The Latino Majority

Hispanic Executive
  • 5.0 (65)
  • Careers
  • Updated Biweekly

The Latino Majority podcast highlights the leaders of our country's new majority—one that is increasingly multicultural, increasingly diverse, and increasingly Latino. With each episode, our host Pedro A. Guerrero speaks with Latino leaders in business and culture about their career journeys and lessons learned.

  1. 4d ago

    Francisco Leon: The CEO Who Crossed the Border Every Day

    Francisco Leon's story begins with a daily border crossing. Born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, Francisco spent more than a decade crossing between Mexico and the United States every day to attend school in San Diego. What began as a sacrifice by his parents to create greater opportunities for their children became the foundation for a unique perspective on leadership, problem-solving, and opportunity. In this conversation, Francisco reflects on growing up between two countries, learning to navigate two cultures, and how those experiences shaped his path from border kid to CEO of a publicly traded energy company. As President and CEO of California Resources Corporation, Francisco now leads one of California's most important energy companies at a time when energy security, affordability, climate policy, and geopolitics are colliding in real time. He discusses the realities of producing energy in California, the importance of local energy production, and why communities are at the center of every major decision the company makes. The conversation explores how leadership changes when you're responsible for critical infrastructure, thousands of employees, and the energy needs of millions of people. Francisco also shares his vision for the future of Latino leadership. While many Latinos continue to celebrate being the "first" in a particular role, he believes the next chapter must be about becoming the many. From business and technology to politics and culture, Francisco argues that the barriers have been broken and that the challenge now is building the pipeline for future generations. This episode is a story about ambition, responsibility, and the opportunities that emerge when immigrant families take a leap of faith. Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up in Mexico City and relocating to Tijuana Crossing the U.S.-Mexico border every day to attend school The sacrifices immigrant parents make to create opportunity Learning leadership through football, basketball, and organized sports Adapting to life between two cultures and two countries How border life shaped Francisco's worldview The journey from CFO to CEO of California Resources Corporation Leading a publicly traded company in California's energy sector Navigating politics, regulation, and public perception Why energy affordability has become a critical issue The importance of local energy production California's first carbon capture and storage project Energy security, sustainability, and innovation Latino representation in corporate leadership Moving beyond being the "first and only" Connect with Francisco Leon California Resources Corporation Francisco Leon on LinkedIn

    49 min

  2. Jun 17

    Marysol Castro: From the Bronx to the Mic That Changed Baseball

    Marysol Castro's story begins in the Bronx, where curiosity, sports, and a belief that the world was bigger than her neighborhood set her on an extraordinary path. From earning a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school at age 13 to becoming the first Latina public address announcer in Major League Baseball and the first female announcer in New York Mets history, Marysol has consistently broken barriers while staying true to who she is. In this conversation, Marysol reflects on growing up Puerto Rican in New York, the transformative power of education, and how being bilingual became one of the greatest assets in her journalism career. She shares candid stories about navigating media as a Latina, facing skepticism and microaggressions, surviving multiple industry layoffs, and reinventing herself again and again as the media landscape evolved. Through it all, sports remained her anchor—a source of discipline, resilience, and community. Marysol also takes us inside the unforgettable moment she first stepped behind the microphone at Citi Field, becoming a visible symbol of possibility for the next generation. The conversation expands into women's sports, entrepreneurship, representation in media, and the importance of opening doors rather than gatekeeping opportunities. Ultimately, Marysol's story is about persistence, reinvention, and a belief that Latinos have always been part of the American story—and always will be.   Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up Puerto Rican in the Bronx Receiving a scholarship to attend boarding school at age 13 Discovering the world beyond New York City Sports as a lifelong source of confidence and identity Why bilingualism became a career advantage The importance of mentors and teachers who believe in you Attending the Columbia Journalism School Early career lessons in local television news Navigating media as a Latina journalist Facing and overcoming workplace microaggressions Working at Good Morning America, CBS News, and ESPN The realities of layoffs and reinvention in media Becoming the first Latina public address announcer in Major League Baseball Life behind the microphone at New York Mets games The cultural significance of baseball for Latino communities Why women's sports represent a major growth opportunity Building Her Playbook and Lead Off Media Latino representation and gatekeeping within media industries Creating opportunities for the next generation Connect with Marysol Castro Marysol Castro Official Website Marysol Castro on Instagram Lead Off Media

