Best Ricardo Leon Podcasts (2025)

1
Inside the Mind of a Billion-Dollar Builder: Fernando De Leon’s Story 28:09

Play Pause

2M ago28:09

28:09

Fernando De Leon counts himself as one of the luckiest guys in the world. The Mexican American billionaire grew up in Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Mexico, graduated cum laude from Harvard, and began his career as an analyst at Goldman Sachs before launching Leon Capital Group. The humble real estate company in Texas has grown into a powerhous…

1
eXtra Bio: Ricardo Calderón 1:00:06

3M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

En este episodio del podcast, conversamos con el Sr. Ricardo Calderón, uno de los fundadores de CARECEN, una organización clave para la comunidad inmigrante en San Francisco. Ricardo nos cuenta su llegada a los Estados Unidos hace 39 años y su exilio forzado desde El Salvador. Nos habla sobre la creación de CARECEN en San Francisco, las necesidades…

1
David “Big Papi" Ortiz’s New Game: Philanthropy, Rum, and Redefining Success 34:11

3M ago34:11

34:11

Everyone knows famed Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz as Big Papi. He made a name for himself in the batter’s box as a designated hitter, winning seven Silver Slugger awards, joining the 500 Home Run Club, and helping the Red Sox break its 86-year World Series drought—and win two more World Series before his retirement in 2016. But his work didn’t…

1
The Alumni Society’s Ricardo Anzaldua Is a Coalition Builder 37:30

3M ago37:30

37:30

If anyone knows the power behind convening Latinos to make an impact, it’s Ricardo Anzaldua. His impulse to organize and bring Latinos together began early while growing up in New Mexico and South Texas. In high school as the Chicano movement gained traction, he became a strong advocate for Mexican American civil rights and a community organizer. H…

1
Nationwide’s JJ Perez Believes in the Power of Education 43:54

4M ago43:54

43:54

We are shaped by those who came before us and, in turn, we help shape the lives of those who come after us. Nationwide’s Juan José (JJ) Pérez knows this all too well. He grew up watching his father attend law school at night while working two jobs, making sacrifices while Perez and his siblings were young to not only better provide for their family…

1
Alex López Negrete Advocates for Reflective Marketing 41:47

4M ago41:47

41:47

Forty years ago, Alex López Negrete saw an opportunity to represent the Hispanic market and provide strategic direction to some of the biggest names in corporate America. The Houston-based Lopez Negrete Communications, cofounded with his wife Cathy, is now the largest independently owned and operated Hispanic advertising firm in the country. López …

1
eXtra Commentary: Darren J. de Leon and Socorro Gamboa 47:00

5M ago47:00

47:00

In this eXtra Commentary, we delve deep into the creation and intentions behind 'The Last Harvest' episode. Join CARECEN SF's Juan Rivera as he interviews co-producers Darren J. de Leon and Socorro Gamboa about the making of this pivotal episode. Discover the rich history and impactful legacy of the Real Alternatives Program (RAP), a revolutionary …

1
Bonus Episode: VIDA’s Felida Villarreal Propels the Rio Grande Valley Toward Success 33:07

5M ago33:07

33:07

Felida Villarreal understands firsthand the cultural and familial expectations of the Rio Grande Valley residents. The powerhouse nonprofit leader grew up in the region, earned her degrees at the local university, and continues to empower residents to achieve their own success right in the valley through VIDA and its training programs. Villarreal s…

1
Acclaimed Author Marie Arana Changes Perceptions, One Story at a Time 35:59

5M ago35:59

35:59

From the very beginning, words have been important to Marie Arana. The Peruvian American’s childhood was filled with music and literature, which formed her passion for storytelling and books as she navigated growing up in a bicultural household. Having an American mother, Arana learned to provide a counter narrative to Peruvian perceptions of Ameri…

1
Javiera Balmaceda Pascal Proves Latino Stories Are for All Audiences 29:20

6M ago29:20

29:20

Growing up in the ’80s with two working parents, Javiera Balmaceda Pascal often found herself at the movie theater with her younger brother Pedro Pascal. The siblings, raised in Texas and California by parents who had fled Chile, found comfort in the stories they saw on the screen. Where her brother chose to step in front of the camera, Balmaceda p…

