Abuelas en Acción: A Multicultural Podcast for Our Common Good

Kevin Santiago-Jimenez, Diya Mankotia, Jermaine Puryear, Jr and Adequoyah Mathews, board members of Seen and Heard, discuss their advocacy work. These talented and inspiring youth leaders shared how they transformed personal experiences into community advocacy and how they have built community spaces for dialogue. They also shared how they have learned to leverage their youth perspectives to create change, with particular focus on the importance of peer-to-peer support and intergenerational collaboration.Support the show

In this inspiring conversation, Metro Councilor and new father Juan Carlos González joins the Abuelas to share his journey from working-class roots in Cornelius, Oregon to regional leadership. They explore what it means to fight for affordable housing, transportation equity, and immigrant rights while staying grounded in family, cultural pride, and community. Juan Carlos offers a bold vision for a region where everyone belongs and thrives.Support the show

The Climate Comadres speak with Ilina Ewen, a writer, advocate, and purpose-driven leader who believes in the power of using your voice, especially when it’s used to stand up for children, equity, and justice. Ilina discusses the lack of connection many young people feel and their worries about the future. She and her colleagues have formed a new national organization, Seen and Heard, which will be led by young people and will provide leadership development and advocacy for youth across the country.Support the show

Dr. Laura Pulido, Professor of Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies and Geography at the University of Oregon’s Center for Environmental Futures, is our guest. Dr. Pulido discusses cultural memory, the current efforts at the federal level and across the country to erase it, and why we cannot achieve racial justice without honestly confronting a past rooted in racial violence. She also describes the Trump administration’s elimination of environmental justice programs and explains what these changes mean for all of us.Support the show

Yvonne Garcia, Associate Director of the ACLU of Oregon, joins us to discuss the organization’s ongoing work in partnership with community members and allied organizations to protect democracy and defend civil liberties for all Oregonians. With passion and clarity, she reflects on the challenges facing our country today and underscores the strength, power, and importance of standing together to protect our most vulnerable communities.Support the show

Our guest this session is Indi Namkoong, Transportation Equity Coordinator for Verde in Portland, Oregon. Be inspired by Indi’s powerful vision for transportation justice — one that ensures the benefits and burdens of our transportation systems are shared equitably across all neighborhoods.Indi also provides an update on the recent stopgap transportation bill passed during Oregon’s special legislative session, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that remain for the future of transportation in our state.Don’t miss this insightful conversation about building a more just, sustainable, and connected Oregon!Support the show

Join the Climate Comadres in this inaugural episode of our new partnership with Verde Action in Portland Oregon. Cheyenne Holiday, Director of Policy and Advocacy talks about policy priorities of Verde Action. She speaks about the challenges to climate justice in this moment including loss of federal funding and other challenges. Cheyenne also reminds us of the many opportunities for collaboration and the development of new ideas and strategies for climate justice during this time of uncertainty. Support the show

Join Co-host Itzia Mejia in welcoming back Celeste Estrada to our virtual table. As we start off 2025 and a new presidential term we are reminded of the importance of coming together. Our conversation led us to explore themes of resilience, losing and finding community, self-advocacy, and healing tools.Support the show

Join the Comadres in this post election where we share our grief, sadness and fears but also our strength, determination and fuerza. We draw our strength from our hearts, Familias, ancestors and supportive communities. We will move forward! Failure is not an option!!!!Support the show

Join our host Itzia Mejia Barragan and future educator, Yesli Peña-Rodriguez in a virtual conversation on the importance of this upcoming election. We will discuss our thoughts and feelings while expressing the importance to vote. Listen to our stories, experiences and call to action. Your voice matters!!We had the honor of having such an inspiring woman join us. A little more on Yesli…She was born and raised in Wenatchee, WA. Her parents are from Mexico, and socioeconomically, she would describe her family as working class. As the oldest of three siblings, she recognized from a young age that attending college was essential for creating a better life for herself. She graduated in Spring 2024 from Washington State University (WSU) with a Bachelor's in English, a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate, and a Spanish minor. Currently, she is pursuing a master's in teaching at WSU as well.Throughout her undergraduate studies, she was actively involved as a mentor on the CUB 4th floor and participated in various Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) such as MECHA, APASC, KSA, BSU, and Crimson Group. At the moment, she works as a graduate student intern at the Office of New Student Enrollment and student teaches at Clarkston High School. In terms of extracurricular activities, she serves as the graduate advisor for Crimson Group, a support and advocacy group for the undocumented community. She chooses to stay involved with this RSO because it resonates deeply with her values and the mission it represents. Support the show

