In Latinas Who Lead Episode 5, we heard from the organizers of this mural project. Now, in this episode, we get to meet the artists. Adriana M. Garcia and Ana Laura Hernandez created a beautiful and powerful mural to honor Vanessa Guillen. Describing it with words is not easy. However, these two Chicana artists convey their passion for continuing the Chicano tradition of painting murals to bring awareness to issues that affect our community. Plus, listen as they both share why they said yes to being a part of this mural.

This is part one of a two-part Latinas Who Lead episode. Be sure to listen to part two with the artists.

Stephanie Melchor and Tracy Talavera are two Latinas in San Antonio who lead by example. When the community was hurting over the loss of Vanessa Guillén, they took action to create a shrine and then a permanent wall mural. Their story is one of women empowering women to answer a community call and get the job done. The result is the "Entre Todas Las Mujeres" Mural now located on San Antonio's Westside at Chicho Boys Fruit Market.

Visit quemeanswhat.com for more details and information.

Latinas are leaders, Queridos! 💜 Even in a pandemic, Latinas rise up to lead in their own communities as did Cherise Rohr-Allegrini, PhD, MPH. Please watch this Latinas Who Lead interview I did with her because I wanted to know more about the women who are leading the way during COVID-19.

Cherise is an epidemiologist which just fascinates me. #LatinasinSTEM have my heart and admiration. Her desire to learn about other people and understand cultures is what led her to become a public health advocate. She holds degrees from UC Santa Barbara, University of Notre Dame and Yale University. But how did she navigate that?

And, today, how does a Latina mom who is serving her community so faithfully pass down her cultural heritage to her children?

Dr. Rohr-Allegrini recently joined the San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF) as their new CEO. She brings so much experience and leadership. "Leadership is recognizing the strengths in other people."

Latinas who lead like Cherise continue to inspire me. I hope her story will inspire you too.

#latinaswholead

Meet Melanie and Morgan - two rising leaders in the Texas CASA organization. Texas CASA is an organization that supports kids in the foster care system. Melanie Jáuregui, Development and Events Coordinator, is a San Antonio leader, born and raised. Morgan Bradbury, Diversity Recruitment Specialist, is a Kansas native who was inspired by her mom to serve her community.

Both of these Latina leaders are moved by the work they do with CASA because they believe that every child deserves a chance. And, they invite you to be that chance! You don't need to be anything more than yourself.

In the interview we cover:

* Their purpose behind their work

* Leaders in their lives

* Supporting each other in the office

* How anyone can make a great advocate

Plus, Melanie shares a personal story that reminds you why a diverse group of children's advocates is important. Kids in the foster care system need an advocate to whom they can best relate. It can be you. Find more information about being a child's advocate at BecomeACASA.org • • #TexasCASAPartner #BecomeACASA

“Leadership is something that has to be shared.”⁣

Did you know that Dolores is the one who coined the phrase “Sí se puede”? Listen to the full interview to learn how she feels about that today and what she believes is the most important issue for Latina leaders to address today. ⁣

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Here’s what’s included in the interview:⁣

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Q: How does it feel to hear so many people chant the phrase “Sí se suede” - a phrase you coined?⁣

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Q: What was your biggest fear when you left teaching to start the Farm Workers Union?⁣

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Dolores shares a big lesson she learned from her mom.⁣

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Q: What was a leadership lesson you learned that you wish you knew much earlier?⁣

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Dolores shares one thing she insisted that Cesar Chavez change.⁣

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Dolores defines leadership.⁣

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Q: What advice do you give to Latina leaders of all ages?⁣

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Dolores gives advice to young Latina leaders.⁣

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Q: What does Dolores Huerta think is the biggest issue for Latina leaders to address today?⁣

Welcome to my first segment in a series of interviews with Latinas who lead.

Dr. Erika Gonzalez, CEO of STAAMP Allergy, is serving as the 2020 Chairwoman of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC), the first Hispanic Chamber in the United States to be accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In our interview, we discuss how her parents instilled the value of education, the core values she holds on to from serving in the Air Force, and what her plans are for the SAHCC as the 2020 Chairwoman.

Enjoy the interview! You can also watch it on Facebook, IGTV or YouTube.

0:55 What was the conversation around education growing up in your household?

2:12 What were some of the leadership lessons that you took from the Air Force that you still use today?

3:39 “Be the person you needed when you were younger.” Who is that for you? (Dr. Gonzalez gives a surprising answer.)

4:50 What fuels your commitment to serving your community?

6:00 You had great mentors. What advice would you give to young Latinas for be a good mentee?

7:20 What is the impact you want to leave in the community being the 2020 SAHCC Chairwoman?