Latinas From The Block To The Boardroom

Hosted by Theresa E. Gonzales

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Nov 2025

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Executive Producer and Host, Theresa E. Gonzales, former Silicon Valley Tech executive, speaks with guests to elevate the experiences, accomplishment and research achievements, dedicated to Latina women in STEM, BIPOC Entrepreneurship & Community advocates. Together, our intergenerational conversations are changing the dominant narrative through technology for reimagined leadership and innovation from the Block To The Boardroom. Special thanks to sound engineer, Robert Lopez and Latinasb2b.marketing. Gracias. Learn more and follow us on: Instagram @Latinasb2b LinkedIn @Theresa E. Gonzales YouTube @LatinasB2B Newsletter @ Latinasb2b.com X (formerly Twitter) @LatinasB2B Facebook @Latinasb2b.Marketing

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November 3, 2025Episode 7340 min

S7 Ep73: Tech, Truth & Latina Power with Sylvia Salazar of Tono Latino on Fighting Misinformation

Sylvia Salazar, founder of Tono Latino, joins host Theresa E. Gonzales on Latinas from the Block to the Boardroom to share how she turned her passion for technology and democracy into an accessible, bilingual media platform. In this episode, we explore the intersection of tech, politics, and community building—from WhatsApp misinformation campaigns to voter rights education—and why authentic content is the key to mobilizing Latino communities.Sylvia reveals how Latinos consume more video than any other demographic and why that makes video activism an essential tool for voter education. We discuss her journey from a computer engineer at Intel to a trusted voice simplifying U.S. politics, her signature “cafecito” style of content creation, and her use of satire to expose corporate and political hypocrisy. Along the way, Sylvia offers a blueprint for creators, organizers, and brands who want to engage Latino audiences ethically and effectively.We also break down the pitfalls of misinformation, the importance of transparency in paid partnerships, and the need to rethink outreach strategies ahead of critical elections. Whether you’re a parent worried about misinformation, a creator seeking impact, or a brand interested in authentic sponsorships, this episode offers practical takeaways on using tech for good.Key Topics: Learn how to spot and stop misinformation in your feeds Discover why WhatsApp is central to Latino communication Hear Sylvia’s journey from computer engineer to trusted political voice Get inspired to use your own platform for change Explore Sylvia’s work: https://www.tonolatino.com/DDIA-Digital Democracy Institute of America: https://ddia.org/en/about-us Want to launch or grow your podcast? We can help: https://www.latinasb2b.com If this conversation resonates with you, leave us a review, share with a friend, and consider sponsoring an episode to support this mission. Connect with us: Website: www.latinasb2b.com YouTube @Latinasb2b Instagram: @Latinasb2b LinkedIn: @latinasb2bmarketing Facebook: @Latinasb2b.marketing BlueSky: @latinasb2b.bsky.socialJoin newsletter: www.latinasb2b.comThis podcast was produced by Theresa E. Gonzales and co-produced/engineered by Robert Lopez of cratesaudio.com To learn more about Latinasb2b.com and how you can work with us in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact us at info@latinasb2b.comGracias.

September 2, 2025Episode 7249 min

S7 Ep72: Big Tech Backslide and The 1st Amendment with Civil Rights Attorney Nora Benavidez

