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Episode 136 - Join us for a conversation with Ramiro Cavazos, President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We explore the history and growth of the USHCC, its role in supporting Latino entrepreneurs, and the upcoming 47th Annual USHCC Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Tune in for insights on Latino business, entrepreneurship, and Hispanic economic impact in America    Website - Homepage - USHCC

Episode 135 - For millions of families, pets are more than companions—they’re family. They offer unconditional love, comfort, and a sense of connection. And yet, every day, countless animals are left without a home, without protection, and without someone to care for them. In 2025, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues across the country, with nearly 60 percent of community intakes being stray animals. Behind those numbers are real lives—animals waiting for someone to give them a second chance. Today, we’re talking about the urgent need to adopt, care for, and protect the animals who depend on us. Joining us are Excelina Ordonez, founder of the Pet Love and Help Foundation, and board member Alex Villialobos. Their nonprofit is dedicated to keeping pets healthy, supporting families, and helping animals in need find safety, care, and loving homes. This is a conversation about compassion, responsibility, and hope—and a reminder that sometimes, changing an animal’s life starts with one simple act of kindness. Let’s hear their story and learn how we can all be part of the solution. Website: Pet Love & Help Foundation — Keeping Pets in Loving Homes

Episode 134 - As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, it's time to revisit a chapter of American history that has too often been overlooked. In this episode of the Latino Business Report, J.R. Gonzales sits down with Martha Vera, LLM, MS, Honorary Consul of Spain in El Paso, to discuss We the Hispanos, a groundbreaking documentary that explores the vital role of Spain and Hispanics in the founding of America. Discover the history left out of many textbooks, why it matters today, and how understanding our shared past helps tell the complete American story. Trailer - https://vimeo.com/ondemand/wethehispanos  Website - https://wethehispanosfoundation.org/

Ep. 133 - In this episode of Latino Business Report, we feature La Voz, one of Texas' longest-running bilingual community newspapers. Joining us is Alfredo Rodriguez Santos, editor and publisher of the La Voz Newspaper Network, to discuss its 35-year legacy, its mission, and the vital role bilingual community journalism continues to play. Stay with us for this inspiring conversation on Latino Business Report. Southwest Texas Oral History Center - https://oralhistoryswt.org/  La Voz - http://www.lavoznewspapers.com/

Episode 132 - Midland, Texas, may be known around the world as the heart of the Permian Basin, but its story is evolving far beyond oil and gas. In this episode of the Latino Business Report, we explore how one of the world's most productive energy regions is diversifying its economy, attracting new investment, supporting entrepreneurs, and building the workforce needed for the future. Our conversation examines the opportunities and challenges shaping Midland's next chapter, the critical role of small businesses and Latino entrepreneurs in driving economic growth, and why the city is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for business expansion and innovation. If you're interested in economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce trends, or the changing face of West Texas, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Episode 131 - What does it take to stand up to the U.S. government and demand justice? In this episode, we share the inspiring story of Tina Cordova, a cancer survivor and sixth-generation New Mexican who transformed personal tragedy into a decades-long fight for accountability. As co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, Tina helped bring national attention to the victims of radioactive fallout from the Trinity Test and fought for recognition, healthcare, and compensation for affected families. This is a powerful story of resilience, community, and the pursuit of justice against overwhelming odds.

Episode 130 - In this episode of Latino Business Report, we explore the growing national debate over academic freedom, educational censorship, and the future of higher education. As universities across the country face increasing political pressure to reshape curricula and diversity-focused programs, institutions like the University of Texas at Austin have become central to a larger conversation about who controls what can be taught, researched, and learned. Joined by Neto Longoria and Dr. Maria del Carmon Unda, we examine the tension between accountability and censorship, the impact on Latino Studies and academic independence, and the long-term consequences when public policy and funding become tied to ideology.

