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In this episode, we sit down with Steven Levyn Cruz, founder of AFJA, to explore how futbol can become a powerful tool for community, opportunity, and social change. From growing up between Los Angeles and El Salvador to building programs that connect youth across Central America and the diaspora, Steven shares how AFJA is using the game to create lasting impact beyond the final whistle. As the World Cup comes to a close, this conversation reminds us that the true power of futbol isn't measured by trophies, it's measured by the lives it touches. Thank you for joining us throughout our Unidos por el Futbol series! Follow : A.F.J.A: https://www.instagram.com/afja.es/ | https://www.la2la.org Follow Central American Voices: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/centralamericanvoices⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@centralamericanvoices⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠https://www.centralamericanvoices.com⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠https://centralamericanvoices.substack.com/⁠⁠ Central American Voices Team: Founder & Host: Alejandra Quiroz⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/⁠⁠ Producers: Brenda Hernández⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/⁠⁠ Lizette Castro⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/albarnliz/⁠⁠ Associate Producer: Jacqueline Ayala⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline_ayala/⁠⁠ Editor: Karina Ramos Villalobos⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/kyrv4life/⁠⁠ Social Media: Graciela María Campos ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/romcomprincess/⁠⁠| ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/brytideas/⁠

El fútbol es más que un deporte. Es recuerdos, familia, identidad y una pasión que nos conecta sin importar dónde estemos. En este episodio de Unidos por el Fútbol, conversamos con la creadora de contenido guatemalteca Monica Velásquez sobre cómo crecer rodeada del fútbol la llevó a convertir su pasión como fan en una comunidad digital donde miles de personas comparten la misma emoción. Hablamos sobre sus primeros recuerdos con el fútbol, el camino de convertirse en creadora de contenido, la importancia de la representación de las mujeres en espacios futboleros y cómo las redes sociales han creado nuevas formas de vivir la pasión por este deporte. Porque el fútbol no solamente se juega… también se siente! Follow Monica: https://www.instagram.com/monicavelasquez_17/ Follow Central American Voices: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/centralamericanvoices⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@centralamericanvoices⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠https://www.centralamericanvoices.com⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠https://centralamericanvoices.substack.com/⁠⁠ Central American Voices Team: Founder & Host: Alejandra Quiroz⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/⁠⁠ Producers: Brenda Hernández⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/⁠⁠ Lizette Castro⁠: https://www.instagram.com/albarnliz/⁠⁠ Associate Producer: Jacqueline Ayala⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline_ayala/⁠⁠ Editor: Karina Ramos Villalobos⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/kyrv4life/⁠⁠ Social Media: Graciela María Campos ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/romcomprincess/⁠⁠| ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/brytideas/⁠

In this episode of Unidos por el Fútbol, we keep things simple and gather around with friends to talk about the beautiful game. From childhood memories and family traditions to favorite teams, unforgettable World Cup moments, and the emotions that only fútbol can bring, this conversation is a celebration of the sport that connects generations, cultures, and communities across the world. Come join us at our Watch Party for Panamá vs Croatia Free RSVP: https://luma.com/1u3ycyq2 Follow : Diego at L.A Mundial https://www.instagram.com/l.a.mundial/ Brenda Hernández⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/⁠⁠ Jacqueline Ayala⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline_ayala/⁠⁠ Lizette Castro⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/albarnliz/⁠⁠ Follow Central American Voices: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/centralamericanvoices⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@centralamericanvoices⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.centralamericanvoices.com⁠ Substack: ⁠https://centralamericanvoices.substack.com/⁠ Central American Voices Team: Founder & Host:Alejandra Quiroz⁠ https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/⁠ Producers:Brenda Hernández⁠ https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/⁠ Lizette Castro ⁠https://www.instagram.com/albarnliz/⁠ Associate Producer:Jacqueline Ayala ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline_ayala/⁠ Editor:Karina Ramos Villalobos⁠ https://www.instagram.com/kyrv4life/⁠ Social Media:Graciela María Campos ⁠https://www.instagram.com/romcomprincess/⁠| ⁠https://www.instagram.com/brytideas/⁠

