My Latinx Life

Anticipated part 2 of my chat with Natalie Garcia author of Cosmica, published by LatinX publisher Alegria Magazine. A journey that starts as 1st generation Mexican American in California straddling Mexican culture while living in the United States and what that meant for her personal identity. We now explore her next adventure of writing a book and how it allowed her to work through her own trauma in a healing manner. The importance of community and finding identity is always in the mind of Natalie no matter where she is but, it does not limit her rather it allows her to find her own community. As a multi-dimensional human exploring the world, she embraces the adventures each new day brings, Natalie brings a beautiful smile and joy that is so very needed. Follow Natalie’s Instagram @loveitnat Publisher Alegria Magazine @alegriamagazine

In this first part of my chat with Natalie Garcia PR GRL at GRL Collective, we learn who Natalie is, what has brought her to where she is today, and what that means for her. A journey that starts as 1st generation Mexican American in California straddling Mexican culture while living in the United States and what that meant for her personal identity. Next stop the corporate world in Public Relation, the busy hustle and bustle and everyday grind of working yourself down to exhaustion, Then, finally taking a moment for herself and making smart moves for herself and family to have a better balance. To her current path of running PR for GRL Collective on their journey. The importance of community and finding identity is always in the mind of Natalie no matter where she is but, it does not limit her rather it allows her to find her own community. As a multi-dimensional human exploring the world, she embraces the adventures each new day brings, Natalie brings a beautiful smile and joy that is so very needed. Stay tuned for more of this chat as we explore her next adventure of writing a book and how it allowed her to work through her own trauma in a healing manner. Follow Natalie’s Instagram @loveitnat

Salvador Segura is originally from Veracruz, Mexico and currently a Director of Business Programs in the Employee Experience organization at Microsoft based in Redmond. He has been an active member of the Hispanic community since he joined the company in 2000, his passion around diverse talent acquisition while fostering inclusion and people development has been a staple of Salvador throughout his tenure in the company. He actively participates in mentoring programs for underprivileged high school students of the Bellevue School District, Leads the Latino PTSA for the Redmond High School and frequently volunteers as interpreter for the Kids of Need of Defense (KIND) and the End Family Separation project alongside with Microsoft lawyers that take on all of these cases pro-bono. He serves on the Board of Directors for omegaUp a non-profit organization (501c3) aimed to increase the number of talented Software Engineers in Latin America. As well as serving on the Corporate Advisory Board for HITEC which is a premier global executive leadership organization of senior business and technology executives. He also serves as the co-chair of the HOLA ERG chapter for CSE where, among other things, he has implemented successful recruiting and onboarding programs for all new Latinx employees.

Salvador Segura is originally from Veracruz, Mexico and currently a Director of Business Programs in the Employee Experience organization at Microsoft based in Redmond. He has been an active member of the Hispanic community since he joined the company in 2000, his passion around diverse talent acquisition while fostering inclusion and people development has been a staple of Salvador throughout his tenure in the company. He actively participates in mentoring programs for underprivileged high school students of the Bellevue School District, Leads the Latino PTSA for the Redmond High School and frequently volunteers as interpreter for the Kids of Need of Defense (KIND) and the End Family Separation project alongside with Microsoft lawyers that take on all of these cases pro-bono. He serves on the Board of Directors for omegaUp a non-profit organization (501c3) aimed to increase the number of talented Software Engineers in Latin America. As well as serving on the Corporate Advisory Board for HITEC which is a premier global executive leadership organization of senior business and technology executives. He also serves as the co-chair of the HOLA ERG chapter for CSE where, among other things, he has implemented successful recruiting and onboarding programs for all new Latinx employees.

