NHI Podcasts

In a conversation with Julio Cotto, NHI Senior Vice President and alumnus, founder and President Ernesto Nieto, and co-founder Gloria de Leon, the core NHI concept of "Community Equity Building (CEB)" is explored. Part of NHI's Spring Training program, this conversation is also relevant to alumni and the general public wanting to learn about a unique approach and mindset towards building community equity and wealth. Recorded March 25, 2020 in Austin and Kyle, Texas. Copyright (C) 2020. National Hispanic Institute. All Rights Reserved.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto, Chris Nieto, and NHI Founder and President Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2019 Summer Learning Theme.

This was an interview conducted by Phil West of young entrepreneur, NHI alumna, and Celebracion presenter Rachel Basoco. An alumna of NHI at Houston and the Texas Great Debate, former Governor of the New York LDZ, All Star at the CWS, avid volunteer, and member of the Junior Faculty, Rachel has also been growing a business with NHI principles and alongside NHI members and investors. Learn more about Trenza, Rachel's business at .  For more information on NHI, visit

This was an interview conducted by Phil West of Anita Fernandez, 2018 NHI Distinguished Alumna at the Celebracion 2018 conference in San Marcos, Texas sponsored by the National Hispanic Institute in November. Anita was honored for her work in San Antonio and her years of service to the Institute in particular with the NHI at San Antonio Alliance () For more information on NHI, visit

This was an interview of Varo Maldonado conducted by Phil West at the Celebracion 2018 conference in San Marcos, Texas sponsored by the National Hispanic Institute in November. Varo was honored with this rare award for his 30+ years of supporting the work of the Institute and for being the catalyst for establishing the Colorado Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) which celebrates 30 years this June.  For more information on NHI, visit https://www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org

In a slight departure from previous conversations, NHI Founder and President Ernesto Nieto invites Tejano artists Ruben "El Gato Negro" Ramos and Leonard Davila of Street People to Maxwell to talk about the history and importance of Tejano music and the movement. Ernesto has been in talks with the two of them to produce a Southwest Experience that would honor, preserve, and promote American Latino cultures and forms like Tejano. They discuss the art form as a true American contribution and creation but also the challenges of keeping it relevant and popular in the 21st century. They talk about the importance of 'roots' but also of the opportunities to evolve culture and music.

Former head of NHI's Collaborative Research Center, Dr. Joseph Villescas has had a long history with NHI going back to being the younger sibling of an alumna. Years later, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus for his contributions to NHI's research, study, and publications. He was most notable for leading the editing and collaboration known as the "Perfect Storm Scenario" that is discussed on the conversation. Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and founder, is joined in the interview by colleague Julio Cotto. The interview was recorded at the NHI home office in late May 2018.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Mock Trial topic in preparation for the Great Debates.