The Super Latina we are spotlighting today is a force in the tourism and travel industry. She has a global reach that touches families every day. As the Director of Communications North America for the Merlin Entertainments Group Julie Estrada oversees PR strategies as well as national (and local) media coverage across the US for 43 attractions that include Legoland Resorts, Lego Land Discovery Center, Madame Tussauds, Peppa Pig theme parks and more. This Southern California native has traveled to Dubai, Malaysia and the UK for the opening of the company’s theme parks. Before helping families create memorable moments at these destinations, Julie started her career in broadcast news and was an Executive Producer at the San Diego-based television station KUSI. 

Julie’s mother was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and her father grew up in Kansas. Both of her parents encouraged Julie to try everything she was interested in, whether it was acting and performing in high school or trying out for the Mickey Mouse Club the same year as Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake, and making it to the finals!

During our conversation Julie shares how motherhood steered her into public relations, the importance of always trying, how failing will make you stronger, advice her former supervisor shared with her about the three different categories people fall into and knowing which category you fit in will help shape your path. Most importantly, we talk about how her philosophy and relationships can help when navigating uncertainty in the job market. 

Here’s to creating roles that align with your passion and embracing new opportunities!

#latina #latinalife #latinatravels 

Listen to #latinalifewithjenandmilena

@spotify @iheartradiopodcasts tag apple podcasts 

In a new episode of Latina Life with Jen and Milena, we discuss the current administration’s actions towards immigrants and the impact that it is having on the country’s democracy. Many citizens, documented immigrants and undocumented immigrants are feeling anxious, angry, helpless … or unaffected… and so much more. What do you do if you are stopped and detained? What to do if you are witnessing a potential kidnapping by masked men? How is history repeating itself? How do we ensure that the USA continues as a democracy instead of a dictatorship? Why should it matter to all of us? Why are role models important? We cover all these topics and more with immigration attorney Jose Medrano. A first generation Mexican-American, and founder of Medrano Law Firm, he graduated from UCLA, Loyola Law School and passed the California Bar Exam so he could use his real-life experience to represent clients in Immigration Court, Superior Court of California and U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Services. 

Let’s stand up for everyone’s rights, be positive role models and use knowledge of this country’s past history to continue being the best place to live, to create, to innovate, to prosper, to collaborate with and to be in. 

#latina #latinalife

In a new episode of Latina Life with Jen and Milena, we talk about surviving a crime and how to move forward from it. It was on a beautiful morning, two years ago, when Milena pulled into her garage and was robbed at gunpoint. She shares important information to keep in mind for anyone who finds themselves in a situation like this and why staying calm, following directions and having an exit plan is important. There is not a handbook to guide anyone on how to handle the aftermath. We discuss the importance of therapy, support from family and friends and how the mind shifts after trauma. 

After listening to our conversation, learn more about the next steps as Milena talks to host Amy E Wheeler on the true crime podcast “What Came Next” hosted by Amy E. Wheeler. 

Let’s be nosy neighbors, stay vigilant and protect each other.

#latina #latinalife 

Listen to Latina Life with Jen and Milena @applepodcasts @iheartradio @spotifypodcasts

Today, Latina Life With Jen and Milena talks to Francesca Noel, a young Super Latina who is fearless and authentic. Francesca was surrounded by the arts as she grew up in an unconventional household in Woodstock, NY. She was on the path of a classical trained musician at the Berklee College of Music (and Bard) when she bought a one way ticket to New York City for a movie audition that would change her life. She booked the role of Juliet in the 2021 film “R#J”, a modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in which the story is told with modern day texts and social media posts.

Francesca was recognized as a breakout star at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival for that role. It was also that project that emphasized the importance of seeing a reflection of ourselves in front of and behind the camera so that the culture can be more inclusive of the Latin/Latina community. 

Currently you can see her starring in “Goosebumps: The Vanishing” on Disney+ as Alex Diaz, the rule breaker with an edge. Francesca shares her experience working on this successful and popular franchise alongside Ana Ortiz and David Schwimmer. Eso!

Here’s to exploring our roots and embracing new experiences!

Listen to Latina LIfe with Jen and Milena on @applepodcasts @spotify @iheartradio

Today, Latina Life With Jen and Milena chats with a Super Latina who is an emerging voice for the new generation. Mayan Lopez is an actress, writer and creator who talks about topics that the Latina community is uncomfortable discussing. Even if it means that she is out of her comfort zone.

Starring in Lopez vs. Lopez, a comedy series about a fictional character based on her real life, with her real life father (known comedian George Lopez), Mayan is showcasing family dynamics, estrangement, mental health and more …with a dose of laughter. Mayan shares how her Tik Tok about her parents’ divorce inspired the creation of her show, the importance of sharing your story and why it’s okay to know that your inner child insecurities might never go away. 

Using her platform, Mayan teaches us that being vulnerable is the bravest thing we can do and how honesty can change culture.

Here is to trusting the process and taking responsibility for your life!

Listen to Latina Life with Jen and Milena on @applepodcasts @iheartradio @spotify

This week on Latiina Life with Jen and Milena we showcase a Super Latina who is a trailblazer across several industries. Leila Cobo grew up in Cali, Columbia in a musically talented family where her father made sure that she and her sisters were going to do great things and be prepared for the world. She’s a Fulbright Scholar, a gifted concert pianist, an accomplished author of multiple books, recipient of multiple awards (including the Latin Grammys’ “Leading Latin Lady” honor)  and a leading authority on Latin Music and the Latin Music Industry.  As a journalist she has interviewed countless artists from Bad Bunny to Shakira to  Karol G and more. In her role as Billboard’s Chief Content Officer for Latin and Español, she oversees the brand’s coverage of Latin music in all its platforms, as well as all its Spanish-language content. She is a driving force in the international representation of our community in the music industry. 

