In this episode of Wealth Gap Warriors, I had the honor of sitting down with Joelle Martinez and Harry Hollines from the Latino Leadership Institute—two powerful voices leading the charge to shift how Latinos show up in leadership, wealth-building, and entrepreneurship.

Joelle and Harry are doing more than developing leaders—they’re creating a movement. Through professional development and free entrepreneurial training programs, they’re helping our community grow into positions of power, scale thriving businesses, and most importantly, believe we belong at the top.

We talked about:

• Why mindset is at the root of generational wealth
• How the system was never built for us—and why we need to build our own
• What it takes for Latino business owners to break the $1M barrier
• The responsibility we carry to give back to the communities that built us
• Why now is the moment to push forward, even when the funding and headlines say otherwise

This conversation is about more than just business—it’s about power, purpose, and planting seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come.

🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
📺 Watch the full episode right here on YouTube
🌐 Learn more and get involved at LatinosLead.org

Thank you for tuning in—and if this episode speaks to you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.

In this episode of Wealth Gap Warriors, we sit down with Felix Lugo, Executive Director of High School Inc., a nonprofit organization revolutionizing how students in underserved communities prepare for their future.

With a powerful mission to close both the achievement and wealth gaps, High School Inc. connects high school students with real-world career pathways in industries like health care, culinary arts, automotive technology, and more. Felix shares how early career education, mentorship, and hands-on learning are transforming lives—especially for first-generation and low-income youth.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How High School Inc. is bridging the education and opportunity gap
• Why career readiness matters for wealth-building in underserved communities
• The role of public-private partnerships in youth development
• Felix Lugo’s personal journey from corporate leadership to nonprofit impact

Whether you're an educator, policymaker, parent, or advocate for equity, this conversation offers powerful insights into how we can build generational wealth through education, opportunity, and empowerment.

Tune in and be inspired by real solutions to systemic inequality—one student at a time.

In this episode of the Wealth Gap Warriors Podcast, we are honored to host Dr. Ana María López Caldwell, a distinguished leadership coach and consultant. With over 15 years of experience in coaching, facilitating, and researching leadership and cultural competence, Dr. Ana María specializes in empowering leaders to navigate workplace dynamics authentically and effectively. She holds a PhD in Latin American Studies from Tulane University and is certified by the International Coaching Federation. Originally from Colombia, Dr. Ana María is fluent in Spanish, English, and intermediate in Portuguese, bringing a rich cross-cultural perspective to her work. In this insightful conversation, we delve into strategies for authentic leadership, the importance of cultural competence, and how to foster inclusivity in diverse work environments. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a visionary leader dedicated to championing authenticity and empowerment.

In this episode of "Wealth Gap Warriors," we are excited to welcome Mariah Hudler, a distinguished financial therapist with Kuro Financial Therapy. Mariah’s expertise lies at the intersection of finance and emotional well-being, offering a unique perspective on how financial decisions impact our mental and emotional health.

Mariah talks about the principles of financial therapy and how it can address the psychological aspects of managing money. She discusses the importance of understanding our emotional relationship with finances and how financial therapy can help individuals and families achieve greater financial stability and personal fulfillment.

During our conversation, Mariah shares insights from her practice, including practical strategies for overcoming financial stress and fostering healthier money habits. We explore how financial therapy can be a game-changer for those struggling with financial anxiety, self-sabotage, or unresolved money issues.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the holistic approach to financial well-being. Discover how integrating financial therapy into your life can lead to more balanced and empowered financial decisions.

Tune in to gain valuable insights from Mariah Hudler and learn how to enhance both your financial health and emotional resilience.

In this episode of "Wealth Gap Warriors," we are thrilled to feature Ana Trujillo Limón, Director of Coaching & Advisor Content and co-host of the Framework podcast at Carson Group. Ana brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as editor-in-chief of the Financial Planning Association’s publications and her deep-rooted background in journalism and editing.

Ana's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion shines through her work. As the co-founder and editor of The Brief, a digital magazine aimed at Black and Latinx advisors, attorneys, and consumers, she addresses the critical need for representation and tailored content in the financial industry.

Join us as Ana shares her insights on advancing diversity and inclusion within financial advising and coaching. We explore her journey from journalism to financial content creation, the impact of The Brief, and the ongoing efforts to ensure equitable financial advice reaches all communities.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how diversity and financial planning intersect and how to drive meaningful change in the industry. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives from a leader at the forefront of financial equity.

In this enlightening episode of "Wealth Gap Warriors," we are thrilled to host Maria Cadenas, the dynamic Executive Director of Ventures. Maria's leadership at Ventures plays a crucial role in advancing economic empowerment and social impact, particularly for underserved communities.

Ventures is dedicated to fostering economic growth and supporting entrepreneurs who might otherwise face barriers to success. Under Maria’s guidance, the organization has made significant strides in creating opportunities and addressing systemic challenges that affect minority and low-income entrepreneurs.

Join us as Maria shares her journey and insights into leading an organization focused on economic equity. We will dive into the innovative programs and strategies that Ventures employs to support entrepreneurs, enhance community development, and bridge the wealth gap. Maria’s perspectives on leadership, community impact, and the power of strategic support offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in social change and economic development.