When platforms profit over people, communities pay the price. In the latest episode of Latinas from the Block to the Boardroom, Theresa E. Gonzales speaks with Nora Benavidez, a Civil Rights and Free Speech Latina attorney fighting for free expression and tech accountability. While Big Tech spends $61.5M on lobbying to avoid this accountability, Nora is using civil rights law to fight back and won her groundbreaking PEN America v. Trump victory to exposing the "Big Tech Backslide" that eliminated 17 safety policies right before the 2024 election. She is the ONLY LATINA proving that strategic legal action that can challenge even the most powerful tech giants.Nora shares how she went from law school—where no one looked like her—to the ACLU and now Free Press, shaping policy around misinformation and civil rights. Her Big Tech Backslide report exposes how companies like Meta, X, and YouTube rolled back critical trust and safety policies despite public promises.Finally, we dive into Section 230, the law that shields platforms from liability while still enabling harm, yet we are still protected by this from our 1st Amendment rights. She is a contributing writer for Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, CNN, and Tech Policy Press. Her expertise and commentary is regularly featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, CNN, NBC, Fox News, The Los Angeles Times, and other publications.Join us on Latinas from the Block to the Boardroom as we amplify Latine and community voices, through their stories of perseverance, and having the courage to believe in your pursuit of your dream. Let's take control of our narratives, discuss pathways to higher education, empower community with technology, to inspire future generations.Host & Executive Producer Theresa E. Gonzales discusses everything from the our representation in tech industry, healthy communities, change makers of non-profits, education and small business journeys, through intergenerational conversations with unapologetic banter tochange the status quo.Check out and listen to more episodes: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3zvQq2ySpotify: https://spoti.fi/4e8wNwMAmazon: https://amzn.to/4eMOBxEYouTube: https://bit.ly/Latinasb2bSupport Latinas B2B by checking out our merch: https://www.latinasb2b.com/shop-latin...Connect with us: Website: www.latinasb2b.com YouTube @Latinasb2b Instagram: @Latinasb2b LinkedIn: @latinasb2bmarketing Facebook: @Latinasb2b.marketing Join newsletter: www.latinasb2b.comPodcast production by Theresa E. Gonzales and Audio Engineered by Robert Lopez. To learn more about Latinasb2b.com and how you can work with us in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact us at info@latinasb2b.com.

August 1, 2025Episode 7147 min

S6 Ep71: "Navigating the Digital Landscape: Protecting Our Youth Online" With Rosalia Rivera Founder of Consent Parenting and Co-Founder of Brave Movement

Rosalia Rivera, a fervent Founder and Co-Founder for Consent Parenting and Brave Movement.org joins us to dissect the multifaceted challenges of raising children in a tech-saturated era. Together, we discuss the urgent issue of online harm regarding the lack of tech transparency of CSAM, (Child Sexual Abuse Material) sexploitation of teens and youth being targets through online apps, social media platforms and online gaming. By describing the internet and the app store to a bustling mall that kids can actively browse and instantly download, without any age gating or device age regulation, we underscore the need for parental vigilance and legislative measures like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to shield our youth from unintended digital dangers and predatory harms. Our conversation emphasizes the critical role parents, our communities and our non-profits continue to advocate for tech KOSA policy, which was a supported issue by both parties of Congress in 2024, but has since been sidelined. However, with the proliferation of AI Sexual Content on the rise, KOSA and AI safety regulation need to be that play a vital role in the digital landscape as we are moving faster into the AI stratosphere. As we both do support technology as critical tools to help our daily lives, we turn our attention to the innovative technologies and organizations dedicated to child safety, such as BARK PHONES, THORN and HEAT. Companies like Bark and Pinwheel offer phone solutions alternatives for monitoring digital interactions, while organizations such as Thorne, Heat and Child Rescue Coalition work tirelessly to combat child exploitation. The discussion pivots to our own tech habits and the powerful influence they wield on our children. By advocating for mindful technology use and supporting companies that prioritize child safety, we encourage listeners to take an active role in shaping a safer digital future for all. Join us on Latinas from the Block to the Boardroom as we champion a proactive approach to technology, empowering parents and particularly women of color, in these essential conversations.Resources: PunchBowl News -Mike Johnson says KOSA Problematic NOLA.com - Meta 10 Billion Dollar investment for New Data Center in LouisianaFBI -Sextortion: A Growing Threat Targeting Minors-Jan. 2024Highlights: (04:55) Kids Online Safety Act Impact (160 Seconds)(08:39) Raising Conscious Consumers for Online Safety (96 Seconds)(13:00) Age Verification Laws and Online Porn (104 Seconds)(19:50) Parenting in the Digital Age (79 Seconds)(29:39) Questioning Apple's Privacy Technology (63 Seconds)Connect with us: Website: www.latinasb2b.com YouTube @Latinasb2b Instagram: @Latinasb2b LinkedIn: @latinasb2bmarketing Facebook: @Latinasb2b.marketing BlueSky: @latinasb2b.bsky.sociaJoin newsletter: www.latinasb2b.comTheresa E. Gonzales, is the host and executive producer of of Latinas From The Block To The Boardroom Podcast. From being one of the few women of color in a predominantly white tech industry, to spearheading a podcast platform and digital business marketing consulting, she is amplifying Latine/a/x/o and community ally voices, through their stories of perseverance, and having the courage to believe in your pursuit of your dream. Let's take control of our narratives, discuss pathways to higher education, empower community with technology, to inspire and build resilient communities. Thank you to Robert Lopez, co-production and audio engineer at Cratesaudio.com. For more information and or to support/collaborate with us, reach us at info@latinasb2b.com or you can donate a few dollars here. Gracias.

