Cafecito with Latin Biz Today

Join me for a very special Cafecito with Latin Biz Today episode with two special guests! Paquito D'Rivera celebrates 2 new Grammy nominations this year for his latest album, La Flor de Cayenne (to go along with his already acquired total of 16 Latin and American Grammy Awards)! We also celebrate 40 years of Anne Phillip's iconic NYC holiday production of Bending Towards the Light: A Jazz Nativity in which Paquito will be performing this year!We dive deep into Paquito's legendary career, from his groundbreaking work with the Cuban band Irakere (fusing complex bebop with Afro-Cuban fire) to his powerful story of seeking artistic freedom that forced him into exile from Cuba. Paquito and Anne share invaluable lessons on creative collaboration, the power of music literacy, and the important mindset needed to truly innovate in any industry. Don't miss this inspiring lesson in legacy, music, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Grab your cafecito and hit play! Season 2 is HERE and we've gone to an all new video format to amp up the vibe! Our premiere guest, powerhouse Kiki Melendez, is sharing the real-talk on navigating Hollywood and breaking barriers as a Latina in the film industry,She dives deep into her amazing, profit-free docufilm project, “Niños De Cristo Forgotten Voices of Latin America” , which champions the plight of homeless children in Latin America.She discusses her commitment to fighting the social indifference that views vulnerable children as second-class citizens, detailing the authentic inspiration behind her film. Learn how she is leveraging her success to bring transformative compassion and a powerful voice to those marginalized children who are so often overlooked.You don't want to miss this episode!

Join us for a very special episode of Cafecito with Latin Biz Today where the tables have turned! This week, Teany Hidalgo, one of our Partners, Burnout Coach, and Author sits down with our very own podcast host, Tina Treviño, a powerhouse who has spent over 20 years in the fashion industry.Tina opens up about her incredible journey, from her early days of inspiration, to starting at the bottom of the ladder as a gritty assistant designer sketching late into the night to taking the monumental leap of launching her own successful company. Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with candid stories, lessons learned, and the passion behind building a fashion empire from the ground up.

On this episode, we're uncorking a conversation with Sam Parra, a true visionary and rising star in the Oregon wine scene. A third-generation wine industry professional, Sam's last name, "Parra," literally is the Spanish word for "vine" - how appropriate!We dive into his journey from growing up in Napa Valley to launching his own brand, Parra Wine Co. We discuss how he's a living embodiment of passion and heritage, and why his boutique label is garnering so much attention. Sam shares the story behind his new wine releases and how he stays on top of innovative wine trends. Named to Wine Business Monthly's "Hot Brands" list and Wine Industry Advisor's "Most Inspiring People" of 2024", tune in to hear how Sam is a trailblazer in the wine industry and focused on lifting up the Latino community.

Get ready to meet a true trailblazer: Maribel Perez Wadsworth. She's the first woman to lead the prestigious Knight Foundation, a philanthropic powerhouse dedicated to fostering informed and engaged communities. In this episode, Maribel shares her inspiring journey from a journalism student to the president and CEO of the Knight Foundation. She discusses her community involvement, the importance of embracing change in journalism and technology, and the role of mentorship in her career. Maribel is also the 2025 Hispanic Women of Distinction's Latina Pioneer award recipient so tune in as she reflects on her aspirations in philanthropy and the impact she hopes to make in local journalism and community development.

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Giovanna Lamberth-Sarabia, a rising star in the culinary world. Gio's journey is a masterclass in following your passion, from her early days as an au pair in Paris to her bold move to a Michelin-recognized kitchen. We discuss the life-changing impact of the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship, a program dedicated to empowering young Latino chefs and diversifying the industry. We also dive into Gio's fellowship at the Food Network, her work in food styling, and her ambitious plans for the future, including a new food magazine. Tune in to hear how this young professional is shaping the future of food media, one delicious project at a time. She'll also share one of her recipe creations for Food Network, a divine Café de Olla Tiramisu!