Leila is programming Billboard Latin Music Week, the world’s longest running and largest Latin Music Industry gathering in Miami. From October 14th to 18th, Latin Music’s biggest music stars like J. Balvin, Gloria Estefan and Chiquis Rivera will be part of workshops, showcases and networking opportunities for a week before culminating with the Latin Billboard Music Awards (airing on Telemundo October 20th).

We take a look at why the global public is embracing Latin music artists now, how the television industry has helped the Latin Music industry and why artists should expand their appearances beyond only Spanish speaking platforms.

During our conversation, Leila shares some key insights she learned from the different careers she has had in the music industry. Here’s to leaning into your passions and welcoming different journeys into your life!

Layoffs, progress for Latinas in the "Industry" and Hispanic Heritage Month. Jen and Milena give insight and advice into the layoff experience, how to navigate it and how to be a friend to someone who is laid off. They celebrate the increase in Latina/o nominees for this year's upcoming Emmys, share the low number of Latina/o submissions for nominations and the surprising fact that only 10 Latinos have won Emmys across the organization's 76 years!  Kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month they shine the spotlight on two Super Latinas....listen to hear who... 

In our Latina community starting the day with un cafecito con pan or having a siesta with café con leche is embedded into our daily routine. Every Latin region is known for their coffee…. Columbia has Tinto, Spain created the Cortado, Mexico offers Café de Olla and Bolivia has Café de Tartar. 

Amigas y Familia make room for another coffee brand in your pantry! Our Super Latina today is introducing California to the delicious aromas and tastes of coffee from El Salvador. Emely Navarro is the vibrant, creative and innovative CEO of Navarro Coffee Company whose family have owned a coffee farm for generations in Cuidad Arce. Her love for coffee is intertwined with her fond childhood memories of living on the farm before she moved to Southern California when she was six years old.

She faced challenges early because of the language barrier as she did not speak English, which led to her being dropped from her first school. If not for her mother advocating to keep her in academically challenged classes at her new school, she would not have been given the same educational opportunities that were being offered to her English speaking peers.

Emely shares the emotional story of learning to be authentic to herself which led her to study journalism at San Diego State, winning a local Emmy as a news producer in San Luis Obispo and currently working as a digital producer for the Emmy nominated entertainment news show, Access Hollywood. Listen to our conversation for her advice on turning your passion into reality and launching a brand.

Here’s to being authentic to ourselves, being intentional with our journey and going at our own pace!

Listen to Latina Life with Jen and Milena on @applepodcasts @iheartradio @spotify

Follow at @latinalifepodcast

Today's Super Latina is not only a part of an American Dream, she is the American Dream personified! Lizette Gomez is a first generation Southern Californian whose path to Marketing Director for Vallarta Supermarkets was not a direct one. She oversees the successful brand growth and awareness for the expanding franchise, which has opened 55 stores (and counting) since 1985.

With a background in Business Administration and Graphic Design, she did not foresee herself working in the food retail industry. In fact, her career started in Marketing and Specialty Leasing for a property management firm! She credits being at a smaller company with allowing her to learn new skills on the job.  When the opportunity to work in the food retail space appeared her experience and her sister-in-law, an expert in interviews, made her more than ready.. This fierce and family focused single mother also had her family's support and encouragement. 

 In conversation with Lizette, you feel the  independence and confidence she has. Those traits, and being open to learning new things, are needed to be successful in marketing. "You have to be creative. You have to think outside of the box. If you have it in you....f you have thick skin, like me, just do it."

Here’s to being open to learning new things, new opportunities and ever-changing paths!

Listen to Latina Life with Jen and Milena on @applepodcasts @iheartradio @spotify

¡Feliz Año Nuevo nuestras Super-Latinas!

Every January is a fresh and re-energizing start for our goals, for the life that we dream of. Sometimes taking that first step or second or third is not so easy or so clear. This is where today’s Super-Latina can help you and our community.

Erika De La Cruz is a best-selling author who is an expert in personal development and manifestation. She is the owner and editor-in-chief of the #1 personal lifestyle publication in Los Angeles, The LA Girl. As someone who is impacting the online personal growth space  globally it is not surprising to find her work, personal style and leadership featured in Vogue, The Zoe Report, Forbes and more!

This strong and inspirational Mexican-American never gave up when faced with hardships, in fact, she persevered. It was during her first year in college when her family suffered a financial blow, went into bankruptcy and lost their home. She returned from college to find her door bolted shut and herself homeless. She lived with family friends during this time and with the help of scholarships, continued her studies and manifested her life with vision boards as her guides.

Erika shares how committing to the person we each want to be will happen with daily repetition, practice and acceptance of pain that we try to avoid. She explains how matching your intentions with what you love will lead to your best self and how “being better and not bitter” will get you closer to your goals. 

Here’s to creating the energy we want this year and reaching our own personal summits in 2024!

Listen to Latina Life With Jen and Milena @applepodcasts @iheartradio    

Subscribe and follow on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@latinalifewithjenandmilena7305