In this kickoff episode of our Men World Cup Series called "Unidos por el Fútbol", we sit down with Ricky Canales, founder of World Class Football and organizer Carlos, to talk about the power of soccer as a tool for culture, community, and connection. Ricky shares the vision behind World Class Football and gives us a preview of their month-long World Cup celebration taking place in their hometown Jacksonville. The series will feature watch parties for every match, community soccer tournaments: including men's, women's, co-ed, and FIFA gaming competitions, and a soccer-inspired fashion show that highlights the creativity and style that surround the beautiful game. Follow World Class Football: Instagram: @worldclassftbl Special thanks to Bravo Studios in Los Angeles for their continued support of Central American Voices and for helping create space for conversations that uplift and celebrate our communities. Follow Central American Voices: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centralamericanvoices TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@centralamericanvoices Website: https://www.centralamericanvoices.com Substack: https://centralamericanvoices.substack.com/ Central American Voices Team: Founder & Host: Alejandra Quiroz https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/ Producers: Brenda Hernández https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/ Lizette Castro https://www.instagram.com/albarnliz/ Associate Producer: Jacqueline Ayala https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline_ayala/ Editor: Karina Ramos Villalobos https://www.instagram.com/kyrv4life/ Social Media: Graciela María Campos https://www.instagram.com/romcomprincess/ | https://www.instagram.com/brytideas/

In this episode, we sit down with Los Angeles-based writer and culture journalist Astrid Kayembe to explore how identity, community, and lived experience shape the stories she tells. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles with Belizean and Congolese roots, Astrid reflects on how culture shows up in fashion, food, music, and everyday life across the city. We talk about her work documenting L.A. culture and subcultures, highlighting Caribbean and Belizean food spots, style, and the people that make the city feel alive, including her L.A. Times piece on the culture of waiting in lines in Los Angeles and what those spaces reveal about community and connection. From storytelling and representation to creating work rooted in personal experience, this conversation centers on the beauty of documenting the places and cultures that raise us. Astrid Kayembe journey: https://www.instagram.com/astrid.kayembe/ Follow Central American Voices: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/centralamericanvoices⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@centralamericanvoices⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠https://www.centralamericanvoices.com⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠https://centralamericanvoices.substack.com/⁠ Central American Voices Team: Founder & Host:  Alejandra Quiroz ⁠https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/⁠ Producers:  Brenda Hernández ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/⁠ Lizette Castro ⁠https://www.instagram.com/albarnliz/⁠ Associate Producer:  Jacqueline Ayala ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline_ayala/⁠ Editor:  Karina Ramos Villalobos ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kyrv4life/⁠ Social Media: Graciela María Campos ⁠https://www.instagram.com/romcomprincess/⁠ | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/brytideas/⁠

In this episode, we sit down with Guatemalan-Honduran-American filmmaker Santos Arrué to explore her creative practice and the themes that ground her work. We talk about her focus on displacement, representation, and what it means to tell stories that reflect lived experiences while imagining new futures for communities like ours. Santos shares insights into her short film Azul, her upcoming feature project, and the filmmakers and works that have shaped her voice. This conversation moves through identity, memory, and the power of cinema to expand how we see ourselves and the worlds we can create. Follow Santos Arrué journey: https://www.instagram.com/santos_arrue/ Follow Central American Voices: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centralamericanvoices⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@centralamericanvoices⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.centralamericanvoices.com⁠ Substack: https://centralamericanvoices.substack.com/ Central American Voices Team: Founder & Host:  Alejandra Quiroz https://www.instagram.com/aalquiroz/ Producers:  Brenda Hernández https://www.instagram.com/_lifeintechnicolor/ Lizette Castro https://www.instagram.com/albarnliz/ Associate Producer:  Jacqueline Ayala https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline_ayala/ Editor:  Karina Ramos Villalobos https://www.instagram.com/kyrv4life/ Social Media:  Graciela Maria Campos https://www.instagram.com/romcomprincess/ | https://www.instagram.com/brytideas/ Central American Voices is a nonprofit media platform amplifying the stories of Central Americans worldwide through storytelling, journalism, and the arts. Centering culture, identity, and community.

