The Latino Majority

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Aug 2026

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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.

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September 9, 2026Episode 8458 min

Pati Jinich: A Beautiful Beast: Food, Identity, and the Promise of La Frontera

Pati Jinich has built one of the most recognizable and trusted Latino voices in American media, but her path to television, cookbooks, and documentary storytelling began somewhere very different. Raised in Mexico City by a family shaped by immigration, food, and multiple cultural identities, Pati originally imagined a life in academia and public policy. It was only after realizing how disconnected she felt from the impact of that work that she discovered another way to tell stories and bring people together: food. In this conversation with Pedro A. Guerrero, Pati reflects on the unexpected journey that took her from political science into the kitchen—and eventually into homes across America. She shares how cooking helped her feel at home after moving to the United States and how the experiences of her Polish and Austrian grandparents, both refugees who built new lives in Mexico, taught her that food can carry history, identity, and belonging across generations. Growing up Jewish in predominantly Catholic Mexico and later becoming a Mexican immigrant in the United States gave Pati an intimate understanding of living between worlds. That perspective ultimately drew her to the U.S.-Mexico border and inspired La Frontera, where she came to see the border not as a place where something ends, but as a frontier—a place of possibility, creativity, exchange, and promise. Her curiosity has since expanded with Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana, a journey through the Americas examining the people, histories, cultures, and forces connecting communities across borders. The conversation ultimately becomes a celebration of something increasingly valuable in an algorithm-driven world: imperfection, curiosity, and human connection. Whether she is talking about a tortilla cooked directly over a flame, the wrinkles that come with aging, or stories that refuse to fit neatly into categories, Pati believes our imperfections are part of what gives life meaning. And when Pedro asks her to describe the Latino story in America today, she sees a community defining the moment—a powerful, colorful, complicated, nurturing, and distinctly human "beautiful beast." Topics Discussed in This Episode Leaving public policy behind and discovering the connective power of food How Pati's refugee grandparents used food to build a home in Mexico The evolution and "mestizaje" of Mexican cuisine Why food can reveal the DNA of a people Living between Mexican, American, and Jewish identities Turning the U.S.-Mexico border into La Frontera Why the frontier represents possibility rather than division Exploring the interconnected Americas through Panamericana Indigenous communities, migration, agriculture, and lessons across generations Why long-form, human-centered storytelling still matters Protecting imperfection in an increasingly algorithmic and AI-driven culture Why Pati believes Latinos are defining this moment in America Connect with Pati Jinich Pati Jinich Official Website Pati's Mexican Table La Frontera with Pati Jinich Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana The Foods of La Frontera

August 26, 2026Episode 8334 min

Building Luck and Becoming an Architect of Tomorrow

Monica Bauer Mengelberg grew up in Mexico City in a family shaped by science, discipline, and achievement. With a psychiatrist mother and a statistician father, she learned early that success was built through effort—not simply bestowed by luck. But as Monica's ambitions took her beyond the traditional expectations placed on young Mexican women, she also had to define success on her own terms. Over more than two decades at PepsiCo, Monica has built a career spanning philanthropy, corporate affairs, inclusion, and global social impact. In this conversation with Pedro A. Guerrero, she reflects on the choices that helped her evolve from a talented individual contributor into an intentional leader—including learning to self-promote, build meaningful networks, and exercise power without sacrificing authenticity. Monica also shares a pivotal moment when feedback from her team forced her to reconsider how she was leading. Under pressure to balance a demanding regional role with raising two young children, she realized that her need for approval was causing her to give away her power. That experience taught her that leadership is not simply about delivering results; it is about setting priorities, saying no, inspiring others, and creating the conditions for a team to thrive. The conversation explores the distinctive strengths Latino leaders bring to the workplace, from empathy and community-building to a deeply human, people-first approach. Monica explains why biculturalism is an advantage, why inclusion can drive business growth, and why workforce readiness and economic prosperity are among the most important opportunities facing the Latino community. Ultimately, Monica sees Latinos not as participants in someone else's future, but as "the architects of tomorrow"—a community with the cultural influence, economic power, and collective responsibility to shape what comes next. Topics Discussed in This Episode Challenging traditional expectations of success for Mexican women Why luck must be built through consistent effort Creating a career across multiple functions within PepsiCo Self-promotion, networking, and power in Latino culture Receiving difficult feedback and changing as a leader Why exercising power includes saying no Biculturalism as a personal and professional advantage Workforce readiness, STEM education, and Latino economic prosperity The responsibility to mentor, connect, and give back Why Latinos are "the architects of tomorrow" Connect with Monica Bauer Mengelberg Monica Bauer Mengelberg on LinkedIn PepsiCo Social Impact PepsiCo Foundation

