In this episode, Finding Joy in Your Values, we are honored to welcome Quetza Ramirez, a teacher, youth leadership coach, and an Indigenous Two-Spirit person whose work lives at the intersection of education, Earth stewardship, and liberation. Quetza is a passionate educator and researcher in Rights of Nature and Critical Ethnic Studies, with deep expertise in decolonization practices, Indigenous liberation, and climate crisis response.

Rooted in Earth-based values, Quetza believes that Indigenous communities cannot be fully liberated until Mother Earth is also liberated—because Indigenous people are not separate from the land, but a part of it. Their ongoing learning and spiritual grounding are nurtured through Mexica danza, Mexica temazcal ceremonies, and plant medicine practices, which continue to shape how they show up in sacred spaces and in service to community.

In this conversation, we explore how Earth Law and the Rights of Nature offer bold and necessary climate justice solutions, and how finding joy aligned with our values is both a personal and collective act of resistance and healing. Drawing from their post-graduate work supporting student groups and community-centered organizations, Quetza also shares how their research in Critical Global Ethnic Studies, Earth Law, and Value Creation Pedagogy is coming together into an exciting and transformative project.

This episode invites us to rethink success, fulfillment, and belonging—and asks us to reflect: What becomes possible when we center joy as we live our values?

In this episode, Finding Joy in Your Values, we are honored to welcome Quetza Ramirez, a teacher, youth leadership coach, and an Indigenous Two-Spirit person whose work lives at the intersection of education, Earth stewardship, and liberation. Quetza is a passionate educator and researcher in Rights of Nature and Critical Ethnic Studies, with deep expertise in decolonization practices, Indigenous liberation, and climate crisis response.

Rooted in Earth-based values, Quetza believes that Indigenous communities cannot be fully liberated until Mother Earth is also liberated—because Indigenous people are not separate from the land, but a part of it. Their ongoing learning and spiritual grounding are nurtured through Mexica danza, Mexica temazcal ceremonies, and plant medicine practices, which continue to shape how they show up in sacred spaces and in service to community.

In this conversation, we explore how Earth Law and the Rights of Nature offer bold and necessary climate justice solutions, and how finding joy aligned with our values is both a personal and collective act of resistance and healing. Drawing from their post-graduate work supporting student groups and community-centered organizations, Quetza also shares how their research in Critical Global Ethnic Studies, Earth Law, and Value Creation Pedagogy is coming together into an exciting and transformative project.

This episode invites us to rethink success, fulfillment, and belonging—and asks us to reflect: What becomes possible when we center joy as we live our values?

In this episode, Finding Joy in Your Values, we are honored to welcome Quetza Ramirez, a teacher, youth leadership coach, and an Indigenous Two-Spirit person whose work lives at the intersection of education, Earth stewardship, and liberation. Quetza is a passionate educator and researcher in Rights of Nature and Critical Ethnic Studies, with deep expertise in decolonization practices, Indigenous liberation, and climate crisis response.

Rooted in Earth-based values, Quetza believes that Indigenous communities cannot be fully liberated until Mother Earth is also liberated—because Indigenous people are not separate from the land, but a part of it. Their ongoing learning and spiritual grounding are nurtured through Mexica danza, Mexica temazcal ceremonies, and plant medicine practices, which continue to shape how they show up in sacred spaces and in service to community.

In this conversation, we explore how Earth Law and the Rights of Nature offer bold and necessary climate justice solutions, and how finding joy aligned with our values is both a personal and collective act of resistance and healing. Drawing from their post-graduate work supporting student groups and community-centered organizations, Quetza also shares how their research in Critical Global Ethnic Studies, Earth Law, and Value Creation Pedagogy is coming together into an exciting and transformative project.

This episode invites us to rethink success, fulfillment, and belonging—and asks us to reflect: What becomes possible when we center joy as we live our values?

In this episode of Adelante Leadership, we are honored to spotlight Dr. Sylvia Hurtado, a nationally recognized scholar, thought leader, and advocate whose work has shaped how higher education understands equity, belonging, and student success.

Dr. Hurtado is a Distinguished Professor of Education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Throughout her career, she has held prominent leadership roles, received numerous awards, and authored groundbreaking research focused on diverse students’ college experiences, campus racial climate, STEM pathways for underrepresented students, and equity and diversity in higher education. Her scholarship has not only influenced academic discourse but has also guided institutional change across colleges and universities nationwide.

A central theme of Dr. Hurtado’s work is the idea that student success is deeply connected to belonging and institutional responsibility. She challenges higher education leaders to move beyond access alone and instead ask: What kind of environments are we creating once students arrive? Her research reminds us that equity is not accidental—it is the result of intentional policies, practices, and leadership.

