Cafe con Pam

This week on Cafe con Pam, Pam sits down with the incredible Cindy Chavez Swenson—a Mexican-American PhD, educator, and founder behind the Rosca app. They dive into Cindy’s journey growing up as the child of Mexican immigrants, what it’s like being overlooked (and underestimated) in both academia and tech, and how her family’s values inspired her to create a fintech app that actually serves Latino communities.

From stories about the original “Reading Olympics” snub to the power of gathering—for money, time, and support—Cindy is refreshingly real about the highs, lows, and everything in between. You’ll walk away fired up and ready to start your own tanda!

Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at savvyladies.org

Check out BMO here

Do you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.

Follow Cindy on all things social:
Instagram

Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:

Querida Yo
The Unmuted Era
Discover your Ikigai
Get on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self Love
Instagram
Facebook
Subscribe on YouTube
Listen to Cafe con Pam
Take our Calladita Culture®️ Quiz
Get your business on El Mercadito
Learn more about Pam

To support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:

• What do you love about the show?
• What were you expecting before you listened?
• What happened after you listened?
• How would you describe the show to your best friend?

If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:

1. Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.com

Listeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

Ready to shake things up this spring? In this episode of Cafe con Pam, Pam tackles what the new season means for first-gen Latinas, especially those who've been running on survival mode.

She revisits the five Calladita Culture leadership archetypes and shares simple, practical spring activation tips you can try right away—no matter which archetype you relate to.

If you've been wondering how to move from just surviving to actually choosing your own leadership style, this is your pep talk and game plan for stepping into more visibility and growth. Grab your cafecito (or tea!) and tune in for some seriously empowering advice.

Leadership
Querida Yo

Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at www.savvyladies.org

Check out BMO here

Do you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.

Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:

The Unmuted Era
Discover your Ikigai
Get on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self Love
Instagram
Facebook
Subscribe on YouTube
Listen to Cafe con Pam
Take our Calladita Culture®️ Quiz
Get your business on El Mercadito
Learn more about Pam

To support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:

• What do you love about the show?
• What were you expecting before you listened?
• What happened after you listened?
• How would you describe the show to your best friend?

If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:

1. Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.com

Listeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

This week on Cafe con Pam, Pam sits down with scholars Petra Rivera-Rideau and Vanessa Díaz to dive into all things Bad Bunny, Puerto Rico, and what it really means to be Latinas in academia.

The episode is equal parts inspiring and real as they open up about the struggles (and joys!) of being underrepresented in their field, how teaching a college class about Bad Bunny grew into a book, and why teaming up was their secret to making it all happen.

Plus, they spill on why Bad Bunny’s music is way more than just catchy—it’s a window into Puerto Rican resilience and pride.  

Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at savvyladies.org

Check out BMO here

Do you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.

Follow Vanessa and Petra on all things social:
Bad Bunny Syllabus
Bad Bunny Syllabus IG
Bad Bunny Syllabus TikTok
PFKNR Website
Petra’s IG
Vanessa’s IG

Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:

Querida Yo
The Unmuted Era
Discover your Ikigai
Get on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self Love
Instagram
Facebook
Subscribe on YouTube
Listen to Cafe con Pam
Take our Calladita Culture®️ Quiz
Get your business on El Mercadito
Learn more about Pam

To support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:

• What do you love about the show?
• What were you expecting before you listened?
• What happened after you listened?
• How would you describe the show to your best friend?

If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:

1. Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.com

Listeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

In this solo episode of Café con Pam, Pam explores the complex relationship between rest, productivity, and leadership for first-generation Latinas and women navigating Calladita Culture.

Drawing from her own experiences, client stories, and years of coaching, Pam unpacks why our bodies can interpret rest as unsafe, how cultural and generational patterns inform our nervous systems, and what it truly takes to rewire these survival responses. She also shares practical tapping exercises designed to help listeners teach their bodies that rest is safe and necessary for sustainable, values-aligned leadership. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking transformation, self-care, and empowered leadership in Latinx and multicultural communities.

Leadership
Querida Yo

Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at www.savvyladies.org

Check out BMO here

Do you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.

Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:

The Unmuted Era
Discover your Ikigai
Get on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self Love
Instagram
Facebook
Subscribe on YouTube
Listen to Cafe con Pam
Take our Calladita Culture®️ Quiz
Get your business on El Mercadito
Learn more about Pam

To support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:

• What do you love about the show?
• What were you expecting before you listened?
• What happened after you listened?
• How would you describe the show to your best friend?