Join us in this frank conversation between the Comadres about what is at state in this election. Sitting this election out is not an option. We are all responsible for the sacred democracy of our country. The Comadres share their perspectives including their hopes and their fears for our country.Support the show

Join us in our conversations with community members about the November 5 election. Community leader, Olga Gerberg-Fern, talks about her experiences as a Latina living in rural Tennessee. She shares her challenges in dealing with her neighbors stereotypes about Latinos and immigrants. Support the show

Co-hosts Marie Dahlstrom and Itzia Mejia talk about the upcoming November 5 election. Itzia shares her Gen Z perspective and why this election is so important as an Undocumented American who will soon complete her Master's Degree in Education. Marie shares her perspective as a Baby Boomer who lives in a red state and the impact on women's right to an abortion and reproductive rights. Support the show

Join us in our conversations about the Nov 5 election and why it is so important for us all to vote, if we are able. We have so much at stake and yet our country is so divided. We talk about hope and ways for us to heal our differences. Must have conversations for our common good!Support the show

Join us in this heartfelt, con todo corazón, interview with one of Oregon's great leaders, David Martinez. David shares his personal journey and what it meant for him to be honored as a Portland pride hero in Portland’s first LGBTQ+ mural titled “Never Look Away” that showcases the beauty and struggle of Oregon’s LGBTQ+, Central to his personal and career journey has been his familia especially his mother. Support the show

Please join us in hearing the inspiring and heartfelt story of Elena Rodriguez, and her familia's journey to become owners and operators of Alumbra Cellars in Dayton, Oregon. Alumbra Cellars is a vineyard and winery operated and owned by Mexican Americans, first-generation children of immigrants. Elena chose Alumbra "to shine a light on the work being done in the vineyard and my Mexican roots,” Listening to Elena's story about her family and Alumbra Cellars will inspire us all to visit this amazing winery. Alumbra Winery, @alumbra.oregon and alumbracellars.comSupport the show

Please join us in this special conversation with José Eduardo González y Salazar, Executive Artistic Director of Milagro Theater (as known as Miracle Theatre Group). José speaks about his personal and professional journey to founding Milagro in 1985 with his wife, Dañel Malán-González. He speaks about the importance of art that serves as a mirror, showing us who we are and what and who is around us. He talks about the artist in all of us and the healing power of art.Support the show

It was a pleasure meeting with Margarita Gutierrez Lemus, the new Executive Director of Familias en Accion. Our conversation with Margarita is rich with topics including Latino health and economic justice and the importance/timeliness of the upcoming Latino Health Equity Conference: Nuestra Salud, Nuestro Poder; Cultivating Reproductive Justice. More information about the conference can be found at www.latinohealthequity.orgSupport the show

Jose Madrid talks to us about the intersectionalities of his identity as queer and BIPOC and how they led him to his career in health. He speaks about his lense as a DACA recipient and his commitment to addressing barriers to equitable health including reproductive justice. Jose speaks about the importance of reproductive justice and the upcoming Familias en Accion 15th Annual Latino Health Equity Conference, www.latinohealthequity.orgSupport the show

Join us as we continue our conversation with Dr. Patricia Glazebrook, professor at Washington State University. Our rich dialog with her includes the impact of climate change on women and children in Ghana and other developing countries. The impact of capitalism and profits on climate change. The importance of educating ourselves about issues such as climate change and the importance of spreading our knowledge. Support the show

Celeste Estrada, educator and community advocate, speaks about her personal and professional journey. She speaks about the pain of losing her father and how her grief transformed into action through the creation of the Washington State University Las Mariposas Poderosas Undocumented Initiatives program. Celeste speaks about the impact of trauma and grief and the healing power of art. "We shake with joy, we shake with grief. What a time they have, these two housed as they are in the same body." Mary OliverSupport the show

Join us in this inspiring dialog with beloved community leader and social justice advocate, Cynthia Gomez, Director of Community Impact, Portland State University. Cynthia talks about her defining moments and mentors who have meant so much to her in personal and professional journey. She talks about our individual and collective power in guiding us to a thriving future for all. Our interview with Cynthia is rich and empowering! Cynthia's Websitehttps://www.cynthiacarmina.com/Latine Futures Initiativehttps://www.pdx.edu/diversity/latine-futures-initiativeLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiacarminagomez/Support the show

