16 years of experience as a Senior Vice President for Laredo-based International Bank of Commerce, Eddie has been a trusted advisor to government and business leaders in both countries. He has also served as the Chairman of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the National Immigration Forum. Eddie's background in journalism and his pro-business centrist views have made him an in-demand communications consultant in Texas business circles. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Establish a more comprehensive and functional immigration reform system that addresses the resumption of skilled workers obtaining visas and creates a more orderly system for asylum seekers. Assign U.S. embassies abroad to handle asylum seekers in their home countries to prevent the dangerous and life-threatening journeys to the U.S. border. Focus on the root of the immigration problem by working with countries of origin to address crime, corruption, and lack of economic opportunity. Renew and maintain the relationship between San Antonio and the Mexican government, regardless of political differences, to ensure continued collaboration and success for both cities and states. Move offshore jobs from Asia to Mexico and Central America to address supply chain issues, stop underwriting China's militaristic growth, and contribute to a solution to the waves of immigrants at the U.S. border. Invest in collaborative startup communities like Geekdom in San Antonio to support entrepreneurs and help startups launch, creating job opportunities and generating revenue for the city. Visit www.geekdom.com to arrange a visit to the collaborative startup community in San Antonio and explore the opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups to grow and succeed. San Antonio's Relationship with Mexico San Antonio has a rich history when it comes to its connection with Mexico. This connection dates back to the time before Mexico was even established as a country, when San Antonio was a part of New Spain. Over the years, the city has cultivated its bonds with Mexico through business, political, and cultural interactions. This has given rise to a special relationship, which is vital to the economic and social growth of the region, as well as providing a way for both nations to resolve their key concerns. In the podcast, Eddie Aldrete talks about the significance of San Antonio's relationship with Mexico and the need to rekindle the exchange of ideas and experiences. In the past, San Antonio mayors would visit Mexico through the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's annual trips to meet with the Mexican president, thus building stronger ties between the two nations. Aldrete believes that resuming these trips would help in enhancing the existing bond and open more doors for collaboration on various fronts.

In this 100th episode, it is my honor to have coffee with special guest Lourdes Mola, Founder and President of Lourdes Mola Solutions. Lourdes cut her teeth in leadership roles at the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruise Lines in Miami, which led her to Walt Disney World where she was on the opening team of the Disney Cruise Line. In her 20-year tenure at Disney, Lourdes led several areas in sales, marketing, public affairs, minority business development, and corporate citizenship, where she was exposed to a myriad of significant local and international businesses, nonprofits, and professional associations. After more than 25 successful years working in Fortune 500 companies and having led one of the largest chambers of the country - the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, of Metro Orlando and other non-profit organizations, Lourdes mines deep expertise from working with the brightest minds across Florida and the U.S., to help her clients optimize their profits. In 2021, Lourdes was named “CEO of the Year” by Orlando Magazine and in 2020, she was named a “Women Who Means Business” by the Orlando Business Journal for her contributions to Central Florida. In 2016, she was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Women's Executive Council and then again by I4 Business Magazine in 2021. Lourdes takes pride in supporting her community and providing positive andinspirational guidance to the next generation of entrepreneurs, business developersand innovators. Most recently she chaired the Heart of Florida United Way's“Women United” movement to raise funds for awareness and programs aboutmental health in Central Florida. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards,including the Central Florida Economic Development Commission, Orlando EconomicPartnership, Prospera, Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando, CentralFlorida Foundation and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and appointed by two governors to serve on the board of the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County.Lourdes is also sharing her experience and expertise to help women entrepreneurs as a Regional Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Outreach for Women's Business Enterprise Council (WBEC). WBEC is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women entrepreneurs. For more information visit https://www.wbenc.org or contact Lourdes directly at lourdesmola@wbecflorida.orgI just know you'll feel as inspired as I did after this conversation with Lourdes. Join us for a cup of coffee and a whole lotta LeaderSips in this very special 100th episode. For more sips and tips, connect with me on social and follow @LeaderSips @Leadspirations and @LifeisGrit on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. Learn more about me at karlynnholbrook.com