Episode 129 - In this National Small Business Week episode, we sit down with Julián Castro for a candid, forward-looking conversation on how Latino-owned businesses are shaping the future of the American economy. From his upbringing on San Antonio’s Westside—grounded in civil rights and community activism—to his leadership as Mayor, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and presidential candidate, Castro brings both lived experience and policy insight to the table. We dig into why small businesses are more than economic drivers—they are anchors of opportunity, resilience, and community power, particularly within Latino communities nationwide. Castro also shares perspective on what’s working, what’s not, and what must change to ensure Latino entrepreneurs have real access to capital, visibility, and long-term growth. This is a timely, no-fluff conversation about ownership, access, and who gets to participate in America’s economic future.

Ep. 128 - What’s the difference between Hispanic and Latino—and do those terms really mean the same thing? In this episode of The Latino Business Report, we sit down with Dr. Maria Del Carmon Unda to explore the origins and evolving meanings of Hispanic, Latino, and Chicano. This conversation goes beyond labels to uncover how identity is shaped—and why how someone chooses to identify is personal and worth respecting. Tune in and discover the deeper story behind the words we use every day. Recommended Reading: Pew Research Center. (2013). Preferences for the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” [Data Set]. Pew Research Center Survey of Hispanic Adults. https://www.pewresearch.org/hispanic/2013/10/22/three-fourths-of-hispanics-say-their-co mmunity-needs-a-leader/ph-hispanic-leader-10-2013-03-04/   Revilla, A. T. (2000). LatCrit and CRT in the field of education: A theoretical dialogue between two colleagues. Denver University Law Review., 78, 623. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals/denlr78&i=634   Perea, J.F. (2003). A brief history of race and the U.S. Mexican Border: Tracing trajectories of conquest. UCLA Law Review, 51, 1213-1258.    Beltran, C. (2010) The trouble with unity: Latino politics and the creation of unity. Oxford University Press.   Cadava, G. (2020). The Hispanic Republican: The shaping of an American political identity, from Nixon to Trump. Harper & Brothers.   Flores, T. (2021). Latinidad is canceled: Confronting an anti-Black construct. Latin American and Latinx Visual Culture, 3(3), 58-71. https://doi.org/10.1525/lavc.2021.3.3.58

Episode 127 - What happens when the spaces designed to support identity, culture, and opportunity begin to disappear? Across the country, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are being dismantled or redefined—and students are feeling it firsthand. At the University of Texas at Austin, proposed changes within the College of Liberal Arts are raising serious concerns about the future of Mexican American and Latina/o Studies and the broader network of programs that have long supported student success and community impact. In this episode of Latino Business Report, we sit down with a student leader who is speaking up, organizing, and refusing to be sidelined. This is a candid, on-the-ground conversation about what’s really happening, why it matters, and what could be lost if these changes move forward. This isn’t just a policy discussion—it’s a story about voice, identity, and the fight to preserve spaces that have shaped generations.

Episode 126 - Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life? In this episode, From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Strategies for Busy Lives, we sit down with Health, Wellness, and Life Coach Lina Warner to talk about what it really takes to regain control and create a life that feels balanced, focused, and fulfilling. Certified through the International Coaching Federation, Lina brings both professional expertise and real-life experience to the conversation. As a busy parent herself, she understands the challenges of juggling responsibilities while trying to stay motivated and healthy. She shares practical strategies for building sustainable habits, tackling big goals without burnout, and creating systems that actually work. If you’ve been feeling stuck, stretched thin, or unsure how to move forward, this episode is packed with insights to help you take that first step. Lina breaks down how accountability, consistency, and the right mindset can transform not only your personal growth but also your relationships—both at home and in your career. Tune in and discover how small, intentional changes can lead to powerful results—and how you can move from overwhelmed to truly empowered. Find Out More About Lina at: website:  www.linawarnercoaching.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linawarnercoaching/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linawarnercoaching  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@LinaWarnerCoaching  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lina-warner-83860b307/

