Blazing Ember Podcast

Hosted by Diana Santos & Maria Fernandez

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Apr 2025

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About the show

Diana and Maria want to put it on the record - they want to make a record that captures the voices of many Hispanics and Latinx leaders. Diana and Maria want to change how the community is perceived by giving you access to leaders and their thoughts about the unspoken rules, leadership, mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship. Through this podcast, Diana and Maria hope to bring some fresh oxygen to your blazing ember.

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23 recent

April 15, 202527 min

Episode 23: Mirna Eusebio Lithgow (Part 2 of 2)

In this episode of the Blazing Ember podcast, we continue our conversation with Mirna Eusebio Lithgow, diving into the final five strategies from her book, Leap Out of Your Lane, to help you embrace adaptability, build resilience, and take bold career leaps. Mirna shares how shifting your mindset and stepping outside your comfort zone can open unexpected doors to success. We also explore the importance of mentorship, perseverance, and staying true to your values as you navigate your leadership journey. Get ready for powerful insights and real-world strategies to ignite your growth and leadership journey!

April 3, 202532 min

Episode 22: Mirna Eusebio Lithgow (Part 1 of 2)

In this episode, Mirna Eusebio Lithgow, CEO of LeapView Group LLC, shares her inspiring journey from door-to-door sales in the Dominican Republic to leading initiatives for Fortune 500 companies. Drawing from her book, Leap Out of Your Lane. Mirna shares three key strategies for success: the importance of self-awareness and compassion, highlighting that while many believe they are self-aware, only a small percentage truly are; grit and courage, which she encapsulates in the 3 Ps—passion, pivot, and perseverance—emphasizing the challenge of pivoting beyond societal expectations; and being a constant learner by implementing a growth mindset, encouraging listeners to view challenges as opportunities for development. As the discussion revolves around these strategies, Mirna's insights and personal anecdotes illustrate how embracing change can lead to new opportunities, reinforcing the importance of introspection and adaptability in our lives.

March 11, 202539 min

Episode 21: Eduardo Penalver

In this episode of Blazing Ember Podcast, Maria Fernandez and Diana Santos sit down with Eduardo Peñalver, president of Seattle University, for a powerful conversation on career evolution, student activism, and leadership in academia. Eduardo shares his unconventional path from aspiring doctor to legal scholar, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and mentorship in shaping opportunities. Reflecting on his experiences as a student activist at Cornell, he highlights the impact of Latino advocacy, the complexities of campus protests, and the ongoing need for diversity and inclusion in higher education. His journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, community, and seizing unexpected opportunities to drive meaningful change.

February 18, 202547 min

Episode 20: Tanya K. Hernández

In this episode, law professor Diana Tanya Hernandez shares her inspiring journey from her upbringing in New York City to her current role at Fordham Law, emphasizing the importance of following one's passions and intuition over conventional definitions of success. The discussion highlights the challenges Latino lawyers face, particularly the low representation of Latinas, and underscores the vital role of mentorship and support networks like Lawtina. Hernandez also addresses misconceptions about critical race theory, framing it as an essential tool for understanding systemic racial disparities, while discussing her impactful book, Racial Innocence: Unmasking Latino Anti-Black Bias and the Struggle for Equality, which challenges preconceived notions about racism and bias, revealing how a historically marginalized group can experience discrimination while also being discriminatory She highlights the anti-Black bias that affects Afro-Latinos and African Americans across various sectors, including the workplace, housing, and education.

January 30, 202532 min

Episode 19: Valeria Aloe

In this Blazing Ember episode, Valeria Aloe shares her journey from a successful 20-year career in brand management to becoming an author and speaker after experiencing burnout in 2016. Her story, centered on the Latino challenges of gender bias and cultural influences in corporate spaces, sparked a powerful discussion on unlearning limiting beliefs and embracing self-worth. The conversation explores personal and professional growth, the evolving impact of Gen Z in the workforce, and the importance of fostering inclusive leadership within the Latino community.

December 3, 202443 min

Episode 18: Karla Sanchez

In this episode, Karla Sanchez shares her inspiring journey from clerking for a federal judge to becoming the first Hispanic partner at Patterson Belknap and serving as Executive Deputy Attorney General for Economic Justice in New York. The discussion explores the transformative experience of a former lawyer who left the legal field to travel the world, highlighting the importance of prioritizing personal values over societal expectations. Karla also discusses the founding of the Cafecito Network, a supportive community for Latina and Hispanic women lawyers, which has grown to 1,500 members. You will gain insights on navigating career transitions, the impact of legal work on public welfare, and the power of community in personal and professional growth.

November 12, 202434 min

Episode 17: Moe Vela (Part 2 of 2)

In this second episode with Moe Vela, Diana and Maria explore his journey to launch multiple companies and serve as a lawyer while maintaining his continued focus on the universal power of love and authenticity. Moe's insights underscore the importance of character and integrity over external success, inspiring listeners to be true to themselves in all aspects of life. The conversation also delves into embracing flexibility, confronting internal struggles, and supporting diverse voices. Moe also shares his newest venture, Unicorn Hunters, which he created to provide meaningful opportunities for minority entrepreneurs, and inspires listeners to be ready to live life on their terms.

November 1, 202455 min

Episode 16: Moe Vela (Part 1 of 2)

Trigger warning: This episode contains references to themes of self-harm and suicide, which some individuals may find distressing. If you need help, please call or text 988, Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for help.In this Blazing Ember podcast episode, Diana and Maria welcome Moe Vela, CEO of MoeVela LLC, celebrated for his pioneering roles as the first Hispanic American, Latino, and LGBTQIA senior advisor to Vice Presidents Joe Biden and Al Gore. Moe shares profound reflections on his Texas roots, the powerful influence of his Latino heritage, and the family support that fueled his ambitions, emphasizing the values of authenticity and truth. The conversation explores resilience in the face of childhood trauma, mental health struggles, and the importance of cultural pride and unity within the Latino community, inspiring listeners to embrace self-worth and support each other on their professional journeys.

October 29, 202438 min

Episode 15: Maria Melendez (Part 2 of 2)

In this episode, Maria Melendez returns to share powerful insights on advancing diversity within the legal profession. She centers on a global mindset, fostering inclusion and engaging diverse individuals. She critiques the U.S.'s often-insular approach to diversity, calling for intentional and expansive strategies. She emphasizes mentorship's critical role in empowering women and underrepresented groups, advocating for confidence and visibility as essential tools for professional success.

September 24, 202412 min

Episode 14: Diana and Maria Kickoff Season 2!

In this first episode of Season 2 of the Blazing Ember Podcast, Maria and Diana return after a brief hiatus to launch a new series of episodes during Hispanic Heritage Month 2024. They share updates on their busy professional lives, with Maria leading education initiatives, moving into a new home, and Diana teaching AI legal issues, speaking, and completing a leadership program. Reflecting on season 1, they highlight how their guests’ authenticity, stories, and career growth made a lasting impact. The hosts invite listeners to stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Latinos/Hispanics in leadership and personal development.