Created by St. Louis Latinx professionals, the “Auténtico!” podcast is committed to shaping Latinx identity.
Each episode reveals stories and lessons learned from bilingual Latinx professionals and small business owners.
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Today we’re joined by Ben Molina. Originally from Bolivia, Ben is passionate about elder care and his work at the Alzheimer’s association is making a difference in the Hispanic community.
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For 40 years the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis has served as a vital resource and connection central in the St. Louis region for 40 years. -
For Ricardo’s immigrant parents, DACA meant their children would have temporary, renewable permission to be in the United States without documentation of their own. For Ricardo, DACA was an opportunity to keep moving forward. -
In this episode of We Live Here Auténtico!, get to know THE ultimate connector, storyteller and collaborator, Suzanne Sierra. Suzanne struggled to find her purpose. Now she helps people find their voice and tell their story.
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Break the box and rebuild it if you have to! Trailblazing TV Star Gilberto Pinela never wanted to be the person that everybody wanted to come to as 'the resident Latina" or 'the media person'. He's all about giving the opportunity for new generations to come. -
We go back to our roots with the incredible Junior Lara. In 2018, Junior and Gabriela started Auténtico Podcast which is now in its partnership form with St. Louis Public Radio as We Live Here Auténtico! Mission Accomplished! -
There is powerful science behind the consciousness movement and there’s no one better to learn from than transformational coach Harry “Boom Boom” Lopez. -
What is a Wet Taco? Discover its Journey to Dutchtown and the Woman Who's Dream Brought Them to Us. @tacoslajefastl -
What would you do? Arriving to a new country and having to start your life over? This is Tania’s story – It is the story of many immigrants and refugees - resilience, self-empowerment, rediscovery, family, hard work and success. Tania Interian is bilingual professional and attorney. She is the owner of Tania Interian State Farm Agency and is the co-chair of the Latino Roundtable of Southwestern Illinois. Listening to Tania’s journey will reassure you that you are on the right path – even with its challenges and struggles As you listen to Tania’s life journey, take time to reflect on your life challenges, how you overcame and how have those moments impact you today. -
The folks of Fairmont City, Illinois didn’t realize how much they needed a library until they’d gotten one. It took some convincing. Thank goodness for Katie Heaton! She knew a good librarian puts their ear down, listens and really pays attention to the needs of their patrons. “You can hear the heartbeat of the community and when you hear that heartbeat, you can figure out what the needs are”, Katie says. Her goal was always to meet the needs of the people she served, whatever that need may be, from literacy to resources to broader partnerships and community services. Fairmont City probably couldn’t imagine life without their library now and Katie is still excited to rise to the challenge every day. Libraries are gateways to knowledge and culture. They play a fundamental role in society. They are a place for personal growth and are a gathering place for civic and cultural engagement and a trusted place for preserving culture. For Katie Heaton and her Fairmont City library patrons, it is so much more.
The Team
Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano
Autentico Co-Host
Before creating the We Live Here Auténtico Podcast, Gabriela worked as an educator, diplomat, community advocate, business counselor, restaurant owner, marathon runner, author, co-founder and small business owner.
Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico and inspired by her own experience growing up as an immigrant in the United States, Gabriela has a passion and commitment to help others.
Now back in St. Louis, Gabriela finds her voice helping small business owners achieve their dreams as the Executive Director at the Center for Emerging Technologies and Director of Entrepreneurship at CORTEX. Through her podcast, Auténtico, she empowers and showcases bilingual Latinx professionals and small business owners and through her work at the BALSA Foundation she promotes social equity and prosperity
Gabriela holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Missouri - Columbia and an MBA from Lindenwood University. She just graduated from the 2021 Leadership MO class and is most proud of raising amazing children who inspire her to help make the world a better place.
Alejandro Santiago Ortega
Autentico Co-Host
Alejandro Santiago Ortega is a foreign attorney and community advocate.
Alejandro received his J.D. from Universidad Anáhuac in Oaxaca, Mexico. After graduating law school, Alejandro did a Master’s Degree in U.S. Law at California Western School of Law in San Diego, California. Alejandro has worked for non-profits and law firms in many areas including real state, immigration, mediation, and contracts.
He also volunteers for several organizations in the St. Louis region, looking to create meaningful change in the community. Alejandro is committed to improving the quality of life for all in the region.
Alejandro Santiago Ortega es abogado extranjero y defensor comunitario.
Alejandro recibió su J.D. de la Universidad Anáhuac en Oaxaca, México. Después de graduarse de la facultad de derecho, Alejandro hizo una maestría en derecho estadounidense en la Facultad de Derecho de California Western en San Diego, California.
Alejandro ha trabajado para organizaciones sin fines de lucro y bufetes de abogados en muchas áreas, incluyendo bienes raíces, inmigración, mediación y contratos.
Alejandro también es voluntario de varias organizaciones en la región de St. Louis, buscando crear un cambio significativo en la comunidad. Alejandro está comprometido con mejorar la calidad de vida para todos en la región