Her Money Moves

In this premiere episode of Her Money Moves, Staci LaToison sits down with Kim Stroud — mother of NFL quarterback C.J. Stroud — for a powerful conversation about money, mindset, and motherhood. Kim opens up about her journey from raising a family on faith and discipline to watching her son rise to success — and how she taught him that real wealth isn’t about fame or flashy things, but about building a financial legacy that lasts for generations. From humble beginnings and learning to stretch every dollar, to conversations about investing, giving back, Kim shares what it takes to raise grounded, financially wise children in a world of instant gratification. This episode reminds us that financial freedom begins at home — and that every decision, dollar, and value we pass down can change our family’s story for generations to come. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to build legacy wealth with purpose — one smart money move at a time. 

Are you ready to build a financial legacy that outlives you?Welcome to Season 3 of the Her Money Moves Podcast, hosted by Staci LaToison, author of Money Moves: From Financial Stress to Financial Success.This season is your essential guide to creating generational wealth through mindset, consistency, and bold action. We speak to women who know how to turn adversity into asset-building, covering topics from strategic investing to purpose-driven spending.Listen to the trailer now for a preview of our premiere episode with Kim Stroud—the incredible mother who raised a financially wise NFL Star, C.J. Stroud. She shares the secret to instilling generational vision in her children, proving you don't need millions to start making smart moves.Prepare to Learn:The mindset shifts required to teach financial literacy at home.Why emotional wealth and transparency are key components of a true family legacy.How consistency and belief are the first steps to financial freedom.New episodes drop every Wealth Wednesday!Subscribe today so your Season 3 premiere automatically downloads!

In this episode of Her Money Moves, host Staci LaToison sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Lauren Brooks, founder and CEO of Bakery Bling. Lauren takes us on a raw and inspiring journey—one that started with financial struggles and food stamps and has grown into a multimillion-dollar cookie empire stocked in major retailers like Walmart and Target. Through vulnerability and bold storytelling, Lauren shares how a combination of grit, creativity, and unshakable belief in herself helped her overcome domestic violence, rebuild her life, and create a brand that celebrates beauty, joy, and financial empowerment. This is a must-listen for any Money Mover ready to turn pain into purpose and passion into profit.

In this episode of Her Money Moves, we sit down with Elyse Estrada, Vice President of Client Experience and Performance at Yahoo, to talk about the intersection of tech, media, and marketing. Elyse shares her career journey, insights on AI-driven personalization, and the role of networking in career growth. She also discusses the evolution of Yahoo, the importance of women in leadership, and how AI can enhance—not replace—human connections.

In this episode of Her Money Moves, we sit down with the incredible Shama Hyder, a visionary entrepreneur, best-selling author, and CEO of Zen Media. We dive into the evolution of digital marketing, personal branding, and the impact of AI on business growth. Shama shares her journey from launching a company in her early 20s to becoming one of the top voices in marketing today.Through personal stories and actionable advice, she reveals how women can build influence, scale businesses, and stay ahead in a constantly shifting digital world. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or a content creator, this conversation is packed with gems you won’t want to miss.

