MoyaTalks is no ordinary series. Our guests always bring their A-game, and the conversations are insightful and thought-inducing, and this edition was no exception.  Braulio Diaz talked about his musical career, producing over 50 albums, opening doors and opportunities for other musicians, and the drive and passion that makes him keep going. However, what nobody expected is that Braulio premiered live his newest song.  MOYATalks is full of surprises! Thank you, Braulio.

We were fortunate to host Catalina Sol, Executive Director of La Clinica del Pueblo, for our 4th installment of MoyaTalks Hispanic Heritage Series.   Catalina shared her background and her experience in an extraordinary organization as La Clinica Del Pueblo. We had a profound and insightful conversation on community health, intersectionality, and the specific challenges of the Latino community.   Thank you, Catalina; we learned so much with you!

As part of our Hispanic Heritage Series, we had the pleasure of having Myrna Peralta, President and CEO of CentroNía, who shared her story and unique life philosophy.   Myrna talked about Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to CentroNia; and the challenges of running a fantastic organization that provides much-needed affordable child care and education to hundreds of families.  Thank you, Myrna, for this fun and teaching talk!

For the second installment of our Hispanic Heritage #MOYATalks Series we had the chance to talk with Evelin Urrutia, Executive Director at Tetants & Workers United.   Evelin gave us a glimpse of the work TWU has done for over 35 years in Arlandria-Chirilagua helping a unique community overcome challenges and build strong ties of collaboration.   Thank you Evelin, for an honest and eye-opening conversation.

Kicking off our Hispanic Heritage #MOYAtalks series, we had the honor to have Manuel F. Valencia, founder and partner of CONNECTIVE Agency.   Manuel shared his life story and work experience as a Hispanic business man and recognized the effort and hard work Hispanic people put on offering their families a better life and opportunities. We had a great, candid conversation about diversity, empathy, and representation.   Finally, he talked about the great work his company does and the importance of collectivity and partnership to impact positively on our communities. We can't thank you enough, Manny!

For our Design, Development and Economic Opportunities #MOYAtalks series, we’ve had a pleasure to have Gloria Nauden, the VP of Marketing & Communications at City First Bank.  Gloria is an incredible speaker and shared some insights into her entrepreneurial experience, the drive behind her projects, and how her African-American and Korean heritage helped shape her approach to work and business.  Thank you, Gloria, it was an amazing talk!

As a part of our Black History Month #MOYAtalks series, we had the pleasure of hosting a talk with an extraordinary guest, Koube Ngaaje, Executive Director at the District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH).   

Koube talked about her work, personal experiences and shared some advice for women in leadership. We would like to thank Koube once again for joining us and supporting our initiative!

As a part of our Women History Month #MOYAtalks series, we had a privilege of hosting a talk with Carmen Romero, the Executive Vice President at Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH).  

Carmen talked about growing up as a second-generation Colombian immigrant in New York, and her parents’ efforts to offer her an Ivy League education. We talked about her early career in the hospitality industry and in commercial real estate management.  

More importantly, Carmen shared her story at the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, joining first to test the waters and falling in love with the job and its challenges. She kindly elaborated in her duties and work as APAH Executive Vice President and APAH’s methods for acquisition and development of affordable housing, the partnerships they develop and the organization’s extensive community outreach.  

Carmen offered her insight on APAH’s approach to affordability and equitable development in the region, and talked about the deep inequities of the region’s housing market. It was a great conversation.  

All our gratitude Carmen!

As a part of our Women History Months #MOYAtalks, we were fortunate to have a conversation with Ivy Dench-Carter, Senior Vice President of Development of Pennrose. Ivy was a fantastic guest, and the fact that she battled through tornado-related difficulties to join the conversation was simply priceless. It was a great way to end our Women History Month Series.  

Ivy has shared with us her experience of working on affordable housing projects (in 30 years with Pennrose Ivy participated in the development of approximately 2,400 affordable housing units); the most challenging projects in her career; the challenges she foresees for affordable housing in a post-pandemic world; along with a leadership advice to young women in business. Finally, she even had some hot-takes on her beloved Philadelphia Eagles.  

Thank you, Ivy! It was a true pleasure to connect with you in such a way!

We wrapped up our #MOYATalks series on DMV Heritage and People with Architect and Urban Planner, Pablo Guiraldes as our guest speaker.  

Pablo talked about his time working for architecture firms and teaching in Maryland and DC. He shared his vision for pedestrian-oriented cities, where citizens are the center of the urban fabric. We had the chance to learn from his vast knowledge and the way he integrates data and references into the conversation. Pablo answered our staff's questions with intellectual honesty and a positive vision of the role of designers and architects in the transformation of urban spaces for the future.  

Thank you, Pablo, for sharing your knowledge with us!