July 3, 2025Episode 7047 min

S6 Ep70: How Social Media Addiction is Harming Our Youth – A Conversation With Julie Scelfo Former NY Times Journalist and Founder of WeAreMama.org

In this urgent and deeply concerning conversation, host Theresa E. Gonzales sits down with former NY Times journalist, author, and activist Julie Scelfo. She is now the founder and executive director of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA). Together, Julie and Theresa's combined knowledge of these social media platforms begin to pull back the curtain on the hidden harms of modern technology—particularly how unregulated social media platforms and AI-powered algorithms are targeting, addicting, and endangering children. Julie also discusses how she and Mothers Against Media Addiction, helped to create the first kids cell phone policy in NY schools, the "Bell To Bell" policy, which is the largest state legislation to help kids become more engaged in school and to limit phone screen time. Julie brings to the table years of investigative reporting, alarming statistics (including a 92.3% increase in suicide among Hispanic children), and heartbreaking stories of young lives lost due to harmful content exposure online. She details how media addiction has been normalized, how schools are becoming battlegrounds for attention, and what it means to fight for systemic safeguards and legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). She has help create 35 chapters across 22 states in just over a year, which is a testament to wearemama.org, and how they are mobilizing parents across the country to reclaim control, and change the future of digital safety. If you’re a parent, teacher, activist—or someone who simply cares about the next generation—this episode will give you the tools and awareness to act. Resources listed below. If you enjoyed this episode and found it informative, you can support us by making a donation here . This helps us keep bringing you these amazing guests! Episode 70 Resources: wearemama.org National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's call for warning labels on social media platforms KOSA (Kids Online Safety Act) Social Media Victims Remembrance Day (June 23) Meta Gets Approval To Build 10 Billion Dollar Data Center In Louisiana Dec. 2024. Connect and engage with us: Website: www.latinasb2b.com YouTube: @Latinasb2b Instagram: @Latinasb2b LinkedIn: @latinasb2bmarketing Facebook: @Latinasb2b.marketing BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/latinasb2b.bsky.socialJoin our newsletter: www.latinasb2b.comPodcast production by Theresa E. Gonzales and Audio Engineered by Robert Lopez. To learn more about Latinasb2b.com and how you can work with us in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact us at info@latinasb2b.com.Gracias.

