Welcome to this episode of the Freedom to Thrive podcast, hosted by Héctor Flores of the band Las Cafeteras. Join us as Héctor engages in a powerful conversation with Kica Matos, a dedicated activist and President of the National Immigration Law Center. Together, they explore themes of resilience and solidarity in the fight for immigrant and human rights.

In this heartfelt episode, discover the pivotal moments that shaped Kica’s path to activism, including her early experiences in New York City and her work with Amnesty International. Their discussion covers the transformative power of music and community, as well as personal stories of resistance and courage.

With warmth and wisdom, Kica shares what inspires her to continue the fight, while Héctor discusses the significance of cultural expression in activism. Reflect on how both music and movement can unite and empower, offering hope in challenging times.

This is more than just a conversation; it’s an invitation to engage with the movement and envision a future where all individuals have the freedom to thrive. Tune in to learn how you can get involved.

The latest episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast delves into the pressing issue of immigration, shining a light on the widespread protests against ICE raids happening across the U.S. From Los Angeles to unexpected places like Alabama and Nebraska, communities are standing strong in support of immigrants.

In a poignant segment, Victoria Ballesteros is joined by Sam Cutler-Kreutz, the director of the Academy Award-nominated short film "A Lien," along with Joanna Cuevas Ingram, a senior staff attorney at the National Immigration Law Center. They discuss the film's powerful portrayal of a family's encounter with ICE and share vital "Know Your Rights" information, emphasizing the importance of legal preparedness and community support.

Join the conversation as they explore the role of art and advocacy in addressing immigration challenges and inspiring collective action. This episode promises to be both informative and inspiring, highlighting the power of storytelling and solidarity.

In this episode, our podcast returns amidst a national crisis that threatens not just immigrant rights but the fundamental rights of all Americans. We explore the devastating impact of fires in Los Angeles and the power of community resilience in the face of adversity. From the ashes, a sense of solidarity emerged, showcasing the strength and spirit of diverse communities, led by immigrants and women of color.

As the nation faces an onslaught of legislative and executive actions eroding civil liberties, we delve into the implications of these changes on our liberty and democracy. Today we will highlight the necessity of resistance in its many forms, from activism to art, as we unite against rising extremism.

Join us in holding onto our shared humanity and engaging in meaningful dialogue with inspiring guests, while we stand together to preserve our democracy in these formidable times.

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros speaks with Roxanne Coady, founder of R.J. Julia Booksellers and Read to Grow. Roxanne shares her journey and the role that literature has played in her life. Her love for books, fostered by her father, a Hungarian immigrant baker, not only shaped her life but also inspired her to open a bookstore that serves as a community refuge and a hub for civil conversation.

The conversation touches on the transformative power of books in awakening societal consciousness and driving social justice movements. Roxanne discusses her family's immigrant experience, the value of storytelling, and how books can act as a powerful medium to build empathy and understanding. The episode also delves into the current anti-immigrant sentiment and the importance of maintaining spaces for open dialogue through literature.

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast, Victoria Ballesteros delves into the eye-opening documentary 'Borderland, The Line Within.' The film explores the pervasive and hidden border industrial complex that stretches far beyond the southwestern U.S., highlighting its impact in communities nationwide.

Join Victoria as she speaks with the documentary's filmmakers Pamela Yates and Paco de Onis, and digital humanist Alex Gil. They discuss the powerful stories of immigrants navigating a dysfunctional system and the staggering data illustrating the reach and profits of the border industry.

This conversation sheds light on the courage and resilience of immigrants, the influence of the border industrial complex, and the urgent need for reform in immigration narratives and policies. Discover the depth of this issue and explore the transformative potential of the film as a call to action.

In this special post-election episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros engages in a crucial conversation with Kica Matos, President of the National Immigration Law Center (NILC). As the nation grapples with the aftermath of a defining presidential election, they discuss the heightened anxiety and despair felt by immigrant communities and their allies.