Mariana Quezada, a junior at Chapman University, joins us for this very intimate interview about the many successes and challenges she has faced in her journey to attend college. Multi-talented Mariana is also a guitarist in the highly successful Mariachi Panteras. She describes how she confronted each barrier in her life and what gives her strength to succeed! Mariana"s favorite book is "Blackhearts" by Nicole Castroman, available as a free ebook on simonteen.com or through your library. Support the show

Join the comadres of Abuelas en Accion in a healing and affirming conversation with author Emilly Prado, author of Funeral for Flaca. Emilly talks about the power of writing in whatever way we choose; journaling, memoir fiction, poetry. Writing is our voice and our story. She encourages us to write using our own unique rhythm. As Emilly reads from her powerful chapter, "it's my brown skin," you will understand why the comadres had tears in their eyes. Support the show

Join us in this inspiring interview with Dr. Veronica Sandoval, also known as Lady Mariposa. Her passion for literature, activism, justice and the Chicanx/Latinx community has fueled her work and publications in both creative and academic writing. Veronica shares her journey to higher education and highlights the importance of representation. As a Chola Scholar, she empowers and uplifts the Chola narrative by helping create spaces for activism, community, education, and inspiration. This interview was recorded shortly after the 2023 Chola Conference. This year the conference was La Chola Xola: Reclaiming Indigenous Guerrillera Identities by Celebrating Ceremonia in Chola Spaces and centered around our sabiduria and ancestral living. To learn more, visit their website at the link below.https://www.homegirldoctora.com/cholaconSupport the show

Here on Abuelas we gather around our virtual table to tell our stories, share our defining moments, our gratitude, our pain and our hopes. Our warming climate, global conflicts and the erosion of our civil rights all remind us of the importance of meeting whatever life brings us with an open heart, a balanced mind and committed action.Our guest today, Phyllis Andersen, is a wise woman with an open heart who shares her journey, as an immigrant to El Salvador and the wisdom of the women, men and children of her community.Support the show

Today we are joined by Washington State University English Professor, Bryan Fry, and students, Gabriela Alvarez and Alex Diaz who share their journey in writing as a tool to express, connect and heal. In this special episode our Co-Host Itzia Mejia and our guests read their poems, "I am From," poetry with powerful images of their roots, familia, cultura, comida and most of all resilience!Support the show

Our ancestors taught us that we are all interconnected in life to our relationships, mother earth, our communities and all the beings and activities that surround us. Dr. Rosemary shares the beauty and the power of telling our stories through art and poetry. "I am From" is a powerful way to draw strength from our familia and our antepasados to remember who we are.Support the show

Join us for this very powerful interview with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi, author of the book, “Joy is my Justice. Dr. Sethi is a board-certified Integrative Family Medicine physician and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Tanmeet speaks with raw authenticity about our capacity for healing through the mystical, ancient wisdom and modern science. She speaks about the science of trauma and grief and its impact on our DNA and its impact on our family tree. She also speaks about the power of gratitude to change our brains! This is an interview you will not want to miss. You can sign up for her newsletter at tanmeetsethimd.comSupport the show

Join Abuelas as we talk about our new series, Nuestra Sabiduria: Unwrapping our Stories for Soul Filled Living and building our resilience for moving through these intense and challenging times. Our sabiduría; our wisdom, our inner knowledge has been slumbering in our souls, awaiting a time to be reawakened. You might say we are decolonizing the Sacred as our ancestors and universe have been waiting for us to return to our inner knowledge.Support the show

Join the Comadres as we talk with Dr. Jennifer Madden about the power of collaboration and design thinking. Jennifer talks about the synergy that can result from collaborations that can allow us to create something from nothing. She talks about resilience and our skills for living with ambiguity and uncertainty during these complex times. You will be inspired by our interview with Jennifer.Support the show

Today we talk with Dr. Tricia Glazebrook about Ecofeminism; the impact of the climate crisis on the lives of women and girls who disproportionately are suffering the impacts of climate change. Climate change adds to injustices experienced by women and children, and other vulnerable populations including gender based violence and poverty. The patriarchal powers that exploit women and children also exploit our natural world.Support the show

Join the Abuelas in a rich and beautiful conversation about life and hope. Marcia Robinson talks with Marie and Dr. Rosemary about defining moments and turning our pain into our strengths and gifts. She also shares the beauty of finding the artist in ourselves, including our pain and trauma, through tapping into our creativity. Soul work. Marcia so eloquently shares how hope is central to her life's journey. Support the show

