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Meet Dora Lopez, founder of Fat Chicana Feminist and owner of Dora’s Tiendita. Dora is first generation immigrant and proud Mexicana from Guerrero and Michoacán. Her family migrated in 1999 when she was 10 years old and since then she’s built a small business and a social media presence to represent her roots and her experiences. An identify that has been complicated and an identity that’s led her down a path to growth, pride, and love beyond superficiality. Make sure you follow her journey as she continues to grow and give. 

Ariette Armella Meet Ariette Armella. Ariette is a food and lifestyle photographer with more than 10 years of experience. Ariette was Photography Editor for Time Out Mexico in 2012. When she decided to return behind the camera in 2013, she started collaborating with different gastronomy and lifestyle magazines and websites such as Soy Chef, Local.mx (Travesías), Munchies (Vice) y ComerBonito.com She has also done advertisement photography for several brands such as: Tequila Altos, Lurpak Mexico, Cal-C-toce, Four Seasons Hotel, Sin Piedad Mezcal, several Mexican independent breweries (CruCru, Cirquera, Chela Libre, among others), etc. Ariette has also worked with numerous restaurants and gastronomic events in Mexico including Nación de Vinos, Morelia en Boca, Cocinando Sueños, etc.

Meet Kim Guerra, creator of Brown Badass Bonita. “Kim Guerra is an artist, writer, and entrepreneur. She is the creator of Brown Badass Bonita, a brand and movement she considers a revolutionary act of self love and love for our Latinx community. “ Brown Badass Bonita

Meet Desiree Flores, the chef and owner of Dear Mama LA, a vegan-Mexican pop-up restaurant. Desiree created Dear Mama LA by using her grandmother’s  traditional recipes and turning them into  inspiring plant-based dishes. Growing up vegan in Boyle Heights, Desiree experienced the hardship of limited vegetarian/vegan food options to maintain her lifestyle. She transitioned into a vegetarian diet at the age of 17 and struggled both because of cultural influences and lack of options in our community. After college, Desiree used her degree in Business Management and her love for cooking and began sharing herself through her food which speaks volumes and is truly an expression of Desiree’s mission of healing, community, hustle, and love. Make sure you follow her page https://www.instagram.com/dearmamala/   . . .   Desiree was nominated by her partner in crime and sister https://www.instagram.com/chels_flowers323/ 

Meet Marina Magalhães. Marina was born in Brasília, Brazil. Her parents entered the Brazilian diplomatic courtiers and continue to serve the Brazilian government. Their positions allowed their family to travel the world and move from country to country. Marina grew up in Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Madrid, La Paz, and Chicago. Regardless of the city, Marina’s mother ensured consistency in her life through dance which allowed a unique global perspective. Marina’s path and career have allowed her to work at decolonizing dance and our bodies through her ability to make room for seemingly contradictory styles of dance and allow them to coexist. She has worked at reclaiming dances not deemed for us and adding values to those styles that were not considered worthy. Throughout the years Marina has both taken the student and teacher role looking to understand her identity and her role in the dance world. She has been recognized for her passion and won countless awards and is the founder of the Dancing Diaspora Collective. The Dancing Diaspora Collective focuses on the relationship we have with displacement and not only acknowledging but expressing it through dance. They collectively seek to translate and help us embody principles of Latin and African diasporic identities. They hold space at Pieter Performance Space in Lincoln Heights. 

We wanted to acknowledge all the Poderosas who have been on Poderosa Podcast since we starter up until now. We are grateful for all the women who shared space with us and allowed themselves to be vulnerable and we needed to remind you all of the wonderful stories we've embraced with love. Thank you for allowing us to be that safe space for all of you. There really is no story too big or too small and we couldn't be more honored.