Episode Summary:In this groundbreaking episode of Her Money Moves, we welcome our first-ever female race car driver, Maite Cáceres, live from Miami! Maite shares her inspiring journey from Uruguay to the world of motorsports, overcoming family resistance, breaking into a male-dominated industry, and proving that women belong on the track. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the mental and physical endurance required to compete, and the rituals that help her stay focused before a big race. Tune in to hear how Maite is paving the way for future generations of women in racing!Key Insights & Timestamps: (00:01:07) - Introducing Maite Cáceres, the first female race car driver on Her Money Moves! (00:01:32) - Maite’s journey: From an early passion for racing to breaking into the sport at 17. (00:03:58) - Overcoming gender barriers: The struggles of being a female racer in a male-dominated field. (00:05:47) - The mental and physical toughness required to compete at the highest level. (00:07:48) - Pre-race rituals: How music and mindset shifts keep Maite in peak performance mode. (00:09:50) - Maite’s most difficult race and how she pushed through adversity. (00:10:33) - What it’s like competing in the U.S. versus racing in Uruguay. (00:12:05) - Advice for young girls who dream of a career in motorsports. Guest Spotlight: Maite Cáceres is a professional race car driver from Uruguay who has broken barriers in motorsports. Coming from a family of racers, she fought against traditional expectations to pursue her dream. Now competing internationally, Maite is an advocate for women in racing and encourages young girls to explore opportunities in motorsports beyond just driving, including engineering, logistics, and strategy.Key Takeaways from Maite Cáceres on Her Money Moves Breaking Barriers in Motorsports (00:03:58)  "Being a female driver means proving yourself every day, but I’ve learned that talent and hard work speak louder than anything else." The Mental & Physical Strength of a Racer (00:05:47) "People don’t realize how intense racing is—you have to be in top physical and mental shape to compete at this level." Pre-Race Mindset & Rituals (00:07:48)  "Music is a big part of my pre-race routine. It helps me focus and get into the right mindset before hitting the track." Overcoming Challenges on the Track (00:09:50)  "My toughest race taught me that even when things don’t go as planned, you have to stay in the moment and keep pushing."Connect with Maite Caceres:Website: www.maitecaceresracing.comInstagram: @maitecaceres_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maite-cáceres-025ab7222/ For More Information:Produced by: Speakerbox Media. Visit youtube.com/@HerMoneyMoves for more episodes, detailed show notes, and access to additional resources.Stay Connected:●Connect with Staci LaToison on LinkedIn and www.stacilatoison.com  ●Check out Dream Big Ventures on LinkedIn and www.dreambigventuresllc.com   

At the WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum in Colorado Springs, Staci meets cybersecurity expert and Dobbs Defense CEO Erica Dobbs. A former Naval officer and recently inducted into Maryland’s Top 100 Women, Erica is a successful business owner, a technology innovator, and an inspiring mentor for female entrepreneurs seeking government contracts. Talking points include educating herself in the cybersecurity space, pulling up a seat at the table in male-dominated fields, and uplifting other women in business through acquisition and mentorship.  Key Insights & Timestamps:  [00:00]: Podcast begins   [01:55]: Why Cybersecurity? Navy IT experiences & the call to build a business  [06:31]: The Origin of Dobbs Defense Solutions: From Navy leadership to independent ownership  [12:43]: Self-Funded Entrepreneurship? The challenges & victories of funding a business  [19:22]: Believe in Yourself: Core philosophies for effect leadership at all levels  [25:13]: Present Success & Future Dreams: Focusing on staff, acquisition, & mentorship  Guest Spotlight: Erica Dobbs, President & CEO at Dobbs Defense Solutions Erica Dobbs boasts a distinguished 36-year career marked by exceptional leadership, policy expertise, and management acumen. Her extensive background spans both the military and the private sector, positioning her as an outstanding candidate for board directorships. As a former Naval Officer, she occupied pivotal roles in communication, cybersecurity, combat systems, space, spectrum & network management, human resources, training, education, and strategic planning. Her leadership on Nuclear Aircraft Carriers and support for key Federal, Services, and Intelligence agencies underscore her mastery of critical IT and satellite communication systems. Erica's unwavering commitment to national security extends to her role as the founder and CEO of Dobbs Defense Solutions. In this capacity, she drives the company's growth, overseeing daily domestic and global business operations, including IT and supply chain management, as well as human capital. Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Erica serves as a national spokesman, fervently advocating for national security and technological innovation. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her dedication to diversity and innovation, positions her as an ideal candidate for board directorships.  Key Takeaways:  Waiting for a Seat at the Table: “One thing I learned when I was in uniform is that I can’t wait for someone to give me a seat at the table,” Erica says, explaining that Naval leadership was rarely an easy place for a woman of color. Erica can trace a direct line between learning to advocate for herself in the military and becoming a successful entrepreneur, because her confidence in business comes from a high level of self confidence and trust in her own learning abilities.   Reacting to Rejection: One of the reasons that Dobbs Defense Solutions was a self-funded business at the beginning is because Erica struggled to get approved for loans from banks. Even with leadership and cybersecurity experience under her belt, banks didn’t want to take a risk for a woman-led business, especially when that woman was a person of color. “You gotta fight for your dream, because no one else will,” Erica advises. “I provide stellar support in the cybersecurity field, and I fight for that because that’s my job.”  Resources Mentioned: Dobbs Defense Solutions | thinkd2s.com Connect with Erica:  LinkedIn For More Information: Produced by Speakerbox Media. Visit youtube.com/@StaciLaToison for more episodes, detailed show notes, and access to additional resources. Stay Connected:  Connect with Staci LaToison on LinkedIn and stacilatoison.com  Check out Dream Big Ventures on LinkedIn and dreambigventuresllc.com 

