In this heartfelt episode of Fritanga, we dive into the profound challenges of caregiving within Latino families. Host Antonio Tijerino shares personal reflections on the weight of caregiving, recalling his experience with his late mother and aging father. Joined by Yvette Peña, VP of Audience Strategy at AARP, Adrian Gaston Garcia, a queer Latine storyteller, and Alejandra Castillo, Fellow in Residence at the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School, we explore the emotional, mental, and financial strains that come with caring for our aging loved ones. 

Through their stories, we highlight the cultural significance of family, respect, and unconditional love, while also discussing the complexities of guilt, expectations, and balancing our own well-being. This conversation offers practical advice on navigating caregiving, asking for help, and ensuring dignity for our loved ones, especially within the Latino community.

AARP Resources for Caregivers: AARP provides free caregiving guides in English and Spanish. Access them at www.aarp.org/caregiverresourceguides.

WATCH: Click here to watch this and other episodes on YouTube. 
FOLLOW: Follow us on Insta @FritangaPodcast
CONNECT: For questions or guest recommendations, email us at [email protected]

TEAM:
Host: Antonio Tijerino
Executive Producer: Antonio Caro 
Senior Producer:  Connor Coleman 
Producer: Ambrose Davis 

In this month’s episode, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with Jonathan Jayes-Green (they/them), a trailblazing LGBTQ+ non-binary Afro-Latinx activist and advocate for justice. Jonathan shares their deeply personal journey of returning to Panama after nearly 20 years in the U.S., reflecting on the healing, reconnection, and self-discovery that accompanied this transformative experience. Jonathan also opens up about the challenges of navigating multiple intersecting identities—Black, Latinx, queer—and the societal pressures that come with them. They offer powerful insights into the realities of racism and classism, both in the U.S. and Latin America, and discuss the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities.

Throughout the conversation, Jonathan highlights the importance of creativity, self-care, and the boldness required to push for meaningful change. Their story is one of resilience, identity, and the power of community—an inspiring reminder that our struggles are interconnected, and together, we can create a more just and inclusive world.

ABOUT JONATHAN JAYES-GREEN: Jonathan is committed to the practical and innovative deployment of capital for the public good. Jonathan brings over a decade of nonprofit, philanthropy, and political experience in senior leadership roles. Jonathan earned a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School. Jonathan is currently a Democracy Visting Fellow at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation. Previously, Jonathan served as a Gleitsman Fellow at the Harvard Center for Public Leadership and as a Rappaport Institute Public Finance Fellow at the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

Jonathan serves on the boards of eBay Foundation, Funders of LGBTQ Issues, and Hispanics in Philanthropy. Jonathan’s profile and contributions to social justice movements are featured at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, DC.

WATCH: Click here to watch this and other episodes on YouTube. 
FOLLOW: Follow us on Insta @FritangaPodcast
CONNECT: For questions or guest recommendations, email us at [email protected]

TEAM:
Host: Antonio Tijerino
Executive Producer: Antonio Caro 
Senior Producer:  Connor Coleman 
Producer: Ambrose Davis 


 

Before J-Lo and Shakira, there was the one and only Lisa Lisa. This month, the queen of freestyle music and the first Puerto Rican and Latina artist to break into the pop and R&B charts joins the Fritanga podcast to share her journey from Hell's Kitchen to global stardom. Alongside actress Judy Reyes, she discusses the impact of her music, her influence on fashion and culture, and the challenges she overcame in a male-dominated industry. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true cultural icon!

ABOUT LISA LISA:
One of the greatest Latin Hip Hop/Freestyle/Pop Divas to come out of the 1980s music scene is the legendary Lisa Velez, also known as Lisa Lisa of the 80s supergroup Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. Produced by Full Force, Lisa Lisa’s breakout hits such as “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” “Can You Feel The Beat,” and “All Cried Out” helped launch the underground genre of “Freestyle Music” into the mainstream.  Click here to read her full bio. 

On the pod, we highlight Lisa Lisa’s trailblazing music career and explore her influence beyond the music as she set fashion trends, ventured into acting, and inspired countless Latinas to chase their dreams boldly.

Listen to Lisa Lisa's latest singles here. 

WATCH THIS EPISODE OF FRITANGA TODAY:
Click here to WATCH the episode & SUBSCRIBE to Fritanga on our YouTube page. 

Join host Antonio Tijerino on this special episode Fritanga featuring Luis and Roberto Clemente Jr., and Thomas Brasuell, President of the Roberto Clemente Foundation. Together, they discuss the life and legacy of the Great One: Roberto Clemente.