Meet Susan Barrera, also known as “Lil Sue.” Sue grew up in San Bernardino influenced by her father’s musical preferences, including Willy Nelson and Linda Ronstadt. Sue also grew up listening and learning from her brother’s band, Timepiece. Both her father and brother sparked the love for music and singing as a child but It wasn’t until Sue met her partner in crime Tony “T-Mac” Macias, that Sue pursued her musical career and became vocalist for the band Lil Sue and the Cow Tippers, an Americana Roots/ Country Music Band. Aside from singing in her band for 5 years, Sue has maintained a position with a local school district for 22 years, she’s a mother of 3 children, a psychology major, and volunteers at a group home for boys. She is looking to begin a master’s program in the fall, has a dream to open a home of her own to help children, and continue growing her musical career. Sue has found both her passions and a partner to help her make her plans a realization. Make sure you follow the band at https:/www.instagram.com/lilsueandthecowtippers/ 

DISCLAIMER:  THIS EPISODE CAN BE A TRIGGER.    Meet Jasmine Uribe, Chief Program Officer at Break the cycle. Jasmine is responsible for developing the strategy for Break the Cycle’s national social impact and partnership  efforts to end relationship violence. These programs include supervising staff in the development of curricula and prevention education efforts, communication & social media strategies, trainings for adult professionals and allies, youth leadership and community activism. She is also responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key stake holders to advance  and sustain the mission of Break the Cycle, which is to inspire and support young people ages 12-24 to build healthy relationships and create a culture without abuse. As a member of the Senior leadership team, she works directly with the CEO to build organizational goals comprehensive solutions, innovative strategies, and the leadership and expertise of staff across the country.   About Break the Cycle  Break the Cycle inspires and supports young people ages 12 - 24 to build healthy relationships and create a culture without abuse. Founded in Los Angeles in 1996, the organization responded to a gap in services for young people experiencing abuse in dating relationships by creating teen-specific violence prevention education. In 2004, Break the Cycle expanded nationally and now has staff in LA, D.C, TX, MN along with partners, volunteers, and supporters across the nation. With a dynamic and diverse team, Break the Cycle believes that all young people deserve to live in a world where they can thrive.   Mission Break the Cycle inspires and supports young people to build healthy relationships and create a culture without abuse.   Values Everyone has a right to a safe and healthy relationship, regardless of gender, ethnicity or sexual identity. We work every day to make that right a reality.    

Meet Stephany Medina, Jefa, owner of Skin to Soul. Stephany Medina shares her extraordinary story about surviving a mental health breakdown, being wrongfully diagnosed, and finally discovering she lives with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. PMDD causes extreme mood shifts. Symptoms include extreme sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anger, suicidal thoughts, plus common premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as breast tenderness and bloating. While doctor’s determined a proper diagnosis for Stephany, she was prescribed a variety of medications that began to give her physical symptoms including:  rashes, hives, swelling, and breakouts. In wanting to help heal her physical symptoms, Stephanie made pomades for herself and discovered her gift and love for self-care. Through her dark moments, Stephany found light and gave birth to her business, Skin to Soul where she sells homemade pomades and soaps with intentions to help heal physically and mentally. Make sure you visit her website https://www.skintosoulcare.com  and follow her on Instagram. 

Update:  Lorena Altamirano is the owner of Golden Coffee Beans. She is the Marketing Manager for La Dalia Coffee.  Meet Lorena Altamirano. She is the owner and producer of La Dalia Coffee, a coffee farm in Nicaragua. La Dalia is a family ran business that became part of Lorena and her family’s identity when Martha Lorena Altamirano and her husband (Lorena’s parents) bought the land to grow coffee. Unfortunately, a drought that occurred between 1999 and 2001 led to the coffee crisis in Nicaragua forcing the farm out of the Altamirano’s hands and into the bank’s possession. Martha fought for 10 years to regain ownership of their lands, worked herself, and unfortunately passed the year before the Altamirano family took back what was theirs. Lorena is running the farm and the finances at the farm while her brother Ernesto Altamirano distributes in Los Angeles. The Altamirano Family is investing in building a school on the farm for the coffee workers on the farm and their children and ultimately are continuing their mother Martha’s legacy. They are extraordinary and so is their product. Make sure you support by buying their delicious coffee and following them on social media. 