Recording live from the WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum, Money Movers hear from Diedre Windsor, President and CEO of Windsor Group, LLC, one of the 50 fastest-growing women-led companies at WPO. Based in Maryland, Windsor Group is an award-winning professional services company that provides services to public and private-sector clients. Talking points include what a career in the Army taught her about entrepreneurship, supporting her community and uplifting other women of color, and how to find success with public sector and government contracts.  Key Insights & Timestamps:  [00:00]: Podcast begins   [02:39]: Inspiration for Army enlistment & early career motivations from a single mom  [04:57]: Leaving a government job & embracing discomfort with entrepreneurship  [10;49]: Keeping the Windsor Group path when struggling with revenue  [12:20]: Struggles & successes of working with government contracts with your company  [19:51]: Philanthropic business honors & the importance of giving back to Detroit  [23:12]: BOW of the Year & why supporting women entrepreneurs of color matters to Diedre  [30:02]: Dreaming bigger & building something tangible for the future  Guest Spotlight: Diedre Windsor, President and CEO of Windsor Group LLC Diedre L. Windsor is the founder of Windsor Group LLC. Ms. Windsor, a native of Detroit, enlisted in the US Army in October 1986. As a military officer, Diedre’s assignments spanned from Kunsan, South Korea to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and back to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where she served in a myriad of leadership roles until she retired from active service in September 2009 as a Major. Upon retiring from the Military, Diedre continued along her public service path by joining the federal government. She assumed roles at the U.S. Department of Education first as Chief of Staff to the Federal Student Aid Chief Information Officer and Technology Office and later as Executive Officer and Director of Resources for the Officer for Civil Rights. After five years at Education, Diedre joined the career Senior Executive Service (SES) with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Diedre left the federal government in late 2016 to pursue entrepreneurship full time. Her company, Windsor Group, LLC, provides a host of professional services and business solutions to public and private sectors. The company’s core services include, Staffing, Training, IT Support and Project Management.  Key Takeaways:  Leaving a comfortably paying government job for the world of entrepreneurship wasn’t an easy decision, especially when revenue and success were a hard fight for Windsor Group in its infancy. “I did jobs most people wouldn’t do,” Diedre says when explaining Windor’s first government contracts. “To make sure all the bills are paid, that was good enough for me.”  Honored as one of the top philanthropic businesses for the Detroit metro area, Diedre says that Windsor Group prioritizes philanthropy and community support as much as companies twice or three times their size. Being able to give back is one of the biggest highlights of Windsor Group for Diedre, who believes in supporting the work of organizations and individuals deeply involved in communities across the US. “There are people with boots on the ground doing the real work. Why not help those people, those organizations?”  Resources Mentioned: Windsor Group LLC | windsorgroup-llc.com, The BOW Collective | thebowcollective.org, WPO | women-presidents.com Connect with Diedre:  LinkedIn For More Information: Produced by Speakerbox Media. Visit youtube.com/@StaciLaToison for more episodes, detailed show notes, and access to additional resources. Stay Connected:  Connect with Staci LaToison on LinkedIn and stacilatoison.com  Check out Dream Big Ventures on LinkedIn and dreambigventuresllc.com 

