Ch*ngona Revolution

We can no longer ignore these tough conversations about money. If you're an entrepreneur, an immigrant, or first generation, money is one of the many ways we can protect ourselves and get ahead. With some key changes, we can set ourselves and our community up for greatness. And if we're going to get serious about our money, we need to talk to a professional.

Lyanne Alfaro is an award-winning journalist and storyteller shaping the conversation around technology, business, and entrepreneurship—especially through the lens of Latino impact. With the Latino GDP now at $3.6 trillion, she's passionate about elevating this community's influence via her platform, Moneda Moves, which includes a newsletter and podcast. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, Remezcla, and on global stages like the United Nations. Lyanne built her reporting career at CNBC, Business Insider, and NBC Latino, where she spotlighted underrepresented founders and helped her team earn the Best in Business Award. At Nasdaq, she hosted flagship shows, launched the company's first podcast, and coached founders on media storytelling. Recognized as an Inspiring Fintech Female in 2020, she also serves on the boards of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists NYC and the Chicago Journalists Association. Based in her hometown of Chicago, she continues to amplify Latino business voices, shaping the future economy.

In this week's episode, we talk about entrepreneurship, immigration &the economic truths we need to talk about. This conversation is incredible because we covered so many topics - the good, the bad, and the action items we need to build ourselves up. Lyanne is a journalist, which means she isn't pulling any punches about the state of the country right now. It's looking rough, but we can't back down. There is so much we can do, and in this week's episode, we're going to cover how we can protect ourselves and use our collective power.

Follow Lyanne on: IG: @lyannealfaro

IG: @monedamoves

LinkedIn: Lyanne Alfaro

Website: https://www.monedamoves.com/

The Moneda Moves Podcast

Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn

Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here!

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST, an Afro-Latina-owned boutique podcast production and copywriting studio.

If you've been listening since the beginning of this podcast, then you might recognize this week's guest, Dulce Toscano! She's returning to the podcast to share her brand new business, The School of AI. She left her successful coaching business, deleted all her socials, and started fresh on an idea that she says is going to change the world.

Dulce Toscano is an AI consultant, educator, and the founder of The School of AI. The School of AI helps Coaches, Creatives, and Service Providers integrate AI into their business so that they can earn more, scale faster, and reclaim hours every week. A former business coach and digital nomad, Dulce pivoted to AI after seeing its power to level the playing field for women and first-gen entrepreneurs. Today, her training programs and custom AI solutions turn AI into a strategic partner for content creation, client engagement, and business growth. For Dulce and The School of AI, AI isn't just a productivity hack; it is a pathway to true financial and business freedom.

In this week's episode, Dulce shares why she walked away from her successful coaching business to go all in on AI. She says that AI is the future, and I believe her. I've been a client of hers before, and she taught me how to utilize AI to make my business more efficient where it matters the most. Dulce says that AI is a tool, and the better we can use it, the more successful we'll be. Tune in to find out more about AI and how she reinvented herself in just a few months.

Resources Mentioned: EP. 14: Making Untraditional Choices in the Latinx/e Community with Dulce Toscano

Follow Dulce on: IG: @theschoolof_ai

Threads: @theschoolof_ai

TikTok: @biancaacervantes_

LinkedIn: Dulce Toscano

Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn

Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here!

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST, an Afro-Latina-owned boutique podcast production and copywriting studio.

Sometimes it's not the job that's holding you back. Sometimes it's you! And that hurts! You'd never think that you'd be holding yourself back. You want to live a better life, so of course, you'd give it to yourself if you had the chance. Right? This week, we're speaking with someone who discovered that she was holding herself back and what she did to course-correct her life.