If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:

1. Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.com

Listeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

In this episode of Cafe con Pam, Pam sits down with Ana Yáñez-Correa, Ph.D for an honest, moving conversation about her journey from Mexico to the US, childhood challenges, and finding freedom by reconnecting with her roots.

Ana shares what it was like surviving work trafficking as a kid, how she hustled her way through school and work, and eventually burned out—only to learn how to put herself first. From real-life tips on moving to Mexico, to favorite morning rituals and remedies, Ana drops wisdom for anyone feeling stuck or ready to make big life changes.

This episode is full of inspiration for anyone looking for immigrant stories, overcoming tough times, and learning how to live joyfully.

Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at savvyladies.org

Check out BMO here

Do you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.

Follow Ana on all things social: 

Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:


Querida Yo
The Unmuted Era
Discover your Ikigai
Get on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self Love
Instagram
Facebook
Subscribe on YouTube
Listen to Cafe con Pam
Take our Calladita Culture®️ Quiz
Get your business on El Mercadito
Learn more about Pam

To support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:

• What do you love about the show?
• What were you expecting before you listened?
• What happened after you listened?
• How would you describe the show to your best friend?

If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:

1. Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.com

Listeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

In this solo episode of Cafe con Pam, Pam gets real about those tough moments when you just don’t know what to do next—especially when everything in the world feels heavy.

Pam opens up about what it means to rest with intention and reminds us that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish, it’s actually revolutionary. We weave in wisdom from Audre Lorde, Gloria Anzaldúa, Ana Castillo, and introduce Deepa Iyer’s Social Change Ecosystem to help us all find our place (and our peace) in movements for change.

If you’re feeling burnt out, unsure where to start, or guilty for not doing “enough,” this episode is a soulful reminder to honor your capacity and show up in the best way you can.

Resources mentioned:

• Deepa Iyer's Social Change Ecosystem Map: buildingmovement.org/our-work/movement-building/social-change-ecosystem-map/
• Audre Lorde, "A Burst of Light and Other Essays"
• Gloria Anzaldúa, "Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza"
• Ana Castillo, "Massacre of the Dreamers: Essays on Xicanisma" (1994)
• Maylei Blackwell, Floridalma Boj Lopez, and Luis Urrieta, "Special Issue: Critical Latinx Indigeneities," Latino Studies (2017)
• Maylei Blackwell, "¡Chicana Power! Contested Histories of Feminism in the Chicano Movement" (2011)
• Maylei Blackwell, "Scales of Resistance: Indigenous Women's Transborder Activism" (2023)
• Deepa Iyer, "Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection"

Contemporary Xicana/Chicana Feminist Scholars:

• Maylei Blackwell (UCLA) - Critical Latinx Indigeneities framework
• Ana Castillo - Xicanisma philosophy
• Luis Urrieta Jr. - Indigenous Latinx education and identity
• Floridalma Boj Lopez - Indigenous migration studies

Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at www.savvyladies.org

Check out BMO here

Do you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.

Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:

The Unmuted Era
Discover your Ikigai
Get on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self Love
Instagram
Facebook
Subscribe on YouTube
Listen to Cafe con Pam
Take our Calladita Culture®️ Quiz
Get your business on El Mercadito
Learn more about Pam

To support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:

• What do you love about the show?
• What were you expecting before you listened?
• What happened after you listened?
• How would you describe the show to your best friend?

If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:

1. Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.com

Listeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

In this episode of Cafe con Pam, Pam welcomes breathwork expert and coach Ana Lilia for a heartfelt conversation about healing, personal growth, and breaking generational cycles.

Ana Lilia shares her story of growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American in Napa, navigating family expectations, and stepping boldly into independence and self-discovery. They tap into the challenges of being the eldest daughter, the transformative power of therapy and breathwork, and the importance of setting boundaries and celebrating oneself.

Whether you're interested in healing modalities, entrepreneurship, or embracing your heritage, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways for anyone ready to dream bigger.

Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at savvyladies.org

Check out BMO here

Do you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.

Follow Ana Lilia on all things social: 

Website
Instagram
Dream Bigger Workshop in LA

Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:

The Unmuted Era
Discover your Ikigai
Get on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self Love
Instagram
Facebook
Subscribe on YouTube
Listen to Cafe con Pam
Take our Calladita Culture®️ Quiz
Get your business on El Mercadito
Learn more about Pam

To support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:

• What do you love about the show?
• What were you expecting before you listened?
• What happened after you listened?
• How would you describe the show to your best friend?

