Dropping Gems con Muchos Colores

Arely Lagunas

An audio community where we own and share our stories as trailblazer moms each month, leading with purpose, breaking barriers, and chasing bold dreams on our own terms. Celebrating our Latina motherhood voices to bring you genuine insights of the highs, lows, and in between of working moms from a First Gen Latina lens and wellness in mind.

  1. Jul 1

    The Many Colors of Motherhood: Creativity, Advocacy & Resilience with Janina Castillo

    New Episode Alert. New Season ✨ On this episode of Dropping Gems con Muchos Colores, we are honored to welcome Janina Castillo Latina entrepreneur, creative artist, autism advocate, and founder of Pretty Pearl Shop. Janina shares her journey of building a business rooted in creativity and self-expression while simultaneously navigating nearly a decade of motherhood, advocacy, and homeschooling as the mother of her son Elias. Together, we explore conversations around: 💎 Motherhood and identity 💎 Parenting and advocating for a neurodivergent child 💎 Mental health, resilience, and healing 💎 Entrepreneurship and creativity as a form of self-expression 💎 The power of community and knowing you are not alone Janina's story is a beautiful reminder that strength can coexist with vulnerability, that advocacy is an act of love, and that every motherhood journey deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. This conversation is for the mothers, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and advocates who continue showing up each day with courage, grace, and determination. 🤍 And if Janina's creativity inspires you, she is also hosting a Beginner Polymer Clay Jewelry Class on Saturday, July 18, from 2:00–5:00 PM in Berwyn, IL. The class is $75 per person, includes all supplies, and currently has 6 seats available. Whether you're looking to learn something new, connect with others, or simply create, this is a beautiful opportunity to do so. ✨ Interested in joining or learning more about her handmade jewelry? Reach out to Janina directly! 🎧 Listen now and share with a mom, caregiver, or entrepreneur who needs this reminder today

    37 min
  2. 10/25/2025

    Meet Rocio Sisco: Reconnecting with Ourselves: Reconnecting with the Body

    Anchoring ourselves through motherhood After a heartfelt break since March, Dropping Gems con Muchos Colores is back  and this comeback episode is a vulnerable and powerful one featuring Rocio Sisco, a Life Coach and Transformational Mentor at La Jefa Life. Together, we talk about: How fear and joy coexist in motherhood The courage it takes to ask for help Journaling, fitness, as anchors in transformation Finding safety in the body through breath, journaling, and movement Thriving beyond survival for ourselves and our families. Rocio, a soon-to-be mama of three, shares her story with authenticity and grace.  We explore motherhood, fear, identity, and breaking generational cycles, and how she's transforming motherhood through courage and wellness. As a mama and wife, Rocio draws from extensive experience and a deep understanding of human behavior to help women become La Jefa of their life and family.  She guides clients through transitions, overcoming obstacles, and achieving their goals with confidence. Through her holistic coaching practice, Rocio provides the tools and support needed to turn aspirations into reality. Outside of her practice, she hosts La Jefa Experience Podcast, creates empowering content, and advocates passionately for wellness and Latina motherhood. As a first-generation eldest daughter, Rocio understands the weight of generational stories and beliefs. She's made it her mission to help Latina mamas reconnect to themselves at every stage of motherhood and change the trajectory of their family lineage forever. This pause for the podcast was unplanned, but it was sacred. Life demanded stillness,  space to breathe, reflect, and come back stronger.  There's so much more to come this season and this conversation was the perfect way to return. Thank you for being part of the audio podcast community.