May 11, 2025Episode 691 hr 2 min

S6 Ep69: Mother's Day Healing Through Cultura: A Conversation with Instituto Familiar de la Raza Dr. Angela Castillo-Gallegos and Program Director Carlos Izaguirre

The wisdom and the work continues in this powerful episode of Latinas from the Block to the Boardroom, host Theresa E. Gonzales speaks with Dr. Angela Gallegos Castillo and Program Director Carlos Izaguirre from Instituto Familiar de la Raza (IFRSF). Together, they discuss the deep roots of community-based healing, cultural preservation, and collective empowerment through indigenous traditions and mental health (Wellness) advocacy in the Mission District of San Francisco, California, for over 46 years. Instituto Familiar de la Raza's powerful interconnected medical network with UCSF and other California Non-profits is a statement to community strength, local and state healthcare recognition and organizing for health and wellness resources to keep communities safe and healthy. You can listen to some of their wellness programs online through their YouTube Channel. Key Highlights: • The origin and mission of Instituto Familiar de la Raza – a 46-year legacy of healing. • How cultural identity and ancestry are essential to individual and collective resilience. • The Promotoras model: Building peer-led support systems grounded in community wisdom. • Advocacy for bilingual, bicultural healthcare professionals and culturally responsive services. • The importance of reclaiming ancestral healing practices alongside modern systems.This conversation reminds us that healing begins with remembering who we are and where we come from. By embracing indigenous traditions and collective strength, Instituto Familiar de la Raza offers a model for community resilience and empowerment.Gracias to Robert Lopez for Audio Engineering and Co-production. If your'd like to learn more about sponsorship or to help support for Latinas from the Block To Boardroom Podcast, you can join us here and a monthly subscriber or reach out to discuss how we can help your marketing and media strategy with podcasting, here: Info@latinasb2b.com. Follow us: IG@Latinasb2bLI@Theresalatinasb2bYouTube@Latinasb2bThreads@Latinasb2bGracias, Theresa E. Gonzales Latinasb2b.com Founder/CEO/Executive Producer c/o 5-E Leadership & Marketing LLCAll rights reserved.

October 15, 2024Episode 6849 min

S6 Ep68: Known Co-Founder and President Nathalie Molina Niño Redefining Boardrooms With Latina Entrepreneurship

In a world where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of transformative business practices, our latest episode offers an inspiring narrative of empowerment, leadership, and the indispensable role of Latinas in reshaping the corporate landscape. In this episode, Natalie Molina Niño, President and Co-Founder of Known, a distinguished investor and advocate for women and communities of color in business, joins the podcast to share an abundance of boardroom information on the crucial contributions of Latinas in business and economic development. We discuss the growing influence of Latinas in entrepreneurship, the buying power of the Latino/a community and the lack of Latina/o representation in boardrooms that don't reflect the current economic opportunities. Our discussion also covers the pathways into boardrooms and how to find the right boardroom that aligns to your values. There is no greater time to look at the next opportunity for your career or to grow your organization with this insightful information on diversifying your boardroom to scale your business. Information quoted in this podcast for resources are located here: Latino Buying Power & Latino Boardroom Statistics & Latina Economic Influencer Check out and listen to more episodes: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3zvQq2y Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4e8wNwM YouTube: https://bit.ly/Latinasb2b Support Latinas B2B by checking out our merch: https://www.latinasb2b.com/shop-latin...Connect with us: Website: www.latinasb2b.com YouTube @Latinasb2b Instagram: @Latinasb2b LinkedIn:@Theresalatinasb2bFacebook: @Latinasb2b.marketing X: @LatinasB2BJoin newsletter: www.latinasb2b.comPodcast production by Theresa E. Gonzales and Audio Engineered by Robert Lopez. To learn more about Latinasb2b.com and how you can work with us in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact us at info@latinasb2b.com.

September 19, 2024Episode 6738 min

S6 Ep67: Dr. Antonia O. Franco Chief Operating Officer and President of Digital Nest Is Helping To Create Economic Equity through Technology Skill Centers