August 12, 2026Episode 8243 min

Why Culture Is the Future of Latino Marketing

For decades, Latino marketing was often treated as a matter of translation: take an existing campaign, put it into Spanish, and distribute it through the appropriate channels. But the fastest-growing segment of the Latino population is now English-dominant, and the community itself spans nationalities, generations, identities, and lived experiences. Reaching this audience requires something more sophisticated—an understanding of the cultural forces that influence how people see themselves, relate to one another, and make decisions. Few people have navigated that evolution as closely as Mike Valdes-Fauli, chief operating officer of Chemistry and president of Chemistry Cultura. Drawing on his experience building and selling his agency Pinta, advising major brands, and helping lead one of the country's fastest-growing independent agencies, Mike examines what it takes to create work that resonates across a complex multicultural marketplace. He also considers the disruption reshaping his industry, from artificial intelligence and agency consolidation to the corporate retreat from DEI—and explains why the business case for Latino consumers remains as strong as ever. As technology makes content faster and less expensive to produce, Mike believes the most valuable parts of marketing will become even more human: the unexpected idea, the cultural insight, and the emotional connection that cannot be generated from precedent alone. Whether through sports, technology, financial services, or the growing influence of Latino-owned businesses, the next era of American growth will belong to organizations that understand culture as a source of competitive advantage. Latino consumers are not a temporary segment to be addressed when conditions are favorable. They are a permanent and increasingly influential force in the American economy. Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up Mexican and Cuban in Miami Understanding the diversity within Latino identity Building a career in multicultural marketing Leading with culture instead of language From Pinta to Chemistry Cultura Preparing advertising agencies for artificial intelligence Why AI cannot replace the big idea Sports and the value of human connection Making the business case beyond DEI Why the Latino community is here to stay

July 22, 2026Episode 8143 min

Why Latino Consumers Are America's Economic Growth Engine

Isaac Mizrahi's story begins in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where a young boy who collected magazine advertisements and memorized television jingles developed an early fascination with the power of marketing. Raised by the children of immigrants from Poland and the Middle East, Isaac combined an economist's analytical mindset with a lifelong appreciation for creativity, eventually building a career that would make him one of the nation's leading voices on multicultural marketing and Latino consumer strategy. Today, as CEO of Alma, one of the country's most awarded multicultural advertising agencies, and author of Hispanic Market Power: America's Business Growth Engine, Isaac argues that the future of American business depends on understanding the country's changing demographics—not as a diversity initiative, but as an economic imperative. He explains why Latino consumers represent the nation's most important source of long-term growth, how culture shapes consumer behavior in ways many companies still overlook, and why businesses that authentically invest in Latino consumers today will be the market leaders of tomorrow. Ultimately, this is a conversation about optimism, resilience, and the competitive advantage that comes from embracing America's multicultural future. Isaac makes the case that the Latino majority is not simply changing the face of America—it is helping author the country's next chapter of economic growth, innovation, and prosperity. Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up in Rio de Janeiro Economics vs. advertising Brazilian creativity and resilience Becoming "Latino" after immigrating to the United States Breaking into multicultural marketing The business case for Latino consumers America's changing demographics How culture shapes consumer behavior Investing in long-term economic growth Optimism and the future of the Latino Majority

July 8, 2026Episode 8047 min

Roots Before Résumés; The Story Before Success with Victor Arias Jr.

Long before Victor Arias Jr. became one of the country's most respected executive recruiters and institution builders, his story began in El Paso—shaped by grandparents who fed immigrants at their front door, parents whose resilience became his blueprint for leadership, and a family that taught him humility, faith, hard work, and service long before he ever stepped into a boardroom. In this deeply personal conversation, Victor reflects on the experiences that transformed his life—from overcoming imposter syndrome at Stanford Graduate School of Business to helping build organizations like the Latino Business Action Network, the Latino Corporate Directors Association, and Prospanica. Along the way, he shares the leadership principles he has used to evaluate thousands of executives, why character matters more than credentials, and how curiosity, humility, and resilience consistently separate exceptional leaders from everyone else. The conversation also explores one of the defining opportunities of our time: the growing influence of Latino entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators in shaping America's economic future. Victor explains why data alone isn't enough—that positive stories must accompany the numbers—and why telling the Latino story is essential not only for the broader country, but for Latinos themselves. Ultimately, this is a conversation about legacy. About understanding where we come from, honoring those who came before us, and ensuring that future generations inherit both the opportunities we've built and the stories that made them possible. Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up in El Paso and the influence of family roots Lessons learned from immigrant grandparents and resilient parents Overcoming imposter syndrome at Stanford The leadership qualities that matter more than résumés Executive search and identifying exceptional leaders Building the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN) Why Latino entrepreneurship is reshaping the American economy Storytelling, identity, and changing the Latino narrative Mexico, North American competitiveness, and the future economy Legacy, mentorship, and the responsibility to lift others Connect with Victor Arias Jr. United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Latino Business Action Network (LBAN) LinkedIn