Dr. Hurtado is also the co-editor of two award-winning books that have become essential reading in the field.
“Hispanic Serving Institutions: Advancing Research and Transformative Practice” explores how HSIs can move from designation to transformation, centering Latinx students through research-driven change.
“The Magic Key: The Educational Journey of Mexican Americans from K–12 to College and Beyond”, a recipient of the International Latino Book Award, tells a powerful, multigenerational story of persistence, culture, and opportunity—highlighting education as both a pathway and a promise.

Currently, Dr. Hurtado serves as Special Assistant to the UCLA Chancellor for Latinx Issues, where she bridges research and practice to inform institutional decision-making at the highest level. In this role, she exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to community.

In Episode 2 of Adelante Leadership, Dr. Hurtado’s journey reminds us that leadership is not only about position or prestige—it is about using knowledge as a tool for justice, opening doors for others, and ensuring that higher education truly serves the communities it claims to uplift. Her work continues to inspire educators, administrators, and emerging leaders to lead adelante—forward—with purpose and courage.

In this episode, Finding Joy in Your Values, we are honored to welcome Quetza Ramirez, a teacher, youth leadership coach, and an Indigenous Two-Spirit person whose work lives at the intersection of education, Earth stewardship, and liberation. Quetza is a passionate educator and researcher in Rights of Nature and Critical Ethnic Studies, with deep expertise in decolonization practices, Indigenous liberation, and climate crisis response.

Rooted in Earth-based values, Quetza believes that Indigenous communities cannot be fully liberated until Mother Earth is also liberated—because Indigenous people are not separate from the land, but a part of it. Their ongoing learning and spiritual grounding are nurtured through Mexica danza, Mexica temazcal ceremonies, and plant medicine practices, which continue to shape how they show up in sacred spaces and in service to community.

In this conversation, we explore how Earth Law and the Rights of Nature offer bold and necessary climate justice solutions, and how finding joy aligned with our values is both a personal and collective act of resistance and healing. Drawing from their post-graduate work supporting student groups and community-centered organizations, Quetza also shares how their research in Critical Global Ethnic Studies, Earth Law, and Value Creation Pedagogy is coming together into an exciting and transformative project.

This episode invites us to rethink success, fulfillment, and belonging—and asks us to reflect: What becomes possible when we center joy as we live our values?

We close the season with a truly inspiring guest whose work speaks directly to these themes. Our topic is Burnout to Lit Up — because if you’ve ever felt the weight of stress, exhaustion, or disengagement, you know how much we all need a path toward renewal and purpose.

Joining us is the incredible Daisy Auger-Domínguez. Daisy is an award-winning global executive, advisor, and thought leader who is dedicated to creating more supportive, productive, and inclusive workplaces — where people truly thrive. Her expertise has guided companies around the world, helping them build strong, people-centered cultures and embrace a future of work that’s sustainable for all.

Meet a young changemaker shaping the future of environmental justice and community empowerment. Sebastian Partida-Osuna is a first-year Environmental Science student at Oregon State University, whose passion for sustainability is deeply rooted in community engagement and cultural pride.

As a rising leader, Sebastian embodies a commitment to building a more sustainable world—not just through academic study, but through hands-on involvement and advocacy. He believes in the power of representation, striving to show that his culture and community are not only resilient but also capable of transforming systems and narratives.

We dive into the vital theme of "Filling Our Own Cup" — a conversation about self-nourishment, balance, and reclaiming time and energy as acts of leadership. Too often, those in service to others forget to care for themselves. Today, we’re reminded that true leadership begins with how we care for our own spirit.

We’re honored to be joined by Patricia Flores, Spanish Language Program Coordinator at NAMI Seattle. Patricia (ella/she/her) is a proud Washingtonian, born and raised in Central Washington on the Yakama Reservation in Toppenish. She brings the richness of her identity as an Indigenous Chicana — with roots in the Tarahumara people of Mexico through her maternal grandmother — to all she does.

Spanish was Patricia’s first language, and she’s deeply passionate about making mental health resources accessible and culturally relevant in her role with NAMI Seattle. Outside of her impactful work, she finds joy in communing with nature, dancing, and spending time with her family — all ways she continues to fill her own cup.

n this soulful and energizing episode of Adelante Leadership, we sit down with Robyn Moreno—curandera, storyteller, former Emmy-nominated TV host, and the author of Get Rooted: Reclaim Your Soul, Serenity, and Sisterhood Throughthe Healing Medicine of the Grandmothers. Robyn shares her deeply personal journey of reconnecting with ancestral wisdom and embracing her Mexican-American roots to find balance, belonging, and purpose.