Our 6th season opens up a deeper conversation, regarding higher education, community and resources for the next generation of workforce for our Latine Youth. Our guest is Dr. Antonia O. Franco, COO and President of DigitalNest.org. Dr. Antonia O. Franco’s career spans nearly thirty years of executive and management experience in the nonprofit, philanthropic and government sectors advancing access, equity and a voice to marginalized communities. She has worked extensively on leading organizational change, creating strategic partnerships and community building, and scaling the work of programs, initiatives and organizations. She oversees the programmatic and operational initiatives that support the scaling efforts spanning the five rural communities of Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto and Stockton. Dr. Antonia and I discuss her inspiring journey into higher education, through perseverance and by highlighting the pivotal role her family, community support, and how she saw that representation matters. If you can see it, you can be it. Growing up in an agricultural community in Arizona, Dr. Franco's story is a testament to the power of nurturing curiosity and providing opportunities for young people to envision and achieve their aspirations. Dr. Franco and I discuss the current lack of diversity in tech and educational leadership and stress the importance of motivating more of our Latine community to pursue careers in education, technology and the STEM industries. By showcasing various career paths, organizations like Digital Nest are guiding young people toward building economic equity by fulfilling impactful careers by utilizing tech and helping them into their first career within tech organizations. We both emphasize how important it is to pay it forward to our future generations by the change we are setting in motion through organizations, such as Digital Nest and by using this podcast platform to lift our voices. We are delighted to have Dr. Antonia O. Franco and the Digital Nest team help make this audio production also as a recorded live video episode, which you can watch in full length on our YouTube Channel, at Latinasb2b and subscribe to follow us on longer content videos. Connect with Latinas From The Block To The BoardroomWebsite: www.latinasb2b.com YouTube @Latinasb2bJoin newsletter: www.latinasb2b.comLinkedIn: latinasb2bmarketingFacebook: @Latinasb2b.marketing Instagram: @Latinasb2b X.com: @LatinasB2B Executive Podcast production by Theresa E. Gonzales and Audio Engineered by Robert Lopez. To learn more about Latinasb2b.com and how you can work with us in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact us at info@latinasb2b.com.

June 20, 2024Episode 6647 min

S5 Ep66: Pride and Progress With Deputy Director of Equality Illinois Mony Ruiz Velasco on LGBTQ+ Rights and Challenges

Our special guest, Mony Ruiz Velasco- Deputy Director of Equality Illionios, and proud queer Latina, wife and mother who shares her extensive experience as a human rights advocate and attorney, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy and visibility for LGBTQ+ communities. In this episode we reflect on her personal journey growing up in Mexico and South Texas, and her commitment to making it easier for future generations to find support and acceptance, as many young Latine LGBTQ+ youth don't feel safe or supported. The conversation underscores the importance of providing an inclusive environment, to feel safe in expressing their identities, especially for LGBTQ Latine youth and within our communities of color, who experience higher rates of verbal assault, physical violence, homelessness and suicidal thoughts compared to their peers. We also discuss and celebrate significant legislative victories, such as the requirement for LGBTQ history to be taught in schools, showcasing the resilience and vibrancy of the LGBTQ community, such as the Stonewall riots, the ACT UP movement and learning how to find community and resources. The significance of voting this year is not over-hyped nor should be sidelined, as over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been initiated, and some advanced into law, to ban books, advance incarceration sentencing and deny access to healthcare for LGBTQ+ youth, which significantly impacts marginalized communities of color. With the stakes so high in this election year, the impact of state bills that aim to undermine our freedoms and civil rights will significantly create a humanitarian crisis over the next few years. We highlight the need for community unity and the role of truth in combating these challenges. We are so thankful to have truth sources, such as Mony and the representation of Equality Illinois on our podcast, to continue our needed education and resources to keep communities safe. Resources and links for further information. Gracias. Resources Mentioned: The Trevor Project UCLA School of Law -Williams Institute Equality Illinois Glaad.org ACLU Human Rights Campaign Connect with Latinas From The Block To The BoardroomWebsite: www.latinasb2b.com YouTube @Latinasb2bJoin newsletter: www.latinasb2b.comFacebook: @Latinasb2b.marketing Instagram: @Latinasb2b X.com: @LatinasB2B Merchandise for this Podcast: Latinasb2b.com/ShopPodcast production by Theresa E. Gonzales and Audio Engineered by Robert Lopez. To learn more about Latinasb2b.com and how you can work with us in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact us at info@latinasb2b.com.