    57 min
  3. Meet Luz Canino Baker, Founder of Latinas on the Plaza

    04/01/2025

    Meet Luz Canino Baker, Founder of Latinas on the Plaza

    🎙️The podcast is back after a hiatus and we're kicking things off with someone incredibly special. 💫 My first official coach in 2021, powerhouse leader Luz, returns to the show! She's no stranger to our community and I was thrilled when Luz reached out to join me again. I had the incredible opportunity to be her student through the ARCH Leadership Program, which played a major role in shaping the initiatives I've taken on to this day. In fact, Luz was one of the individuals I turned to for feedback when launching the podcast—something I'm forever grateful for. Luz Canino-Baker is a seasoned business leader with a 28-year career in banking .  After 28 years climbing the corporate ladder in a male-dominated industry, Luz, used her experience to build Latinas on the Plaza, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring women of color so they can rise faster and stronger in corporate spaces. Luz has a passion for seeing everyone perform at their potential. She is certified in Myers Briggs, Insights Discovery, and Emotional Intelligence self-assessment programs. She is a certified coach by the International Coaching Federation. Her first book Designing Your Life Plan was published in the winter of 2013. She is also an author in the Today's Inspired Latina book series. Her work is exceptional and need in our communities. Here is why: 💼 If you're a Latina, a woman, and a mom, the odds are often stacked against you. •    Only 1 in 4 C-suite leaders are women—and just 1 in 20 are women of color. •    Latinas earn only 54 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. •    Moms can lose up to 40% of their lifetime earnings due to the motherhood penalty. •    Women lose on average $16,000 per year after having a child—and this gap grows with each additional child. •    42% of working moms report that caregiving has negatively impacted their career growth. The barriers are real. But so are our power, resilience, and potential. 🌱 This episode is all about : resilience, leadership, and how we still rise—especially when we have mentors, coaches, and a community who see us. Tune in for wisdom, real talk, and a reminder that your story isn't over because the odds are against you—it's just beginning. Also listen to upcoming events in the Chicagoland area and also opportunities online. https://latinasontheplaza.org/events-new/ https://stan.store/LuzCaninoBaker/p/crush-your-goals-workshopoBaker | Stan #PodcastReturn #LatinasOnTheRise #WomenEmpowerment #MomsInLeadership #LatinasInCorporate #LatinasOnThePlaza #LeadershipForLatinas #CareerClarity #WorkingMoms #WageGap

    27 min
  4. Meet Magaly Flores Lagunas - Sobreviviente de cáncer de mama y voluntaria de prevención del cáncer de mama

    11/01/2024

    Meet Magaly Flores Lagunas - Sobreviviente de cáncer de mama y voluntaria de prevención del cáncer de mama

    Hola a todos, bienvenidos de nuevo a nuetro podcast. Después de unos meses de pausa, este episodio es muy especial por varias razones, Octobre es un mes significativo, ya que es el Mes de Concientización sobre el Cáncer de Mama. Este episodio también marca una ocasión especial, ya que acabamos de finalizar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, y estamos emocionados de traerles nuestro primer episodio en español. Hoy contamos con una invitada increíble, Magaly Flores Lagunas, a quien he tenido el honor de conocer por más de 18 años. Ella es parte de mi famila, famila Lagunas,ya que es cunada de mi esposo. Magaly tiene 46 años, está casada y es madre de tres hijos de 12, 17 y 28 años. Magaly es una sobreviviente de cáncer de mama; fue diagnosticada en agosto de 2018, a los 39 años, con carcinoma ductal in-situ. Hoy, ella es voluntaria en la organización Alas Wings Asociación Latina de Asistencia y Prevención de Cáncer de Seno, donde brinda apoyo a otras mujeres latinas que están atravesando por este camino. Este tema es importance por que el cáncer de mama es el tipo de cáncer más comúnmente diagnosticado entre las mujeres hispanas y latinas en los Estados Unidos. La experiencia de Magaly es un recordatorio poderoso de la importancia de la detección temprana y de la fortaleza que nos brinda el apoyo familiar, comunitario y mental en momentos de gran desafío. A ustedes, nuestra audiencia, les invitamos a llevar este mensaje de concientización a sus seres queridos. Recuerden: la detección temprana salva vidas. Les dejamos informacion sobre la organización Alas Wings Asociación Latina de Asistencia y Prevención de Cáncer de Seno. Latina Association for Breast Cancer Sitio de web: https://alas-wings.org Correo electronico: ghutchins@alas-wings.org

    36 min
  5. Meet Luz Canino-Baker - Founder and President of Latinas On The Plaza, Non- Profit Organization & International certified coach and author

    04/16/2024

    Meet Luz Canino-Baker - Founder and President of Latinas On The Plaza, Non- Profit Organization & International certified coach and author

