NHI Podcasts

NHI president and founder Ernesto Nieto and education office leader Julio Cotto discuss the Great Debate mock trial and cross examination topics. Copyright (c) 2023. www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org

NHI president and founder Ernesto Nieto and education office leader Julio Cotto discuss the history of NHI's Great Debate. They present and dissect the 2023 Great Debate theme. www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org

In a conversation with Julio Cotto, NHI Senior Vice President and alumnus, founder and President Ernesto Nieto, and co-founder Gloria de Leon, the core NHI concept of "Community Equity Building (CEB)" is explored. Part of NHI's Spring Training program, this conversation is also relevant to alumni and the general public wanting to learn about a unique approach and mindset towards building community equity and wealth. Recorded March 25, 2020 in Austin and Kyle, Texas. Copyright (C) 2020. National Hispanic Institute. All Rights Reserved.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto, Chris Nieto, and NHI Founder and President Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2019 Summer Learning Theme.

This was an interview conducted by Phil West of young entrepreneur, NHI alumna, and Celebracion presenter Rachel Basoco. An alumna of NHI at Houston and the Texas Great Debate, former Governor of the New York LDZ, All Star at the CWS, avid volunteer, and member of the Junior Faculty, Rachel has also been growing a business with NHI principles and alongside NHI members and investors. Learn more about Trenza, Rachel's business at . For more information on NHI, visit

This was an interview conducted by Phil West of Anita Fernandez, 2018 NHI Distinguished Alumna at the Celebracion 2018 conference in San Marcos, Texas sponsored by the National Hispanic Institute in November. Anita was honored for her work in San Antonio and her years of service to the Institute in particular with the NHI at San Antonio Alliance () For more information on NHI, visit

This was an interview of Varo Maldonado conducted by Phil West at the Celebracion 2018 conference in San Marcos, Texas sponsored by the National Hispanic Institute in November. Varo was honored with this rare award for his 30+ years of supporting the work of the Institute and for being the catalyst for establishing the Colorado Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) which celebrates 30 years this June. For more information on NHI, visit https://www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org

In a slight departure from previous conversations, NHI Founder and President Ernesto Nieto invites Tejano artists Ruben "El Gato Negro" Ramos and Leonard Davila of Street People to Maxwell to talk about the history and importance of Tejano music and the movement. Ernesto has been in talks with the two of them to produce a Southwest Experience that would honor, preserve, and promote American Latino cultures and forms like Tejano. They discuss the art form as a true American contribution and creation but also the challenges of keeping it relevant and popular in the 21st century. They talk about the importance of 'roots' but also of the opportunities to evolve culture and music.

Former head of NHI's Collaborative Research Center, Dr. Joseph Villescas has had a long history with NHI going back to being the younger sibling of an alumna. Years later, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus for his contributions to NHI's research, study, and publications. He was most notable for leading the editing and collaboration known as the "Perfect Storm Scenario" that is discussed on the conversation. Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and founder, is joined in the interview by colleague Julio Cotto. The interview was recorded at the NHI home office in late May 2018.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Mock Trial topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Extemporaneous Speaking topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Cross Examination debate topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Oratory topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Once known as part of a group of friends and high school volunteers known as the "LDZ Gods", A. J. Del Cueto, San Antonio alumnus and filmmaker drops by the NHI Ranch for a conversation about NHI memories, the state of Latinos in film, and future creative projects that set out to tell new Latino stories. A graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Texas at Austin, A.J. has been in film and working in digital and creative industries since his graduation from college. He recently went out on his own and hopes to one day establish a studio that paints new Latino and American imagery. Ernesto, A.J., and Julio Cotto discuss symbols, vision, and film as the "next text".

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from Yorktown Heights, New York by way of the Bronx participated in 2005 and in her years has become an Education Director, Onsite Director, Secretary of State, curriculum specialist, trainer, and all around volunteer. This summer, Alexandria will challenge a longtime U.S. Congressman in New York for his seat. This conversation discusses her lessons and challenges of running for Congress in America's largest city while drawing on NHI learning and training as a guide. Ernesto and Alexandria discuss culture, courage, and vision as essentials for any future community leader.

In this special episode, Ernesto is joined by co-founder Gloria de Leon as they interview New Mexico alumnus and first New Mexico LDZ "Ricky Miranda" award recipient - John Rodarte. A reflective conversation that accounts for over 25 years of history, they discuss the meaning behind the LDZ and its long-lasting impact 30 years after the first expansion LDZ - the 1988 New Mexico LDZ. John also talks as an educator and the importance of reviving the NHI and youth leadership legacy in the Land of Enchantment - New Mexico.

Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and Founder, joined by Paola Hernandez and Julio Cotto, presents the opportunity for the NHI community to play a financial investor role this Spring through the "Change a Life" campaign. You can learn how you or your business can become investors and make an impact.

In this episode, Ernesto interviews longtime faculty member, trainer, former staffer, and all around engaged alumnus Tino Villarreal. Tino is the Project Administrator for the NHI at Tip of Texas Alliance but is also an Athletic Director of St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas. He is also a local leader on several boards and commissions. Ernesto asks Tino tough questions about coaching, leadership, and his NHI journey that started in 1996.

NHI President and Founder Ernesto Nieto alongside NHI team members Julio Cotto and Paola Hernandez discuss the 2018 Theme. This year, NHI will explore the concept of social labeling and its impact on public policy making throughout the U.S. and Latin America. They discuss the different manner the theme will be discussed at each NHI summer experience as well as the overall importance of having these types of conversations as a future leader. For more information on NHI, visit

NYC native Natalia Palmarini has been involved with NHI almost ten years and attended every experience from Great Debate to the LDZ to Celebration to the Collegiate Leadership Network. The Villanova University alumna has also served as a John F. Lopez Research and Management Fellow at NHI's home office and is currently serving as a part of the young faculty at the Northeast Great Debate every summer at her alma mater. She is also an active volunteer and awaiting her sister's participation in NHI this summer. Ernesto interviews this young Latina trying to navigate life just a few years out of college in the big city - New York.