Bianca Cervantes is the co-founder of Confianza Wealth Management and co-host of the Building Wealth From Scratch podcast. She grew up in her parents' jewelry store in a Latino working-class neighborhood, where she first witnessed the power of small business and community. After relocating to San Diego as a newlywed military spouse, Bianca faced financial stress and identity shifts that sparked her passion for personal finance. She began her career in financial services, later working with high-net-worth clients in wealth management—yet felt called to serve families like her own. After growing her and her husband's assets from $2K to $100K with the help of a financial planner, Bianca left corporate to build Confianza, a firm dedicated to empowering first-time wealth builders. Her mission is to make financial planning accessible, especially for those often overlooked by traditional firms. Bianca now empowers others to take control of their money with real talk, clear strategies, and the belief that you don't need to be rich to start building wealth—you just need a plan and a little confianza.

In this week's episode, we talk to Bianca about why she was holding herself back from her most amazing life. This is a common problem I run into with my clients. They did the big flashy thing that's going to restart their life for the better. But then nothing happens. They changed their lives, but they're not any closer to their goals. Luckily, they sign up for the Courage Driven Latina program and get the guidance they're looking for. Listen to this week's episode to hear how Bianca took aligned action, stayed consistent, and became the CEO she always wanted to be.

Follow Bianca on: IG: @Itsbiancaariana

IG: @buildingwealthfromscratch

TikTok: @biancaacervantes_

LinkedIn: Bianca Cervantes

Spotify & Apple: Building Wealth From Scratch

Website: https://www.confianzawealth.com

Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn

Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Sign up for the free webinar " The 90-Day Manifestation Path" here!

Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here.

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST, an Afro-Latina-owned boutique podcast production and copywriting studio.

I am a firm believer in doing things before you're "ready." Because no one is ever "ready," you're just scared. That fear sometimes drives my clients to do more research or get another certification, just so they can push their courage project down the line. But that's not necessarily what that fear is trying to tell you to do.

Fear isn't there to keep you from your dreams - that fear is there as proof that you care. You care about your dreams, you care about changing your life for the better, you care about yourself and the kind of life you want to give yourself. If you didn't care, you wouldn't keep thinking about it! It's time to lean in, follow that fear, and take courageous action.

This week's episode is a replay of The 90-Day Manifestation Path webinar. This webinar is going to cover how to manifest entrepreneurship, courage, or career pivots without feeling like you are scared, stuck, or overwhelmed. Ok, you're still going to feel scared, but we're going to teach you how to work with that fear instead of against it. Tune in to hear all about the 90-Day manifestation path and how you can use it to achieve your dreams. And if you're listening to this episode as soon as it drops, make sure to take advantage of the 48-hour bonus we have just for listeners like you!

Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn

Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Sign up for the Courage Driven Latina program here!

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.

We tend to think of cycles in a negative light, like the cycles of abuse or the cycles of complacency. But there are also good cycles that can lead to even better outcomes than the ones you have now. Once you make a positive change in your life and stick with it, you create a new cycle that's in alignment with what you want. The more you bet on yourself, the more results you'll see and the more motivation you'll have to show up for yourself. This is exactly what happened to this week's guest, and we're going to share her story with you on the Chingona Revolution Podcast.

Jazmin's name is pronounced "Yahsz-meen," and she goes by Yaz. She was born & raised to Mexican immigrant parents, in Chicago's Gage Park neighborhood, and has a deep commitment to social, economic, & racial justice for BIPOC communities. She works in data & evaluations at a nonprofit that prioritizes the organizational health and sustainability of small Black and Latinx-led organizations. She values mobilizing others to embrace their holistic selves & take action towards more aligned and empowering changes. She loves all things health & wellness, and inspiring others to explore their version of that for themselves. She creates social media content about her health and wellness journey, which currently includes yoga, caretaking of her 75+ plants, strength training, salsa dancing, getting out of her comfort zone, meeting new people, testing out simple and healthy food recipes, and connecting with other community-centered content creators in the city.

In this week's episode, we're talking to Jazmin Ocampo about how she went from perfectionism to purpose-driven. Through the Courage Driven Latina program, Jazmin was able to use the "Ghetto First Draft" to take messy action and launch her dream business. She knew she had to break the cycle of perfectionism to achieve her dreams. But she couldn't do it if her perfectionism was going to keep getting in her way. With some coaching and commitment, Jaz has accomplished her goals and is on her way to setting new ones. Listen to Jaz's episode to hear how she broke the cycle and started a brand new one.

