Ep. 116 Healing, Heritage & Hope: A Conversation w/ Araceli Esparza

In this inspiring episode of the Be She Podcast, Heidi Schack sits down with Araceli Esparza…. author, speaker, and executive director of Midwest Mujeres. We talk about the power of storytelling, community, healing, and advocacy. As a first-generation Chicana leader and former single mom, Araceli shares how her own experiences and years working in community nonprofits led her to create spaces where Latina and Black women can feel seen, heard, and supported. From overcoming isolation in the Midwest to empowering women through entrepreneurship and storytelling, this conversation is full of heart, resilience, and purpose.Araceli Esparza is a first-generation Chicana leader, author, and the Executive Director of Midwest Mujeres, a Madison-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latina and Black women through storytelling, entrepreneurship, and community connection. What began as a grassroots effort to break the isolation of Latinas in the Midwest has grown into a transformative organization serving over 80 women annually.Founded through a vision of creating space for women to be seen, heard, and supported, Midwest Mujeres offers culturally grounded programming such as the Voices and Dreams Academy, Curandera Writing sessions, and the annual Yo Quiero Dinero storytelling event. These initiatives combine storytelling, financial wellness, and personal development to help women build confidence, launch businesses, and increase their earning potential. Program data shows that over 88% of participants report improved career or business outcomes, with many experiencing increased income and expanded professional opportunities.Under Araceli’s leadership, Midwest Mujeres has built a powerful ecosystem of coaches, community partners, and alumni, while operating with a lean, community-driven model. Her work is rooted in the belief that storytelling is a tool for liberation and economic mobility.As a speaker, coach, and published author of Healing from Racial Discrimination: ¿Ahora Qué?, Araceli continues to advocate for equity, visibility, and healing. Her mission is clear: if women can tell the story that sets them free, they can transform their lives—and their communities.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://www.araceliesparza.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidwestMujeres Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com