Marce Gutiérrez Graudins talks about her journey of determination as the Founder and Executive director of Azul, an international Latinx organization that works to protect coasts and oceans. Marce is environmental justice advocate who began her career in the commercial fishing and aquaculture fields, She talks about hope for the future of our oceans and returning to our roots and values of our familias that can guide us all in taking action for the health of our planet and future generations.Support the show

Mark Magaña, CEO of GreenLatinos, talks about this important moment for all of us to do our part for climate change. He talks about the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt (COP 27) and what all of us can do in our families and communities. Join us for this inspirational interview that will propel each of us to take action. You can become a member of GreenLatinos at greenlatinos.org.Support the show

Dr. Tammy Yi shares her powerful journey as a first gen Korean student to Professor of Music at Chapman University. Tammy listened to mariachi music growing up in her diverse community of immigrants in Los Angeles. Along with her distinguished career as a musician and music educator she brought her love of mariachi music to the Chapman University campus to form Mariachi Panteras. Tammy speaks about racism, the power of community, music, equity and racial healing.Support the show

Diana Rodriguez-Pena felt a sense of calmness when she first visited the campus of Washington State University. She knew this was the right university for her. She shares the challenges of being an undocumented and first gen student and the power of her support network and familia, Mariposas Poderosas.Support the show

Mayra Angel talks about two defining moments in her life as an undocumented, queer Latinx. She also talks about participating in counseling with her parents and how it strengthened her relationship with them. She shares the importance of parents listening to their children.Support the show

Alex Diaz speaks about her defining moment as a 10 year old who moved with her family to Texas. She talks about the role her mother's value of education played in her journey to Washington State University.Support the show

Itzia Mejia Barragan, Student Ambassador for the Washington State University (WSU) Undocumented Student Center talks about her life's journey. Her journey is one full of light, strength and the power of hope. She talks about gratitude and the importance of her family and all of those in her life who support her and give her strength during challenging moments in her life including experiences of racism and depression. Her story is a powerful one!Support the show

Climate Activist Tony DeFalco from Latino Network, in Portland, Oregon, speaks about hope and the work of young Latinx and their communities on Climate Justice. He speaks about the importance of looking to our culture, spirituality and traditions to guide us with hope and action on our long journey for a thriving and sustainable Mother Earth. Support the show

We are excited to welcome Rob Hernandez back to our podcast to talk about his book, “Simply Love…Changing the Paradigm of Thought One Heart at a Time. Rob talks about why he wrote his book, love, relationships, triggers, traumasand our power to change our lives.Support the show

Spiritual conocimiento is a wisdom based on our traditions, our intuitions and our lived experience. “Conocimiento is the inner exploration of the meaning and purpose of life..a form of spiritual inquiry… reached through creative acts- writing, art making, dancing, healing, teaching, meditation and spiritual activism." Gloria AnzalduaSupport the show

The more we listen to our inner voice and intuition, we will be more understanding and empathetic toward others. Being present emotionally increases our ability to hear what people are not saying. Support the show

Today we talk about turning our life challenges into humility and self-compassion. Psychologist Steven Hayes says, “In your pain you find your values, and in your values, you find your pain.” Support the show

Today in our series, "Platicas de la Vida/Talks about Life" we talk about how our emotions affect us. Many of us are uncomfortable with our emotions. Emotional wellbeing depends on acknowledging all of our feelings and can lead to enhanced compassion for ourselves and others. The poet Naomi Shihab Nye said, "Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside, you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing."Support the show

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass but learning how to dance in the rain. How do we live with hurtful experiences in our lives? Today Dr. Rosemary and Marie talk about turning trauma, loss and wounds into gifts for renewed living. Support the show

Dr. Rosemary and Marie talk about love, pain and compassion. Compassion for ourselves and others. We build compassion by paying attention to the present moment; to our senses. They tell us we are alive and that this journey is worth it. Life is rich with beautiful moments like smelling the wonderful pot of beans on the stove with a tortilla hot off the press. Support the show

Maya Muñoz Tobón speaks about movement, embodiment, and the expressive arts for healing. We are all artists who can nurture our creative powers for ourselves and our families. Maya, through her gentle presence, provides concrete ways to "locate ourselves" in our busy lives through taking the time to breathe, feeling our bodies, and being present.Support the show

Psychologist Dr. Ruth Zúñiga, speaks about the healing power of our relationships, community, connectedness to others and spirituality. She offers steps that we can all take for personal and collective healing and emotional well being during these times of pain and trauma in our country and globally.Support the show