The Empowerment Zone

How can organizations strategically advance the political empowerment of Latinos?

Larry Gonzalez: promoting the importance of coalition-building in the policymaking process — 
Larry Gonzalez is an inconspicuous but powerful force in American government and politics. If you are interested in the political empowerment of the Latino community, this conversation is for you. Join Ramona and Larry as they discuss Larry’s professional trajectory into public affairs and his perspective on how the Latino and African American communities can work together to politically empower our communities to continue to push America forward. Larry Gonzalez is a Founding Principle of The Raben Group, joining in 2006. He is a leader of Raben’s LatinStrategies practice group where he helps clients, corporate and non-profit, develop and implement strategic plans to engage the Latino community groups and Hispanic members of Congress. Originally from Chicago, Larry lives in the metro Washington, DC.
To learn more about Larry Gonzalez, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-gonzalez-1a83804/.

Trailer! Larry Gonzalez: promoting the Importance of Coalition-Building in the Policymaking Process

Next episode available from Monday, May 23 with guest Larry Gonzalez
How can organizations strategically advance the political empowerment of Latinos?

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) in Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Niccole Bruno: Transforming the culture of veterinary medicine through BLEND — 
Veterinary medicine is the least diverse medical profession in the country, which is not reflective of pet ownership. Many veterinary professionals work in hospitals where there is only one doctor of color and/or person of color. A lack of diversity within veterinary medicine impacts the ability of veterinary professionals to educate their clientele of diverse backgrounds. This leads to a lapse in patient care. As an Afro-Latina veterinarian, Dr. Niccole Bruno is on a mission to change this reality. Join the conversation as Ramona talks to Dr. Bruno, the CEO & Founder of BLEND, a veterinary hospital certification program designed to train veterinary teams in DEI&B; not only in context but in daily application in their hospital culture. Originally from Queens, New York, Dr. Bruno currently resides in Houston, Texas.
To learn more about Dr. Niccole Bruno and BLEND, visit http://www.blend.vet.

Trailer! Dr. Niccole Bruno: Transforming the culture of veterinary medicine through BLEND

Next episode available from Monday, May 16 with guest Dr. Niccole Bruno
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) in Veterinary Medicine

How are changing demographics shaping the political and cultural landscape of the US?

Atty. John Haroldson Suarez: Examining justice in an era of social tension — 
Over the past few decades, demographic changes have been transforming the US. America is quickly evolving to become a majority-minority country. Threatened by this demographic shift, some Americans have created an antagonistic political and cultural environment, ushering in a period of hostility and incivility toward fellow Americans.
In this episode, Ramona is joined by Attorney Haroldson Suarez who talks about how these changes have influenced justice and, more importantly, how individuals can each do their part in creating a more just society. John Haroldson Suarez is the first Latino elected to serve as District Attorney in the State of Oregon and currently serves as the Board Chair for the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI).
To learn more about John Haroldson Suarez, visit https://www.co.benton.or.us/da.
 

Trailer! Attorney John Haroldson Suarez: Examining justice in an era of social tension

Next episode available from Monday, May 9 with guest Atty. John Haroldson Suarez
How are changing demographics shaping the political and cultural landscape of the US?

Congressman Hank Johnson: Leveling the playing field for everyday Americans through the Courts

What role does the legislature play in shaping the judiciary?
America is celebrating the Senate confirmation of its first African American woman Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. The Democratic Congress is one of the forces that made this landmark and consequential event happen. Join Ramona as she talks to Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) about this significant moment as well as the importance of US Legislature in shaping the judiciary. Congressman Johnson also discusses his 2022 agenda. Representing Georgia's Fourth Congressional District, Representative Hank Johnson is a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee. He has been named one of the most effective Democrats in Congress by a University of Virginia and University of Vanderbilt study.
To learn more about Congressman Hank Johnson, visit https://hankjohnson.house.gov/.

Trailer! Congressman Hank Johnson: Leveling the playing field for everyday Americans through the Courts

Next episode available from Monday May 2nd with guest Congressman Hank Johnson.
America is celebrating the Senate confirmation of its first African American woman Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. The Democratic Congress is one of the forces that made this landmark and consequential event happen. Join Ramona as she talks to Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) about this significant moment as well as the importance of US Legislature in shaping the judiciary. Congressman Johnson also discusses his 2022 agenda. Representing Georgia's Fourth Congressional District, Representative Hank Johnson is a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee. He has been named one of the most effective Democrats in Congress by a University of Virginia and University of Vanderbilt study.
To learn more about Congressman Hank Johnson, visit https://hankjohnson.house.gov/.

Part 2: How can educators transform their profession?

Dr. Jose Leyba: Pioneering Mexican American/Chicano educator explores approaches to forging change — 
Educators are vital to the development of children and young adults. Following the parents, they are the first to inspire students to achieve their potential. Many African American and Mexican American students, however, are left behind due to the systemic realities that label them incapable of academic excellence. Join Ramona as she talks to leading educator Dr. Jose Leyba as he discusses how his leadership influenced change within K-12 and higher education to advance the educational development of Mexican American children. A third generation Arizona native, Dr. Leyba’s career spans over 45 years in the P-20 system, having held many executive leadership positions in K-12 such as Principal, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, and Superintendent and in higher education such Vice President, Vice Chancellor Human Resources, Provost, and Interim President.
Dr. Leyba now serves as an executive search consultant & leadership coach.
 
Find out more about Dr Ramona Houston.

Part 1: How can educators transform their profession?

Dr. Jose Leyba: Pioneering Mexican American/Chicano educator explores approaches to forging change — 
Educators are vital to the development of children and young adults. Following the parents, they are the first to inspire students to achieve their potential. Many African American and Mexican American students, however, are left behind due to the systemic realities that label them incapable of academic excellence. Join Ramona as she talks to leading educator Dr. Jose Leyba as he discusses how his leadership influenced change within K-12 and higher education to advance the educational development of Mexican American children. A third generation Arizona native, Dr. Leyba’s career spans over 45 years in the P-20 system, having held many executive leadership positions in K-12 such as Principal, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, and Superintendent and in higher education such Vice President, Vice Chancellor Human Resources, Provost, and Interim President.
Dr. Leyba now serves as an executive search consultant & leadership coach.
 
Find out more about Dr Ramona Houston.