In this episode, we sit down with Karina Magallon, a Panamanian-American bilingual artist and multi-instrumentalist whose sound blends Latin and pop influences with heartfelt storytelling and Spanglish lyrics. Raised in Houston and now based in Los Angeles, Karina shares how growing up between cultures shaped her identity and her artistry. From studying music in Nashville to building her career as an independent artist, songwriter, and vocal producer, she takes us through the moments that defined her path. We talk about navigating the music industry as a Latina artist, staying true to your voice, and the power of creating in both English and Spanish. This conversation is about embracing who you are, finding your sound, and creating without limits. Follow her journey:https://www.instagram.com/karinamagallon Follow Central American Voices: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centralamericanvoices⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@centralamericanvoices⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.centralamericanvoices.com⁠ Credits: Host: Alejandra Quiroz Producers: Brenda Hernández & Lizette Castro Podcast Coordinator: Jacqueline Ayala Social Media: Graciela Maria CamposEditor: Karina Ramos Villalobos

In this episode we sit down with Roger and Stephanie from Pro-Sé-So, a community-centered legal platform focused on empowering immigrant communities through law, education, and accessibility. Together, they discuss the mission behind Pro-Sé-So, their work supporting immigrant families, and why democratizing legal knowledge is critical for underserved communities. From immigration challenges to community advocacy, this conversation explores how law can become a tool for empowerment, representation, and meaningful impact. This episode highlights the importance of accessible legal education, community-centered advocacy, and the power of using your career to give back. Follow their journey:Pro-Sé-So Website: https://pro-se-so.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pro_se_soTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pro_se_so Follow Central American Voices:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centralamericanvoicesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@centralamericanvoicesWebsite: https://www.centralamericanvoices.com Credits: Host: Alejandra QuirozProducers: Brenda Hernández & Lizette CastroPodcast Coordinator: Jacqueline AyalaEditor: Karina Ramos Villalobos

In this episode we sit down with Michelle Myra, founder of Sazón Pilates, to talk about identity, resilience, and building something rooted in culture. Born in Bellflower, California to Guatemalan immigrant parents, Michelle’s journey has taken her across the world from studying art history and living in Italy to spending nearly a decade in China and traveling throughout Southeast Asia. After years abroad, she returned home to Los Angeles and discovered a deeper purpose through Pilates, transforming movement into a space for healing and community. Follow her journey with Sazón:Sazón Grip — https://www.instagram.com/sazon.grip/Sazón Pilates Studio — https://www.instagram.com/sazon.pilates.studio/Michelle Myra — https://www.instagram.com/michellemyraofficial/ Follow Central American Voices:Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/centralamericanvoices/TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@centralamericanvoices

In this episode, we talk with filmmaker and educator Matthew Serrano in a thoughtful conversation about identity, ancestry, and intentional storytelling. Matthew reflects on growing up Salvadoran-American, his journey through Youth Cinema Project, and the responsibility that comes with telling stories about our communities. The conversation centers on his film Xolo and the care, research, and intention behind every creative choice exploring why representation goes beyond visibility and why storytelling, when done with purpose, can be an act of preservation. Xolo has been selected for SBIFF and will screen during:Narrative Shorts 7 – Festival Circuit Faves Thursday 2/12 — 6:00 PM — Film Center Aud 4 Friday 2/13 — 12:00 PM — Film Center Aud 4 Tickets Here 🔗 Follow Matthew Serrano: Instagram: @matthew_ serrano  ⁠⁠@xolo_film Brand: @tobyandlinus | Toby & Linus THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS ⁠⁠Honduras Kitchen⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Bravo Foods USA⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Annette's Illustrations⁠⁠ 💛 Let’s Stay Connected: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠

