NHI president and founder Ernesto Nieto and education office leader Julio Cotto discuss the Great Debate mock trial and cross examination topics. Copyright (c) 2023. www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org
Apr 21, 2023•40 min
NHI president and founder Ernesto Nieto and education office leader Julio Cotto discuss the history of NHI's Great Debate. They present and dissect the 2023 Great Debate theme. www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org
Apr 18, 2023•49 min
In a conversation with Julio Cotto, NHI Senior Vice President and alumnus, founder and President Ernesto Nieto, and co-founder Gloria de Leon, the core NHI concept of "Community Equity Building (CEB)" is explored. Part of NHI's Spring Training program, this conversation is also relevant to alumni and the general public wanting to learn about a unique approach and mindset towards building community equity and wealth. Recorded March 25, 2020 in Austin and Kyle, Texas. Copyright (C) 2020. National ...
Apr 03, 2020•42 min
Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto, Chris Nieto, and NHI Founder and President Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2019 Summer Learning Theme.
May 23, 2019•41 min
This was an interview conducted by Phil West of young entrepreneur, NHI alumna, and Celebracion presenter Rachel Basoco. An alumna of NHI at Houston and the Texas Great Debate, former Governor of the New York LDZ, All Star at the CWS, avid volunteer, and member of the Junior Faculty, Rachel has also been growing a business with NHI principles and alongside NHI members and investors. Learn more about Trenza, Rachel's business at . For more information on NHI, visit
Dec 28, 2018•17 min
This was an interview conducted by Phil West of Anita Fernandez, 2018 NHI Distinguished Alumna at the Celebracion 2018 conference in San Marcos, Texas sponsored by the National Hispanic Institute in November. Anita was honored for her work in San Antonio and her years of service to the Institute in particular with the NHI at San Antonio Alliance () For more information on NHI, visit
Dec 28, 2018•18 min
This was an interview of Varo Maldonado conducted by Phil West at the Celebracion 2018 conference in San Marcos, Texas sponsored by the National Hispanic Institute in November. Varo was honored with this rare award for his 30+ years of supporting the work of the Institute and for being the catalyst for establishing the Colorado Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) which celebrates 30 years this June. For more information on NHI, visit https://www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org
Dec 27, 2018•13 min
In a slight departure from previous conversations, NHI Founder and President Ernesto Nieto invites Tejano artists Ruben "El Gato Negro" Ramos and Leonard Davila of Street People to Maxwell to talk about the history and importance of Tejano music and the movement. Ernesto has been in talks with the two of them to produce a Southwest Experience that would honor, preserve, and promote American Latino cultures and forms like Tejano. They discuss the art form as a true American contribution and creat...
Sep 14, 2018•56 min
Former head of NHI's Collaborative Research Center, Dr. Joseph Villescas has had a long history with NHI going back to being the younger sibling of an alumna. Years later, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus for his contributions to NHI's research, study, and publications. He was most notable for leading the editing and collaboration known as the "Perfect Storm Scenario" that is discussed on the conversation. Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and founder, is joined in the interview by collea...
May 28, 2018•50 min
Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Mock Trial topic in preparation for the Great Debates.
May 28, 2018•29 min
Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Extemporaneous Speaking topic in preparation for the Great Debates.
May 28, 2018•20 min
Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Cross Examination debate topic in preparation for the Great Debates.
May 28, 2018•22 min
Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Oratory topic in preparation for the Great Debates.
May 28, 2018•24 min
Once known as part of a group of friends and high school volunteers known as the "LDZ Gods", A. J. Del Cueto, San Antonio alumnus and filmmaker drops by the NHI Ranch for a conversation about NHI memories, the state of Latinos in film, and future creative projects that set out to tell new Latino stories. A graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Texas at Austin, A.J. has been in film and working in digital and creative industries since his graduation from college. He recen...
May 25, 2018•40 min
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from Yorktown Heights, New York by way of the Bronx participated in 2005 and in her years has become an Education Director, Onsite Director, Secretary of State, curriculum specialist, trainer, and all around volunteer. This summer, Alexandria will challenge a longtime U.S. Congressman in New York for his seat. This conversation discusses her lessons and challenges of running for Congress in America's largest city while drawing on NHI learning and training as a guide. Ern...
May 15, 2018•33 min
In this special episode, Ernesto is joined by co-founder Gloria de Leon as they interview New Mexico alumnus and first New Mexico LDZ "Ricky Miranda" award recipient - John Rodarte. A reflective conversation that accounts for over 25 years of history, they discuss the meaning behind the LDZ and its long-lasting impact 30 years after the first expansion LDZ - the 1988 New Mexico LDZ. John also talks as an educator and the importance of reviving the NHI and youth leadership legacy in the Land of E...
