College and Beyond Podcast

On this new podcast episode, we have the honor of featuring a powerful mother-and-son duo for the first time: Griselda Torres and her son, Mateo Rodríguez. They join us to discuss children’s literature and their impactful new release, Las Adelitas: Heroines of the Revolution.

Inspired by Mateo’s deep love for Mexican history and culture, the book introduces young readers to the extraordinary women who played a vital role in the Mexican Revolution. Through an engaging and heartfelt narrative, Las Adelitas honors their courage, resilience, and lasting legacy, inviting children and families to discover an essential chapter of Mexico’s history.

Join us on this adventure to hear their stories and learn more about their book—an inspiring release for our community filled with adventure, creativity, and dreams.

Special thanks to @teamnyta for putting this amazing interview together.

🎙️ NEW EPISODE — COLLEGE & BEYOND PODCAST | SEASON 4

What happens when we center student voices, advance research, and create opportunities that transform futures? ✨

In this episode, Jorge Perez sits down with Dr. Mara Nohemi Lopez, Inaugural HSI Research Director, for a powerful conversation about equity, student advocacy, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and creating meaningful change in higher education.

🎧 New episode drops September 4, 2026!
🇺🇸 En Español & English

📚 Advancing research in higher education
🤝 Empowering Hispanic-Serving Institutions
💡 Creating opportunities & transforming futures
✊🏽 Student advocacy & student success

Our history. Our voice. Our future. ❤️

👉 Follow, share, and tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!

#CollegeAndBeyond #Podcast #HigherEducation #HSI #HispanicServingInstitutions #StudentVoices #StudentAdvocacy #HigherEd #EducationEquity #LatinoHigherEd #LatinxEducation #EducationalLeadership #Research #StudentSuccess #CollegePodcast #RealTalkRealStrategiesRealImpact

Emily Garcia is a pre-school teacher and currently pursuing a bachelors degree at Northern Illinois University in Early Childhood Education. Emily is aspiring to become an impactful teacher and is excited to make a positive impact to her students no matter what age. In this episode, Emily discusses how her father who was a teacher in Mexico inspired her to pursue that career. Emily is a hardworking, dedicated, and determined to continue achieving her goals while supporting and guiding young learners within their educational journey.

Instagram: @emilygarcia

Instagram: @College.beyond.pod

¿Alguna vez has sentido que tu historia podría inspirar a alguien más?
Drop a 💪 si alguna vez has pensado en tu propio camino y cuánto te ha formado.En 2020, la pandemia me empujó a explorar un mundo completamente nuevo: ¡el marketing y mi emprendimiento! 🚀
Mi experiencia en el sector sin fines de lucro y mi herencia latina no solo me dieron fuerza, sino también un propósito para inspirar y crear.
Inspirate nació en medio de desafíos, relaciones tóxicas y viajes transformadores—cada experiencia me hizo más fuerte y clara en mi propósito. ✨¿Te has sentido alguna vez atrapado en ideas y dudas?
Mi consejo: escucha esa voz interna, sé fiel a quién eres y no temas en seguir tus sueños, por más grandes que parezcan. ❤️
Recuerda, ¡no hay límites para lo que puedes lograr cuando te conectas con tu verdad!¿Y tú, qué sueño aún no has perseguido pero sabes que debes?
Comparte en los comentarios, quiero saber cómo estás pensando en tu próximo paso.

#LatinaLidera #EmprendedoraConPasión #ViveSinLímites #InspiraYCrece

To kick off Season 4, I will be joined by my ENLACE sister, friend, and community advocate, Laura E. Rodriguez Vazquez.
A Southwest Chicago native, Laura recently became part of the 8% of Latino authors in the country. She was published as a contributing author in the book Today’s Inspired Young Latina, Volume VI, a powerful anthology sharing the dreams, wisdom, and journeys of the next generation.
Laura has proudly served the community for fifteen years. she specializes in counseling high school seniors and young adults on post-secondary options, including college, trade school, internships, gap years, and employment. She also provides vital support regarding financial aid, campus academic resources, addressing racism on campus, and navigating personal and career goals.

Socials:

Insta - @elynerod

Linkedin - Laura Rodriguez

Book Order Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd46iHanyVhvrmKafHZoeY64qcfsVXKhLbcg3_f4seNvx4lrw/alreadyresponded?pli=1&pli=1

In this conversation, Dr. Sandy González-Rivas shares her journey of completing her PhD, her experiences as a first-generation Salvadorian student, and her motivations for pursuing a career in educational administration.

She discusses the importance of community connections, the challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds, and the need for justice in higher education. Dr. González-Rivas also reflects on her transition from K-12 education to higher ed, the impact of burnout on teachers, and the role of academic coaching in supporting students.

The conversation highlights the historical context of higher education and the ongoing struggles for accessibility and equity. In this conversation, Jorge Perez and Dra. Sandy González Rivas explore the complexities of immigration, the impact of U.S. policies on the global south, and the importance of personal narratives in understanding cultural heritage.

They discuss the challenges faced by immigrant communities, the significance of storytelling, and the political climate affecting family dynamics. Dra. González Rivas shares her experiences as a Latina scholar and offers advice for aspiring students pursuing higher education.

In this conversation, Jasmin Zamora shares her journey as a first-generation college student and the challenges she faced in pursuing her education. She discusses her experiences in nonprofit work with Sembra, community engagement, and the importance of cultural identity. Jasmin also highlights the significance of support systems and the need for innovative community building and DEI work in the nonprofit sector. The conversation concludes with insights into upcoming events and the importance of community connections.

In this episode of the College and Beyond podcast, host Jorge Perez interviews Carmen Fraser-Johnston, a strategic development and marketing director. Carmen shares her multicultural upbringing, the influence of her diverse heritage on her career in marketing, and her passion for networking. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in marketing strategies and discusses her aspirations to improve access to education for the growing Latino population in Texas.

In this conversation, Carmen Fraser Youngsteadt and Jorge Perez discuss the importance of financial literacy, mental health, and leadership for students, particularly those from Latino backgrounds. They emphasize the need for educational institutions to provide resources and support for first-generation students.

Carmen shares her experiences in building partnerships to enhance student support and the significance of networking for professional growth. The discussion highlights the value of stepping out of comfort zones and the role of education in personal and professional development.

On the season finale...

Bernie shares his insights on the importance of financial literacy and how it can empower individuals and families to make informed decisions about their finances. He also discusses the challenges that many people face when it comes to managing their money and how his campaign aims to address these issues.

Key Takeaways:

✴ Financial literacy is essential for individuals and families to make informed decisions about their finances.

✴ Many people face challenges when it comes to managing their money, such as lack of access to resources and education.

✴ Bernie Floresca's campaign aims to reach 30 million families by 2030 to provide them with the tools and resources they need to achieve financial well-being.

Links:

Bernie Floresca's website: TheBernieFloresca.comhttps://lnkd.in/geGTPC_w

College & Beyond Podcast Insta: @college.beyond.pod

Maria Chavez, a first-generation Latina born and raised in Mexico, joins us for the ninth episode of season two of the College & Beyond Podcast. Maria has over a decade of experience as a Primerica financial services professional.

In this episode, Maria shares her journey to financial success, including the challenges she faced as a first-generation Latina and how she overcame them. She also discusses the importance of financial education and how she empowers her clients to make informed decisions about their finances.

Some key takeaways from the episode include:

Maria's story is an inspiration to anyone who wants to achieve financial success. She is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and education.

If you're interested in learning more about Maria and her work, be sure to listen to this episode of the College & Beyond Podcast and connect with her on Instagram @MariaChavezvp