En este episodio conversamos con Soudi Jiménez, periodista salvadoreño del Los Angeles Times en Español y autor del libro Ecos Migrantes. Soudi comparte cómo fue crecer en El Salvador, su llegada a Estados Unidos para trabajar en el consulado salvadoreño y su transición al periodismo, desde donde ha documentado por más de una década las múltiples realidades de la comunidad migrante. Profundizamos en la inspiración detrás de Ecos Migrantes, una recopilación de crónicas que amplía la narrativa tradicional sobre la migración y visibiliza voces diversas; desde diplomáticos y estudiantes hasta trabajadoras domésticas y artistas. Recordándonos que migrar también es resistir, construir identidad y dejar huella. Un episodio esencial sobre migración centroamericana, memoria, periodismo y humanidad. 🔗 Follow Soudi Jiménez: Instagram: ⁠@soudijimenez @ecosmigrantes (You can get his book by DM him on his social media) THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS ⁠Honduras Kitchen⁠ ⁠Bravo Foods USA⁠ ⁠Annette's Illustrations⁠ 💛 Let’s Stay Connected: Instagram: ⁠⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠

In this episode, we talk with Central American artist Kiara Aileen Machado about her journey growing in Los Angeles and how her Guatemalan, Salvadoran, and Honduran roots shape her artistic voice. We discuss her work exploring identity, migration, and the absence of Central American representation in mainstream art spaces. Kiara walks us through her studio practice, the stories behind her paintings, and how her travels through Honduras, Guatemala, and Cuba have influenced her understanding of land, memory, and geopolitical identity. We also dive into the role of community, the challenges of navigating the art world, and how she uses her work to preserve collective memory and create visibility for our diaspora. 🔗 Follow Kiara Aileen Machado: Instagram: @kiara_aileen_arts 💛 Let’s Stay Connected: Instagram: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠ Twitter/X: ⁠@centamvoicespod ⁠Facebook: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠

En este episodio hablamos con Raquel “Rocky” Rodríguez, futbolista profesional del Kansas City Current (NWSL) y mediocampista de la Selección Nacional Femenina de Costa Rica. Juntas exploramos su recorrido desde jugar fútbol en Costa Rica con su familia hasta convertirse en una de las atletas centroamericanas más reconocidas en el fútbol femenino. 🔗 Follow Rocky Rodríguez:Instagram: @raque_rocky 💛 Let’s Stay Connected:Instagram: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠TikTok: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠Twitter/X: ⁠@centamvoicespod⁠Facebook: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana; cultural worker, muralist, and creator of The Humanizing Deportation Archive. Together, we explore how art becomes a tool for survival, memory, and resistance at the U.S.–Mexico border. We reflect on silence, storytelling, and the power of artivism to challenge dominant narratives of migration and belonging; connecting these border stories to shared immigrant experiences across the Americas. Mentions Painting the Archive: https://lizbethdelacruzsantana.com/painting-the-humanizing-deportation-archive Interactive Playas de Tijuana mural: https://lizbethdelacruzsantana.com/interactive-digital-muralTrailer for Painting the Humanizing Deportation Archive: https://youtu.be/ezicShI52-A?si=GxJ4VWTavLQ_y5HJ  Dr.Lizbeth Social media platforms:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbethdsantana/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lizbethdsantana  X: https://x.com/lizbethdsantana  Let’s Stay Connected: Instagram: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠ TikTok: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast⁠ Twitter: ⁠@centamvoicespod⁠ Facebook: ⁠@centamvoicespodcast

Surprise!In this special birthday episode, we’re introducing our amazing Associate Producer so you can get to know the person who helps make Central American Voices happen behind the scenes. This conversation feels like one of those long hangouts with close friends; we laugh, dive deep into identity and intersectionality, talk about growing up across generations, and of course… end up talking about food (because what’s a Central American convo without plátanos?) Announcements:Saturday, Oct 11 – Latino FestivalSunday, Oct 12 – Comedia en Español Support Our Work:Donate via PayPal Let’s Stay Connected:Instagram: @centamvoicespodcastTikTok: @centamvoicespodcastTwitter: @centamvoicespodFacebook: @centamvoicespodcast