Everyone knows famed Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz as Big Papi. He made a name for himself in the batter’s box as a designated hitter, winning seven Silver Slugger awards, joining the 500 Home Run Club, and helping the Red Sox break its 86-year World Series drought—and win two more World Series before his retirement in 2016. But his work didn’t end when he stepped off the field for the final time. Big Papi transformed into a philanthropist and entrepreneur, drawing on his dedication for fami...
Jun 18, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 65
If anyone knows the power behind convening Latinos to make an impact, it’s Ricardo Anzaldua. His impulse to organize and bring Latinos together began early while growing up in New Mexico and South Texas. In high school as the Chicano movement gained traction, he became a strong advocate for Mexican American civil rights and a community organizer. He took that passion to elite institutions like his alma mater, Brown University where he advocated for diversifying student admissions and increased s...
Jun 05, 2025•38 min•Season 7Ep. 64
We are shaped by those who came before us and, in turn, we help shape the lives of those who come after us. Nationwide’s Juan José (JJ) Pérez knows this all too well. He grew up watching his father attend law school at night while working two jobs, making sacrifices while Perez and his siblings were young to not only better provide for their family in the long term but also be an example of what they could achieve. Those lessons continue to resonate with Perez today, both as president for Nation...
May 14, 2025•44 min•Season 7Ep. 63
Forty years ago, Alex López Negrete saw an opportunity to represent the Hispanic market and provide strategic direction to some of the biggest names in corporate America. The Houston-based Lopez Negrete Communications, cofounded with his wife Cathy, is now the largest independently owned and operated Hispanic advertising firm in the country. López Negrete has been recognized over the years for his leadership in the space. Most recently, he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation Ad...
Apr 30, 2025•42 min•Season 7Ep. 62
Felida Villarreal understands firsthand the cultural and familial expectations of the Rio Grande Valley residents. The powerhouse nonprofit leader grew up in the region, earned her degrees at the local university, and continues to empower residents to achieve their own success right in the valley through VIDA and its training programs. Villarreal stepped into the president and CEO role before the age of thirty and has made significant strides for an already strong regional nonprofit in the past ...
Apr 16, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 61
From the very beginning, words have been important to Marie Arana. The Peruvian American’s childhood was filled with music and literature, which formed her passion for storytelling and books as she navigated growing up in a bicultural household. Having an American mother, Arana learned to provide a counter narrative to Peruvian perceptions of Americans. Her love of books and writing grew into a literary career: books editor for the Washington Post , the inaugural literary director of the Library...
Apr 02, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 60
Growing up in the ’80s with two working parents, Javiera Balmaceda Pascal often found herself at the movie theater with her younger brother Pedro Pascal. The siblings, raised in Texas and California by parents who had fled Chile, found comfort in the stories they saw on the screen. Where her brother chose to step in front of the camera, Balmaceda pursued shaping narratives instead—with a focus on Latin American storytelling. For the past two decades, the Chilean native has helped major productio...
Mar 19, 2025•29 min•Season 7Ep. 59
Carla Vernón imagines a future that isn’t here yet. Her power of imagination has been her guide since childhood, allowing her to see beyond the information available to make decisions with both her head and her heart. The Princeton alum built her brand and leadership expertise at General Mills for almost twenty-two years, brought her vision to Amazon—and then became one of the first Afro-Latina CEOs of a US publicly traded company when she joined the Honest Company in 2023. She saw an opportunit...
Mar 05, 2025•42 min•Season 7Ep. 58
Wealth is more than just finances. It’s about securing a legacy. Building a rich and fulfilling life. And Ileana Musa wants to make sure Latinos have every opportunity to build their wealth. She knows firsthand the challenges that come with building wealth. Musa was raised by a single mother, who brought her and her siblings over from Cuba at a young age. She saw her mother in action as an entrepreneur to take care of her family and build a brighter future. Through her work as head of sales at M...
Dec 11, 2024•30 min•Season 6Ep. 57
Being a political trailblazer is in Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s DNA. Her grandfather Eugene D. Lujan was one of the first Hispanic justices of the New Mexico Supreme Court. In 2019, she made history as the first Democratic Latina elected governor in the United States. Lujan Grisham’s successes for New Mexicans—investing in high-quality education from early childhood through college, reaching historic economic growth, setting ambitious climate goals—come from the relationships she’s built d...