On today's community focused episode, Bingham Group CEO A.J. speaks with Monica Muñoz Andry, President and CEO of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC). Monica joined the GAHCC on August 1, 2022. She and A.J. discuss her path to the position, the GAHCC's history, and current and future Chamber initiatives. Founded in 1973, GAHCC's primary goal is to continue the advancement and progression of a strong and stable economic culture for Hispanic businesses. The Chamber strives to reach these goals by developing business, management skills, and bridging access to financial capital while maintaining our cultural values and integrity. Monica's bio: https://bit.ly/3FlLqNW She can be reached at: monicaa@gahcc.org ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC Bingham Group works to advance the interests of businesses, nonprofits, and associations at the municipal and state level. View our services here -> https://bit.ly/3H7xyXC Follow Bingham Group on LinkedIn at: https://bit.ly/3WIN4yT Connect with A.J. on LinkedIn at: https://bit.ly/3DlFiUK Contact us at: info@binghamgp.com We are a HUB/MBE-certified Austin lobbying firm. www.binghamgp.com

When my guest, Fernando Mendez, says “just put a microphone in front of me and I'm ready to talk” he's not kidding. I've had the privilege of knowing (and respectfully listening to) Fernando for many years. Fernando is a News and Political expert, covering World News for decades. Fernando has been a respected multi- cultural journalist, columnist, and talk-show host. You may have read Fernando's perspectives in Print (El Tiempo Latino/Latin Times, El Sol Latino Newspaper), watched Fernando on Television (“En Portada,” on Telemundo), heard Fernando's voice on NFL Films, or networked with Fernando (via Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Mexican Cultural Center.) Most recently, Fernando Mendez is currently found on USALA Media- hosting is Current Events/ Political Talk Show “Compass”, where I have been lucky to be a guest. What impresses me most, and what you will hear during our interview: is that Fernando is never afraid to share what matters to him, regardless of how controversial that opinion happens to be. Fernando is passionate, educated, and a great listen! I would highly recommend you give a listen to our new episode. Enjoy!

[WLHA 012]: We Live Here Auténtico! | The Hispanic Chamber | Connection and Community Central Today we spend time with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis - a connection and central resource in the St. Louis region for 40 years. From the Latino Festival in O'Fallon, the Hispanic festival in Florissant, dance clubs in mid-town and cuisine from restaurants representing many different countries, St. Louis' Latino culture is booming and is a vibrant reflection of our growing Hispanic population. The median age of Hispanic St. Louisans is 25 compared to 36 of the general population and the percentage of Latinos in the region roughly doubled. Most of the growth in the past 20 years has come in Madison, St. Clair, St. Charles and St. Louis counties.  In St. Louis, Latino residents now account for more than 5% of the city's population. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce purposely creates a safe and open environment for people that have similar backgrounds of experiences. The Chamber has specific tools that address some of the needs of the Hispanic community in our region. The staff is bilingual in Spanish and English, so they can help entrepreneurs in their preferred language.  Like other chambers, the Hispanic Chamber does not only serve Latino businesses, it serves everyone. Happy 40th Anniversary!! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a voice message. https://anchor.fm/autentico--podcast/message HCC website:  www.hccstl.com FB:  https://www.facebook.com/HCCSTL Insta:  @hccmetrostl LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/metrohccstl/ Eduardo Platon:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardoplaton/ Sisi Beltran:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sisibeltran/ Build  a bear: https://www.buildabear.com/ Wash U:  https://wustl.edu/ Hispanic Festival: https://www.hispanicfestivalstl.com/about Mural:  https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/hispanic-heritage-month-hispanic-artists-create-mural-st-louis-show-representation-offer-hope/63-53f8c3d1-c56f-4770-afd4-ee71e4065c5c Latinx Arts Network:  https://www.latinxstl.com/ https://instagram.com/latinxartsstl?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Esmeralda Aharon:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aharones/ Luisa Otera-Prado. https://www.linkedin.com/in/luferotero/ Carol Lara. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-lara/ https://www.instagram.com/carollaraphotography/ Ricardo Martinez. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-martinez-3609a0168/ Fernanda Estrada https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernanda-estrada-799a61138/ Brian Muñoz:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisismunoz/ Ricardo Garza:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-garza-/ Club Atletico:  https://www.gobluebirds.com/news Karlos Ramirez:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlos-ramirez-8a872b8/ Midwest BankCentre: https://www.midwestbankcentre.com/ Asian American Chamber of Commerce:  https://aaccstl.org/ Heartland St Louis Black Chamber:  https://hbcstl.com/about-the-chamber/ Afghan Chamber of Commerce STL:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afghan-chamber-of-commerce-stl/ Brian's article referenced: https://news.stlpublicradio.org/culture-history/2021-11-16/the-st-louis-region-is-already-home-for-many-latinos-and-more-are-moving-here Thank you so much for checking out this episode of “We Live Here Autentico”. If you haven't done so already, please take a minute and leave a quick rating and review of the show on Apple Podcasts by clicking on the link below. It will help us to keep delivering more ways to “WE” for you each week!