June 8, 2024Episode 6548 min

S5 Ep65: Professor Fatima K. Espinosa Vasquez: Unveiling the Complexities of Technology and Community Activism

Fatima Espinoza Vasquez. Ph.D. Associate Professor University of Kentucky Collegeof Communication and Information School of Information Science will share with us her dedication to leveraging Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for positive social change, which originated from a panel conversation from the Latina Futures Symposium created by the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center and the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute earlier this year, to bridge a conversation across our social media usage, AI for businesses and also for political misinformation. Fatima's roots in Honduras and her role at the American embassy during the tumultuous events of 9-11 gave her a profound insight into the significance of information management. She shares with us her pivotal moments that helped reshaped her perception of technology—from an initial optimism about its universal benefits to a more critical awareness of the power dynamics and societal influences that mold its use and to holds and harnesses the access.In the heart of our conversation, Fatima shed light on digital inequity, making a vital distinction from the oft-cited digital divide. She argued that digital inequity goes beyond mere access to technology—it is deeply intertwined with broader social structures such as race, gender, immigration status, and economic conditions. Illustrating this point, she brought up inspiring cases like rural Argentine communities creating digital infrastructures through cooperatives, challenging the normative corporate grip on technological advancement. Join us in learning how communities learn how they have power to leverage digital knowledge and infrastructure within their own communities. Connect with Latinas From The Block To The Boardroom at: Website: www.latinasb2b.com YouTube @Latinasb2bInstagram: @Latinasb2b LinkedIn: @latinasb2bmarketingFacebook: @Latinasb2b.marketing X.com: @LatinasB2B Join newsletter: www.latinasb2b.comPodcast production by Theresa E. Gonzales and Audio Engineered by Robert Lopez. To learn more about Latinasb2b.com and how you can work with us in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact us at info@latinasb2b.com. Gracias.

May 22, 2024Episode 6440 min

S5 Ep64: The Legacy of Leadership: Ella Baker's Influence on Modern Advocacy With Executive Director Marlene Sanchez

We are incredibly honored to host Marlene Sanchez, the Executive Director of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. As the Executive Director of theElla Baker Center for Human Rights, Marlene is a proud San Francisco native, and Chicana, where she has spent more than 20 years building power with youth and formerly incarcerated people. Through her work, Marlene has created pathways to invest in the leadership of people directly impacted by the criminal legal system and helped center the voices of young people to bring youth justice. For the past decade, she has helped pass policies focused on youth justice, reproductive justice, LGBTQ discrimination, police accountability, and sentencing reform. Marlene came to community work at age 15 looking for employment and a way out of the juvenile justice system. She is the result of change through a resourced community. In this episode, we discuss how incarceration breaks families and communities apart and it’s not the answer to keeping communities safe. The United States prison system has the highest incarcerated population of brown and black men, and the legacy of prison systems stems from slavery and economic exploitation that this country was built upon. (Author, Nicole Hannah Jones mentions within the first chapters of her book, The 1619 project,) By holding accountability of elected officials, for housing, jobs and healthcare, instead of increasing funding to police and prison job creations, the Ella Baker Center has created impactful policy reform, recognizing their instrumental role in the passage of the Racial Justice Act. As we transition to the crucial topic of voting rights, we spotlight the advocacy groups like All of Us or None and Initiate Justice, tirelessly championing the electoral voice of the incarcerated. Ella Baker herself was the champion of civil rights and justice by fighting racisim and organizing the first non-violent youth movements, for the civil rights movement and championing our power to vote. Marlene shares with us an open invitation to join the Ella Baker Center's newly launched membership program, starting May 22nd, here in Oakland California and online, to provide opportunities for you to participate or support their upcoming political organizing initiative and “Get The Vote Out” training programs for the summer of 2024. Marlene is a testament to the power of community activism in shaping a democracy that truly represents us all. Gracias Marlene.