This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical advice from a leader at the forefront of social impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, community advocate, or simply interested in learning how to drive meaningful change, Maria’s insights will leave you motivated and informed.

Tune in to "Wealth Gap Warriors" to hear from Maria Cadenas and discover how Ventures is making a difference through visionary leadership and dedicated support.

Get ready for an inspiring episode of "Wealth Gap Warriors" as we sit down with the incredible Jannese Torres, creator, and host of the award-winning personal finance podcast, Yo Quiero Dinero®. Jannese is not only a podcast host but also an author, with her new book "Financially LIT!" recently hitting the shelves.

Join us as we dive into Jannese's journey of empowering Latinx communities with essential financial knowledge through her podcast and now her book. With a passion for personal finance and a commitment to uplifting her community, Jannese has become a leading voice in the fight for financial literacy and empowerment.

Join us for an enlightening episode of "Wealth Gap Warriors" as we sit down with Robert and Amanda Corral, the compassionate owners of Corral Financial Strategies. Robert and Amanda are on a mission to make a difference in the lives of families across the nation by providing specialized planning services for those with special needs family members.

Navigating the complexities of financial planning can be daunting, especially when it involves ensuring the long-term financial security of a loved one with special needs. That's where Robert and Amanda come in. With their expertise and dedication, they empower families to navigate the intricacies of special needs financial planning with confidence and peace of mind.

At Corral Financial Strategies, Robert and Amanda work tirelessly to help families secure life insurance tailored to the unique needs of their special needs family members. Their personalized approach and unwavering commitment ensure that every family receives the support and guidance they need to plan for the future.

In this episode, we'll dive into the challenges families face when planning for the financial future of loved ones with special needs and explore the innovative solutions that Robert and Amanda provide. 

Join us as we gain insights from Robert and Amanda Corral's expertise and dedication to empowering families through specialized planning. Their story is a testament to the power of compassion, expertise, and dedication in bridging the wealth gap and creating a brighter future for all.

Subscribe now to "Wealth Gap Warriors" and be inspired by Robert and Amanda's incredible journey and their mission to empower families with special needs financial planning.

Prepare to be inspired in this extraordinary episode of "Wealth Gap Warriors" as we sit down with the remarkable Saundra Davis, the Executive Director of Sage Financial Solutions. Saundra is not your average financial planner; she is a highly respected educator, coach, and thought leader who has devoted her career to helping individuals achieve financial stability and prosperity.

Saundra's mission is clear: to ensure that everyone, regardless of their income or wealth, has access to competent and ethical personal finance support. She has pioneered the groundbreaking framework known as "The Continuum of Financial Wellbeing," a model that empowers individuals to navigate complex financial decisions and develop healthy financial habits.

Through her training programs and Financial Fitness Coach certification, Saundra has empowered over 2,000 professionals and countless individuals to take control of their financial futures. Her work has not only transformed lives but also revolutionized the way we approach personal finance.

In addition to her role at Sage Financial Solutions, Saundra is a sought-after contributor to major media outlets such as CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR. Her insights and expertise have made her a featured speaker at conferences and events nationwide, where she shares invaluable wisdom on a wide range of financial topics.

With over two decades of experience in financial planning, coaching, and training, Saundra has developed the Financial Fitness Coach® and Accredited Personal Finance Coach certification programs. These programs challenge financial professionals to reach new heights in their communication with clients, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Saundra's passion for the Continuum of Financial Wellbeing is unwavering, and she firmly believes that democratizing access to financial services will lead to stronger individuals, families, and communities. Her fierce compassion for the community and commitment to excellence make her the "Financial Coach's Coach."

Join us on this enlightening journey as Saundra Davis shares her insights, experiences, and vision for a future where financial empowerment is within reach for all. Her mission is clear: to help people live with their money in a way that honors their values and empowers them to create the future they envision.

Subscribe now to "Wealth Gap Warriors" and be inspired by Saundra Davis's incredible journey and her mission to transform financial wellbeing for everyone.

In this transformative episode of "Wealth Gap Warriors," we have the privilege of sitting down with a true trailblazer and advocate for economic inclusion, Marla Bilonick. With over two decades of expertise in small business development, community-based financial services, and international aid, Marla's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

But her story doesn't stop there. Marla Bilonick was appointed by President Joe Biden to lead the U.S. Department of Treasury's CDFI Fund Community Development Advisory Board. Notably, she is the first Latina and only the second female to hold this prestigious position in the board's 27-year history.

As if that weren't enough, Marla also serves as a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Advisory Committee on Economic Inclusion. In this role, she advises the agency on critical initiatives aimed at expanding access to banking services for underserved populations.

Join us as we explore Marla's remarkable journey, her dedication to driving economic empowerment and financial inclusion, and her pivotal role in shaping policies that make a difference in the lives of marginalized communities. Her insights are not just inspiring; they're a roadmap for anyone looking to bridge the wealth gap and create lasting change.

Don't miss this episode of "Wealth Gap Warriors" as we learn from Marla Bilonick's incredible expertise and commitment to a more equitable future.

Subscribe now to be inspired by Marla's story and to gain valuable insights into the critical work of empowering underserved populations.