 Wearing the iconic number 21, Clemente was the first Latino player inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. His illustrious career includes 3,000 hits, four batting crowns, 12 Gold Glove Awards, the 1966 National League MVP title, 15 All-Star appearances, and two World Series championships. 

Beyond his athletic achievements, Clemente was a humanitarian icon, dedicated to helping those in need. As a tireless advocate for social justice, Clemente used his platform to fight against inequality and champion civil rights for Black and Latino communities. 

From baseball clinics for underprivileged children in Puerto Rico to sacrificing his life to support earthquake victims in Nicaragua, Clemente's spirit of giving endures through his sons and the Roberto Clemente Foundation. 

Listen in as we honor Roberto Clemente – the athlete, the humanitarian, the civil rights advocate, and a hero to millions. 

Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube today. 

RESOURCES: 
Click here to learn more about the Roberto Clemente Foundation’s efforts to empower youth through sports, education, and community programs. 

Connect with the Roberto Clemente Foundation today:
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theclementefoundation21/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/robertoclementefoundation21

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/robertoclementefoundation/

Welcome back to the Fritanga Podcast by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. In this week’s episode, we explore the urgent need for immigration reform to address the ongoing migrant crisis at the border. Joining us is Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge.

On the pod, we explore:

- The humanitarian crisis resulting from a broken immigration system and the failure of elected officials to enact necessary reforms.

- The global scale of displacement, with over 114 million people affected and the projections of increased migration due to climate change and political instability.

- The importance of investing in stability in regions experiencing turmoil to reduce the need for migration.

- The role of refugee resettlement and a robust asylum system in responding to global crises.

- The power of advocacy, education, and personal connections in combatting fear-mongering and misinformation surrounding immigration.

Krish also discusses the vital work of Global Refuge in providing support and advocacy for vulnerable children, families, and individuals. She emphasizes the importance of engaging in volunteer opportunities, supporting organizations dedicated to immigration advocacy, and fostering personal connections to humanize the immigrant experience.

La lucha sigue. Tune into Fritanga today!

RESOURCES: 
Learn more about Global Refuge and their essential work in cultivating a world of just and welcoming communities at https://www.globalrefuge.org/.

As Latinos, entrepreneurship is in our blood. With nearly one in four new businesses being Hispanic-owned, the future of America is in our hands. In this week's episode, we welcome Isabel Casilla Guzman, the 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the highest-ranking Latina in President Biden's cabinet.

On the pod, we'll discuss the critical role of small businesses in driving our nation’s economy and strengthening communities. We’ll also dive into the importance of entrepreneurship within the Latino community and how the SBA is stepping up its support under Administrator Guzman's leadership.

Looking forward, we'll explore how the SBA is leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance services for small businesses, and the significant impact of social media on entrepreneurs. Plus, we'll talk about the growing areas within the small business sector and the trends Administrator Guzman would like to see more Latinos engage in.

And of course, we’ll touch on how partnerships, like the one between the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the SBA, are creating valuable pathways for young entrepreneurs to access funding, mentorship, and resources. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation!

Watch this episode on YouTube today! 

RESOURCES FOR ENTREPRENEURS:

SBA Online Learning Platform - providing online programs designed to empower and educate small business owners every step of the way.

Check Out SBA's Resource Partners in YOUR Area - SBA partners with organizations around the country to provide training, opportunities, and funding to communities in their local area.

CONNECT  with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Today: WEB | FACEBOOK  |  X | INSTA | TIKTOK | LINKEDIN

On this month's episode of Fritanga, we dive into the complex journey of mental health, emphasizing the importance of resilience, hope, and self-care within the Latine community. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with two inspiring figures, Curly Velasquez and Cheryl Aguilar, to chat about cultural, systemic, and individual barriers to mental health, including stigma, language barriers, and access to care. 

On the pod, we’ll cover everything from our community’s cultural tolerance of abuse to the impact past traumas have on present reactions. We’ll also discuss the unique challenges the immigrant experience presents when dealing with mental health and the generational conflicts that arise when finding a sense of self - especially as kids of immigrants.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS: 
Curly Velasquez is a Los Angeles-raised writer, actor, producer, and social media star, known for his authentic storytelling that brings humor and understanding to the beautiful complexities of the Latine experience.

Cheryl Aguilar is the Founder, Director, and Therapist of Hope Center for Wellness and an indefatigable advocate with over 20 years of clinical expertise supporting our immigrant communities' mental health and well-being.

Hosted By: Antonio Tijerino 

Stay Up to Date with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Today!
YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Produced by Caandor. 