Recording live from the WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum, Money Movers hear from Phyllis Newhouse, cybersecurity expert, serial entrepreneur, and Founder and CEO of ShoulderUp. Founded alongside Viola Davis, ShoulderUp transcends barriers of geography, race, and industry to unite women in a common mission: to realize their fullest economic, cultural, and political potential. Talking points include collaborations with powerful women like Serena Williams and Viola Davis, how to prioritize personal wealth during professional success, and big dreams as the only woman in the room.  Key Insights & Timestamps:  [00:00]: Podcast begins   [03:52]: Boss Lady Takeoff - Phyllis’ journey to career leadership  [05:16]: Personal vs Professional Finances: Seeking balance, growth & sustainability   [08:29]: From NFL to NASCAR: Bravery as the only woman in the room  [10:32]: ROC, or Resources, Opportunities & Connections  [12:12]: Origin of ShoulderUp: Empowering female entrepreneurs   [17:58]: Dreaming Bigger? Phyllis looks forward with fearlessness  Guest Spotlight: Phyllis Newhouse, Founder & CEO of ShoulderUp, President & CEO of Xtreme Solutions Phyllis Newhouse is a serial entrepreneur and investor, retired military senior officer and mentor. She is CEO and Co-Founder of Athena Technology Acquisition Corp., Founder and CEO of Xtreme Solutions, Inc. (XSI), and Founder of ShoulderUp. As a pioneer in cybersecurity and business, she is the first woman to win an Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur Of The Year® award in the technology category. She was admitted into the 2013 class of EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women, and in 2019 was inducted into the Enterprising Women Hall of fame. She has been featured in Entrepreneur, Inc., CNBC, Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Cheddar News, Bloomberg and more. She received her degree from John F. Kennedy University and currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.   Key Takeaways:  When it comes to personal finances, Phyllis’ lesson for leaders is that scaling your personal wealth is just as critically important as scaling your company. Year over year, just like a company has a budget, investments, and growth metrics, your personal accounts should too. “If you run your personal wealth like you run a business, you will see extraordinary growth.”  Alongside Academy Award winner Viola Davis, Phyllis has founded ShoulderUp. About the nonprofit, Phyllis says, “ShoulderUp is not a platform, it’s a movement.” The organization focuses on what Phyllis refers to as ROC, resources, opportunities and connections for women entrepreneurs and business leaders.   Even in the face of fast-moving technology and new business models, Phyllis encourages women to be fearless with their businesses and to surround themselves with diverse perspectives. “I don’t allow myself to get stuck,” Phyllis explains, “young people bring a perspective to this world that is important and relevant to the future.”  Resources Mentioned: ShoulderUp | shoulderup.com, Xtreme Solutions | xtremesolutions-inc.com, WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum  Connect with Phyllis:  LinkedIn  PhyllisNewhouse.com  For More Information: Produced by Speakerbox Media. Visit youtube.com/@StaciLaToison for more episodes, detailed show notes, and access to additional resources. Stay Connected:  Connect with Staci LaToison on LinkedIn and stacilatoison.com  Check out Dream Big Ventures on LinkedIn and dreambigventuresllc.com 

Elizabeth “Liz” Agosto, Cybersecurity Expert and former COO and Head of Cybersecurity at BNY Mellon, gives practical tips on empowering women in finance and leadership. In 2022, Elizabeth received the ALPFA Most Powerful Latina - Tech Visionary award, and she has spent her career leading tech and cybersecurity spaces in top companies like BNY, Barclays and Lehman Brothers. Talking points for this episode include being your own biggest advocate, women as the conduit of change in cybersecurity and tech fields, and lessons learned from top mentors in Liz’s illustrious career.  

Her Money Moves meets up with Board Chair of HITEC Rosa Ramos-Kwok at the HITEC Spring Leadership Summit in Houston. Alongside her work as Board Chair, Rosa is also the Managing Director at JP Morgan Chase and holds the honor of being the first Hispanic woman promoted to the position of Managing Director in Technology at Morgan Stanley. Talking points in this insightful interview include rising above the bar to reach your next promotion, focusing on goal-oriented financial strategies, and advocating for Latinas supporting Latinas. 

Miriam Hernandez-Kakol, Vice Chair at HITEC, joins the Money Movers at the HITEC Spring Leadership Summit in Houston to impart advice on the next generation of Latina professionals after her iconic career in global business. As an immigrant, single mom, and successful career professional, Miriam is a role model for Latinas in the workforce coming from modest beginnings with big dreams. Talking points include the determination of financially struggling immigrants, the struggles of single motherhood, the importance of mentorship, and the excitement of giving back. 

Caro Bradilli, Co-Founder and Head of Creative at SMC Creative House, unites diversity, ambition, and Brazilian culture in this week’s episode. Based in NYC, SMC is changing the game in advertising and social media, marketing in a people-focused, audience-conscious way where so many other agencies only care about hits and numbers. Talking points include breaking away from the status quo Eurocentric brands, focusing on the brave new world of social media, and looking ahead for more opportunities to bring diverse Latinas to new heights.  

