Architects of Latino Success

The most powerful careers are not built on strategy alone. They are built on purpose.Josue Soto is a real estate professional whose path was shaped by the right people showing up at the right time, reminding him of the strengths he carried and encouraging him to put them to work. His natural ability to connect, listen, and genuinely serve others laid the foundation for a career rooted in something bigger than business.His path with NAHREP deepened that conviction. What began as a simple introduction grew into a defining experience. Walking the halls of Capitol Hill, engaging directly with representatives, and witnessing the scale of NAHREP's advocacy for Hispanic homeownership showed Josue exactly what it looks like when a mission meets momentum.In this episode, Josue shares the mindset that has carried him through his toughest seasons, why slowing down to truly listen is one of the most powerful tools a leader can develop, and how pouring into others is not a sacrifice but a strategy. If you are navigating a hard stretch, searching for your next level, or simply need a reminder of why the work matters, this conversation will meet you there.Lead with purpose. Serve with intention. Keep moving forward.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

Success doesn’t always begin with a plan. Sometimes it starts with a simple conversation.Joe Castillo welcomes A.T. Almeida, CEO and Team Leader of The American Dream Group in Dallas–Fort Worth and a National Board Director with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP).Originally from Brazil, A.T. came to the United States with limited English and a determination to build a better future. Before finding his path in real estate, he worked a variety of jobs while searching for opportunity, including driving for Uber. It was during those rides, through conversations with passengers, that he first began hearing about real estate and started to imagine a different career path.In this conversation, A.T. shares the moment he decided to pursue his real estate license, the mentorship that helped guide his early success, and the role the NAHREP community played in his journey. Within his first year in the business, he earned recognition among the NAHREP Top 250 Latino Agent Award honorees and has continued building a career centered on helping Latino families achieve homeownership.Tune in for a powerful story about resilience, taking chances, and how one conversation can open the door to a completely new future.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

Leading from Within: Elevating Professionals and Expanding NAHREP’s Global VisionIn this episode of Architects of Latino Success, Joe Castillo sits down with Oralia Herrera, 2025 NAHREP National President, to reflect on her leadership journey and the impact of serving at the highest level of the organization.Oralia shares how she was first introduced to real estate and given the opportunity to grow in the business by a mentor who believed in her early on. That belief helped shape her confidence, expand her vision, and lay the foundation for her success. She speaks openly about how NAHREP challenges professionals to grow beyond what they think they know. Being in rooms with accomplished business owners and entrepreneurs raises your standards. It sharpens your mindset and pushes you to operate at a higher level.As President, Oralia focused on strengthening NAHREP from within by deepening leadership and engagement across the organization. One of her goals was to take members internationally to explore real estate opportunities beyond the U.S. That vision became reality with a milestone trip to Spain, where this episode was recorded. The experience marked a defining moment for NAHREP’s expanding global presence and reflected the ambition and caliber of its leaders.Oralia’s presidency is a testament to what is possible when preparation meets service, and her journey stands as an invitation to the next generation of leaders to step forward, raise their standard, and lead with purpose.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

 Building Cultures that Support People, Progress, and PossibilityIn this episode, Joe Castillo speaks with Teresa Palacios Smith, Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer at HomeServices of America, about leadership, inclusion, and long-term impact.Teresa shares how her professional journey has shaped her approach to inclusion as an ongoing practice rooted in trust, accountability, and engagement. She reflects on leading within large organizations, building cultures where individuals feel valued, and aligning people-centered leadership with business and community outcomes.The conversation explores the role leaders play in shaping culture, the importance of meaningful engagement, and how inclusive leadership can strengthen organizations while supporting the communities they serve.This episode offers thoughtful insight into how purpose-driven leadership and inclusion can create lasting impact and support NAHREP’s mission to advance opportunity and generational progress.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