If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:

1. Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.com

Listeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

In this episode of Cafe con Pam, Pam gets real about why typical manifestation advice just doesn’t cut it for first-gen Latinas and anyone navigating “Calladita culture.”

She breaks down the actual science behind why just dreaming about your goals isn’t enough—plus, she shows how the brain’s reticular activating system (RAS) decides what opportunities you see (or don’t!).

Pam shares her favorite methods for tapping into your potential, including writing vision scripts and using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to let go of that nagging guilt about wanting more. If you’re tired of spiritual bypassing and want some real talk about manifesting your dreams, this solo episode is for you!

Check out today's sponsor Savvy Ladies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women like YOU take control of your financial future. They offer free resources, webinars, and my favorite: a free financial helpline where you can connect one-on-one with trusted financial experts. Visit www.savvyladies.org today and connect with the financial helpline to get the personalized support you deserve. Your journey to financial independence starts here.

Check out BMO here

Do you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.

Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:

The Unmuted Era
Discover your Ikigai
Get on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self Love
Instagram
Facebook
Subscribe on YouTube
Listen to Cafe con Pam
Take our Calladita Culture®️ Quiz
Get your business on El Mercadito
Learn more about Pam

To support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:

• What do you love about the show?
• What were you expecting before you listened?
• What happened after you listened?
• How would you describe the show to your best friend?

If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:

1. Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.com

Listeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

In this inspiring episode of Café con Pam, Pam welcomes musician, author, and disability advocate Lachi for a real talk about life, creativity, and breaking barriers.

Lachi opens up about her Nigerian roots, what it was like growing up as the youngest of seven in an immigrant family, and her journey to embracing her blindness and neurodivergence in the music industry.

The conversation gets honest about stereotypes, self-advocacy, and why it’s so important to make spaces (like the Grammys!) more accessible for everyone. Plus, there’s plenty of laughs, coffee talk, and a sneak peek into Lachi’s new book, I Identify as Blind. If you’re looking for practical wisdom, a dose of realness, and a reminder to celebrate your authentic self, this episode is it.

Check out today's sponsor Savvy Ladies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women like YOU take control of your financial future. They offer free resources, webinars, and my favorite: a free financial helpline where you can connect one-on-one with trusted financial experts. Visit www.savvyladies.org today and connect with the financial helpline to get the personalized support you deserve. Your journey to financial independence starts here.

Check out BMO here

Do you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.

Follow Lachi on all things social:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:

The Unmuted Era
Discover your Ikigai
Get on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self Love
Instagram
Facebook
Subscribe on YouTube
Listen to Cafe con Pam
Take our Calladita Culture®️ Quiz
Get your business on El Mercadito
Learn more about Pam

To support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:

• What do you love about the show?
• What were you expecting before you listened?
• What happened after you listened?
• How would you describe the show to your best friend?

If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:

1. Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.com

Listeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

On this solo episode of Cafe con Pam, Pam sits down for a heart-to-heart about the real steps to personal growth and lasting change. She breaks down why simply becoming aware of your life’s gaps isn’t enough—and how feeling safe and certain in your journey is what really helps you move forward.

Pam opens up about her own experiences with the life wheel, sheds light on why New Year’s resolutions rarely stick, and shares tips for embracing your current season without all the pressure for perfection. It’s a pep talk for anyone ready to swap judgment for self-compassion and create the change they actually want.

Check out today's sponsor Savvy Ladies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women like YOU take control of your financial future. They offer free resources, webinars, and my favorite: a free financial helpline where you can connect one-on-one with trusted financial experts. Visit www.savvyladies.org today and connect with the financial helpline to get the personalized support you deserve. Your journey to financial independence starts here.

Check out BMO here

Do you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.

Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:

The Unmuted Era
Discover your Ikigai
Get on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self Love
Instagram
Facebook
Subscribe on YouTube
Listen to Cafe con Pam
Take our Calladita Culture®️ Quiz
Get your business on El Mercadito
Learn more about Pam

To support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:

• What do you love about the show?
• What were you expecting before you listened?
• What happened after you listened?
• How would you describe the show to your best friend?

If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:

1. Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.com

Listeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.