Sandra Campos, 4-time CEO, 2-time entrepreneur, and present-day CEO and President of PetMeds and PetCareRx, brings her incredible expertise to the show to talk about journeys to success. From early days working in her parents’ tortilla factory, Sandra learned the importance of hard work and how to balance that work with her creative passions. Talking points include transitioning from fashion to wellness consumer brands, learning how to infuse her Latina experiences into her career, and navigating differences between private and public companies as a CEO. 

Sandra Velasquez, Founder and CEO of Nopalera, shares her whirlwind journey from professional musician to successful beauty entrepreneur, and the lessons learned along the way! Headquartered in New York, Nopalera is a modern Mexican beauty and lifestyle brand, made for the modern beauty explorer. Talking points include the cultural significance behind Nopalera’s ingredients, the importance of debt as a manageable business risk, and the sustainability of a strong brand identity when seeking investment and capital for your business. 

Emelyn Stuart, CEO of Stuart Cinema and Founder of Ocktober Film Festival, unites her business background, Dominican culture, and passion for the film industry under one roof in Brooklyn, New York. Since 2018, Emelyn has been running Stuart Cinema & Cafe, a community-focused single-screen movie theater providing opportunities for independent filmmakers and creatives to connect with local audiences and elevate their careers. Talking points include the barriers to film success for Latino creatives, the importance of a community safe space where everyone can experience entertainment, and the future of Emelyn’s film career, including a new Cinema project in Brownsville.

Her Money Moves is joined by two special guests, Marie Cano of Agility Bank and Kelly Kirk of Greymark, to talk about the financial hurdles of being a female business owner and the unique partnerships that create monetary success for women-led businesses. Kelly Kirk shares her insight as a second generation woman business owner and Marie discusses her perspective as a commercial banker at a women-led bank. Talking points include the costs (personal and financial) of entrepreneurship, supportive relationships between clients and bankers, and financial advice for bootstrapping business owners. 

Her Money Moves goes to Houston for the HITEC Leadership Summit to talk to the Board Chair of HITECH Foundation and Chief Channel Officer of Sorenson, Ivonne Valdes. A visionary leader with a passion for breakthrough tech, Ivonne has lent her expertise to companies like HP and Oracle as an employee, and now gives back to her community as a Board member of student-focused organizations like Conectado and Caldwell University. Talking points in this insightful interview include managing work-life balance as a mother, dreaming of getting involved on a private equity Board, and making your salaries and bonuses into an investment in your financial future.  

Her Money Moves makes its way to Detroit in this week’s episode, recorded live at the NFL Draft. Staci talks with Marissa Solis, Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the National Football League (NFL), about being the top Latino in a massive company and leading the charge to change the face of the League. Talking points include fielding job offers from top companies, evolving brands for future relevance, and advocating for yourself as a woman in male-dominated fields. 

Daniela Blanco, CEO of Sunthetics, creates an impactful reaction with Staci at South By Southwest as they talk about reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact of chemical engineering. Based in San Marcos, Sunthetics accelerates eco-friendly innovation in the chemical industry through an easy-to-use machine-learning platform capable of leveraging small datasets to generate big insights. Talking points include receiving $1 million in grant funding from the National Science Foundation, reducing emissions and toxic waste, and defying the odds as a young Latina CEO in a white male-dominated field.

Resh Sidhu, Global Director of Arcadia Creative Studio at Snapchat, joins Staci at South by Southwest in Austin to take a journey from humble beginnings as a child obsessed with computers to breaking ground as a successful woman in tech. Reflecting on her past and looking to the future, Resh explains how her mother’s teachings on excellence and financial independence still influence her decisions today as a mother and a professional. Talking points include navigating a male-dominated industry, getting introduced to augmented reality, and pursuing financial literacy against all odds.  

Liliam Lopez, President of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) and the SFLHCC Foundation, joins the pod in beautiful Miami to talk about growing one of the biggest Hispanic Chambers in the nation. Established in 1994, South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization that promotes business leadership, creates economic prospects and provides legislative advocacy for the Hispanic business community in South Florida. Talking points include taking advantage of what the Chamber offers, elevating underprivileged Hispanic youth, and advocating for diverse board positions at corporations. 

