The Cafecito & Chisme is HOT

What's good familia! Two things have been prevalent in my life lately — play and curiosity. I came into 2025 with new energy ready for what the year had in store. She came into it BIG dreaming. Now I know it hasn't been the best series of events on a macro level but I think art and conversations are the root of resistance which is more than necessary right now.

Now more than ever I encourage our people, our storytellers and creatives to lean into their craft, to take up space in their industries, and to hold important conversations in community.

For me, that's where Hella Latin@ comes in. There are two episodes for y'all to catch up on: "Built Different" with Tania Mercado and "How Schools Make Race" with Laura Chávez-Moreno . Tania holds it down for Latinas in tech and public policy, while Laura holds it down for Latina educators and radical thought leaders. Takeaway: Latinas stay holding it down.

In the "Build Different" episode, Tania takes us through her journey as an immigrant growing up between Mexico and LA. She shares how she leaned into her curiosity to build her career.

“ Know how much your worth is. Do your research on the jobs and what the market value is for what you bring to the table - and then double it! For real.”

As someone who worked as a  press aide for then California Attorney General Kamala Harris, Tania couldn’t ignore the growing uncertainty in this country — especially since the Latino community had (has) been targeted in more ways than one. She knew she had to fight for us. She knew our communities deserve the right to put down roots where it’s safe and call this country our home. And so, she put in work to be in those spaces.

And speaking of!

This week on the pod, we’re diving deep into a conversation that is so, so necessary — one that affects our schools, our communities, and the way we see ourselves. The brilliant Laura Chávez-Moreno, an award-winning researcher, professor, and expert in Chicanx/Latinx education, just released her latest book, How Schools Make Race: Teaching Latinx Racialization in America. Trust me, this episode will have you eyes wide and reflecting.

In the spirit of play and curiosity, I'm also dreaming about Hella First Gen. More on that soon but yes, it is coming back in April and it'll be refreeesshed!

So listen, whether you’re building your career, finding your voice, or curious about Latinidad and race, these stories are for you. Hella Latin@ available on all major podcast platforms. Tap in!

Con mucho amor,

Odalys Jasmine

P.S. we put a pause on the IG immigration updates mostly due to my collaborator's own capacity. As a DACA recipient himself, he needed to take a break. Y'all - the work is heavy, but community got us. WE got you. Rest is resistance okay? So take it!

Some episodes to look forward to: A talk with a Latina astrologist Tiffany Leonardo who went from healthcare to self care, a beautiful live video interview with tech mami and business owner Lariza Quintero , and a much-needed conversation with Palestinian-Venezuelan Maisa Morrar . Sneak peek:

If you're vibing with this content, share with your people and pages and leave a review for ya girl! 🤍🎙️☕️ Thank you for riding with me. HUGS.