1
Carla Vernón Transforms Brands—and Herself 42:29

6M ago42:29

42:29

Carla Vernón imagines a future that isn’t here yet. Her power of imagination has been her guide since childhood, allowing her to see beyond the information available to make decisions with both her head and her heart. The Princeton alum built her brand and leadership expertise at General Mills for almost twenty-two years, brought her vision to Amaz…

1
"They Didn't Know We Were Seeds" Tres Generacíones/Three Voices Live 1:10:00

7M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

"They Didn't Know We Were Seeds" is a powerful episode from the RAMA Blueprints Live podcast, "Tres Generaciones/Three Voices." Recorded on February 27th, 2025 at Brava Women for the Arts in San Francisco, this discussion delves into resilience and nonprofit sustainability in challenging times. Host Socorro Gamboa leads a conversation with executiv…

1
eXtra Bio: Gene Royale 36:41

7M ago36:41

36:41

Discover the impactful journey of Gene Royale in this eXtra Bio episode of the RAMA Blueprints podcast. Gene Royale, a pivotal figure in San Francisco's Mission District community activism, shares his rich experiences from co-founding the Centro de Cambio, working at the Mission Coalition Organization (MCO), and consulting for RAP. As an educator a…

1
Ileana Musa Invests in Latino Financial Empowerment 30:13

9M ago30:13

30:13

Wealth is more than just finances. It’s about securing a legacy. Building a rich and fulfilling life. And Ileana Musa wants to make sure Latinos have every opportunity to build their wealth. She knows firsthand the challenges that come with building wealth. Musa was raised by a single mother, who brought her and her siblings over from Cuba at a you…

1
Roots of RAP (part 3): The Last Harvest 1:08:20

10M ago1:08:20

1:08:20

By 5 Sisters Audio Garden

1
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Pursues a Brighter Future 37:08

11M ago37:08

37:08

Being a political trailblazer is in Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s DNA. Her grandfather Eugene D. Lujan was one of the first Hispanic justices of the New Mexico Supreme Court. In 2019, she made history as the first Democratic Latina elected governor in the United States. Lujan Grisham’s successes for New Mexicans—investing in high-quality educat…

1
Monica Gil Lives Out Family Values to Create a Brighter Future 45:37

12M ago45:37

45:37

Grit. Perseverance. Love. Those family values have been and will always be part of Monica Gil, who grew up the youngest of twelve children. She watched her parents and older siblings navigate systems and unspoken rules of the game, trailblazing a path for her to advance. Throughout her career at Nielsen and now at NBCUniversal Telemundo, Gil has al…

1
Dolores Huerta Fights the Good Fight 29:34

1y ago29:34

29:34

Advocacy is at the heart of everything Dolores Huerta does. It was the influence of her mother’s community activism and her initial time as a teacher that spurred her lifelong journey as a community organizer. She met César Chavez while serving in the Stockton Community Service Organization, and the pair went on to launch the United Farm Workers un…

1
How Avocados Shape American Identity with Alvaro Luque 51:27

1y ago51:27

51:27

For Alvaro Luque, marketing strategies that promote avocados and celebrate the rich heritage of the Latino community will always be the way to go. With a career marked by groundbreaking initiatives, including AFM's historic Super Bowl advertising campaigns, Alvaro has solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in the marketing world. His dedication…

1
The Story of Latinos in America: Must-Listen Moments from Our Show 1:59

1y ago1:59

1:59

In every episode of The Latino Majority, we ask our guests a significant question: "If you were to author the story of Latinos in America today, what would be the theme and title?" Over fifty episodes later, we've gathered profound reflections from a diverse array of voices. This special compilation highlights some of the most impactful moments, sh…