Follow Jazmin on: Instagram: @yazzy_yayy

TikTok: @yazzy.yayy

LinkedIn: Jazmin Ocampo

Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn

Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Sign up for the free webinar " The 90-Day Manifestation Path" here!

Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here.

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.

Starting a business can be so overwhelming and somehow so freeing at the same time. You have the freedom to use all 24 hours of your day however you'd like, but you also now have to take responsibility for all 24 hours of your day. It can be exhausting, and without the right support system, it can bring all those limiting beliefs to the surface. If this sounds like you, then what you need right now is some guidance from someone in the Chingona community who's been where you are and found their way through it.

Jereshia Hawk is a Strategic Advisor and Business Coach, known as the "Millionaire Maker" for her expertise in helping high-earning CEOs scale with intention and precision. She built a 7-figure net worth solely from business profits, creating a life of freedom without sacrificing what matters most. After a planned sabbatical - where she navigated personal challenges and re-engineered her business - she now guides leaders to scale smarter, not harder. Featured in Essence, Forbes, and Business Insider, Jereshia helps CEOs streamline operations, refine their focus, and build businesses that work for them, not the other way around.

In this week's episode, Jeresha shares how she gave herself permission to pivot and how she built a business that works to support her life, rather than consume it. Let's be real - nobody's perfect. But you don't have to be perfect to run a successful business. You just have to keep going, even when life is life-ing. So go find out how to keep going when your marriage is on the rocks, when you don't feel like showing up, and when all those limiting beliefs start slowing you down, listen to Jeresha's episode today!

Follow Jereshia on: Instagram: @jereshiahawk

Website: www.jereshiahawk.com/

The Jereshia Said Podcast: https://www.jereshiahawk.com/podcast

Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn

Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Sign up for the free webinar " The 90-Day Manifestation Path" here!

Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here.

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.

If your thoughts are always about someone else with the greatest job, or the most incredible business, or the most amazing second husband, then you are trying to tell yourself something. It's not that your life sucks and you should feel bad about it. It's that you want what she has, so go get it for yourself.

It sounds like you want to raise your standards, try something new, or explore something better than what you already have. It's time to stop comparing yourself and start manifesting. And if you need some help getting started, this episode is for you.

In this week's episode, we're talking about how to stop comparing yourself to others and start manifesting your goals. You can't reach your goals if you don't set any. And you can't contribute to your own success if you don't work at it. Your comparison is telling you that it's time to glow up. Listen to this week's episode to learn how to get out of your comfort zone and start manifesting your biggest goals yet!

Resources Mentioned: EP. 185: The BFF Method: Manifest Anything by Rewiring Your Mind

Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn

Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Sign up for the free webinar " You're Not Stuck, You're Scared" here!

Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here.

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.

So many of the guests we've had on the podcast are some of the most courageous people I've ever met. As Latinas, the odds are often stacked against us. Not only are we separated from our homelands, but the country is systematically trying to keep us from succeeding. This is exactly why I wanted to take the time to shout out some incredible women who beat the odds and gave themselves the lives they always dreamed of.

Revekka Balancier, the founder of Axiom of Purpose, leverages nearly 30 years of marketing and communications experience, bold creativity, and passion for the purpose to craft impactful campaigns dedicated to the greater good. After spending a decade in Hollywood publicity and promotions working on movies for Disney, Paramount, Universal, and other studios, she shifted her focus to public service. She served in key communication roles for the Lt. Governor of Colorado, Denver Human Services, Denver Public Works, the Denver Mayor's Office, and the Port of San Diego, where she launched the agency's new brand. She spent two years as creative strategy VP for a boutique agency before starting Axiom, focusing exclusively on purpose-driven projects, channeling her expertise toward positive environmental and social change. She spends most weekends brunching with her granddaughters, searching for better crepes than the ones she learned to make from her abuelita – hasn't happened yet!

