Oaxaca an Empowered Generation Podcast: Recent Episodes
Adelaida Hernandez
Welcome back to another episode! On this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Analleli Villegas Barrera. She shared her experiences growing up in San Diego as an Oaxaqueña and navigating life as a DACA recipient in a border city. Our conversation delved into some potentially controversial topics like Chicanismo and Indigeneity, as she shared her perspective.
Analleli also opened up about the challenges of being the oldest child in her family and making tough decisions that at the moment felt like it would break her world apart .We discussed how our choices often come with consequences, but sometimes they lead to the best outcomes.
It was truly refreshing to explore these themes and allow ourselves to break free from the expectations society places on us. Our conversation served as a reminder to embrace authenticity and live beyond the limitations we impose on ourselves.
Enjoy this episode.
This is a special episode where Hector Hernandez from Unidad Popular Benito Juarez , Jose Eduardo Chavez & Patsy Mejia from Madera Guelaguetza Committee, and I sat down to have a conversation about what the Guelaguetza is and how it came to be in their cities/ regions in California Central Valley. Throughout this conversation, you will hear the pain that the community has experienced due to biases, prejudices, oppression, and so much more. You will also hear the good and the bad we have been dealing with within our Oaxaqueño community due to generational trauma BUT you will also hear the beauty that flows in the Oaxacan community when they come together. Enjoy this conversation y que Viva Oaxaca Y su Gente.
** PS this episode is 45 Minutes.
In this episode, I had the privilege to have a conversation with Jose Hernandez, and this was pretty special because we are familia. In this episode, he shared about the challenges he encountered in childhood in the Central Valley and the catalyst that led him in his new Journey as he is getting ready to open his business ( Auto dealership). He shared his reason for embarking on a business and the bigger impact he wants to create in his community. A little spoiler his mom is one of the people he looks up to, influencing him to strive for more. Remember, don't underestimate 4'11 :)! Enjoy this episode and share it with others!
In this episode, I was privileged to talk with Ramiro Antonio Reyes. He shared his experience of embracing his indigenous roots and his parents' influence on his life. Through the conversation, you will hear how Ramiro expresses his admiration for his parents and their identity as Oaxaqueñ@s. He shares how we belong in the places we find ourselves and that there is no reason to believe anything less. You will also hear his frustration on the topic of cultural appropriation as it is growing. Ramiro also shares about his professional life and the different stepping stones that have led him where he is. He advises us to seek help; we don't have to do things alone.
In this episode, we spoke with Raul, who defines a true definition of resilience and shows how strong our people are. I encourage you to take a minute and digest his story, as it is profound. In the first two minutes, he shared how as a minor, he almost lost his life trying to reach US soil.; but thankfully, he is here to share his story with us. He shared what it was to be a teenager working in the fields as a First-generation immigrant and how different it looks for those who are children of immigrants. We talked about how our status can inflict futuristic thinking, that has caused mental health troubles. We spoke about addictions that affect our community and so much more.
We are back with another episode!
Disclosure this episode was recorded about a year ago, so as you can guess, a lot has happened between the day we had this conversation and now. Still, this conversation is so relevant at this time. Thank you so much to Gianna for this conversation; it was an honor to have the opportunity to listen to your story! Here is the link to give context to our conversation on what she shared on social media. Enjoy this conversation.
https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/food/video/stanford-grads-viral-tweet-highlights-pay-disparity-farmworkers-72363462
In this episode, I had the honor and privilege to have a conversation with IndigeMoney we talked about investing, scarcity mindset, generational wealth, and so much more. Questions arose as we talked about money and the high percentage of Indigenous living under the poverty level. Through our convesation we discussed about the mindset and how generational mindset transfers such as our parents to us. This conversation was so enriching. Enjoy and let us make move moves as a community.
In this episode, I had the pleasure to speak with Yolanda Mello. Our conversation was full of raw topics. Such as the negative stigmas keeping women ( her) from receiving an education, her faith journey, her interracial marriage, the challenges and negativity we face within the family unit. It was an honest conversation about what we go through, but sometimes we don't say it outloud. I am sure more than one person can relate to her story because I definitely did. But in the end, it is about growth and confidence. Enjoy and share. " Don't be afraid to embrace who you are!"
In this episode, I talked to Martha Flores about what it means to grow up in two mundos( worlds) as her mother is Oaxaqueña, and her father was born in Mexico City and grew up in Guerrero. We talked about her journey through higher education and graduating through the pandemic, as well as finding her voice not to remain silent anymore. Thank you so much, Martha, for this opportunity. Enjoy and share, share.
Follow on IG: @oaxacaempoweredgeneration.
In this episode, I talked to Marylou Chavez- Cuen. We talked about what it means to have padres Oaxacaqueños and to embracing the culture as her own. We also talked about what it is to be Oaxacaqueña in higher education, especially as she is going through Law School and talking about the struggle of not communicating clearly in our native languages. She shares tips and insights for those who would like to pursue a law degree. (FYI) BC is Bakersfield College. Enjoy this conversation and reach out if you have any questions.
In this Episode I spoke with Rocio Hernandez Cruz.She shared her journey through the process immigrating from Oaxaca to the U.S, going through higher education and the decisions when plans change. You will hear some background noise but that is reality through the Pandemic. Thank you Rocio for your patience and sharing your story with us . Enjoy this episode and I also invite you to share and follow the podcast on Instagram @Oaxacaempoweredgeneration.
Mario, I know that Thanksgiving is a special season for you; for that reason, I wanted to honor your time and willingness to share your story with us (me) and share this episode during this time. It was a great talk full of laughter, painful moments but overall full of wisdom. Gracias!
For our listeners, you are in for a treat full of insights about what it is to grow up as an indigenous person, being first-generation in higher education, first-generation professional, and so much more. If you want to connect or have questions for Mario, you can find him on Facebook as Mario Santiago.
I also invite you to share and follow the podcast on Instagram @Oaxacaempoweredgeneration.
In this first episode I shared a little bit of my story and how Oaxaca an Empowered Generation came to be. Excuse my "ums" but sharing this with you completely took me out of my comfortable zone and I had to be vulnerable. What I shared is very deep to my heart but my hope is that through our stories,La comunidad indígena Oaxacaqueña will be lifted up and our Voces heard. Welcome to the journey, I also invite you to follow on Instagram @Oaxacaempoweredgeneration.