In this powerful episode of Auténtica, we sit down with nonprofit leader, leadership consultant, and executive coach Carolina Casañeda del Río. From her early days working with children with disabilities in Mexico to leading community impact efforts in Oregon, Carolina shares a moving journey of identity, cultural shifts, and reclaiming agency as a Latina leader.We explore how internalized oppression, imposter syndrome, and cultural humility shape our self-perceptions — and how breaking through those narratives can empower us to lead, even when we're afraid. Carolina opens up about running for office in Mexico, adapting to life in the U.S., and guiding others to recognize the power they already hold.Whether you’re the first in your family to pursue a new path, or seeking to redefine what leadership looks like, this conversation will inspire you to lean into curiosity, community, and courageous self-leadership.

In this rich and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Virdi, a first-generation Punjabi-American whose journey from rural farmland to food entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. Virdi opens up about her early life working on her family’s farm, the immigrant hustle that shaped her work ethic, and the powerful influence of Punjabi culture on her identity and career.We explore how food became more than just a livelihood, it's a love language, a bridge to family history, and a platform for storytelling. Virdi talks about building a brand that honors tradition while embracing evolution, and how she uses flavor, nostalgia, and authenticity to connect with people across generations and cultures.This episode is a tribute to heritage, hustle, and the healing power of food. Whether you're a foodie, entrepreneur, or someone navigating identity in a new country, Virdi’s story offers relatable truths and valuable lessons.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Ashley Castellano, the creative force behind Vegan Ventures, a platform that blends plant-based living, travel, and storytelling. Ashley shares her journey from teaching English overseas to becoming a sought-after content creator and entrepreneur—organizing international food tours, hosting pop-up dinners, and building a trusted digital brand.

We talk about her evolution from hobbyist to full-time creator, the power of community, navigating the creator economy with a niche audience, and why going “all in” changed her life. Ashley also offers honest advice for aspiring creators, especially those starting small, and emphasizes the importance of aligning with your “why.”

Whether you're plant-curious, love to travel, or are dreaming of building your own creative platform—this one’s for you.

Dr. Montserrat Andreys joins Ashley to talk about founding Hey Doc Clinic—Portland’s inclusive, community-rooted healing space centering BIPOC, queer, and trans people. From her grandmother’s herbalist legacy to crowdfunding a radical health clinic, this episode dives into leadership, entrepreneurship, and living a multi-hyphenate life. Dr. Montserrat also opens up about dancing flamenco while building a thriving business and the importance of building systems that care for both patients and providers. A must-listen for anyone reimagining what success and wellness really look like.

https://www.instagram.com/heydocclinic/

https://www.instagram.com/doctor.montserrat/

Hosted by the incredible Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda — author, business strategist, and proud first-gen Latina — Auténtica is all about celebrating underrepresented change-makers who are breaking barriers, redefining success, and building powerful, purpose-driven movements.
Think cozy convos over a cafecito with your favorite prima, honest, heartfelt, and full of gems.
Every episode dives into the why, the how, and the real stories behind the people making it happen, their way. Because success isn’t one-size-fits-all — and their voices deserve the spotlight.