Oct 23, 2024•37 min•Season 6Ep. 56
Grit. Perseverance. Love. Those family values have been and will always be part of Monica Gil, who grew up the youngest of twelve children. She watched her parents and older siblings navigate systems and unspoken rules of the game, trailblazing a path for her to advance. Throughout her career at Nielsen and now at NBCUniversal Telemundo, Gil has always figured out how to reach back to bring Latinos along with her. To remove that “hassle factor” for Latinos and Latinas, and to remove barriers for...
Sep 25, 2024•46 min•Season 6Ep. 55
Advocacy is at the heart of everything Dolores Huerta does. It was the influence of her mother’s community activism and her initial time as a teacher that spurred her lifelong journey as a community organizer. She met César Chavez while serving in the Stockton Community Service Organization, and the pair went on to launch the United Farm Workers union in 1962. That was only the beginning for Huerta. She became the most visible spokesperson for the union, securing seemingly impossible feats that ...
Aug 14, 2024•30 min•Season 6Ep. 54
For Alvaro Luque, marketing strategies that promote avocados and celebrate the rich heritage of the Latino community will always be the way to go. With a career marked by groundbreaking initiatives, including AFM's historic Super Bowl advertising campaigns, Alvaro has solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in the marketing world. His dedication to authenticity and cultural resonance has propelled AFM to unprecedented success. He’s also sparked meaningful conversations about diversity, inclus...
Jul 31, 2024•51 min•Season 6Ep. 54
In every episode of The Latino Majority, we ask our guests a significant question: "If you were to author the story of Latinos in America today, what would be the theme and title?" Over fifty episodes later, we've gathered profound reflections from a diverse array of voices. This special compilation highlights some of the most impactful moments, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and dynamism of the Latino community. Whether you're a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, we hope...
Jul 16, 2024•2 min
For Stacie de Armas, a trailblazer in media and cultural representation, her passion for exploring the intricate layers of Latino identity in modern America is unmistakable. As a first-generation Cubana, Stacie brings a wealth of multicultural insights to her work as the Senior Vice President of Diverse Intelligence & Initiatives at Nielsen. Stacie's work has influenced major brands and media networks and deepened the understanding of the Latino community's cultural impact in the US. She con...
Jul 03, 2024•47 min•Season 6Ep. 52
For José Tavarez, leadership isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about challenging the status quo and advocating for oneself in the face of uncertainty. Raised in a family where hard work and respect were foundational, Tavarez's career path wasn't linear but marked by pivotal moments of determination and perseverance. One such moment came during the merger of Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, where Tavarez took a risk by asking for a meeting with the new boss, setting him on a ...
Jun 19, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 51
50th EPISODE: For Bobby Herrera, storytelling isn't just an expression – it's a movement, mobilizing hearts and minds with each powerful chapter of the Latino narrative. Born to immigrant parents in New Mexico, Herrera's upbringing instilled in him the power of storytelling, shaping his perspective on leadership and community. Today, as the President and CEO of Populus Group and an esteemed author, Bobby continues to champion the underdog narrative, encouraging others to embrace their unique sto...
Jun 05, 2024•37 min•Season 6Ep. 50
With grace and vision guiding her, Megan Hogan has been a voice for the voiceless. From her roots in pro bono clinics to her current role as Global Head of Talent and Chief Diversity officer at Goldman Sachs as well as her volunteer work, she has championed the causes of countless individuals in their journey to find stability and community. Our host, Pedro Guerrero, discovers the foundation of Megan’s determination and strength in this episode.
May 21, 2024•41 min•Season 6Ep. 49
For Luis Miranda, Jr., transitioning from his Puerto Rican roots to his current position as a prominent figure in American politics and culture has been extraordinary. With a background of resilience and determination, Luis has become a trailblazer in both the public and private sectors. As a political strategist, philanthropist, and author, he has dedicated his life to advocating for Latino voices and championing the American dream. Miranda, Jr. has left an indelible mark on American society th...
May 08, 2024•43 min•Season 6Ep. 48
For Oscar Munoz, leadership is more than simply steering companies to success. To him, it’s about connecting with people on a human level. As the former CEO and chairman of United Airlines, Oscar's leadership prioritized building trust and inclusivity. His genuine concern for others stem from his experiences, making him a relatable and inspiring figure in the corporate world. Our host, Pedro Guerrero, details Oscar's journey into the human side of leadership, uncovering the secrets to success in...