Venus Rekow (She/Her) is the Founder of Neural Shifts, a consulting firm specialized in helping leaders drive culture change through a Diversity & Inclusion lens. She works with teams and executives creating strategies, implementing programs, and providing coaching to support their learning. As a speaker, she delivered a well-received TEDx talk on “The Power of Inclusion”. Venus recently completed a certification in Behavioral Economics at Harvard University & is a certified executive coach. She earned a Master’s degree from Seattle University in Organizational Development, a B.S. in psychology from Boise State University, and completed Masters level coursework on Neuroscience. She loves reading and learning from her kids & husband. NeuralShiftsInstagramTwitter

Venus Rekow (She/Her) is the Founder of Neural Shifts, a consulting firm specialized in helping leaders drive culture change through a Diversity & Inclusion lens. She works with teams and executives creating strategies, implementing programs, and providing coaching to support their learning. As a speaker, she delivered a well-received TEDx talk on “The Power of Inclusion”. Venus recently completed a certification in Behavioral Economics at Harvard University & is a certified executive coach. She earned a Master’s degree from Seattle University in Organizational Development, a B.S. in psychology from Boise State University, and completed Masters level coursework on Neuroscience. She loves reading and learning from her kids & husband. NeuralShiftsInstagramTwitter

In this episode I chat with a group of teens launching their own podcast, Teens Talking Mental Health which will focus on mental health both with a professional and personal standpoint all from the point of view of those directly impacted. Bringing the topic of the current mental health crisis to the forefront. Led by a group of diverse teens from various backgrounds navigating these conversations in their own lives. Initially starting as a fundraising group to support Seattle Children’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Unit and Teen Mental Health. COVID-19 caused the group to pivot and move their fundraising efforts to a virtual platform leading to a podcast, which they are excited to host. Instagram: Teens Talking Mental Health Guild Teen Link Chad’s Legacy Project

A quick post brunch chat with friends in my COVID bubble. We cover stress, the 2020 election, and COVID.

With the foundation of GRL Collective being laid for a few years, in a pandemic Kristine created care packages for GRLs to support other GRLs that lead to an uptick in business. A few amazing shoutouts allowed the brand to reach a new level on its journey. With the support of amazing family and friends Kristine has been able to focus on the building of GRL Collective to where it is today. From collaborative endeavors to being featured on local and national brands Kristine is carving out her space in the world. The theme of relationships, finding your passion, and sticking with it is a huge part of Kristine and GRL Collective. The empowerment of strong people to support other strong people is what makes me proud to say I am a GRL! A big shout out to AOC for inspiring Kristine to take GRL Collective to a place that our world has needed it to be!! GRL Collective Voto Latino RAICES Texas-Lucha Tees donation kid partner BLM-Lucha Tees donation adult partner

Part 1 from hours spent watching Tik Toks to interacting with the GRLs of GRL Collective to discussing getting tattoos at home I chat with Kristine Rodriguez of GRL Collective. That after testifying against her abuser who was her then stepfather Kristen felt she needed to go on her own journey to reconnect with herself. That in a self-love came a brand and philosophy of GRLs supporting other GRLs. That a relationship with those closest to her lead to this journey of building relationships with people from all around the world. Stepping away sometimes can be the hardest thing to do but also be the most rewarding. Ellas Podcast-Kristine discusses the journey of testifying against her abuser in more detail. The Sambhali Trust-GRL Collective’s non-profit girls education partner in India RAICES Texas-Lucha Tees donation kid partner BLM-Lucha Tees donation adult partner

Founder of Banister Advisors Vanessa Laughlin explains how she has built a team that can best serve the community. Her experience as a Latina set her up for success, by understanding and seeing how many people it takes to support a person. The importance of having a Jewish mother on the team allows the team to have a special resource that brings motherly wisdom from a lived life. The diverse background of the team allows for better service to those they serve. Building a network support ring helps build burnout of the team. At their core of giving back they also offer resources to those who may need it.

In this episode I chat with Vanessa Laughlin Founder of Banister Advisors. That after personal experience of helping her family navigate the entirety of what end of life looks like for a family build a business. Recognizing that if this was just her experience that there had to be others that needed help as well. In building a business model that is uncharted territory she gets to set standard and innovate what the future looks like. This is all done while maintaining personal relationships and building a family. Allowing herself to be open to change and rolling with the punches make Vanessa the perfect person to chart this adventure. With a heart that she wears on her sleeve and guiding a team that inspires her vision set Banister apart in this world. As well she has the most infectious personality that just sets you on fire and brings out the best in people thus attracting the perfect mix of people to do this work in our communities.

