NHI Podcasts

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

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

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

Once known as part of a group of friends and high school volunteers known as the "LDZ Gods", A. J. Del Cueto, San Antonio alumnus and filmmaker drops by the NHI Ranch for a conversation about NHI memories, the state of Latinos in film, and future creative projects that set out to tell new Latino stories. A graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Texas at Austin, A.J. has been in film and working in digital and creative industries since his graduation from college. He recently went out on his own and hopes to one day establish a studio that paints new Latino and American imagery. Ernesto, A.J., and Julio Cotto discuss symbols, vision, and film as the "next text".

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from Yorktown Heights, New York by way of the Bronx participated in 2005 and in her years has become an Education Director, Onsite Director, Secretary of State, curriculum specialist, trainer, and all around volunteer. This summer, Alexandria will challenge a longtime U.S. Congressman in New York for his seat. This conversation discusses her lessons and challenges of running for Congress in America's largest city while drawing on NHI learning and training as a guide. Ernesto and Alexandria discuss culture, courage, and vision as essentials for any future community leader.

In this special episode, Ernesto is joined by co-founder Gloria de Leon as they interview New Mexico alumnus and first New Mexico LDZ "Ricky Miranda" award recipient - John Rodarte. A reflective conversation that accounts for over 25 years of history, they discuss the meaning behind the LDZ and its long-lasting impact 30 years after the first expansion LDZ - the 1988 New Mexico LDZ. John also talks as an educator and the importance of reviving the NHI and youth leadership legacy in the Land of Enchantment - New Mexico.

Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and Founder, joined by Paola Hernandez and Julio Cotto, presents the opportunity for the NHI community to play a financial investor role this Spring through the "Change a Life" campaign. You can learn how you or your business can become investors and make an impact.

In this episode, Ernesto interviews longtime faculty member, trainer, former staffer, and all around engaged alumnus Tino Villarreal. Tino is the Project Administrator for the NHI at Tip of Texas Alliance but is also an Athletic Director of St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas. He is also a local leader on several boards and commissions. Ernesto asks Tino tough questions about coaching, leadership, and his NHI journey that started in 1996.

NHI President and Founder Ernesto Nieto alongside NHI team members Julio Cotto and Paola Hernandez discuss the 2018 Theme. This year, NHI will explore the concept of social labeling and its impact on public policy making throughout the U.S. and Latin America. They discuss the different manner the theme will be discussed at each NHI summer experience as well as the overall importance of having these types of conversations as a future leader.  For more information on NHI, visit

NYC native Natalia Palmarini has been involved with NHI almost ten years and attended every experience from Great Debate to the LDZ to Celebration to the Collegiate Leadership Network. The Villanova University alumna has also served as a John F. Lopez Research and Management Fellow at NHI's home office and is currently serving as a part of the young faculty at the Northeast Great Debate every summer at her alma mater. She is also an active volunteer and awaiting her sister's participation in NHI this summer. Ernesto interviews this young Latina trying to navigate life just a few years out of college in the big city - New York.