Through laughter, insight, and honest reflections, Robyn invites us to explore what it means to ground ourselves—culturally, spiritually, and emotionally—in today’s fast-pacedworld. Together, we unpack how traditional knowledge and holistic healing can be powerful tools for leaders navigating complexity and seeking authentic alignment.

Whether you're yearning for deeper connection or seeking to lead from a place of wholeness, this episode offers inspiration, practical wisdom, and a call to get rooted—for yourself and for your community.

Sylvia Salazar, Founder of TonoLatino

In this powerful episode of Adelante Leadership, we sit down with Sylvia Salazar, a Colombian immigrant, computer engineer, and former tech professional turned political activist. Sylvia is the founder of , a bilingual platform dedicated to educating the Latino community on U.S. politics in a simple, engaging, and accessible way.

We dive deep into the importance of Latino civic engagement, exploring why our voices matter, how policy directly impacts our communities, and what we can do to become more informed and empowered voters. Sylvia shares her journey from the corporate world to civic leadership, how she uses digital storytelling to demystify complex political issues, and why it’s crucial that Latinos not only show up at the polls—but stay engaged all year round.

Featured by Telemundo for her groundbreaking work in mobilizing Latino voters, Sylvia brings a unique and urgent perspective to the conversation.

Originally from Mexico, Lourdes has worked tirelessly since 1989 with ARISE Adelante, a grassroots organization based in the South Texas borderlands. She has dedicated her career to improving living conditions in the colonias of the Rio Grande Valley, always with a focus on uplifting the voices and leadership of local residents.

As President of ARISE Adelante since 2009, Lourdes has guided the organization in addressing vital issues such as immigration, civic engagement, education, health, environmental justice, and youth leadership. Under her leadership, ARISE Adelante has grown its reach and impact, creating employment opportunities for community members and expanding its ability to advocate for change.

Lourdes’s firsthand knowledge of the immigrant experience and her commitment to justice make her an exceptional and inspiring leader. In this episode, she reflects on the importance of recognizing and sharing the gifts within us—and how this mindset can transform not only individuals, but entire communities.

In this episode of Adelante Leadership, Tania and Peter sit down with Edgar J. Palacios, a visionary leader dedicated to increasing Latino representation in education. As the founder of the Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC) and Revolución Educativa (RevED), Edgar is on a mission to create equitable opportunities for Latino students and educators.

Edgar shares his journey from a background in music to becoming a powerhouse in nonprofit leadership, earning an MBA, completing prestigious fellowships, and advocating for systemic change. With a wealth of experience in community organizing, executive coaching, and educational equity, he brings insights into what it means to lead with audacity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to Latino empowerment.

Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of Latino leadership, the impact of educational advocacy, and how we can all take bold steps toward creating a more just and inclusive future.

Tune in and get inspired to be audacious in your own leadership journey!

Our species stands at a choice point—will this be our evolutionary crash or our evolutionary leap? In this episode, internationally renowned master facilitator Gibrán Rivera joins the conversation to explore what it takes to move forward together.

Gibrán helps leaders, networks, and organizations navigate complexity while centering power, equity, and inclusion. He invites us into a forward-facing remembering, a call to reclaim trust and embrace the currency of love as we shape the future. His work is dedicated to defining better ways of being together in this world—ways that honor our interconnectedness and our potential for transformation.

Join us for an inspiring discussion about leadership, belonging, and the gold that is everywhere—if we choose to see it.

Ramona es originaria de Ocotlán, Jalisco, México, emigró al sur de Texas y creció en Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Su pasión por el empoderamiento comunitario la llevó a cofundar ARISE (A Resource In Serving Equality) en 1987 junto con la hermana Gerrie Naughton. Durante más de 37 años, ha estado al frente de la lucha por la justicia social, trabajando con residentes de bajos ingresos para fortalecer la participación cívica, abogar por los derechos de los inmigrantes y fomentar el liderazgo entre mujeres, niños y jóvenes.

Su dedicación ha trascendido la defensa local. Ramona ha formado parte de la Junta Directiva de organizaciones como Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Migrant Health Promotion, South Texas Civil Rights y Proyecto Azteca. Ha sido una pieza clave en la organización de eventos comunitarios, marchas, manifestaciones, conferencias de prensa y foros para crear conciencia sobre los problemas de justicia social que afectan a la comunidad inmigrante.

En octubre de 2023, su liderazgo fue reconocido a nivel internacional cuando se unió a la Southern Border Community Coalition para representar al sur de Texas en las Naciones Unidas en Ginebra, Suiza.