    Meet Luz Canino-Baker is the founder and President of Latinas On The Plaza, a non-profit organization that helps girls and women of color, with a strong target for Latina women, find their power so that they can be strong and confident at work, at home, and in the communities they serve.  Luz is also a international certified coach and author. Her first book Designing Your Life Plan helps one to intentionally plan life with a five year forecast in mind. She is also an author in the volume series Today's Inspired Latina. Luz is a proven business leader with experiences in corporate and non-profit sectors.  After a successful 28-year career in banking, where she spent the greater part of her career at First National Bank of Chicago/Bank One; now JPMorgan Chase.  Luz took her innovative leadership skills to the non-profit sector in February 2007. As a result, she started her own business in 2007, LNC Coaching, LLC. The core services include Executive/Life/Group/Retreat Coaching.  Luz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from DePaul University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.  Luz has received the Reflejos Reflecting Excellence award. She also was honored with the Suburban Life Magazine's Women of Distinction award, and the Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador of the Year award from UCAN. She is one of the Chicago United's Business Leaders of Color and one of Top 100 Under 50 leaders awarded by Diversity MBA Magazine. Luz's next mastermind is called " Let's Mastermind our way to Wealth" where you will learn to invest with other women. What you will learn in this course: Uncover your money problem Where are you: Rich Enough, Pretty Rich Enough Invest time in growing your wealth Know your Balance Sheet Automate your investments Safety For more information visit:   https://stan.store/LuzCaninoBaker

    33 min
  6. Meet Liz Khalifa, Chicago Make Up Artist & Patient Care Coordinator

    04/02/2024

    Meet Liz Khalifa, Chicago Make Up Artist & Patient Care Coordinator

    Meet Liz Khalifa, a 36-year-old Puerto Rican woman hailing from the bustling streets of Chicago. By day, Liz wears two hats: she's a makeup artist and a patient care coordinator at ReJenerate Aesthetic Studio in Bucktown. Liz's journey into makeup artistry began during her youth, sparked by a desire to explore her own sense of beauty. What started as a personal exploration evolved into a passion as she discovered the ability of makeup to enhance both outer appearance and inner confidence. With each stroke of her brush, Liz infuses her artistry with warmth and creativity, aiming to empower her clients and make them feel their best. Aside from her career, Liz finds deep fulfillment in her role as a mother to her two lovely daughters, Aubrey and Delilah. Motherhood has always been Liz's greatest aspiration, and she feels incredibly blessed to guide and support her girls. Through her actions, she strives to instill in them values of perseverance and self-belief, showing them that with determination, they can achieve anything. As Liz navigates her path, she does so with a sense of purpose, not only for herself but also for her daughters' futures. With each day, she hopes to embody the qualities she wishes to impart to her daughters – kindness, resilience, and unwavering determination. Join Liz on her journey as she continues to pursue her passions while nurturing her family and inspiring those around her. 💄✨ #MakeupArtistMom

    38 min
  7. 02/01/2024

    Solo Episode: Arely Lagunas: New Season

    Welcome, beautiful souls, to the first episode of 2024, new season, on Dropping Gems Con Muchos Colores Podcast, celebrating the resilience, strength, and wisdom of Latina mothers. Hosted by yours truly Arely Lagunas, join me on this episode as I discuss the importance of rest, especially when venturing into new spaces in 2024, my special trip to Guerrero, Mexico to honor and celebrate my dear abuelitas anniversary this month of January. My personal connections to my birthplace, and the significance of my grandparents. My personal reflection of personal growth and development over the past years, marked by challenges, resilience, and significant progress since 2015-2016. My gratitude for the collective journey of resilient Latina mothers in the past year of podcast guest episodes emphasizing the power of shared stories in fostering connection, understanding, and unity and community. The upcoming months in the Droppping Gems Podcast entail more enriching conversations that amplify the strength of Latina mothers, focusing on holistic wellness in our motherhood journey. Including the importance of rest , celebrating wins, addressing challenges, and tapping into the wisdom shared by guests. I am also happy to share our 1st quartely event of the year! In collaboration with De Mi Tierra products, for the month of February, in honor of self love and we are happy to host a facial workshop on February 10th in the Chicagoland area to encourage you momma to prioritize self-care and wellness. I look forward to continue to to spotlights Latina motherhood voices, breaking barriers, and living bold dreams. I invite you to share your feedback,  leave a review, and suggestions for topics to explore in 2024. I'd love to hear which episode was your favorite last year! Send me a DM. Cheers to a year of resilience, purpose, community, and holistic wellness. Until next time, take care, and keep dropping those gems!

    14 min

Ratings & Reviews

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About

An audio community where we own and share our stories as trailblazer moms each month, leading with purpose, breaking barriers, and chasing bold dreams on our own terms. Celebrating our Latina motherhood voices to bring you genuine insights of the highs, lows, and in between of working moms from a First Gen Latina lens and wellness in mind.