Adela Cepeda, Business, Finance and Capital Markets leader, joins Staci in Miami for an in-depth discussion on fundraising and investing in Latino-led projects and professionals. Adela is also the Board Chair of Angeles Investors, a venture capital firm based in Chicago with a mission to find, fund, and grow the most promising Hispanic and Latinx ventures. Talking points include learning the ropes of investment banking, empowering Latina professionals in venture capital, and creating representation in boardrooms.

Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow, Board Chair of the Latino Corporate Directors Association and Vice Chairman of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, joins Staci at Miami tech hub, Mana Tech. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has been a torchbearer for Latina representation on corporate boards, becoming the first female chair of the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the first elected Latina Board Director of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. Talking points in this episode include elevating underserved communities, engaging Hispanic students in higher education, and empowering Latinas to use their unique skillsets to join boards.  

Paula Harris, Vice President of Community Relationships for the Houston Astros and Executive Director of the Astros Foundation, shares her current work and her aspirations for her future legacy this week. Paula has worked in oil & gas, has served on several Boards, and now makes an impact in the Houston community every day. Talking points include being a woman in the male dominated oil field, protecting your reputation as a hard worker regardless of your industry, and becoming a board member to make an impact. 

Stephanie Tsuru, Founder of SheSpace, brings her leadership wisdom and love for other women to the pod to talk about intentional space making. Headquartered in Houston, SheSpace is a work and meeting place where bold women gather to find community, amplify ambition, and propel their dreams forward. Talking points include personal and professional growth at SheSpace, entrepreneurs and remote workers collaborating together, and the future of all-women spaces in Houston and beyond.  

Kim Roxie, Founder and CEO of LAMIK Beauty, joins us to talk about tapping into a massive yet underrepresented customer base in the beauty industry: women of color. Headquartered in Houston, LAMIK Beauty is a clean makeup company that helps women of color naturally enhance their beauty with inclusive, high quality products. Talking points include formulating health conscious beauty products, developing strong relationships with LAMIK’s customer base, and launching an e-commerce site during the COVID lockdown.   

Brandi Harleaux, Chief Executive Officer at South Post Oak Recycling Center, combines her corporate and entrepreneurial experiences into actionable lessons in this week’s episode. Headquartered in Houston, South Post Oak is a recycling and sustainability company primarily focused on both non-ferrous and ferrous metals for homes, contractors, and corporations. Talking points include being a second-generation business owner, transitioning from corporate roles to company ownership, and seeing the future of recycling. 

Tami Kesselman, Founder and CEO of Next Gen Success, shares her expertise on impact investing in this week’s episode, filmed at Harvard Innovation Lab in Boston. At Next Gen Success, Tami coaches family offices, founders, and next gen changemakers on finding alignment between wealth creation, impact, and happiness. Talking points include developing a coaching framework, understanding your opportunities for investing, and the four secrets of happy billionaires.  

Delphine O’Rourke, Lawyer & Columbia Law Professor, advocates for investing in women’s health in this week’s episode, filmed at Rise Barclays in New York City. Alongside her expertise in health law, Delphine is also a Lead Partner at Portfolia, investing in their FemTech fund, and an advisor to several health-based companies and startups. Talking points include reproductive health from IVF to menopause, teaching Columbia courses centered around life after DOBBS, and the future of women’s health advocacy.  

Yvonne Guidry, Founder of Spoiled Latina, brings her creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit to this week’s episode about building a powerful personal brand. Spoiled Latina got its start in 2008 as an online blog about style and self care, and has since morphed into a lifestyle brand that hosts events, like the Spoiled Latina Summit, and works hand-in-hand with Yvonne’s community foundation, Jefita Atrevida. Talking points include connecting brands and influencers, getting in touch with Latina consumers, and planning upcoming events.  

Senofer Mendoza, Founder and General Partner at Mendoza Ventures, joins the pod to talk about how she co-founded the first Latino-led, women-owned venture capital firms on the East Coast. Started in 2016, Mendoza Ventures is an early stage and growth venture fund based in Boston and run by Senofer and her husband, Adrian. Talking points in this episode include investing in Latino-led Boston businesses, raising a $100 million fund, and getting more women involved in venture opportunities

Liz Elting, Founder and CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation, discusses her journey from entrepreneurship success with TransPerfect to giving back to the community through her foundation. The Elizabeth Elting Foundation, created by Liz in 2018, is a nonprofit organization working to advance the economic, social, and political equality of women and marginalized people. Talking points include Liz’s new book, Dream Big and Win, and what’s next in Liz’s incredible career journey. 