    50 min

  3. Jun 3

    "I Belong Everywhere": Antonio Tijerino's American Story

    Antonio Tijerino's story begins with silence. Arriving in the United States from Nicaragua as a child, unable to speak English, he was held back in first grade and struggled to understand a world that often misunderstood him. In this deeply personal conversation, Antonio reflects on identity, belonging, assimilation, and the cultural touchstones — from Brillantina to Roberto Clemente — that helped him navigate growing up Latino in America. As President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Antonio has spent decades helping shape the national narrative around Latino leadership, culture, education, and opportunity. He shares how icons like Fernando Valenzuela, Los Lobos, and Cheech Marin became symbols of connection and pride — not just for Latinos, but for America itself. The conversation explores why storytelling matters, why narrative change is essential, and why Latino history is inseparable from American history. Antonio also offers a passionate vision for the future: one rooted in youth leadership, imagination, inclusivity, and action. From workforce development and education to mental health and civic responsibility, he argues that the next 250 years of America will be shaped by the Latino community — if we are willing to believe in ourselves, support one another, and lead now. This episode is both a reflection on identity and a call to action: Aquí vamos.   Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up as a Nicaraguan immigrant in the United States Being held back in first grade because of language barriers The emotional impact of assimilation and identity loss Why Roberto Clemente became Antonio's childhood hero The cultural significance of Fernando Valenzuela and "Fernandomania" Latino representation in sports, music, television, and the arts The mission and evolution of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Why narrative change is critical for the Latino community Latino contributions to American innovation, labor, and culture The importance of supporting farm workers and immigrant communities Internal division, imposter syndrome, and language shame within the Latino community Why leadership starts with believing in others Building social capital and empowering young leaders Antonio's philosophy: "Imagination + Action = Impact" Creativity, recklessness, and why he took erasers away from his children Mental health challenges facing the Latino community Why Antonio remains optimistic about the future of Latino leadership Connect with Antonio Tijerino Hispanic Heritage Foundation Fritanga Podcast Antonio Tijerino on LinkedIn

    38 min

  4. May 20

    Lori Lizarraga On Journalism, Identity, and the Power of Listening

    What happens when a journalist turns the lens back on the industry itself? In this episode of The Latino Majority, Pedro A. Guerrero sits down with award-winning journalist Lori Lizarraga for a deeply personal conversation about media, identity, accountability, and the responsibility of telling the truth — even when it comes at a personal cost. Lori reflects on growing up in rural Texas as the daughter of immigrants, stumbling into journalism almost by accident, and discovering a profession that immediately felt like home. From local newsrooms to national platforms like NPR's Code Switch, she shares how curiosity, courage, and a relentless desire to "dig" shaped her career and worldview. The conversation also dives into Lori's widely discussed essay Latinxed, the fallout that followed, and why she still believes journalism must hold itself accountable the same way it scrutinizes every other institution. Along the way, Pedro and Lori unpack the growing disconnect between media and the public, the difference between conversation and conversion, and why America's story cannot be told without Latinos at its center. By the end of the episode, Lori offers a powerful reflection on identity, belonging, and the complicated beauty of the Latino experience in America — reminding us that there is no single Latino story, only millions of interconnected human ones.   Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up in rural Texas as the daughter of immigrants Discovering journalism by accident at SMU Why curiosity became Lori's greatest strength as a reporter Mentorship and learning accountability journalism Writing the essay Latinxed and the professional fallout that followed The relationship between journalism and advocacy Why mainstream media often misses what communities are actually feeling The danger of replacing conversation with "conversion" Polarization, cancel culture, and the loss of listening The evolving role of Latino journalists in American media Why "Latino" is both useful and deeply incomplete as a label The inseparable relationship between the Latino story and the American story Connect with Lori Lizarraga NPR's NPR Code Switch Follow Lori Lizarraga on social media Read Lori's essay Latinxed

    37 min

  5. May 6

    Raíces: Root, Remember, and Reclaiming with Sylvia Banderas Coffinet

    What does it mean to truly belong? In this powerful episode of The Latino Majority, Sylvia Banderas Coffinet shares a deeply personal journey shaped by identity, resilience, and the pursuit of belonging. Born in Guadalajara and raised in a mixed-status immigrant family in East Los Angeles, Sylvia reflects on growing up undocumented and the profound impact that experience had on how she sees herself—and the world around her. As a child, she encountered exclusion in its most painful form, particularly during the era of anti-immigrant legislation in California. But rather than internalize those narratives, Sylvia questioned them. She recognized early on that the stories being told about her community did not reflect the truth she lived. That realization sparked a lifelong commitment to storytelling—and to ensuring that Latinos have ownership over their own narratives. Throughout the conversation, Sylvia connects her lived experience to her leadership philosophy. Drawing from the strength of the women in her family and the wisdom of her teachers, she shares how empathy and toughness are not opposing forces—but complementary ones. Like water, true strength can be both gentle and unstoppable. This episode also explores the evolving media landscape and the growing importance of authentic, community-driven storytelling. Sylvia emphasizes that while traditional media has often failed to fully represent Latino voices, a new era is emerging—one where creators, platforms, and individuals are reclaiming their stories. At its core, this conversation is about raíces—roots. About remembering who we are, reclaiming our narrative, and building a future grounded in truth, unity, and cultural pride.   Topics Discussed in This Episode • Growing up in Guadalajara and early cultural influences • Living in a mixed-status family and the experience of being undocumented • The impact of anti-immigrant policies on identity and belonging • Understanding exclusion—and why belonging is a fundamental human need • How teachers and mentors shaped confidence and self-belief • The balance between empathy and toughness in leadership • Lessons from matriarchal strength and feminine leadership • Discovering purpose through storytelling and narrative ownership • Challenges and transformation within the media and advertising industries • The importance of "for us, by us" storytelling • Reclaiming Latino identity and rejecting limiting narratives • The need for unity and collective progress within the Latino community Connect with Sylvia Banderas Coffinet • 4As (American Association of Advertising Agencies) • LinkedIn: Sylvia Banderas Coffinet • The Latino Majority Podcast