We are honored to have an inspiring and transformative leader join us: Irene Packer-Halsey. With over 50 years of experience, Irene has dedicated her life to empowering BIPOC communities to drive social change and justice. Her journey, which began in her adolescent years, has been guided by a clear and unwavering purpose—creating vibrant, fair, and just communities where intergenerational families and children can thrive.

Throughout her career, Irene has worn many hats—trainer, coach, mentor, and activist—always with a focus on inspiring and uplifting others. Her passion and expertise have shaped national social justice training and advocacy organizations, building strong networks and partnerships to achieve meaningful change.

In this episode, Irene shares her wisdom, insights, and the importance of standing with each other as we work toward a more just and equitable future. Her powerful motto, “Pa’lante! Siempre Pa’lante! So The People May Live!”, reminds us of the strength in unity and the courage to move forward together.

Tune in as we explore Irene’s incredible journey, her life’s purpose, and the ways we can all stand with each other to create lasting impact. Let’s get started!

Ellen is the founder and CEO of Hedley & Bennett, the company behind the premium aprons that have taken the culinary world by storm. What started in her tiny L.A. apartment has grown into a multi-million dollar business, built on grit, vision, and relentless action. But Ellen’s impact goes far beyond aprons—she’s also the author of Dream First, Details Later: How to Quit Overthinking & Make It Happen!

In this episode, we’ll talk about the mindset that helped Ellen turn an idea into a thriving business, why taking the first step matters more than having a perfect plan, and how we can all embrace a little more courage in our own lives. If you’ve ever hesitated to start something because you weren’t "ready," this conversation is for you.

https://www.hedleyandbennett.com

John Torres, an extraordinary leader with over 20 years of experience as an educator, lawyer, and occasional judge. John is a thought
leader and strategy execution expert who has transformed organizations in the C-suite, litigation, and university spaces through his meaningful and impactful approach to leadership.

Born and raised on a farm in northeastern Colorado, John’s journey began alongside migrant workers in the fields. From those humble beginnings, he has risen to prominence, balancing a dynamic career that includes serving as a pro tem
judge. John’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and leading with purpose.'

In this episode, we’ll explore how John’s roots and experiences have shaped his unique approach to leadership. From the fields to the bench, his commitment to lending passion to everything he does has created a meaningful and impactful life. Join us as we dive into his inspiring journey and learn how he uses his
story to uplift and empower others.

Dr. Curtis Acosta is a visionary educator and Founder of the Acosta Educational Partnership, dedicated to transforming education through equity and justice. Named one of the “Top 10 Latinos to Watch in US Politics” by Huffington Post, his impactful work has been featured in the documentaries Precious Knowledge and Dolores, and covered by major media like The Daily Show, CNN, PBS, and The New York Times.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Acosta has published extensively on education and social justice, contributing to influential books like Educational Courage and Rethinking Ethnic Studies.

Grounded in the resilience of his ancestors, Dr. Acosta continues to inspire with his vision for equitable education.

Hector Bojorquez, a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in education. Hector began his journey as an educator in a bilingual elementary school classroom, where he saw firsthand the profound impact of culturally responsive teaching. Today, as the Director of Operations and Educational Practice at the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), he is shaping racially equitable education systems that lift up students, families, and school communities.

At IDRA, Hector has pioneered initiatives like Youth Leadership Now, an asset-based program that empowers students in at-risk situations to become community leaders and blaze a pathway to success. He also co-directs Re-energizing Leadership to Achieve Greater Student Success, a project that transforms school instruction through innovative practices and school-community collaboration.

Lorena comparte cómo su liderazgo está enraizado en la autenticidad y la vulnerabilidad, cualidades que han sido fundamentales para fortalecer a las mujeres en su comunidad. Desde su experiencia organizando a mujeres desplazadas de la industria de la confección tras la implementación del TLCAN, Andrade ha demostrado un compromiso inquebrantable con el empoderamiento y la creación de espacios donde las mujeres puedan liderar y prosperar.

Hablamos sobre los programas transformadores que ha desarrollado junto a su equipo en LMO, como el Centro Mayapan, que incluye iniciativas empresariales sociales como Café Mayapan, Rayito de Sol Guardería y LumMetik Trading Co. Lorena también destaca los valores culturales e históricos que guían proyectos como la granja comunitaria Tierra es Vida y el Museo Maychen.

En esta conversación profunda y reflexiva, Andrade explora cómo la historia, la herencia indígena mexicana y la colaboración comunitaria moldean su enfoque de liderazgo. Este episodio es una invitación a reflexionar sobre cómo liderar desde el corazón puede transformar comunidades y promover justicia social.