Angela Sustaita-Ruiz, Co-Founder & CEO, Brilla Media Ventures & Nuestro Stories, brings a new perspective on Latina storytelling to the pod as we talk about her journey from public relations to entrepreneurship. A proud native Texan, Angela has been involved throughout her career in championing Latino storytellers and representing the diverse lives of Latin Americans. Talking points include influencing the next generation of Latinos at Hispanicize, expanding projects at Nuestro Studios, and raising awareness with Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month. 

Betsabe Martinez Botaitis, CFO and Treasurer of Hedera, joins the pod this week to talk about her experience as a Latina immigrant in the US working in finance. As an underrepresented segment of the US population, Betsabe knows what it’s like to knock on doors and work harder than anyone else to reach financial literacy and professional success. Now, as the CFO of Hedera, Betsabe discusses the gender pay gap and the opportunities immigrants have to take advantage of emerging blockchain technology. 

Ramona Ortega, Founder of WealthBuild and My Money My Future, empowers us to build a better financial future this week through the incredible power of AI. Focused on the day-to-day financial issues of hardworking people, Ramona wants to bridge the wealth gap and knowledge gap so that Latinos can thrive and feel in control of their own money. Talking points include cashing in on a lifetime of financial knowledge, learning about assets and net worth, and speaking to the people with Latina ChatBot Yoli.  

Fanny Grande, Co-Founder & CEO of Avenida Entertainment Group, puts the Latinx community in the spotlight this week with her incredible production company. Avenida is more than a movie studio, producing everything from podcasts to tv, documentaries to reality shows, all with the guiding focus of telling stories for Latinos by Latinos. Talking points include connecting Latino entertainers to new audiences with A+, working against Hollywood’s harmful stereotypes, and crowdfunding the future of diverse media. 

In this episode, Staci hosts Juliana Garaizar, a prominent figure in climate tech and venture capital. Juliana is the Chief Development and Investment Officer at Greentown Labs and the Co-Founder of Portfolia. With her experience in femtech and agtech, Juliana places a heavy focus on climate and inclusion in her investing. She also unfolds her remarkable global journey before settling in Houston. Juliana's unwavering dedication to climate tech and diversity fuels her mission to champion underrepresented founders while empowering women to create their own seat at the table. 

Jill Osur, President & CEO of Teneral Cellars, toasts to big dreams and makes wine a catalyst for change in this week’s episode, recorded on site at her beautiful winery. Teneral Cellars aims to elevate all women through charitable giving, women-centric events, and ethically produced wine. Talking points in this episode include the origins of Teneral Cellars, the highs and lows of being a women-owned business, and the diverse future for Teneral that involves wholesale, retail, and investments. 

Laura Lucas, General Partner at L’Attitude Ventures, brings her plethora of investment expertise to the pod to talk about money, money, money— making it, investing it, and understanding it. As a former founder and NASDAQ Managing Director, Laura has developed a passion for financial literacy and bridging the investment gaps, especially in the Latino community, where less than 2% get access to venture capital. Talking points include investing in Latino-led projects, uniting women VCs under a common cause, and learning what makes money move.  

Natara Branch, CEO of Houston Exponential, joins us to talk about her past careers at Exxon and the NFL, her current exciting work in tech and innovation, and the future of Houston Exponential’s collaboration with local entrepreneurs. Natara gives us insight into her professional mindset exercises and her personal desire to transition careers in search of new challenges. Additional talking points include being female in a male dominated field, the rebrand of the Tech Rodeo, and the importance of wealth equity.

Rachel ten Brink, Founder and General Partner at Red Bike Capital, shares her story of how she became one of 90 Latinas to ever raise over a million dollars in venture capital. Joining us from the L’Attitude Conference in Miami, Rachel breaks down her journey from her Costa Rican childhood to her experience as an entrepreneur to her current success with her own VC fund. Talking points include mentoring founders as a past operator, setting an example for the next generation, and the origins of the Red Bike name. 

Her Money Moves is all about providing women with untethered access, to real insights, from real women, making a real impact in their respective industries. On the show, we explore inspiring journeys, practical tips, and strategies to empower women and their financial futures. We know that when women are empowered in leadership, that we drive progress in our industries, uplift our communities, and propel the global economy forward.