Bienvenidos to Cafecito con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair.

At HACE's Annual Summit, our co-host Diana Leza Sheehan sat down with Natasha Miller Williams, VP of Talent Management, Culture, and Learning at Ferrera, for a candid conversation on career growth, visibility, and the evolving definition of leadership.

In this conversation, Natasha reflects on her journey from data analyst to senior HR leader, sharing how her perspective on growth has shifted from chasing titles to intentionally deepening skills and expertise. She explores why this mindset shift is especially critical as AI and digitalization continue to reshape the future of work.

From the power of access and visibility to the distinct, and often misunderstood, roles of mentorship and sponsorship, Natasha offers an honest look at the systemic barriers that can hold talented people back, and what leaders can do to dismantle them. She also challenges organizations to move beyond subjective signals like "gravitas" and focus on the concrete capabilities that actually drive success.

A thought-provoking conversation about leading from wherever you are, building the muscle of influence, and why the best leaders are unafraid to tell someone they're ready, even before that person believes it themselves.

Bienvenidos to Cafecito con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair.

At HACE’s Annual Summit, our host Alex Garza sat down with Holly Sales-Milanese, Director of Consumer Banking Talent & Development at Ally Financial, for an inspiring conversation on career growth, courage, and authenticity.

In this conversation, Holly shares her non-linear career journey across multiple industries and reflects on the pivotal moments that challenged her to embrace change, even when it meant walking away from long-held plans. She explores how the definition of talent is evolving, highlighting the growing importance of agility, continuous learning, and openness to new experiences in today’s workplace.

From redefining cultural expectations around success to the importance of vulnerability in leadership, Holly offers a deeply personal perspective on what it takes to grow with intention. She also shares practical advice for early-career professionals on building meaningful relationships, finding mentors and sponsors, and knowing when to say “no” in order to stay aligned with your purpose.

A powerful conversation about leaning into your authenticity, embracing discomfort as part of growth, and why community and connection are essential to unlocking your full potential.

Bienvenidos to Cafecito Con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair.

At HACE’s annual conference, our co-host Diana Sheehan sat down with Dr. Robert Rodriguez, Founder & President of DRR Advisors and a leading voice in advancing Latino leadership.

In this conversation, Robert shares insights from over two decades of research and experience, exploring where organizations still fall short—and what it really takes to build effective pathways for Latino talent. From the importance of culturally grounded leadership development to the critical difference between mentorship and sponsorship, he offers a practical and deeply personal perspective on what drives advancement.

A powerful conversation about embracing your identidad, leveraging community as a strength, and why investing in Latino talent isn’t just important—it’s essential for the future of leadership.

Bienvenidos to Cafecito Con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair.

At HACE’s annual conference, our co-host Diana Leza Sheehan sat down with Steven Brown, VP of Culture and Engagement at Molson Coors.

In this conversation, Steven shares his perspective on what it truly takes to build connection and belonging in today’s workplace, especially in a time where connection has become harder than ever. From navigating the impact of remote work and social dynamics to redefining culture as an ongoing, evolving practice, he offers a candid look at the realities behind the role.

A thoughtful and honest conversation about culture as a verb, the power of engagement in unlocking opportunity, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to show up as their authentic selves and grow.

Bienvenidos to Cafecito Con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair.

At HACE’s annual conference in Chicago, our co-host Alejandra Garza sat down with Pattie Amaro, Director of Talent Acquisition at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

In this conversation, Patty shares her journey from growing up in Pilsen to leading talent strategy at one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country—along with her perspective on AI, career growth, and staying rooted in your values.

A short but powerful conversation about resilience, curiosity, and showing up as your authentic self while creating opportunities for others.

Bienvenidos to Cafecito Con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair.

At the 2026 HACE Summit, our host, Diana Leza Sheehan, sat down with Silvana Montenegro, Global Head of the Office of Hispanic & Latino Affairs at JPMorgan Chase.

From walking into her first role in Brazil feeling fear and uncertainty to becoming one of the most influential Latina leaders in corporate America, Silvana shares the moment she realized her differences were not something to hide, but her greatest strength.

A short but powerful conversation about embracing authenticity as a superpower, the critical role of sponsors who push us beyond our own limitations, and why the biggest barriers we face are often the ones we place on ourselves.

Bienvenidos to Cafecito Con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair.

At the 2026 HACE Summit in Chicago, our host sat down with Marissa Solis, SVP of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing of the NFL. She is the Latina architect behind some of the league's most culturally defining moments, including Bad Bunny's record-breaking Super Bowl halftime show.

A short but powerful conversation about claiming your seat at the table, leading with vision over barriers, and how one leader is changing what it means for the NFL to show up in culture and for all of us.

Bienvenidos to Cafecito Con HACE, hosted by The Chingona Chair.

At HACE’s annual conference in Chicago, our co-host Alejandra Garza sat down with NASCAR driver Daniel Suárez, the first Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race. They talk about his journey from Monterrey to racing at the highest levels in the U.S.

A short but powerful conversation about breaking barriers, betting on yourself, and what it means to represent the community while chasing big dreams.

What does it really take to start—and sustain—a small business?

In this episode of The Chingona Chair, hosts Alex Garza and Diana Leza Sheehan sit down with two Little Village-raised, Chicago entrepreneurs, Daniel Silva (Te-Qu) and Roxy Delgado (Marketing Rocks) to unpack the real journey behind entrepreneurship, especially as Latino founders rooted in community.

From taking that first leap of faith to navigating uncertainty, burnout, and growth, Daniel and Roxy share candid insights on what it means to bet on yourself. They discuss the importance of building a strong foundation, knowing when to pivot, asking for help (even when it’s hard), and learning to value your work.

This conversation dives into:

• The mindset shifts required to leave traditional paths behind
• Lessons learned from scaling a business while balancing family and cultural expectations
• How to recognize when it’s time to pivot or hire support
• The challenge of pricing your services and avoiding undervaluing your work
• The power of community, mentorship, and intentional decision-making

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or already building your business, this episode is a reminder that success isn’t linear—and you don’t have to do it alone.

Key takeaway: Take action, trust the process, and build a business that aligns with your purpose and your life.

This National Small Business Week, the Chingona Chair podcast is celebrating the entrepreneurs who make their communities come alive. Lilia Arroyo Flores of Digame Consulting, sits down with two incredible Berwyn, Illinois business owners whose stories you won't forget.

First, Alex Herrera of Pink Owl Café shares how he went from immigrating from Mexico, to working factory jobs, to becoming a photographer for major Latin music acts — and how he said no three times before finally saying yes to opening a coffee shop with just $400 to his name. Alex opens up about 25 years of sobriety, the wisdom his grandfather passed down, and what it felt like to look around his thriving café and realize what he'd built from nothing.

Then, Vanessa Valentin Lebron, founder of Altura Collective, talks about leaving a 12-year nonprofit marketing career to launch her own consulting business — one that fills a critical gap for authors who need more than a publisher can offer. From launch strategy to book tours to street teams, Vanessa is the force behind the scenes making sure stories don't just get published — they land.

Together, their stories are a reminder that small business is about far more than revenue. It's about resilience, community, and the courage to bet on yourself.