The Latinx Chronicles with Hip and Erika

Hosted by Erika Villegas & Hipolito Garcia

Business Education

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

A podcast dedicated to sharing the success stories of nuestra gente in the Latinx community of Chicago and beyond. “Elevating Voices. Opening Minds.” is more than our subtitle; it’s our mission. We amplify the voices and achievements too often overlooked, opening minds to new perspectives, and inspiring others to grow, lead, and make a difference.

Listen to episodes

26 recent

May 23, 2026Episode 130 min

Jessica Cuevas - Viva La Mami

Jessica Cuevas is the founder of Viva la Mami, a podcast and community that empowers modern Latina mothers to embrace their culture while navigating motherhood on their own terms. With a background in education, she is passionate about redefining “madrehood” through culturally grounded storytelling, education, and advocacy. Jessica challenges traditional and media-driven perceptions of Latina motherhood by creating spaces where Latina moms feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her work and expertise have been featured in major outlets including the New York Times, ABC, and PBS NewsHour.

October 17, 2025Episode 636 min

Guillermo Chavez Angeles - an inspiring immigrant story

Guillermo Chávez Ángeles is a Mexican-American entrepreneur, insurance agent, real-estate investor, and author. He will inspire you with his own personal immigrant story, which begins in Guadalajara, Mexico. He has built a multi-office State Farm insurance agency and authored Immigrant Roots, a motivational book that highlights the achievements of immigrant entrepreneurs in the United States. His story is the story of so many who came to this country "con las ganas" to achieve a better life. He has shown his love for his community through financial empowerment, community involvement, and by sharing his story of resilience. You can find his book at https://angelesbooks.com/

October 2, 2025Episode 547 min

Jason Riviero - voz latina focused on innovation, leadership and latino empowerment

On this episode of The Latinx Chronicles with Hip and Erika, we’re excited to welcome Jason P. Riviero, a national voice for innovation, leadership, and Latino empowerment.Jason currently serves at AIVOWX, where he’s helping shape the future of AI, real estate, and community-driven technology. With over 20 years of experience, he has led multicultural initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, including Toyota, Procter & Gamble, Macy’s, and Big Lots, and later became the National Director of Growth Markets and Industry Relations at Realogy.As a proud Latino leader, Jason has built a career centered on breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and championing diversity at every level of the business. He’s active on national boards, a frequent speaker, and a trusted advisor on the intersection of culture, technology, and community.In today’s conversation, we’ll dive into his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and how he’s using his platform to open doors for the next generation of Latino leaders.

September 4, 2025Episode 432 min

Salvador Cicero - a powerhouse attorney shares the importance of mindset, self belief and giving back.

Salvador Cicero is prominent attorney and community leader, who shares his personal and professional journey. Sal discusses his family’s diverse backgrounds, his upbringing in Mexico and the US, and the challenges he faced adapting to new environments. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, self-belief, and breaking through societal conditioning. Sal recounts his work in law, including significant contributions to human trafficking cases and leadership roles in the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois. Our conversation highlights the impact of giving back, the value of education, and the power of representation and community support in achieving success. Listen in and tell us what you think!

June 25, 2025Episode 337 min

Laura Rodriguez Presa, a bilingual journalist covering the Latino community in the Chicago area, focused on exposing the often untold stories of the Latino community. She aims to write pieces that transcend language, race, age and gender barriers.

Laura Rodríguez Presa is a prominent and one of the youngest bilingual reporter based in Chicago, working for the Chicago Tribune. She focuses on in-depth storytelling about the Latino community and often collaborates with fellow journalists on investigative series—such as the acclaimed “Aging in the Shadows,” which highlights challenges faced by undocumented seniors in Illinois. She is an amazing and beautiful person whom I met while working with our new neighbors (immigrants) arriving from all over the world. She often covers stories of the most vulnerable, and many times, based on her own lived experiences. She tells her story from her childhood to her current accomplishments. I am proud to call her a friend and can't wait to see what the future holds for her!