Episode 125 - Spanish-language television helped shape culture, identity, and political power in the United States. On today’s episode, we’re joined by media entrepreneur and author Javier Marín to discuss his new book, Live from America: How Latino TV Conquered the United States (Grupo Planeta). Javier traces the rise of the Spanish International Network—now Univision—from its early days to its emergence as the nation’s leading Hispanic media network. We go behind the scenes to explore the personal rivalries, strategic decisions, and cultural shifts that turned Spanish-language TV into a powerful force—from telenovelas and soccer to news and politics. The conversation also highlights how the U.S. became the world’s second-largest Spanish-speaking country and the role Latino media played in shaping national history. A compelling look at the network that helped give a community its voice. 🎙️   Find Book at - https://www.amazon.com/Live-America-Latino-T-V-Conquered/dp/B0G6DRVYCQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2W8RORZY0H9FO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wE0KV6hr3IDRNewiFqI_EvNAJOe1UDqkGvsoATuQBm_GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.I2ScgWh6J11aiz3thvqPK3YRQinkhsuymMrefUPQ8YQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=live+from+america+javier+marin&qid=1770710551&sprefix=Live+from+Amer%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1

Episode 124 - Before sunrise on July 16, 1945, the New Mexico desert became the epicenter of a new and terrifying era. The Trinity test—the world’s first nuclear explosion—changed the planet forever, without warning the tens of thousands of people living nearby. In the years that followed, families across surrounding communities began to suffer mysterious and devastating health effects. They became known as the Downwinders—ordinary people living with the consequences of an extraordinary and closely guarded secret. This episode explores Downwind, a world-premiere opera by student composers Michael Smith and Demian Galvan. After traveling to New Mexico to better understand the land and the legacy of Trinity, the composers bring these often-ignored stories to the stage. As Smith writes, “While the family in our opera is fictional, the reality that they face is not.” Together, we examine the history, the harm, and the haunting beauty of a work that asks a powerful question: what does progress cost—and who is made to pay the price? Ticket Sales Link - https://music.utexas.edu/events/5255-downwind

Episode 123 - Texas State University’s New Program Helps ‘LIFT’ Small Business Growth Small businesses fuel local economies — but growth requires the right tools, training, and support. In this episode, we spotlight Texas State University’s Learning and Insights for Forward Traction (LIFT) accelerator, a six-week program designed to strengthen marketing skills and help small businesses scale with confidence. Developed by Texas State’s SCALEUP initiative and delivered in collaboration with the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) and community partners, LIFT recently graduated more than 300 small business leaders from across Texas and beyond. Participants reported major gains in marketing confidence, social media strategy, goal setting, and practical execution. You’ll hear insights from program leaders Dr. Josh Daspit and Dr. Marlene Orozco on how research-driven training translates into real-world growth, as well as why access to practical tools matters for long-term economic stability. We also explore how entrepreneurs are redefining branding, leveraging analytics, and using innovative resources like an AI Business Coach to accelerate their businesses. Whether you’re a business owner, chamber leader, educator, or economic development professional, this episode offers valuable takeaways on how targeted education and partnerships can strengthen entrepreneurs and communities statewide. Tune in to learn how LIFT is helping small businesses move forward — faster and smarter. SCALE UP - SCALEUP : Texas State University    Podcast Guests Dr. Josh Daspit is an Associate Professor of Management at Texas State University’s McCoy College of Business and the founding director of the SCALEUP initiative. He’s a nationally recognized expert in entrepreneurship and family business, with more than 50 publications and ranked among the top three most productive family business scholars in the country. His work focuses on translating research into real-world solutions that help small businesses grow.   Dr. Marlene Orozco, LIFT Program Lead and Research Fellow with SCALEUP. Her research centers on inclusive entrepreneurship, Latino and immigrant-owned businesses, and turning data into practical strategies that strengthen communities. She has led major national research efforts, including contributions to the State of Latino Entrepreneurship reports.

Episode 122 - Security vs. Sustainability: The Future of the Rio Grande Guest: Jessie F. Fuentes, Founder & Owner, Epi’s Canoe & Kayak Team The Rio Grande is more than a border — it’s a lifeline for communities, wildlife, and commerce. But floating buoys, razor wire, and increased militarization are reshaping the river’s safety and future. Join us as Jessie F. Fuentes shares firsthand insight into how these changes are impacting the environment, local businesses, and cross-border cooperation — and why protecting borders should never mean destroying the resources that sustain our communities.