    41 min

  6. Apr 22

    From Olympic Dreams to the Voice of Global Football: Passion, Pressure, and Purpose with Fernando Palomo

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:6762c475-6736-4f03-a27e-606fc9c371a8-31" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What does it take to turn curiosity into a career that reaches millions? In this episode of The Latino Majority, Fernando Palomo shares his journey from a young boy in El Salvador, waking up early to watch Olympic documentaries, to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in global football. Long before the broadcasts and stadiums, there was a deep obsession with understanding sports, collecting newspaper clippings, reading everything he could find, and dreaming of becoming an Olympian. When that dream fell short, a new path revealed itself. At just 15 years old, Fernando knocked on the door of a TV station with nothing but preparation and belief. That moment sparked a career built on discipline, storytelling, and relentless growth. Today, through his work with ESPN, he brings audiences into the emotion and intensity of the game, making them feel every moment, not just hear it. This conversation goes far beyond sports. Fernando reflects on loss, identity, and the pressure to perform, drawing powerful parallels between athletics, business, and life. From embracing competition to finding purpose through storytelling, his journey is a masterclass in resilience and perspective. At its core, this episode is about embracing the obstacles, trusting the process, and understanding that the path forward is built through challenge, not in spite of it.

    40 min

  7. Apr 8

    From El Paso to Vogue: Redefining Beauty, Power, and Latinidad

    What does it mean to be seen—not as a trend, but as truth? In this powerful episode of The Latino Majority, Karla Martínez de Salas—Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Mexico and Latin America—shares her journey from El Paso to the highest levels of global fashion media. Raised in a bicultural environment where identity was fluid but not always fully understood, Karla didn't fully confront what it meant to belong until she stepped into elite spaces where she was often the outsider. From cold-calling internships in the late '90s to navigating the cultural codes of New York, Paris, and beyond, Karla built her career through curiosity, resilience, and an ability to adapt without losing herself. She opens up about the realities of breaking into an industry shaped by privilege—and the importance of relationships, work ethic, and cultural awareness in staying there. Now leading Vogue Mexico and Latin America, Karla is doing more than editing a magazine—she's reshaping the narrative of beauty and representation. By prioritizing local voices, spotlighting Afro-Latina and Indigenous women, and challenging Eurocentric standards, she's helping redefine who gets seen and celebrated on a global stage. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: that perspective matters. That being an outsider can become your greatest advantage. And that storytelling—when done with intention—can shift culture. From the groundbreaking Yalitza Aparicio cover to elevating emerging creatives across Latin America, Karla shares how authenticity, cultural pride, and local storytelling are driving the future of fashion and media. This episode is ultimately about identity, belonging, and the responsibility of shaping how a community sees itself—and how the world sees it.

    54 min

  8. Mar 25

    The Nod: Identity, Power, and the Latino Majority with Audrey Ponzio

    What does it mean to truly be seen? In this powerful episode of The Latino Majority, Audrey Ponzio—founding partner of APC Collective—shares a deeply personal journey from El Paso to the highest levels of corporate communications. Raised in a community where identity was simply lived, not questioned, Audrey didn't fully confront what it meant to be Latina until she left home and entered spaces where she was suddenly "othered." From being the only multicultural voice in the room to navigating tokenization, microaggressions, and the weight of representation, Audrey opens up about the hidden cost of rising through corporate America—and the strength it takes to lead with authenticity. Along the way, she reveals how her upbringing, her instincts as a communicator, and her commitment to excellence became her greatest advantages. At the heart of this conversation is a simple but profound idea: "the nod." That unspoken moment of recognition between people who share lived experience—a quiet but powerful acknowledgment of resilience, identity, and belonging. Audrey challenges us to think bigger—not just about representation, but about ownership. Building our own tables. Supporting our own stories. Using our economic and cultural power intentionally. Because the Latino community isn't a supporting character in America's story—it's central to it. This episode is ultimately a love story—about identity, about community, and about learning to see yourself fully… and then helping others do the same.

    47 min
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About

The Latino Majority podcast highlights the leaders of our country's new majority—one that is increasingly multicultural, increasingly diverse, and increasingly Latino. With each episode, our host Pedro A. Guerrero speaks with Latino leaders in business and culture about their career journeys and lessons learned.

Information

  • Creator
    Hispanic Executive
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Latino Majority

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