June 24, 2026Episode 7948 min

Francisco Leon: The CEO Who Crossed the Border Every Day

Francisco Leon's story begins with a daily border crossing. Born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, Francisco spent more than a decade crossing between Mexico and the United States every day to attend school in San Diego. What began as a sacrifice by his parents to create greater opportunities for their children became the foundation for a unique perspective on leadership, problem-solving, and opportunity. In this conversation, Francisco reflects on growing up between two countries, learning to navigate two cultures, and how those experiences shaped his path from border kid to CEO of a publicly traded energy company. As President and CEO of California Resources Corporation, Francisco now leads one of California's most important energy companies at a time when energy security, affordability, climate policy, and geopolitics are colliding in real time. He discusses the realities of producing energy in California, the importance of local energy production, and why communities are at the center of every major decision the company makes. The conversation explores how leadership changes when you're responsible for critical infrastructure, thousands of employees, and the energy needs of millions of people. Francisco also shares his vision for the future of Latino leadership. While many Latinos continue to celebrate being the "first" in a particular role, he believes the next chapter must be about becoming the many. From business and technology to politics and culture, Francisco argues that the barriers have been broken and that the challenge now is building the pipeline for future generations. This episode is a story about ambition, responsibility, and the opportunities that emerge when immigrant families take a leap of faith. Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up in Mexico City and relocating to Tijuana Crossing the U.S.-Mexico border every day to attend school The sacrifices immigrant parents make to create opportunity Learning leadership through football, basketball, and organized sports Adapting to life between two cultures and two countries How border life shaped Francisco's worldview The journey from CFO to CEO of California Resources Corporation Leading a publicly traded company in California's energy sector Navigating politics, regulation, and public perception Why energy affordability has become a critical issue The importance of local energy production California's first carbon capture and storage project Energy security, sustainability, and innovation Latino representation in corporate leadership Moving beyond being the "first and only" Connect with Francisco Leon California Resources Corporation Francisco Leon on LinkedIn

June 17, 2026Episode 7849 min

Marysol Castro: From the Bronx to the Mic That Changed Baseball

Marysol Castro's story begins in the Bronx, where curiosity, sports, and a belief that the world was bigger than her neighborhood set her on an extraordinary path. From earning a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school at age 13 to becoming the first Latina public address announcer in Major League Baseball and the first female announcer in New York Mets history, Marysol has consistently broken barriers while staying true to who she is. In this conversation, Marysol reflects on growing up Puerto Rican in New York, the transformative power of education, and how being bilingual became one of the greatest assets in her journalism career. She shares candid stories about navigating media as a Latina, facing skepticism and microaggressions, surviving multiple industry layoffs, and reinventing herself again and again as the media landscape evolved. Through it all, sports remained her anchor—a source of discipline, resilience, and community. Marysol also takes us inside the unforgettable moment she first stepped behind the microphone at Citi Field, becoming a visible symbol of possibility for the next generation. The conversation expands into women's sports, entrepreneurship, representation in media, and the importance of opening doors rather than gatekeeping opportunities. Ultimately, Marysol's story is about persistence, reinvention, and a belief that Latinos have always been part of the American story—and always will be. Topics Discussed in This Episode Growing up Puerto Rican in the Bronx Receiving a scholarship to attend boarding school at age 13 Discovering the world beyond New York City Sports as a lifelong source of confidence and identity Why bilingualism became a career advantage The importance of mentors and teachers who believe in you Attending the Columbia Journalism School Early career lessons in local television news Navigating media as a Latina journalist Facing and overcoming workplace microaggressions Working at Good Morning America, CBS News, and ESPN The realities of layoffs and reinvention in media Becoming the first Latina public address announcer in Major League Baseball Life behind the microphone at New York Mets games The cultural significance of baseball for Latino communities Why women's sports represent a major growth opportunity Building Her Playbook and Lead Off Media Latino representation and gatekeeping within media industries Creating opportunities for the next generation Connect with Marysol Castro Marysol Castro Official Website Marysol Castro on Instagram Lead Off Media

June 3, 2026Episode 7738 min

"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

May 20, 2026Episode 7637 min

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

May 6, 2026Episode 7541 min

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