Mar 29, 2018•52 min
Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and Founder, joined by Paola Hernandez and Julio Cotto, presents the opportunity for the NHI community to play a financial investor role this Spring through the "Change a Life" campaign. You can learn how you or your business can become investors and make an impact.
Mar 28, 2018•14 min
In this episode, Ernesto interviews longtime faculty member, trainer, former staffer, and all around engaged alumnus Tino Villarreal. Tino is the Project Administrator for the NHI at Tip of Texas Alliance but is also an Athletic Director of St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas. He is also a local leader on several boards and commissions. Ernesto asks Tino tough questions about coaching, leadership, and his NHI journey that started in 1996.
Mar 23, 2018•45 min
NHI President and Founder Ernesto Nieto alongside NHI team members Julio Cotto and Paola Hernandez discuss the 2018 Theme. This year, NHI will explore the concept of social labeling and its impact on public policy making throughout the U.S. and Latin America. They discuss the different manner the theme will be discussed at each NHI summer experience as well as the overall importance of having these types of conversations as a future leader. For more information on NHI, visit
Mar 02, 2018•48 min
NYC native Natalia Palmarini has been involved with NHI almost ten years and attended every experience from Great Debate to the LDZ to Celebration to the Collegiate Leadership Network. The Villanova University alumna has also served as a John F. Lopez Research and Management Fellow at NHI's home office and is currently serving as a part of the young faculty at the Northeast Great Debate every summer at her alma mater. She is also an active volunteer and awaiting her sister's participation in NHI...
Feb 28, 2018•36 min
Carlos Paz, Director of Communications for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, is interviewed by fellow Houstonian Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and Founder. They discuss his leadership journey with NHI, his career in community development and public service. The conversation ends with brief talks about the current political climate in D.C. and what is on the horizon for Latinos in politics.
Feb 24, 2018•50 min
In a new segment, NHI President and Founder Ernesto Nieto launches a series of interviews with notable alumni and partners throughout the NHI community. This second interview is with newer NHI team members, former NHI at El Paso Project Administrators, and longtime volunteer Paola Hernandez. Follow up interviews will include other staff members, Project Administrators, Trustees, faculty, and longtime supporters.
Feb 20, 2018•26 min
In a new segment, NHI President and Founder Ernesto Nieto launches a series of interviews with notable alumni and partners throughout the NHI community. This first test run interview takes place with NHI Senior Vice President and 1997 New Mexico LDZ alumnus Julio Cotto. Follow up interviews will include other staff members, Project Administrators, Trustees, faculty, and longtime supporters.
Feb 20, 2018•36 min
Julio Cotto, NHI Senior Vice President, and 1997 New Mexico LDZ alumnus, interviews Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and Founder, about his motivations and vision in starting the Institute. They also discuss the goals and learning impact of each experience from Great Debate, to the LDZ, to the CWS. They also highlight the unique lesson of each program and how they are relevant to today and the immediate future. Ernesto also gives highlights of what students and families can expect in 2018 including ...
Jan 05, 2018•31 min
After an intense 2017, Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and Founder, sits down with NHI Senior Vice President, Julio Cotto, to reflect on the tumultuous 2017 while looking forward to 2018. They take a close look at the state of the Latino community, particularly in the United States. They also look forward to continued challenges and looming opportunities in the new year. This episode was recorded at Esther's Hall at the National Hispanic Institute on Friday, December 29th, 2017.
Jan 02, 2018•30 min
Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and Founder, discusses new social trends and realities with Karla Martinez, NHI alumna and Director of Six Day Great Debates, and Julio Cotto, NHI alumnus and Senior Vice President. For more information, visit .
May 09, 2017•37 min
In this conversation from NHI's home office, the mock trial topic for the 2017 Great Debate is discussed. Julio Cotto, NHI alumnus and Senior Vice President, interviews Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and Founder. For more information on NHI, visit .
May 09, 2017•13 min
NHI President and Founder, Ernesto Nieto, and Julio Cotto, NHI alumnus and Senior Vice President discuss the Extemporaneous Speaking topic in preparation for the 2017 Great Debate sessions. For more information on NHI visit .
May 09, 2017•10 min
Ernesto Nieto, President and Founder of the National Hispanic Institute, and Julio Cotto, NHI alumnus and Senior Vice President discuss the Oratory topic for the 2017 NHI Great Debate sessions. For more information on NHI visit .
May 09, 2017•11 min
Ernesto Nieto, President and Founder of the National Hispanic Institute, is joined by Julio Cotto, NHI Alumnus and Senior Vice President to discuss the 2017 Great Debate Topic for Cross Examination.
May 09, 2017•16 min