Anahi Bravo is a First-Gen Mexican American and was born and raised in Houston, TX. As someone who comes from an immigrant background, she's found a passion in helping the community. She is a social worker who supports unaccompanied minors, which has been a fulfilling and learning experience. During her free time, she enjoys working out and trying new hobbies. She's also in her running and soccer era! She takes pride in being a dog mom, and she enjoys spending time with family.

Maideli Garcia is a Latina money coach helping WOC save, invest, and earn more without sacrificing their JOY. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and the First-Gen to attend college. She got her BA in Elementary Education, but after experiencing burnout, Maideli pivoted out of teaching and into the tech space, working remotely. She now has more energy and time to commit to her mission of helping WOC confidently take control of their finances.

This week's episode is a mash-up of three women who found their courage and manifested their most amazing life. Whether it was starting a business, launching a podcast, or reaching out to help their communities, they each made the courageous choice to take aligned action. They took their ideas to the Courage Driven Latina program and made their wildest dreams come true. Tune in to this week's episode to hear how they did it and how you can do it too.

Connect with Revekka: Instagram: @revekkab

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/revekkabalancier/

Connect with Axiom of Purpose: Instagram: @axiomofpurpose

Website: axiomofpurpose.com

Connect with Anahi:

Instagram: @queridalatinapodcast

Connect with Maideli:

IG: @mydailydinero

Website: https://linktr.ee/mydailydinero

Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn

Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Sign up for the free webinar, " 90 Day Manifestation Path to Entrepreneurship, Courage, and Career Pivots Without Feeling Scared, Stuck, or Overwhelmed" here!

Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here.

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.

Failure isn't something we should be afraid of. Yes, it's a pain, and the rejection hurts, but it's what helps us grow as business owners. We can never get better if we don't figure out what isn't working. And today we're going to tackle the most common cause of failure.

When I started talking to the business owners inside of Courage Driven Latina, I realized that their fear of failure was what was keeping my clients from reaching their full potential. These women were dealing with core wounds that they were having a hard time tackling by themselves. It wasn't until we started talking things out that we realized they had these feelings of unworthiness and not feeling good enough that were keeping them from succeeding in business. And I could completely empathize with these women because I went through the same thing they did.

In this week's episode, we're talking about what I learned from failing in business. Before I had Courage Driven Latina, I failed a lot. And while I know now that failure is part of the process, I can't say I wasn't frustrated. I was doing so much research and planning, and I wanted so badly to be successful. But I was missing a key part of the business process - taking action. Tune in to learn how I got over my fear of failure and actually embraced it.

Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn

Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Sign up for the free webinar " You're Not Stuck, You're Scared" here!

Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here.

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.

Life isn't just about struggling to live and sacrificing to advance your career. It's about enjoying ourselves, connecting with each other, and using our money to invest in something incredible! It's time to take back our power and live the lives we know we should be living. And we can start by listening to Arielle's incredible story for inspiration.

Arielle Diaz is a Peabody and GLAAD-nominated TV Writer-Producer with credits on GENTEFIED (Netflix), With Love (Prime Video), The Last Man on Earth (FOX), etc. She is a wellbeing advocate and passionate about beauty, ancestral reclamation, and exploring the intersection of wellness, heritage, and storytelling. Arielle mentors and occasionally teaches the art and business of television with The Gotham Institute, and is beginning her journey as an angel investor in clean beauty and wellness consumer brands. She began her career at Google before transitioning into television. Fun fact: Arielle is a neuro-spicy mystic, and her current hyper-fixation is fairies and gnomes—decorating her home altar with all things whimsical and enchanted. It might change next month, but for now, she's living in a bit of magic.

In this week's episode, Arielle shares how she left the cutthroat environment of Hollywood screenwriting when she listened to her intuition and reconnected with her ancestors in Mexico. The trip allowed her to follow her curiosity, which in turn led to her finding solutions to her chronic illness, finding the connection she was seeking, and meeting her future mentor. Tune in to this week's episode to hear how she connected with her ancestors and connected with her highest self.

Follow Arielle on: Instagram: @she.is.that

LinkedIn: @ariellediaz

Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn

Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here.

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.