Ever wonder how small businesses can not only survive but truly thrive in our rapidly evolving global economy? Today, we're diving deep into that very question with Audrey Gorman from International Staff Augmentation. We explore why embracing diverse talent and fostering strong international connections isn't just a good idea, but a powerful strategic advantage. Join us as Audrey shares how her company bridges U.S. businesses with incredible remote talent from Latin America, creating opportunities on both sides of the border, and how essential cultural understanding and mentorship are important in building truly cohesive, productive teams. Get ready for insights that will reshape your view of the future workforce!

In today's episode, we're diving into the seismic shifts redefining how, where and why we work. We'll explore the groundbreaking insights of Dr. Steve Hunt, author of "Talent Tectonics," who reveals how digitalization and changing demographics are reshaping our careers and the very fabric of organizations. Get ready to uncover strategies for thriving in this new work landscape and discover how to build a future-fit workforce.

Step into the vibrant world of Broadway's Buena Vista Social Club! In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Jainardo Batista Sterling and Leonardo Reyna, the extraordinary talents who bring the legendary pianist Ruben Gonzalez to life on stage. Discover how these two distinctly portray the older and younger versions of Ruben, creating a powerful intergenerational narrative that captures the essence of Cuban music and its enduring legacy. We'll also delve into the importance of being multifaceted as a musician, the spirit of entrepreneurship in the arts, and the courage it takes to take chances on a demanding role when you're primarily a musician, not an actor. Get ready for captivating insights into their personal journeys, the magic behind the show's 10 Tony Award nominations, and the shared passion that fuels their performances.

Savor the success story of Chef Lorena Garcia! Chef Lorena is a celebrated Venezuelan-American chef, restaurateur, television personality, and cookbook author renowned for her vibrant Latin-inspired cuisine. With successful restaurants like Chica in Miami and Las Vegas, and appearances on popular shows like "Top Chef Masters" and "America's Next Great Restaurant," Lorena has become a prominent figure in the culinary world. Beyond her culinary achievements, Lorena is deeply committed to promoting healthy eating habits for children and families through her "Big Chef, Little Chef" foundation, empowering them to make nutritious choices and enjoy cooking together. Her passion for fresh ingredients and bold flavors, combined with her dedication to community well-being, has made her a beloved ambassador of Latin American gastronomy.

Calling all musical theater lovers! Today, we're pulling back the curtain on the future of musical theater .Co-founders of New York Theatre Barn, Joe Barros and Hector Flores Jr. discuss how their platform serves as an incubator for new stories, fostering inclusivity, embracing experimentation, and finding innovative ways to support the creation and circulation of diverse and compelling stories. Their vision strives to cultivate a more equitable and artistically rich theatrical landscape for years to come.Get ready to hear about their mission to champion underrepresented voices, the unique way they nurture groundbreaking musicals, and some of the great new stories that are igniting their stage. We'll dive into their journey, their vision, and why New York Theatre Barn is a crucial incubator for the future of musical theater.

Join us as Willy Rodriguez, all around musical entrepreneur, Co-founder of the International Salsa Museum and Musical Director for the Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra, shares his deeply personal journey, revealing how the vibrant rhythms of salsa and music became his lifeline during his youth. From his musical education to the exhilaration of performing on stage, Willy weaves together captivating stories, humorous anecdotes, and profound insights, offering us a glimpse into the transformative power of music and the sheer joy of salsa.

Celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez takes us on a vibrant culinary adventure. We'll dive deep into the heart of food culture, exploring everything from his own inspiring journey and the rich tapestry of Latin flavors. We're also joined by the PR powerhouse behind the Myriad Restaurant Group, Tracy Nieporent. Together, we'll learn about the skill and expertise it takes to become a top level chef as well as a celebrated television personality. We'll also discuss the multifaceted skill set and a resilient spirit it takes to be a successful restaurateur. It's far more than just serving good food. It's about orchestrating a complex business and Chef Aarón delivers the goods with his signature passion and zest.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Marie Quintana, author of 'Last Flight from Havana', as we explore her debut novel and her unique blend of business and storytelling. She shares her insights into her writing process, the story behind her book, and how her professional business background has shaped her perspective.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Marco Ramirez, the acclaimed writer behind the Broadway musical 'Buena Vista Social Club.' We delve into his creative journey, exploring the inspiration behind his career, his connection to Cuban culture, and how he translates powerful stories onto the stage. Discover how his artistic vision and dedication can inspire your own entrepreneurial path.