1
Stacie de Armas and the Data Driving the Latino Marketplace 46:32

1y ago46:32

46:32

For Stacie de Armas, a trailblazer in media and cultural representation, her passion for exploring the intricate layers of Latino identity in modern America is unmistakable. As a first-generation Cubana, Stacie brings a wealth of multicultural insights to her work as the Senior Vice President of Diverse Intelligence & Initiatives at Nielsen. Stacie…

1
Above and Beyond: Silencio Jamás Live Podcast 1:16:55

1y ago1:16:55

1:16:55

RAMA Blueprints Podcast presents their Tres Generacíones/Three Voices live podcast series at BRAVA Cabaret in San Francisco. The panel addresses the intersectionalities of insider/outsider, invisibility, homophobia, resilience, migration, ethnicity, race, class, and gender, the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the history of social and politica…

1
Embracing Nonlinear Career Paths with José Tavarez 45:17

1y ago45:17

45:17

For José Tavarez, leadership isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about challenging the status quo and advocating for oneself in the face of uncertainty. Raised in a family where hard work and respect were foundational, Tavarez's career path wasn't linear but marked by pivotal moments of determination and perseverance. One such mome…

1
Bonus Episode: Own Your Narrative and Change Your Life with Bobby Herrera 37:01

1+ y ago37:01

37:01

50th EPISODE: For Bobby Herrera, storytelling isn't just an expression – it's a movement, mobilizing hearts and minds with each powerful chapter of the Latino narrative. Born to immigrant parents in New Mexico, Herrera's upbringing instilled in him the power of storytelling, shaping his perspective on leadership and community. Today, as the Preside…

1
Empathy in Action with Megan Hogan 41:09

1+ y ago41:09

41:09

With grace and vision guiding her, Megan Hogan has been a voice for the voiceless. From her roots in pro bono clinics to her current role as Global Head of Talent and Chief Diversity officer at Goldman Sachs as well as her volunteer work, she has championed the causes of countless individuals in their journey to find stability and community. Our ho…

1
Luis Miranda and the Latino Vote 42:33

1+ y ago42:33

42:33

For Luis Miranda, Jr., transitioning from his Puerto Rican roots to his current position as a prominent figure in American politics and culture has been extraordinary. With a background of resilience and determination, Luis has become a trailblazer in both the public and private sectors. As a political strategist, philanthropist, and author, he has…

1
Leading From the Heart with Oscar Munoz 38:47

1+ y ago38:47

38:47

For Oscar Munoz, leadership is more than simply steering companies to success. To him, it’s about connecting with people on a human level. As the former CEO and chairman of United Airlines, Oscar's leadership prioritized building trust and inclusivity. His genuine concern for others stem from his experiences, making him a relatable and inspiring fi…

1
eXtra Commentary: Tia Chucha's Trauma To Transformation 21:24

1+ y ago21:24

21:24

On February 8th, 2024 we facilitated a discussion about the current state of Juvenile Justice in San Francisco as part of our Tres Generaciones/Three Voices conversations. In this eXtra Commentary we are joined by two frontline staff of Tia Chucha’s Trauma To Transformation team Elvia Aguirre and Freddie Chavez. They work and serve youth incarcerat…

1
Fidel Vargas Shapes Tomorrow’s Leaders 51:20

1+ y ago51:20

51:20

From the youngest elected mayor to CEO of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Fidel Vargas is dedicated to educational access and community empowerment. As a former recipient of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund turned CEO of the HSF, Fidel's tireless efforts have reshaped the landscape of scholarship programs and catalyzed opportunities for countless young…

1
Julie Chavez Rodriguez and the Latino Legacy 27:00

1+ y ago27:00

27:00

For Julie Chavez Rodriguez, becoming a dynamic leader in today’s America could be her destiny as the granddaughter of civil rights icon Cesar Chavez. From her roots in the farmworker movement, Julie has emerged as a pivotal member of President Biden’s re-election campaign and stands among one of the highest-ranking Latinas in the White House. It wa…

