Our guest for this episode is doctorate student Samantha Joeck, who is studying gender through the lense of Colombian culture.

We cover many other topics, touching on race and class as well; while being mindful of our experiences in North America and Europe, respectively.

DiViNCi | Studio Sensei | Instagram

I first met DiViNCi, the man, the myth, the machine-handed (and nosed) wizard, himself outside of a dive bar in Minneapolis called the Dinktowner!

Prolly, near a decade ago ~ like whoa!

Flash-foward to 2020, and now he has started a new project, Studio Sensei, to help others find and nurture methods for sustainable artistic, or other, creation.

I'm not gonna spoil too much of the conversation, though I do encourage your self to prepare for the adventure sure to ensue, as we enter the wild, wacky and wonderful work of DiViNCi ..

Julio Ricardo Varela | Latino Rebels | Instagram | Twitter

Julio was the first Latino to ever give me the time of day.

For' real!

The man has seen the darkside of shade, and the sunny side of the light; while I think I may have the honor of having recorded one of the few near-complete orations of how Latino Rebels came to be!!

From the Bronx to the barrios to the balconies of barons and back again ... so much conversation we had to make this one a two-parter; and still, we only got through half of our five questions ~ jaja

Though to get us started ... the man, the myth, the maraca-make himself ~ VAMANOS !!

Julio Ricardo Varela | Latino Rebels | Instagram | Twitter

We continue our conversation with Julio, learning about how Latino Rebels got started ...

Checkout Part 1 if ya missed it

Though without an further ado, vamos ~

Melinda Briana Epler | Change Catalyst | Instagram | Twitter

This conversation is the product of a cold tweet ...

And testament to the blessings that can be received when you put your faith in your self and your efforts.

Melinda has take an academically circuitous route to her current endeavors with Change Catalyst, and does me the honor of sharing some of her adventures and insights with me.

Another wonderful conversation I'm so thankful to be able to share with y'all!

Let's meet Melinda Briana Epler, shall we ?

DiViNCi | Studio Sensei | Instagram

I first met DiViNCi, the man, the myth, the machine-handed (and nosed) wizard, himself outside of a dive bar in Minneapolis called the Dinktowner!

Prolly, near a decade ago ~ like whoa!

Flash-foward to 2020, and now he has started a new project, Studio Sensei, to help others find and nurture methods for sustainable artistic, or other, creation.

I'm not gonna spoil too much of the conversation, though I do encourage your self to prepare for the adventure sure to ensue, as we enter the wild, wacky and wonderful work of DiViNCi ..

Cristina Costa | Women With Purpose | Instagram

Let's be honest, there aren't enough Black or brown women able to be the captains of their own lives and endeavors; and part of the 5Qi mission is to unveil those more able to do so, to learn how such a place was attained.

Cristina Costa grew up in a bilingual home, the daughter of teachers, and she now works to help others achieve greater independence, and get into the tech industry; while also helping to lead the non-profit Women with Purpose alongside two others.

We talk about these adventures and a more, while getting a hint of what a future may hold.

Entonces, bien pueda, para encontramos Cristina

Mara Zepeda | Zebras Unite | Twitter

What Mara and Zebras Unite are doing really blew me away ~

Building off an article challenging the Silicon Valley idea of unicorns, Mara, and fellow ZU co-founders, started a journey that continues to navigate alternative, and more sustainable, investments structures.

To  me, I just wondered, how does someone arrive at such a place, and pursue doing such work ?!?

Apparently, for Mara it started with journalism and economics ...

An intriguing path to be certain, or at least in my jovial opinion;

You ready for a bit of research ??

Joshua Encarnación | Outco.io | Instagram | Twitter

From the moment I saw Joshua's tweets, and then connected him to the work that he was pursuing, I knew it would be a privilege to share conversation with him!

The proud bilingual Dominican-American Joshua transitioned from an athlete to an intellectual helping those in Silicon Valley to improve their hiring processes and mentality around how to maintain great tech teams.

After working for Google and then Uber, through incredible growth, Joshua now leads Outco as they prepare developers for the rigors of the tech interview process; while positive island vibrations and consciousness as only a Dominican can :p

Ready to meet Mr Joshua Encarrrrnación ??

Patty Montoya | Titipoza | Instagram

So super cool to have the first episode of 5Qi be with another Colombiana!!

Patty has had an adventurous life, and also overcome some tragedies we will all have to confront at some point in time or another ... death.

After the passing of her brother at a young age, and recently her mother, Patty is now dedicating her time to helping others as then navigate what comes after the passing of a family-member or loved-one.

Though that isn't all we discuss, not in the least ...

So let's get to know Patty Montoya!