Apr 24, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 47
From the youngest elected mayor to CEO of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Fidel Vargas is dedicated to educational access and community empowerment. As a former recipient of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund turned CEO of the HSF, Fidel's tireless efforts have reshaped the landscape of scholarship programs and catalyzed opportunities for countless young Latino scholars nationwide. Through strategic advocacy and innovative programs, Fidel has built pathways to success for underrepresented communities ...
Apr 10, 2024•51 min•Season 6Ep. 46
For Julie Chavez Rodriguez, becoming a dynamic leader in today’s America could be her destiny as the granddaughter of civil rights icon Cesar Chavez. From her roots in the farmworker movement, Julie has emerged as a pivotal member of President Biden’s re-election campaign and stands among one of the highest-ranking Latinas in the White House. It was her upbringing, Julie says, that instilled dedication and determination in her at an early age. As she navigates her current role in politics, Julie...
Feb 21, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 45
For Sandra Velasquez, it’s always been about self-worth and self-acceptance. Show up as yourself and be bold about it. In a world that undermines minorities, Sandra aspires to take center stage and make a meaningful impact, not just for herself but also for the Latino community. From her early days as a performer leading sold-out shows to her current role as the founder of the groundbreaking beauty brand Nopalera, Velasquez knows this is a business of survival of the strongest. Sandra has defied...
Feb 07, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 44
When Carlos Huereca immigrated to El Paso at the age of 13, he had no choice but to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. His parents showed him how. It was at the dinner table where they often made tough decisions about their furniture business. Carlos had a front row seat to conversations about financial management and talent recruitment. It was during that time when he learned to heed the words his mother would repeat over and over: “Stay focused and committed.” He still treasures that earl...
Jan 24, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 43
For Marta Tellado, memories of the marketplace she used to frequent in Havana, Cuba aren’t just memories — they’re a living paradigm for a better world. They’re a model of an ecosystem where people help each other. And they’re a never-ending source of drive, passion, and perseverance to advocate for others today. From serving as a translator for the older generation, to being a champion for safety and transparency for consumers, to shaping policy in Washington DC while shaping minds with her no-...
Jan 10, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 42
The David Morales story is the story of the Morales family. That resonates in no place greater than his recent autobiography, American Familia . In it, Morales digs into his Puerto Rican heritage—not only as a way to emphasize the legacy of his family’s journey to America but to also inspire others within the Latino community to tell their own stories. A devout student of all things Puerto Rico, Morales has been steadfast in his dedication to the island. He shows it through his keen interest in ...
Dec 27, 2023•38 min•Season 5Ep. 41
Lou Nieto grew up fascinated by strategy. A kid once destined for law school, he devoured battle maneuvers from historic wars and studied chess—a game he still believes doubles as a potent metaphor for life. Nieto’s interest in strategy translated seamlessly to his leadership roles in corporate America, in which he held high-ranking positions with Kraft, Dean, and ConAgra Foods. It was in business where he was able to fully realize his potential as a strategic thinker—someone who could not only ...
Dec 20, 2023•48 min•Season 5Ep. 40
Raquel González doesn’t play witness to the changing Latino narrative, she helps author it. With a career spanning decades at Bank of America, González is not only a leading example of what can be achieved through longevity and commitment to a revered financial institution, she actively invests in Latino entrepreneurs to help give them their own clear vision of success. As market president for Bank of America Silicon Valley and the Hispanic-Latino Strategy Executive for Consumer and Small Busine...
Dec 06, 2023•34 min•Season 5Ep. 39
For Director Ángel Manuel Soto, Blue Beetle is for his younger self. As a kid growing up in Puerto Rico, Soto didn’t have the opportunity to see an Indiana Jones that looked like him—to see Latinos in heroic spaces of power on the big screen. Through Blue Beetle he set out to change that. His recent blockbuster not only highlights the truth that the Latino community is no monolith—and that it features everyday moments of superhero strength—it also shows how communities too often seen as ghettos ...
Nov 15, 2023•26 min•Season 5Ep. 38
“Latinos don’t play hockey.” It’s a phrase that Xavier Gutierrez has heard often since becoming the first Latino to lead an NHL team. As president and CEO of the Arizona Coyotes, Gutierrez sees the massive opportunity in welcoming Latinos to the hockey rink. It’s a vision he shares with friend and team owner Alex Meruelo, the first Latino owner in the NHL. With the Coyotes expanding its presence across Arizona, it’s the perfect place for Gutierrez to be. He leads with a passion for serving the L...
Nov 02, 2023•42 min•Season 5Ep. 37