NAHREP:  Stewarding a Movement, Not a Moment At the start of a new year, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the purpose that has guided NAHREP’s work—and continues to shape its path forward.In this conversation, Gary Acosta, co-founder and CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), shares perspective on building and stewarding a movement rooted in service, consistency, and long-term impact. Through personal insight, Gary paints a clear picture of NAHREP’s “why”—not as a fixed outcome, but as an ongoing commitment carried forward by shared values and belief in collective progress.He reflects on what has drawn so many leaders to walk alongside the organization: the desire to contribute beyond individual success, to remain connected to a greater purpose, and to help strengthen systems that create opportunity for future generations. The conversation centers on purpose—why the work matters, what sustains engagement over time, and how stewardship and alignment continue to shape the organization’s progress.This episode sets a reflective, grounding tone for the year ahead, offering clarity on the meaning behind the work and the mindset that continues to move the movement forward with intention.  If you haven't already, we hope you tune in and join the movement! More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

From Risk to Resilience: Building Success on Your Own TermsEdwin Acevedo’s career was built through self-ambition, a strong desire to succeed, and an entrepreneurial spirit. He transitioned from a corporate engineering role to pursuing real estate, stepping into the industry at the onset of the 2008 recession—a leap that required conviction, resilience, and trust in himself.In this episode, Edwin shares how choosing to build a life and career on his own terms shaped not only his success in real estate, but also the leader he has become. He reflects on balancing personal drive with family pride, and how staying grounded in his values has guided his transition from local impact to national leadership.As NAHREP’s 2025 President-Elect, Edwin discusses the responsibility that comes with leadership, the importance of earning trust through consistency, and why service remains central to his approach.Join us for a thoughtful conversation on intentional leadership, honoring where you come from, and building lasting impact through purpose, humility, and vision.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

From Sales to Strategy: Transitioning from Top Producer to Corporate LeaderTransitioning from being a top-producing agent into corporate leadership wasn’t simple — and Danny Hernandez is the first to say the shift was intimidating. What gave him the courage to move forward was trust: trust in the people who believed in him, and trust in the opportunities they saw before he could see them himself.In this episode, Danny reflects on how stepping into corporate leadership expanded his understanding of service, influence, and impact. He shares why staying humble, remaining open to growth, and generously sharing knowledge are essential qualities for any leader. For Danny, “passing it forward” isn’t just a value — it’s the backbone of his career and the way he leads others.Join us for a candid conversation on navigating big professional leaps, leading with gratitude, and building a legacy by uplifting the next generation.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

Leading Through Identity, Inclusion & Purpose in Real EstateIn this episode, Tanya Reu-Narvaez shares reflections on finding purpose in unexpected places and how embracing who you are can become a source of strength in leadership. She discusses the importance of inclusion, championing representation, and staying grounded in a mission that aligns with your values. Tanya also highlights how her work with NAHREP has shaped her journey — a commitment recognized through the inaugural Ernie J. Reyes Award, honoring leaders who roll up their sleeves, stay engaged, and drive meaningful impact.Tune in for a conversation on leading with authenticity, lifting others as you grow, and discovering how giving back can shape your own path just as much as it shapes the industry around you.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

Leading with Accountability and Compassion: Building Businesses That Last True leadership isn’t just about results; it’s about accountability, empathy, and the courage to grow together. In this episode, Jason Madiedo, CEO of Panorama Mortgage Group, shares how holding people accountable with compassion creates the foundation for strong teams and lasting impact.Jason discusses how great leaders approach growth with curiosity—seeking to understand their people, their business, and the market around them. He reflects on the importance of humility and collaboration as the path to becoming an impactful leader who learns, adapts, and inspires others to do the same.Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on purpose-driven leadership, empowering others, and building businesses that serve with heart.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

