Hood Girls Travel Too The Podcast

My guest this week is Salena Davila-Shilling. Salena is the founder of The Traveling Project Manager, where she combines her expertise in digital project management with her passion for travel. Through her business, She is dedicated to empowering solopreneurs through strategic planning and skillful execution. A is proud Latina entrepreneur from Chicago, Salena grew up in North Riverside and quickly embraced city life, living in various neighborhoods throughout the city before settling in Chicago’s South Loop almost ten years ago. I can’t wait for you to meet her!

I’d like to thank Salena again for her time. I encourage you to reach out to her on her website thetravelingprojectmanager.com where you can find links to connect with her on social media. 

My next guess is Erica Gardunio - Erica is the face and brains behind Viajerica, a platform she created to highlight her journey as a traveler with 8 years of experience exploring new places. She also shares how a career curveball took her from nursing to healthcare technology to whomp whomp unemployment on to create the Viajerica platform. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when her episode drops on 12/19

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Season 2 y'all!

I’m so excited to take you on this next chapter of our journey. Last season, we were feeling things out, following our curiosity, and learning what this space could be. In Season 2, we’re building on that foundation—and doubling down. 

This season, we’re going deep. We’re talking about where it all started—how our guests first fell in love with travel, and how that passion has shaped not just their adventures, but their lives. From chasing sunsets across the globe to finding inspiration in their own neighborhoods, we’ll explore the journeys that have pushed them to grow, take risks, and see the world differently.

You’ll hear stories of resilience, creativity, and courage. We’ll laugh, we’ll learn, and we’ll celebrate the unique ways travel empowers us to live fully and authentically. Because Hood Girls Travel Too isn’t just about where we go—it’s about who we become along the way.

Season 2 drops, Today right now actually, you can jump right into episode one and meet our first guest of the Season, Salena Davila-Shiling better know as The Traveling Project Manager.

So pack your bags—or just your earbuds—and get ready to explore somewhere new with us. Hood Girls Travel Too is back, and we’re just getting started. 

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes drop!

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Y'all 27 episodes later and... 

Season one is wrapped, we've already recorded 90% of the episodes for Season 2 which will drop in December (ho, ho, ho). 

So before we break for the month of November we're taking a beat to recap Season 1, show gratitude to all the guests and collaborators this year and to share some sneak peaks for Season 2.

Thank you for listening. See you next season!

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Episode #27

Today, we’re continuing the conversation started last week with a special focus on another community that has a unique relationship with tourism and access—Puerto Rico. I’m joined by two amazing guests, one who was born on the island Stephanie Hebron, Stephanie currently lives in Chicago and calls both Puerto Rico and New Jersey home, and the other Bianca Alba who has called the island home for the past 8 years. In addition to their personal ties to the island both Stephanie and Bianca are public health professionals giving them a unique insight into the topics we'll be discussing in today’s episode. They'll be sharing what it’s like to live in a place that’s often marketed as a carefree paradise for tourists, but where the reality for locals can be quite different.

We’ll dive into their experiences with the scarcity of natural resources, the impact of government decisions that prioritize tourism over local needs, and what it means to be a responsible traveler when visiting such places. This episode is about listening, learning, and understanding how we can be more mindful in our travels.

If you haven’t listened to part 1 and 2 of this 3 episode series, I invite you to press pause and go listen to that episode first. To briefly recap this past summer, I had the opportunity to live in Mexico City for a few months, and it had some truly eye-opening experiences. I saw firsthand in a new way the impact of tourism, gentrification, and how access to resources can shift so dramatically depending on where you are in the world.

Be sure to join us next week for the final episode of the season! You won't want to miss it.

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If you caught our last episode, you know we’re shaking things up a bit with this special 3 episode series. This is part 2 of the 3 episode series.

We’re jumping right into part two of this special series where we pick up the conversation with Courtney and Sandra. If you haven’t listened to part one, I encourage you to hit pause and go listen to it, so you have all the context for our discussion on privilege, access and what it looks like to be a responsible traveler.

Both Sandra & Courtney were guests earlier this season, I encourage you to circle back to their episodes to learn more about them and their respective journeys. Part one and part two of this 3 episode series go live today! I recommend listening in order for context and subscribing to be notified when part 3 drops next week.