Meet Silvia Salas- Sanchez. Silvia is the founder of Abuela’s Kitchen and Mas Masa, two influential Latinx-ran YouTube channels. Silvia is the sous chef, co-host, editor, and social media manager for Abuela’s Kitchen where she and her grandmother, Maria Rico, cook traditional Mexican dishes. In addition, Silvia runs Mas Masa, a YouTube channel she created to teach followers about who she truly is outside of the Abuela’s Kitchen channel. Silvia is a mother of two, a wife, and a successful entrepreneur with a background in radio and education. She continues to influence on social media and play an important role in our small business communities where she’s been a pioneer and mentor. Make sure you follow Silvia on both her channels and listen to her episode.   

Meet Lisa Ila Rocha who founded ilaments in 1999, an intention-setting Jewelry brand. Lisa is fourth generation Mexican-Native American and proud Angeleno with San Antonio roots. Lisa uses her ancestral connections to create meaningful and personalized jewelry. She has created jewelry for over two decades and continues to share herself through these beautiful pieces and also shares her knowledge through jewelry-healing workshops. Her jewelry is sold at pop-ups and it is being sold through several museums including: the Smithsonian, The Autry, The Molaa and Philadelphia Museum. Lisa is a woman that carries community, knowledge, and intentions in her craft. Make sure you find her on her website at www.ilaments.net and her instagram. 

Meet Raquel Zamora. Raquel is a Pupil Services and Attendance Councilor for LAUSD, a therapist for victims of crime, a foster care social worker, an active member of Running Mamis, and is currently running for Council District 14 which encompasses Downtown Los Angeles, Eagle Rock, Boyle Heights, El Sereno, and Highland Park. Her family owns Zamora Bros. since 1970, a business at the heart of Boyle Heights. Zamora Bros. was founded by Raquel’s grandfather and her mother and family continue to carry on the family trait, six generations of butchers. Raquel began working at the family business as young as seven and continues to work for her community. She recently announced that she is officially on the ballot to run against corporate politicians because she believes that someone from the community should represent the community. With her daughter Valentina by her side and the help of her family, friends, and community, she is going full force to win the seat as the first Councilwoman for District 14. Make sure that you follow her campaign, support her, and follow her on social media. 

Meet Sonia Romero Fuentes. Sonia has been  working for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power since May 1988. She’s been with LADWP for the last 30 years and she continues to grow academically and professionally in the company. LADWP paid for her schooling and she’s earned both her bachelors degree in business management and her masters degree in business administration. She is currently a commercial field supervisor, in charge of approximately 40 employees, 25 of which go out to the field to connect and disconnect electricity and water. In addition to her continuous growth, she hosts a life skills group in the inter-city once a month where she invites guests to speak about their careers. She gives back to her community by teaching business etiquette and gives community members access to business leaders to set them up for success. Sonia is a powerful asset to her company and her community. Make sure you listen to her and follow her on Instagram.  .

Meet Tirsa Farah, co-owner of Tirsa's Mexican Cafe. Tirsa's cafe has been located in the Downtown Los Angeles area for two years and counting. She began selling pastries and salads door to door when her son was just a toddler. She would push him in a stroller and walk through her neighborhood in El Sereno until she made a name for herself. She began her business and created her own recipes with her unique take on Mexican food and since has been growing her name and reputation. Tirsa has reached highs and lows in the food industry but she and her husband Steve have come out on top, partly because of their faith and because they are the epiphany of hard-ass working entrepreneurs. Make sure that you follow Tirsa on her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tirsas_love/ and visit her restaurant to try her delicious food. 