May 4, 2022 Fostering a dynamic, diverse business community is key to the current and future success of Tampa Bay's economy. With Invest:Insights, President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay Diane Cortes discussed the rapidly changing demographic landscape, creative ways the local hispanic business community is innovating in the region and avenues for incorporating underrepresented communities into the local job market.

Silvana Montenegro was a college student in Brazil when she applied for an internship in human resources at JPMorgan Chase & Co. She had no idea what human resources even meant, but she knew she wanted to see the world, and JPMorgan seemed like a good first step. It's 25 years later, and today she's the firm's Global Head of Advancing Hispanics & Latinos, and was recently named by Latino Leaders magazine as one of the country's top 100 Latinas. In this episode, Silvana sits down with Women on the Move host Sam Saperstein to discuss her career, the importance of being curious and creating personal connections, and her thoughts on the future of the Hispanic and Latino community. Growing up in Brazil, Silvana was influenced by a father who wanted his children to see the world and appreciate history, and a social activist grandmother. She says she always dreamed of an international career, so she jumped at the chance to intern at JPMorgan Chase & Co. And although she started out knowing nothing about human resources, she was quickly drawn in when she realized it was all about lifting people up. “And because of my family background, I have always been very curious,” she tells Sam. “I went to university to study psychology. So the way I learn and I relate to the world is by learning about people's stories over the years, it gave me an appreciation of how can I be most impactful to lift people up.” Changing the narrative Silvana describes her role today as centered around creating access and opportunities for the Hispanic and Latino community. One critical factor to that mission, she says, is helping to change the narrative of how the community is perceived in the United States today. “I think we're probably better known for some of the barriers that we face and continue to face as well as the culture, right?” she notes. “When we see Latinos on TV, they're not presented in the most positive ones. I want to see more movies and more TV shows that actually portray the families as they are. The Latinos from the most affluent to those who actually face significant barriers.” She notes that she knows her team's mission and the journey ahead is important, but for now it starts by portraying a more holistic narrative of the community. One key part of the narrative that she wants to emphasize is the Latino impact on the U.S. economy. She notes that Latinos make up nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population, and are also the youngest demographic. Providing the tools and services for community success A second component of Silvana's goal is to do more to support Hispanics and Latinos to have the tools they need to grow and thrive. She says she sees opportunities in several areas. One is simple talent mobility and helping Latinos succeed at work. Another is promoting financial health education, particularly on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, with so many people working in the United States to provide for families in Mexico. “How can we think about cross-border products so that we can support the need?” she asks. “From the U.S. side, I think it's doing more to demonstrate to the community that we're the bank for Hispanics. And it's the little things. It's being in the community, partnering with organizations that have trust in the community so that they can see and feel that we're there for them.” One product where Silvana sees big growth potential is digital account opening. “Because Latinos are very digital and that's how they engage,” she tells Sam. “And they tend to go to untraditional financial places to actually send money to their families. And the fees that they're paying are very high. So how can we help them send money to their families and do that banking seamlessly and not as expensively?” Looking forward, Silvana's excited to build on the success of initiatives already underway both internally at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and with external partners such as the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “The funding that we provide actually enables the local chambers to provide coaching to the small businesses there,” she notes. “And we also have the opportunity to connect these businesses with our local business consultants. It's a very holistic approach. And right now we are in 11 markets, we're reaching 5,000 businesses, and we're making real change, giving them the tools they need to grow and thrive.”   Disclaimer: The speakers' opinions belong to them and may differ from opinions of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co and its affiliates. Views presented on this podcast are those of the speakers; they are as of XYZ date and they may not materialize.”   Transcript here 

Dr. Val Torres, the Board Director of The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Pinellas County, explains how he's building broad community support to expand opportunity in his region. Connect with Dr. Torres on LinkedIn. https://bit.ly/3POSFAt Including You is brought to you by Lead at Any Level. Learn more about them on their website. http://bit.ly/2lPvOMM