1
Shut It Down!: The Closure of YGC (RAMA Live) 1:27:14

1+ y ago1:27:14

1:27:14

In 1969, the Real Alternatives Program called for the closure of SF’s Youth Guidance Center. 50 years later in 2019, the SF Board of Supervisors overwhelmingly approved the closure by the end of 2021. RAMA Blueprints hosts a live discussion with community members and leaders who were active in the Shut YGC down movement over the last 50 years. The …

1
Sandra Velasquez: From Front-Woman to Founder 43:34

1+ y ago43:34

43:34

For Sandra Velasquez, it’s always been about self-worth and self-acceptance. Show up as yourself and be bold about it. In a world that undermines minorities, Sandra aspires to take center stage and make a meaningful impact, not just for herself but also for the Latino community. From her early days as a performer leading sold-out shows to her curre…

1
eXtra Herstory: 2 Women of CALLES in Platica - Street Rapport and Response 40:13

1+ y ago40:13

40:13

In this extra for the RAMA Blueprints, we hear from three women who worked in the Real Alternatives Program's (RAP) CALLES Street Outreach program. We present this platica or dialogue to demonstrate how these two women, through consistency and relentlessness can lead to effective street outreach support services in response to community violence. W…

1
Carlos Huereca Is Comfortable with the Uncomfortable 40:15

1+ y ago40:15

40:15

When Carlos Huereca immigrated to El Paso at the age of 13, he had no choice but to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. His parents showed him how. It was at the dinner table where they often made tough decisions about their furniture business. Carlos had a front row seat to conversations about financial management and talent recruitment. It wa…

1
Marta Tellado’s Journey from Havana to Hero in the US Capitalist Economy 45:00

1+ y ago45:00

45:00

For Marta Tellado, memories of the marketplace she used to frequent in Havana, Cuba aren’t just memories — they’re a living paradigm for a better world. They’re a model of an ecosystem where people help each other. And they’re a never-ending source of drive, passion, and perseverance to advocate for others today. From serving as a translator for th…

1
Bonus Episode: It’s Family First for David Morales 37:43

1+ y ago37:43

37:43

The David Morales story is the story of the Morales family. That resonates in no place greater than his recent autobiography, American Familia. In it, Morales digs into his Puerto Rican heritage—not only as a way to emphasize the legacy of his family’s journey to America but to also inspire others within the Latino community to tell their own stori…

1
Bonus Episode: Lou Nieto Keeps a Strategy-First Philosophy 48:25

1+ y ago48:25

48:25

Lou Nieto grew up fascinated by strategy. A kid once destined for law school, he devoured battle maneuvers from historic wars and studied chess—a game he still believes doubles as a potent metaphor for life. Nieto’s interest in strategy translated seamlessly to his leadership roles in corporate America, in which he held high-ranking positions with …

1
Raquel González Invests in High-Impact Work at Bank of America 34:28

2y ago34:28

34:28

Raquel González doesn’t play witness to the changing Latino narrative, she helps author it. With a career spanning decades at Bank of America, González is not only a leading example of what can be achieved through longevity and commitment to a revered financial institution, she actively invests in Latino entrepreneurs to help give them their own cl…

1
eXtra Commentary: Roberto Ariel Vargas 31:38

2y ago31:38

31:38

In this RAMA eXtra, we hear commentary from Roberto Ariel Vargas, the Associate Director, Center for Community Engagement and Senior Staff for the Community Engagement Program and the Research Action Group for Equity of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, of the UCSF. As a lifelong member of RAP's family, he talks about the parallels …

1
With Blue Beetle, Ángel Manuel Soto Shows the Superhero Strength of Latinidad 25:42

2y ago25:42

25:42

For Director Ángel Manuel Soto, Blue Beetle is for his younger self. As a kid growing up in Puerto Rico, Soto didn’t have the opportunity to see an Indiana Jones that looked like him—to see Latinos in heroic spaces of power on the big screen. Through Blue Beetle he set out to change that. His recent blockbuster not only highlights the truth that th…