Joining me next week in part 3 of this special series are Bianca Alba and Stephanie Hebron. Bianca was born in Cochabamba, Bolivia and grew up in the DMV area, she has a Masters in Public Health and has lived in Puerto Rico since shortly after Hurricane Maria working the Public health Space. Bianca is better know on social media as the founder of @ThisLatinaTravels and host of the podcast by the same name. Stephanie is from the North Coast of Puerto Rico, the Camuy and Hatillo communities, she also calls Cape May Court House, New Jersey home. She is a healthcare analyst with her Masters in Public Health. She's passionate about Domestic Violence Intervention and Community Medical Advocacy. Picking up the conversation started last week on the podcast with Courtney and Sandra, today Bianca, Stephanie and I will be exploring the same topic from a different lens. From the perspective of those within a community that is heavily trafficked by tourist and is going through a sort of modern day colonization. 

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As we wind down Season One, we're taking a beat to reflect on some recurring themes throughout the season. Like the importance of reflecting on things like; equity, access, social responsibility and the fluid state privilege can exist within for each of us. This special 3 part series came together because of an eye-opening experience I had while spending the summer in CDMX. 

My guests this week for a special two part episode are Courtney E. Coleman and Sandra Torres. I have a lot of love and respect for them both and appreciate them both so much for this conversation. They helped me unpack my experience by asking thoughtful, at times, difficult and thought-provoking questions and sharing their own similar experiences. Both Sandra & Courtney were guests earlier this season, I encourage you to circle back to their episodes to learn more about them and their respective journeys. Part one and part two of this 3 episode series go live today! I recommend listening in order for context and subscribing to be notified when part 3 drops next week!

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Joining me today is Kita Zuleta 

Kita is a brand strategist + photographer based in Los Angeles. Her mission is to help Jefas grow their brands + businesses with simple strategies to show up online. As a proud daughter of immigrants, cafecito lover, plantitas mom, + wife to her best friend, she’s excited to share her knowledge, and host conversations about real life + entrepreneurship with Jefas like yourself. 

Kita is also the Founder of Cafecito Con Jefas, a community that is designed to remove the loneliness that comes with being an entrepreneur, close the knowledge gap by teaching Jefas how to show up online, create in-person + virtual events to bring us together, cultivate a culture of connection, live in pursuit of holistic entrepreneurship + provide a platform to share our stories. #showupjefa

Connect with Kita

https://www.kitazuleta.com/allthelinks
*Visit Kita's website to learn where to connect with her or how to Join an @Cafecitoconjefas cowering session!

Kita's Recommendations

Patria Coffee Roasters
Doña Maria Tamales
Taqueria El Poblano on Compton Blvd
Driving the PCH to Dockweiler Beach

HGTT will be back in a few weeks to close out the season with our last three episodes for Season One of Hood Girls Travel Too the Podcast. Be sure to subscribe to be notified when new episodes drop!

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My guest today is Adriana Galvan - 

Adriana is the formidable force behind Adriana Talks Dinero, LLC and the Amor Propio Podcast, she wears multiple hats with grace and determination. By day, she serves as the Regional Human Resources Business Partner for the Midwest and Northeast at a metals company, playing a vital role in supporting the aerospace industry. Simultaneously, she's the driving force behind her own business venture.

Adriana's journey is rooted in humble beginnings, being the eldest daughter of immigrant parents from Tamaulipas and Oaxaca, Mexico. As a dual citizen of the United States and Mexico, she has called the suburbs of Chicago home. In her household, education held a paramount place, leading her to pursue and successfully attain a double MBA in her 20s. Entrepreneurship runs deep in her veins, prompting her to embark on the journey of founding her own business a year and a half ago.

Her passion lies in breaking the silence around the often-taboo topic of money. Adriana finds immense joy in helping women and the BIPOC community empower themselves financially. Through her platform, she imparts valuable knowledge on budgeting, investing, travel hacking, negotiating pay, and safeguarding assets. In doing so, she not only educates but also inspires others to take control of their financial destinies.