Meet Cynthia Gonzalez! Cynthia is a beautiful poet, the operations manager for Little Libros, and the brilliant founder of Salvies Who Lunch. Cynthia began an online platform to highlight the Salvadoran community when she noticed that there were constant poor representations of Salvadorans in the media. Having lived experiences of discrimination and racism growing up, Cynthia flipped the script, used the fuel her mother inculcated, and ran with an idea that began as a mere accident from a hashtag she created from a social gathering with other successful Salvadoran women. Cynthia created a prominent network that emphasizes on the successes of Salvadorans. She’s recently collaborated and has successfully organized community events to bring inclusion and acceptance to a community that does not get enough credit. Make sure you follow this extraordinary woman putting pieces of her and her culture out there for the world to learn and embrace. Follow her on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/salvieswholunch/ . . . . . #PoderosaPodcast, #Poderosa, #womenentrepreneur, #women, #latinas, #latina, #LosAngeles, #ElSereno, #Northeast #LosAngeles, #WestLA, #CityTerrace, #BoyleHeights, #family, #familia, #latinasempoweringlatinas, #womenempoweringwomen, #NELA, #professionallatinas, #Montebello, #SouthCentralLA, #SouthCentral, #SalviesWhoLunch, #CyndaPoet, #Salvadoran, #SalvadoranAmerican, #CentroAmericana, #CommunityOrganizer, #HonorarySalvadorans

Meet Yubicela also known as Yubi Tube. Yubi is a social media influencer and a comedian. She moved recently from to Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy. She’s making herself known by doing stand-up comedy and constantly networking. Yubi is making it happen for herself and she’s truly on her way to stardom. Make sure you follow her at  https://instagram.com/yubitube?igshid=cetjp5al03ii and find her on YouTube.    

Poderosa Podcast is a platform where we give the spotlight to women in our community and focus on their journey to success and how important their impact is on our communities. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EPISODE   Meet Susana Garcia. Susana has been working for decades to help break the stigma behind domestic violence by partaking in the healing process of families surviving domestic violence and rape. Susana endured a traumatic relationship with her alcoholic father, alcoholic brother, and a 15 year marriage where she lived through domestic violence and alcoholism. Susana has been working for decades hand in hand with Grupos de Familia Al-Anon y Alateen in Durango, Mexico. They provide a space for families, provide therapy sessions, and therapy groups to those family members searching to simply survive. She has a profound faith that has allowed her to live through both horrifying experiences and healing experiences. She has been featured in articles her story is shared throughout the organization to highlight her drive to heal and help others to do the same. 

Meet Odilia Romero and Janet Martinez. Odilia is the General Binational Coordinator of the Frente Indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales, an organization created by indigenous migrants in South Central Los Angeles in 1991 and Co-Founder of Comunidades Indigenas en Liderazgo. Janet Martinez is the Women State Coordinator for  the Frente Indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales and Co-Founder of Comunidades Indigenas en Liderazgo. Odilia and Janet are Zapotec. They are mother and daughter, co- founders and partners in continuously pushing to keep the representation of indigenous people alive. Both women are constantly carrying the weight of the indigenous world on their shoulders by simply maintaining existence in a world where indigenous people are trying to be erased. Coming from two different generations, they both understand the necessity of their purpose and they are truly PODEROSAS.     

Meet Diana “Dee” Martinez. Dee contacted Poderosa Podcast and asked to share her story about surviving domestic violence. Dee is in the process of healing and telling her story is part of her journey. We were joined by Lluvia Luna also known as Lady Luna a holistic therapist using curanderismo's sacred roots to help restore mind, body and spirit and Gabriela Pineda a registered Family and Marriage Therapist (under clinical supervision.) Dee is our Poderosa and we commend her for her bravery. #PoderosaPodcast, #Poderosa, #womenentrepreneur, #women, #latinas, #latina, #LosAngeles, #ElSereno, #Northeast #LosAngeles, #WestLA, #CityTerrace, #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth, #BoyleHeights, #family, #familia, #latinxcommunity, #community, #WOC, #DomesticViolenceSurvivor, #DomesticViolence #latinasempoweringlatinas, #womenempoweringwomen, #NELA, #professionallatinas, #Montebello