From Entrepreneurial Drive to Venture Leadership and Purpose-Driven ImpactSuccess isn’t always a straight line—it’s built through passion, risk, and the courage to choose yourself. In this episode, Laura Lucas, Founder & CEO of Pandocap and General Partner at L’ATTITUDE Ventures, shares how her entrepreneurial spirit shaped a career defined by purpose, innovation, and opportunity.With authenticity and insight, Laura opens up about betting on yourself, going against the grain, and creating access for others through both entrepreneurship and investment. Tune in for a powerful conversation on passion, perseverance, and paving the way for the next generation of Latino leaders.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

From Corporate Strategy to Championing Latino Wealth and RepresentationLeadership is about influence, purpose, and the responsibility to create access for others. In this episode, Camilo Escalante, Executive Director of Diverse Segments at Guaranteed Rate and Chair of NAHREP’s Corporate Board of Governors, shares how his career evolved from corporate strategy to community impact.With candor and vision, Camilo discusses the importance of representation in financial services, the power of partnerships that expand opportunity, and how data-driven leadership can fuel meaningful change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on breaking barriers, advancing Latino wealth, and redefining what it means to lead with both heart and strategy.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

From Brokerage Success to Coaching Leaders and Elevating Latino ProfessionalsLeadership is more than titles—it’s about courage, mentorship, and lifting others as you climb. In this episode, Broker/Owner, investor, and NAHREP leader Daisy López-Cid shares her journey from building a thriving real estate business to being recognized as the “coach of coaches” within the organization. With honesty and passion, she opens up about the power of mentorship, creating space for feedback, and why empowering Latino professionals has always been at the heart of her work. Tune in for actionable insights on leading with authenticity, building sustainable success, and making impact last across generations.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

From Immigrant Roots to Brokerage Leadership and Advocacy That Elevates CommunitiesImpact isn’t accidental—it’s built through grit, service, and the decision to lead. In this episode, Broker/Owner and NAHREP leader Jerry Ascencio shares how an immigrant start became a platform for entrepreneurship and advocacy: breaking into real estate, building teams, and championing Latino homeownership. Tune in for candid lessons on mindset, mentorship, and using your voice to create opportunity. More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

Turning Risks into Returns and Returns into Lasting ImpactSuccess isn’t just about wins—it’s about the risks you take, the confidence you build, and the discipline you practice along the way. In this episode, Jona Gamboa, CEO of Gamboa Real Estate Group, shares how calculated risks, smart investing, and leading through practice shaped his journey. Tune in for insights on work ethic, resilience, and turning challenges into opportunity—you won’t want to miss it.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

Turning Sacrifice into Strategy—and Strategy into Generational WealthA lot of people talk about success—but few talk about the sacrifices it takes to get there. In this episode, Sara Rodriguez shares why discipline matters more than income, how living below your means can create generational opportunity, and the mindset shifts that turn short-term sacrifices into long-term gains. If you're serious about building wealth and leaving a legacy, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

Leading the #1 Century 21 office in the Southwest region!Juan Martinez didn’t get to the top by accident. As the leader of the #1 Century 21 office in Las Vegas, he’s built his business on sharp strategy, relentless execution, and an unshakable commitment to growth. In this episode, Juan shares how staying focused, embracing discipline, and thinking long-term helped him rise above the noise. This one’s all about clarity, commitment, and playing the long game.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Leo Pareja goes deeper into the values and decisions that have defined his leadership journey. He shares candid reflections on legacy, balancing ambition with purpose, and what it truly means to create impact at scale.From shaping industry change to mentoring the next generation, Leo offers perspective not just on success—but on significance.If you're ready to lead with intention, this episode is for you.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!

Everyone sees the success—but few see the inner work behind it. In this episode, Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, shares the lessons that shaped his journey—from starting in real estate as a teenager to becoming one of the most influential Latino leaders in the industry. He opens up about what it takes to grow beyond personal wins, how ego can limit impact, and why purpose-driven leadership matters more than ever.If you're thinking bigger than just business, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.More voices, more stories, and more inspiration to come—stay tuned!