In part 2 of my interview with Jonathan we delve more into the personal aspects that shape his EDI lens both personally and professionally. This episode is dedicated to his cousin Steven who has had a lasting impact on a family and will never know how he is changing the face of the world. The importance of visibility is so important, and he discuss a family experience that has shaped his views and brought a family together to discuss and understand the importance of creating safe spaces with grace, patience, and love. While the journey of being first generation in a Latinx family and adding the queer experience is different for everyone his connection of straddling the two cultures while exploring the world for himself is shared amongst many Latinx people queer or not. Conversations around colorism, racism, body image, and the power of words has been a journey. For many Latinx families these are not conversations we grow up discussing in a safe and loving way thus they can be challenging and dauting however need to happen. The fear of being disconnected from a family unit over discussing the intersectionality that is our complex selves are happening and changing the Latinx experience not just here in the US but around the world. Connect with Jonathan via his LinkedIn The Trevor Project – a resource for LGBT+ youth & families National Suicide Prevention Center – multiple resources Ayuda en Español

In part 1 of my interview with Jonathan Carmona he shares his journey as a Cis Queer Latinx man that is multicultural and bilingual. His journey into Talent Acquisition for a pediatric healthcare organization. As the first in his family to complete higher education completing his undergrad at UCLA and then moving to New York while working for College Spring and taking the opportunity to get his Masters at Columbia University. Education and organization development was his path that then led him to Seattle Children's to improve and help diversify a workforce. Building paths via sustainable strategic pipelines for BIPOC communities is the cornerstone of his work. Quote from Danielle Cadet's Your Black Colleagues May Look Like They're Okay - Chance Are They're Not Connect with Jonathan via his LinkedIn

A leader paving a way in the marketing field building a path of her own while managing multiple endeavors, family, and volunteerism. Open with postpartum and finding a light with Make a Wish. Vigor LatinoMake a Wish FoundationChad's Legacy ProjectNational Suicide Prevention Life LineTrevor ProjectSeattle Children's HospitalNari's Instagram

We continue to get to know Pilar Pacheco and how she manages more personal relationship with a long distance relationship. How COVID-19 has made her pivot and how she has already been used to long distance relationships. Casa LatinaNorthwest Immigrant Rights ProjectLatino Community Fund-Washington StateEl Centro de la RazaEntre HermanosWest Seattle Food BankPilar's InstagramPilar's LinkedInSomos Seattle

A Chilean American working in philanthropy building capacity for a large non-profit working largely in humanitarian sector. In the part one of a two part interview we learn a bit about Pilar Pacheco's journey to working in philanthropy at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We discuss her work developing Emergency Response with NGOs and Intergovernmental Agencies. As well as how she came to sit on the Board of Directors for Casa Latina. https://casa-latina.org/

Meet the host of My Latinx Life Joe Arredondo as he introduce himself to listeners. A quick background on himself and what to expect from this show.

My Latinx Life, an exploration of my journey to learn, educate, and highlight Latinx leaders in a comfortable setting similar to your moms kitchen. We will explore passion projects, community movements, intersectionality, culture, history, and mental health all with a leadership lens. An overarching theme and topic will be relationships how we built them, foster growth, and when to step away since interactions are all built on some type of relationship it will pop up. I invite you to join me, your host Joe Arredondo every other week as we delve into these topics with guest who range from colleagues, friends, and people that I admire. While I don't claim to be an expert I am someone who brings people together and I enjoy learning. My opinions may change and morph as I learn so join me on this journey. You can also follow on Instagram, Twitter, and Website all under My Latinx Life. I look forward to seeing where this goes, how it develops, and morphs because that is life, more specifically that’s My Latinx Life.