True impact doesn't always begin in boardrooms or policy meetings. Sometimes it starts in the heart; in recognizing that the struggles we think are ours alone are, in fact, shared by millions. For Rudy Espinoza, that realization transformed his path from a young man chasing financial success to a leader reshaping the systems that hold communities back.

In this episode of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, Jackie sits down with Rudy Espinoza, Executive Director of Inclusive Action for the City, to explore how empathy, awareness, and courage can drive real change. Raised by a single mother who left an abusive home to build a better life, Rudy learned early what resilience and service look like. A single college course opened his eyes to the structural inequities facing his community, and that awakening inspired his lifelong mission: to move capital, opportunity, and dignity into the hands of working-class people.

Rudy shares how Inclusive Action’s early fight to legalize street vending grew into a statewide movement, and why investing in people and authentic relationships is the true foundation of progress. He also opens up about the personal story that reframed his understanding of impact: a simple act of kindness toward his mother that revealed how connection can heal division and fear.

Tune in to episode 252 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, and discover how compassion, community, and courage can create lasting economic and social transformation.

Episode Takeaways

• How Rudy’s upbringing shaped his understanding of resilience and service (4:20)
• The ethnic-studies class that changed his worldview (6:20)
• Lessons from corporate life and why he chose a different path (13:50)
• The leap of faith that led him to lead Inclusive Action (15:30)
• How Inclusive Action is advancing economic justice through advocacy and lending (17:50)
• The story behind the LA street-vending movement (18:40)
• New legislation protecting vendor data from ICE (20:50)
• The role of art, storytelling, and solidarity in community change (23:20)
• Why true impact begins with small, human acts of connection (26:30)
• The importance of investing in people and authentic relationships (32:00)

Connect with Rudy Espinoza:

• Inclusive Action for the City
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Let's Connect!

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jackie Tapia Arbonne's website
• Book: The AMIGA Way: Release Cultural Limiting Beliefs to Transform Your Life

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.