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 educat…

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 al…

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 un…

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…

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, sh…

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…

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 mome…

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 Preside…

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 ho…

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…

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 fi…

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…

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 wa…

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 curre…

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 wa…

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 th…

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 stori…

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 …

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 cl…

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 th…

“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 story of Siete Family Foods starts with a challenge: how to better manage an autoimmune disease through dietary transformation while staying connected to your culture. Miguel Garza watched his sister Veronica find a grain-free solution for tortillas by using almond flour, which she would then sell to family and friends in Laredo, Texas. Fresh o…

For Orlando Bravo, the story always starts in Puerto Rico. Even today, as the billionaire founder and managing partner of private equity investment firm Thoma Bravo, he recognizes that where he came from will forever influence where he is. Bravo attributes his meteoric rise in the early 2000s—when he made a name for himself in software acquisitions…

For most ten-year-olds, managing a grocery store would be daunting. For Teresa Barreira, it was a learning experience. Growing up in a small village where her parents ran three businesses, Barreira discovered what it meant to be entrepreneurial and scrappy. That background—in combination with an unflinching pride in her heritage—informs her today a…

Guillermo Diaz isn’t shy about emphasizing the impact of his time in the Navy. It’s not only where he developed his competence in technology but where he began to truly understand the power in building relationships—the power in fostering a sense of community. As chairman of the Hispanic IT Executive Council and former CIO of Cisco Systems, Diaz ca…

Camille Vasquez didn’t anticipate her fame. Raised by a Cuban mother and Colombian father who met while learning to speak English at a school in Los Angeles, Camille and her sister were given a simple directive early on: focus on your education. And so they did. According to Vasquez, that resulted in one of two options: doctor or lawyer. She chose …

Rosanna Durruthy recently celebrated six years at LinkedIn. Over the course of her tenure as VP of Global Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, she’s not only led countless empowerment initiatives at the social media giant—she’s had a front-row seat to the multicultural evolution of a global workforce. That’s not something she could claim 30 years ago.…

2-Part Episode: Recognizing the Latino impact on the American and global economy is nothing new for the audience of The Latino Majority podcast. According to studies by the Latino Donor Collaborative, if the Hispanic/Latino community was its own country, it would be the fifth largest economy in the world, ahead of the UK, India, and France. Having …

2-Part Episode: Recognizing the Latino impact on the American and global economy is nothing new for the audience of The Latino Majority podcast. According to studies by the Latino Donor Collaborative, if the Hispanic/Latino community was its own country, it would be the fifth largest economy in the world, ahead of the UK, India, and France. Having …

A powerful Latina in the business of financial advisory, Adela Cepeda fought tooth and nail to have her voice heard by men hoping to drown her out. Now she’s here to hold them accountable. As a founder and president of her own influential firm—plus a consistent boardroom presence—Cepeda recognizes that the early hurdles she overcame, and the diffic…

When Emilio Estefan emigrated from Cuba in the 1960s—eventually settling in Miami—it wasn’t by choice . . . it was by necessity. Even at a young age, Estefan understood he’d have to work hard for his freedom, for his family’s freedom. That work came in the form of music. From the moment his uncle gifted him a $77 accordion, Estefan recognized that …

For Lili Gil Valletta, it’s simple: diversity and inclusion is good for business. It’s what she preaches as a loyal champion of cultural intelligence—a concept that focuses on the awareness, understanding, and application of cultural data into everyday business. Too often corporations make short-sighted decisions as a means of chasing diversity met…

When we set out to produce The New Majority podcast, we wanted to create a space that amplifies the voices of accomplished Latino leaders whose stories are not readily told by the mainstream media. Three remarkable seasons later and having spoken with some the most influential Latino executives in America—as well as important allies of our communit…

There are few better seats at the table than the one next to the president of the United States. As vice president, Kamala Harris recognizes that privilege. And like the influential Latinos and Latinas featured on The Latino Majority, she recognizes it as a result of those underrepresented leaders who came before her. Those who walked into spaces o…

There’s one key consistency Dr. Miguel Román has observed across the countless photos he’s seen of our planet taken from space: our natural environment has no borders. As a leading mind in climate science, Dr. Román has made it his mission to illustrate the effects of climate change through meaningful stories rather than onslaughts of data. And he …