This week on the Fritanga podcast, we delve into the inspirational journey of Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut in space. From her groundbreaking achievements to her advocacy for STEM education and diversity, Dr. Ochoa's story is one of grit, passion, and breaking barriers. Tune in to discover how she shattered stereotypes, logged nearly 1,000 hours in orbit, and continues to inspire the next generation to explore their potential in the sciences - including her recent work with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Minecraft Education on Latinexplorers 2. 

Dr. Ochoa's stellar career includes four space missions and leadership as director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. With over 25 years at NASA, she's been inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, appointed vice chair of the National Science Board, and honored with NASA’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal.

Beyond her achievements, Dr. Ochoa champions STEM education and diversity. Through partnerships with organizations like the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and nationwide speaking engagements, she empowers women and people of color to explore their potential in science and beyond.

RESOURCES: 

Discover and share Dr. Ochoa's  newest children's books here 

Click here to play Season 2 of Minecraft Education's Latinexplorers a Hispanic Heritage Journey today! Are you an educator? Click here to access the game's teaching resources. 

Hosted By: Antonio Tijerino 

Stay Up to Date with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Today!
YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Produced by Caandor. 

On this special Madre Tierra episode, host Antonio Tijerino welcomes visionary advocate for environmental justice, Mark Magaña.

As the Founding President & CEO of GreenLatinos, Mark has led the charge against climate change's disproportionate impact on our community since 2012. From heatwaves in Texas to hurricanes in Puerto Rico, Latinos across the United States and beyond are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. But despite the challenges, Mark refuses to back down.

Through GreenLatinos, he ignites hope by nurturing a robust national network of Latino environmental and conservation advocates, fostering a culture of collaboration and collective action.

On the pod, we’ll hear more about Mark’s journey, what GreenLatinos has planned, and explore the role of climate change and environmental racism now and in the future. We’ll also take a look at what’s happening in the environmental policy space and what needs to happen.

Watch the full episode on our YouTube Channel today @hispanicheritage

RESOURCES:

Join the fight for environmental liberation. If you are a Latino/a/e advocate, leader, or organization working to dismantle racism, demand equity, or fight for a cleaner and more just environment para nuestras comunidades, we invite you to join the GreenLatino network today. Find out more here. 

Connect with GreenLatinos:
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | X

Hosted By: Antonio Tijerino 

Stay Up to Date with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Today!
YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

CONVO OVERVIEW:
[00:00:58] Climate change and generational responsibility.
[00:04:40] Green Latinos evolution.
[00:10:34] Changing the system.
[00:13:40] Importance of representation in funding.
[00:18:48] Environmental justice in Biden administration.
[00:20:14] Urgency of environmental activism.
[00:27:11] Latino environmental consciousness.
[00:31:20] Sustainability and resourcefulness.
[00:34:55] Young leaders making impact.
[00:40:41] A dedication to environmental activism.
[00:45:19] Migration patterns and climate change.
[00:47:52] Immigration and humanitarian challenges.
[00:53:48] Finding comfort in nature.
[00:55:32] The power of community.

Produced by Caandor. 

Welcome back to Fritanga! This season, we're thrilled to continue hosting  powerful voices from our community and beyond as we explore what makes us complicatedly compelling and beautiful as Latinos and how we can move forward with greater unity.

In our first episode of 2024, we explore the Afro-Latino experience, vision, and intersectionality. Host Antonio Tijerino is joined by 3 inspiring Afro-Latino leaders for a roundtable conversation about identity, discrimination, and navigating the complexities of being Black and Latino during these turbulent but hopeful times.

Our guests for this episode are Cesar Francia, a dynamic force in Miami's media scene, whose journey from corporate lawyer to talented artist and TV host inspires resilience and creativity. We're also joined by Luis Versalles, a passionate advocate for racial and cultural equity in education, offering a unique perspective as an Afro-Cuban in the Midwest. And last but not least, Maria Salmeron Melendez, a past HHF Youth Awardee and advocate for educational equity and youth empowerment, whose work in the Biden-Harris administration is making a significant difference in our communities.

Roundtable Guests & Socials:

Cesar Francia, Singer, Songwriter, and Entertainer -  @FranciaCanta
Luis Versalles, Dir. of Strategic Partnerships, Courageous Conversations  - @ccaboutrace
Maria Salmeron Melendez, Special Assistant - Rural Development, USDA - @mariajsalmeron

Hosted By: Antonio Tijerino 

Stay Up to Date with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Today!
YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Produced by Caandor.