May 20, 2024Episode 333 min

Nancy Villafranca-Guzman sharing her love of art, cultura and the stories of our comunidad!

Nancy has been a force to be reckoned with in the arts and culture scene of Chicago and beyond! She shares her story of one of her amazing teachers and her first sponsor before we even used that word. She received her first opportunity to shine at The National Museum of Mexican Art formerly known as the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum in Pilsen where she later became the Director of Education. She then found her new home at the Chicago History Museum where she helped tell the stories of nuestra gente among other things as the Vice President of Education and Engagement. She continued her journey in her new role as the Deputy Commissioner for Programming in the Department of Cultural Affairs. She is embarking on her new journey to dig deeper into the stories of all Latine/x with the launch of Raices Chicago Story Coalition, it will collaborate with organizations and communities of Chicago to enhance the visibility and accessibility of these stories.Listen in and to learn more about raices go to: https://linktr.ee/raiceschi

April 7, 2024Episode 239 min

Jona Gamboa - un verdadero emprendedor and amazing leader in the real estate industry!

Jona is a friend and one of the most giving, courageous, and risk-takers we know. He is an immigrant and saw the potential and opportunity achievable in the United States through real estate. His abundance mindset has helped him create the life he always wanted and helps his clients see their full potential and the "ganas" to create wealth for themselves. He dives in on how he has helped his clients not only buy one, two, or three but as many properties as possible as it allows people to live a better life, help their families build generational wealth and achieve the American dream!Hear his story and get motivated to start your journey!

March 8, 2024Episode 130 min

A true entrepreneur and co-founder of Drop Needle Drinks - Nallely Suarez Gass

Nallely is truly inspiring, a go-gether always looking for new ideas and giving it 1000% to make it happen and see her ideas come to life. We loved talking to her and getting to know her better. We talked about some qualities she has developed over the years like patience, bravery and courage, we can all become more patient, brave and courageous so listen in! I had the pleasure of tasting her new venture Drop Needle Cocktails and they are truly delicious. If you are in the Chicagoland area, ask for them at your local grocery store!She reminded us to read to elevate our mindset but also don't forget to read what you love. Life is unpredictable but staying the course and being true to yourself is something that she advised and we are taking this to heart! Listen to our podcast and then go over and check out hers: corporate cafecito

November 16, 2023Episode 848 min

Taking plant based food to the next level - Chef Rodolfo Cuadros shares his secret to amazing food!

At the young age of 17 years old Rodolfo started his culinary journey in his native Colombia which then took him to Miami, London, Philadelphia, and New York which then brought him sweet home Chicago. We dive into his journey to open Amaru, Bloom Plant Based Kitchen, Lil Amaru, and Don Bucio's Taqueria. All of his restaurants showcase his love for Latin America and a little piece of his history, his world travels, and his passion. His food is delicious, bright, full of flavor, and a must-try for all Chicagoans and those who travel to our city. As I tell my kids "be a risk taker" and try some of his Vegan food at Bloom. We learned many things from recording this episode but something that resonated with me was that the harder the journey the sweeter the "recompensa"Listen in and then run to one or all of his restaurants!

November 16, 2023Episode 730 min

Architect, Author and Advocate Alicia Ponce shares how she is changing the landscape of Latinas in Architecture

Architect, Author and Advocate, Alicia Ponce is the founder and principal of APMonarch. Since 2007, Alicia’s expertise and passion for sustainability have supported many clients in designing radically better projects. Her reputation for resilient and eco-conscious architecture secured APMonarch’s role as the Sustainability Architect and direct protégé to Santiago Calatrava and his firm’s design proposal for the 2019 O’Hare International Airport Global Terminal. The international competition drew 1,200 teams and five were selected for the final presentation.Alicia has a bigger purpose and her passion for advocating and lifting other Latinas led her to start her own nonprofit Arquitina.org which led her to write her story about her purposeful journey to architecture, entrepreneurship, and connection with nature and help others do the same in Latinas in Architecture Books volumes 1 and 2 Listen to her and learn more at https://www.arquitina.org