As a Girl Scout selling cookies, Sylvia Acevedo was taught by her troop leader to be adaptable, persistent, and inventive—to never lose sight of a sale until she’s heard “no” three times. That early lesson informed the NASA alum and former Girl Scouts CEO to bring two solutions into a room: the one that everyone expects, and the one that innovates.…

Raul Anaya first witnessed the drive and resilience of the Latino business owner when his father opened Anaya’s Body and Paint Shop in Brownsville, Texas. As President of Business Banking at Bank of America—and now as a member of the board of trustees for the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Latino—Anaya continues to witness the power of Latino…

Charo Henriquez is comfortable pursuing the job that doesn't exist. A leader in digital journalism and newsroom strategy at the New York Times, she recognizes her value lies in the keen ability to solve for opportunities in a digital-first environment. To keep ahead of the curve and build new roles. It was early in her career as a journalist in Pue…

For José E. Feliciano, success starts with failure. Prior to co-founding prominent private equity firm Clearlake Capital in 2006, Feliciano persevered through failures that forced him to innovate rather than recede into the background. Today, as a powerful investor in Silicon Valley, he sees his story reflected in countless technology start-ups. Bu…

Tanya Reu-Narvaez lives her life by a simple but powerful mantra: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Growing up in an apartment building owned by her grandparents–where her sprawling family lived together under one roof–she learned about both the stability and the opportunity homeownership offers. And the layered effect it can have on ge…

Arturo Nuñez is a wizard at translating marketing strategy across cultures and populations. Currently the chief marketing officer at NuBank—a rising fintech bank based in Brazil—the born storyteller has been in the business for over three decades, with stops at PepsiCo, Diageo, Nike, and Apple. Nuñez’s ambition for learning about different cultures…

Early in his life as an entrepreneur, Gary Acosta believed that building a professional network was a fundamental necessity to best serve his career—and his career most of all. That his network was ultimately in place to benefit his ventures, first and foremost. Today, as CEO and cofounder of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Profess…

For Dr. Geraldo Cadava, the wide diversity of the Latino experience is something to be honored rather than categorically dissected. Only once we respect the countless origin stories of our community can we even begin to understand the sincere, deeply held beliefs of each unique individual. A scholar and author, Cadava’s deep family history informs …

Miguel Cardona felt the pride of service long before being appointed the United States Secretary of Education. As the highest-ranking educator in the country, Cardona knows that his Latinoness has helped him thrive. Over the course of his term, he aims to trumpet that same message to an underrepresented population of Latino teachers and students. T…

A Republican thought leader and cofounder of the Lincoln Project, Mike Madrid leverages his unique Latino perspective to provide commentary on a country in the midst of an enormous cultural transformation. He knows that as Armerica’s complexion continues to change, the political party that properly addresses the education divide in the Latino commu…

As a child, Carolina Ceballos stood witness to her mother’s determination and fearlessness in the face of unprecedented familial stress. Today, as deputy chief compliance officer at Facebook Payments, Ceballos carries on the lessons of her youth. Whether she’s navigating issues of money laundering or fraud or human trafficking, she works tirelessly…

Inherited from his father, Jorge Plasencia’s entrepreneurial spirit is affirmed through his creative marketing agency, Republica Havas. There, Plasencia echoes the multicultural makeup of Miami, where Republica Havas is based, while spotlighting the unique perspective of the American Latino. Because he knows that if you’re not investing in the Lati…

As CHRO and partner at TPG and a board member at Upwork, Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri proudly carries the torch for her maternal grandmother, a mentor and analytical thinker who was one of the first women to go to a university in Puerto Rico. In her current roles, Vazquez-Ubarri focuses on data to emphasize the gaps in diverse representation in corporate A…

As chief communications officer at National Public Radio (NPR), Isabel Lara ensures there’s a unified brand voice at the trusted news institution—one that acknowledges all voices, all accents, and all experiences. A Venezuelan immigrant who came to the United States 20 years ago, Lara has already spent considerable time walking the halls of media c…

For Alicia Menendez, introducing mainstream media to the Latino community brings with it a deep sense of responsibility. An MSNBC anchor and the host of the Latina to Latina podcast, Menendez understands the value of context when shaping media narratives, and with her “heart of service,” she promotes the message that if you want to break down silos…