1
Xavier Gutierrez Welcomes Latinos to the Rink 42:21

2y ago42:21

42:21

“Latinos don’t play hockey.” It’s a phrase that Xavier Gutierrez has heard often since becoming the first Latino to lead an NHL team. As president and CEO of the Arizona Coyotes, Gutierrez sees the massive opportunity in welcoming Latinos to the hockey rink. It’s a vision he shares with friend and team owner Alex Meruelo, the first Latino owner in …

1
eXtra Bio: Orlando Torriente 26:25

2y ago26:25

26:25

In this eXtra for RAMA Blueprints, we hear from one of the Mission’s beloved sons, Orlando Torriente, who as a young man found his way out of a problematic life filled with drug use and criminal activity. He talks about his life with the Real Alternatives Program and the challenges of healing from trauma. We thank all the private donors for their s…

1
Miguel Garza Delivers Food That’s Better for You 48:04

2y ago48:04

48:04

The story of Siete Family Foods starts with a challenge: how to better manage an autoimmune disease through dietary transformation while staying connected to your culture. Miguel Garza watched his sister Veronica find a grain-free solution for tortillas by using almond flour, which she would then sell to family and friends in Laredo, Texas. Fresh o…

1
Roots of RAP part 3: Mitchell Salazar, Loyal to the Soil 37:22

2y ago37:22

37:22

In a multi-part episode, we begin to tell the story of Mitchell Salazar, the Real Alternatives Program's executive director from 1984 to 1999. We cover from the blocks of San Francisco's Bernal Heights as a young hustler with a deep entrepreneurial drive, to the legacy in the Mission for his You & I dances, to the young community leader who led RAP…

1
For Orlando Bravo, Puerto Rico is a Privilege 38:17

2y ago38:17

38:17

For Orlando Bravo, the story always starts in Puerto Rico. Even today, as the billionaire founder and managing partner of private equity investment firm Thoma Bravo, he recognizes that where he came from will forever influence where he is. Bravo attributes his meteoric rise in the early 2000s—when he made a name for himself in software acquisitions…

1
eXtra Herstory: Fatima Ramirez & Paseo Artistico 9:49

2y ago9:49

9:49

Fatima Ramirez, Executive Director of Accíon Latina and publisher of El Tecolote in San Francisco's Mission District talks about the role their Paseo Artisico program plays within building community. Accíon Latina and El Tecolote have been promoting cultural arts, community media, and civic engagement as a way of building healthy and empowered Lati…

1
Teresa Barreira Was Raised to Be a CMO 41:44

2y ago41:44

41:44

For most ten-year-olds, managing a grocery store would be daunting. For Teresa Barreira, it was a learning experience. Growing up in a small village where her parents ran three businesses, Barreira discovered what it meant to be entrepreneurial and scrappy. That background—in combination with an unflinching pride in her heritage—informs her today a…

1
Guillermo Diaz: “Someone’s Going to Do It . . . Why Not You?” 45:13

2y ago45:13

45:13

Guillermo Diaz isn’t shy about emphasizing the impact of his time in the Navy. It’s not only where he developed his competence in technology but where he began to truly understand the power in building relationships—the power in fostering a sense of community. As chairman of the Hispanic IT Executive Council and former CIO of Cisco Systems, Diaz ca…

1
Camille Vasquez on Her “Earned Luck” in Law 33:57

2y ago33:57

33:57

Camille Vasquez didn’t anticipate her fame. Raised by a Cuban mother and Colombian father who met while learning to speak English at a school in Los Angeles, Camille and her sister were given a simple directive early on: focus on your education. And so they did. According to Vasquez, that resulted in one of two options: doctor or lawyer. She chose …

1
RAMA Commentary - Stacie Powers Cuellar (Tres Generacíones/Three Voices) 20:21

2y ago20:21

20:21

In this commentary, Stacey Powers Cuellar, Executive Director at Brava, continues to be a warrior for the arts and the community. In this commentary about the Live RAMA Blueprints discussion, Tres Generaciones/Three Voices, she shares with us her life's work as an arts administrator in the Mission District, the role of Brava in the community and th…