The Latino Majority

Hispanic Executive
  • 5.0 (65)
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  • 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

    "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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Mar 11

    The Power of "We": Leadership, Identity, and Making Sport Accessible to All with Adriana Peon

    What happens when a young girl in Mexico City refuses to accept that soccer "isn't for girls"? For Adriana Peñón, that early challenge became the foundation for a lifetime of leadership. Today, as CEO of Decathlon Americas, Adriana oversees markets across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia — but the fire that drives her began long before the boardroom. It began on the field, asking a simple question: Why not me? Raised between Mexico and the United States, Adriana learned early that identity is fluid. In Mexico, her Latina identity blended into the majority; in Silicon Valley, it became one of her most defining characteristics. Navigating those different environments shaped her perspective on power, representation, and the danger of reducing the Latino experience to a single narrative. For Adriana, leadership isn't about fitting into existing structures — it's about expanding the space so others can belong. In this conversation with host Pedro Antonio Guerrero, Adriana shares lessons from scaling global businesses at companies like Meta, PayPal, and McKinsey, and what it truly takes to lead a brand across cultures and continents. From democratizing access to sports to shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance, she reflects on the importance of curiosity, resilience, and empathy — especially in moments when you feel like the only one in the room. Ultimately, Adriana reminds us that the story of the Latino majority isn't written in the language of "I." It's written in the language of we — community, shared identity, and a collective belief that opportunity should be accessible to everyone.

    47 min

  8. Feb 25

    Storytelling as Survival: Fear, Identity, and the Power of Love with Eduardo Placer

    For Eduardo Placer, the story starts at home. Raised in a Cuban household shaped by exile, education, and resilience, he learned early that how much you know is how much you're worth. Knowledge was currency. Self-awareness was survival. He spent fifteen years as a professional actor before founding Fearless Communicators. Today, he coaches presidential candidates and Fortune 500 leaders, helping them find the narratives that define their leadership. He calls himself a "story doula." The work turned deeply personal during a night stranded alone on a Colorado mountain in a blizzard. With no service and no rescue in sight, Placer faced a choice: either fear would narrate the story, or he would. That moment reinforced what he now teaches leaders across industries. Storytelling is not performance. It is power. As a queer Latino navigating masculinity, perfectionism, and entrepreneurship, Placer understands that the stories we inherit are not always the ones we are meant to keep. In this episode of The Latino Majority, he joins Pedro to explore authorship, identity, and why reclaiming your narrative may be the most important leadership decision you make.

    43 min
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out of 5
65 Ratings

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
    80
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Latino Majority

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