Kica shares insights into NILC's preparedness in facing the anticipated challenges posed by the new administration. She emphasizes the importance of solidarity, resistance, and the collective fight for justice and democracy. The episode explores the complexities of immigration issues, the significance of a pathway to citizenship, and the economic contributions of immigrants.

Listeners are encouraged to stand in solidarity, get involved with local immigrant rights organizations, and support NILC's efforts through volunteering and donations. Together, we can protect our communities and uphold the values of justice and humanity.

Join host Victoria Ballesteros as she welcomes the legendary Cheech Marin to the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast. In this engaging episode, Cheech shares fond memories of his childhood, his family's influence on his comedic career, and the origin of his iconic nickname. Dive deep into Cheech's trailblazing journey as a comedian, musician, actor, and art collector, and explore how he has continuously pushed boundaries and defied expectations.

Discover the enduring legacy of Cheech and Chong, and hear about Cheech's personal connection to the Chicano movement, the inspiration behind his 1987 film "Born in East LA," and the establishment of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture. Through captivating anecdotes, Cheech reflects on the importance of art in social justice movements and the power of comedy to spark change and build bridges.

Don't miss this insightful conversation about identity, heritage, and the transformative role of art and culture in shaping narratives and creating a more inclusive future. Tune in to hear how Cheech Marin's legacy continues to inspire and empower generations to come.

In this captivating episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with NASA astronaut John Daniel "Danny" Olivas, the first person of Mexican-American heritage to walk in space. Together, they explore the age-old human fascination with space, touching on how ancient cultures worshipped lunar and solar deities, and how the stars have guided explorers through history.

Danny shares his inspiring journey from a starry-eyed kid in West Texas to becoming a U.S. astronaut, offering a glimpse into the rigorous path that led him to fly missions on the Space Shuttle Atlantis and Discovery. They discuss the challenges of spacewalking, the awe-inspiring view of Earth from space, and the humbling perspective it provides on human borders and shared humanity.

Listen as Danny delves into his family heritage, the influence of his great-grandfather's immigration story, and how it shaped his commitment to diversity and inclusion. The episode also highlights the Space for Everyone Foundation, co-founded by Danny and his wife, Marie, aiming to support legal immigration pathways and family unity.

Join the conversation to discover the profound connections between space exploration, cultural heritage, and the shared human experience.

Join host Victoria Ballesteros on the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast as she delves into the untold stories of immigrants beyond the common narratives. In this episode, Victoria welcomes Dr. Felecia Russell, a Jamaican-born, American-raised researcher, author, and advocate for Black immigrants. Together, they explore the vibrant and diverse experiences of immigrants, challenging the often one-dimensional portrayal in the media.

Dr. Russell shares her own journey from Jamaica to the U.S., highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced as an undocumented student. Her work focuses on elevating the voices of Black immigrants, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their unique experiences and contributions. Through her book "Amplifying Black Undocumented Student Voices in Higher Education," Dr. Russell sheds light on the complexities of identity and belonging for Black undocumented students.

Discover how Dr. Russell is changing the narrative by centering Black immigrant voices and advocating for policy changes. Learn about the misconceptions surrounding Black immigrants and how allies can support this community. This episode is a call to action to embrace diverse narratives and amplify marginalized voices in the ongoing conversation about immigration and social justice.

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with the multitalented performing artist, writer, comedian and activist, Kristina Wong. From her early days at UCLA to becoming a Pulitzer Prize finalist, Kristina's journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring.

Listen in as Kristina shares anecdotes about her eclectic career, from her satirical website "Big Bad Chinese Mama" to her impactful work with undocumented Americans and formerly incarcerated individuals. Discover the origins of the Auntie Sewing Squad, a grassroots initiative born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it led to her critically acclaimed show, "Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord."

Victoria and Kristina explore the intersectionality of Kristina's activism, her upcoming projects, and her thoughts on the importance of community and storytelling. This episode is a testament to how creativity and activism can come together to create powerful change.