Connect with Adriana

Adriana Talks Dinero
Amor Propio Podcast

Adriana's Recommendations

Downtown Elgin
Tianguis Elgin, IL 
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca 


Joining me next week is Kita Zuleta 

Kita is a brand strategist + photographer based in Los Angeles. Her mission is to help Jefas grow their brands + businesses with simple strategies to show up online. As a proud daughter of immigrants, cafecito lover, plantitas mom, + wife to her best friend, she’s excited to share her knowledge, and host conversations about real life + entrepreneurship with Jefas like yourself. 

Kita is also the Founder of Cafecito Con Jefas, a community that is designed to remove the loneliness that comes with being an entrepreneur, close the knowledge gap by teaching Jefas how to show up online, create in-person + virtual events to bring us together, cultivate a culture of connection, live in pursuit of holistic entrepreneurship + provide a platform to share our stories. #showupjefa Be sure to like follow and subscribe to be notified when her episode drops.

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Monica is the owner and designer of Luna and Leche Maternity. A Maternity brand that focuses on breastfeeding and pumping friendly clothing. Monica has been able to travel and work with people from all walks of life in her Industry, because of this she has been making it a point to show her daughters as much of the world as she can so they can learn the beauty diversity of this world.

Monica grew up in a small rural town near Fresno, CA. When Monica was 16 she was fortunate enough to travel to Rome, Germany and France with her church youth group and the love of travel began. She's hoping by showing her daughters as much of the world as she can, that they grow up feeling confident and have a better understanding of the way people from all walks of life live.

Connect with Monica 

https://lunaandleche.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lunaandleche_maternity

Monica’s Recommendations 

Harris Ranch 

THE BLOSSOM TRAIL 

Joining me next week is Adriana Galvan 

Adriana is the formidable force behind Adriana Talks Dinero, LLC and the Amor Propio Podcast, she wears multiple hats with grace and determination. By day, she serves as the Regional Human Resources Business Partner for the Midwest and Northeast at a metals company, playing a vital role in supporting the aerospace industry. Simultaneously, she's the driving force behind her own business venture.

Adriana's journey is rooted in humble beginnings, being the eldest daughter of immigrant parents from Tamaulipas and Oaxaca, Mexico. As a dual citizen of the United States and Mexico, she has called the suburbs of Chicago home. In her household, education held a paramount place, leading her to pursue and successfully attain a double MBA in her 20s. Entrepreneurship runs deep in her veins, prompting her to embark on the journey of founding her own business a year and a half ago.

Her passion lies in breaking the silence around the often-taboo topic of money. Adriana finds immense joy in helping women and the BIPOC community empower themselves financially. Through her platform, she imparts valuable knowledge on budgeting, investing, travel hacking, negotiating pay, and safeguarding assets. In doing so, she not only educates but also inspires others to take control of their financial destinies.

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Jasmine is a Latina creative & storyteller, CEO of Mentally Mutual where she longs to cultivate BIPOC healing spaces through creative storytelling, gatherings and mutual aid. In 2010 Jasmine’s family lost it all: their home, their possessions, and even their car. She believes this loss was an invitation to re-imagine and re-define what thriving means. Over the last decade, Jasmine has been in pursuit of building an intentional life that is rooted out of her values and what brings her joy. Fast forward to present day, Jasmine invites you to learn about how she was able to find healing and purpose on her journey.

Connect with Jasmine

https://www.instagram.com/yourfriend.jasmine/
https://www.instagram.com/mentallymutual/
https://www.mentallymutual.com/links

Jasmine’s recommendations

Find Me Gluten Free

Hampton House, Maywood, IL

Maywood Community

Joining me next week is Monica Avila 

Monica is the owner and designer of Luna and Leche Maternity. A Maternity brand that focuses on breastfeeding and pumping friendly clothing. Monica has been able to travel and work with people from all walks of life in her Industry, because of this she has been making it a point to show her daughters as much of the world as she can so they can learn the beauty diversity of this world.

Monica grew up in a small rural town near Fresno, CA. When Monica was 16 she was fortunate enough to travel to Rome, Germany and France with her church youth group and the love of travel began. She's hoping by showing her daughters as much of the world as she can, that they grow up feeling confident and have a better understanding of the way people from all walks of life live.

Support the show