Tiempo with Joe Torres

On this edition of Tiempo, the United States is extending deportation protection for Venezuelan nationals. The Biden administration issued an extension of deportation protection for Venezuela, all through the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. The announcement came as Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third presidential term. Protesters in Venezuela, however, say Maduro didn't provide the evidence proving that he won the election. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State put out a warrant for Maduro's capture. Joining us to provide insight is the founder of the USA4ALL immigration law firm, Renata Castro. Plus, Tiempo looks at efforts to get Latino and Hispanic history taught in New Jersey schools. There's a new bill in the Garden State's legislature that aims to make instruction on Latino and Hispanic history mandatory in the classroom setting. New Jersey has a rapidly-growing Hispanic and Latino population, which accounts for 22% of the state's 1.1 million people, according to figures in the U.S. Census. We speak with New Jersey Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz about the importance of this legislation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we learn more about the efforts to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking in the United States. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the monthlong campaign aims to empower victims and protect others who could become victims. Goya Foods has joined forces with a number of organizations and businesses to help fight the epidemic. More specifically, Goya Cares has launched global initiatives to help combat child trafficking. Joining us to discuss this issue is Goya Foods CEO & President Bob Unanue, and Maria Trusa, founder of "Yo Digo No Mas." Also on our program: Efforts to make higher education more accessible and affordable to all. According to the Pew Research Center, Latinos are the fastest-growing ethnic group among college students. For so many of those students, however, affordability remains an obstacle to higher education. To lend a helping hand, New York State has an agency dedicated to assisting students obtain financial aid, grants and scholarships. We speak with Guillermo Linares, president of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), about the resources that students have access to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Tiempo, we focus on education — highlighting a new initiative to develop Latino studies in New York City schools, and events designed to help guide students and families in filling out complex federal aid forms. More than 400,000 New York City school students are Latino. In response, local educators and community organizations have launched a new initiative to develop a Latino studies curriculum. New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who is also Latina, is in favor of the plan. Joining us is Dr. Limarys Caraballo from the Teachers College, Columbia University and América Cañas Garcia from United Way of New York City. Together they educate us on how a Latino studies curriculum would be implemented. Meanwhile, James Rodriguez, from UFT's College and Career Resource Fairs, and Francisco García-Quezada from the New York City Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network join the show to highlight several FAFSA completion events they are holding in our area, designed to help students and families navigate the complex application process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, a special honor for the legendary Rita Moreno. The Boricua actress, activist and former Tiempo guest is turning 93 years old, and to mark the occasion, toymaker Mattel made a doll in her honor. The doll pays homage to the trailblazer with a gown she wore the night she won the Oscar in 1962 for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in "Westside Story." Tiempo has details on how and when you can get the special edition doll. Also ahead, the Yonkers Fire Department is looking to hire and diversify the ranks. The recruitment team has visited schools and community centers to get the word out. We talk to them about their recruitment efforts. But right now, we focus on President-elect Donald Trump and his call for mass deportations. Under Trump's plans, programs that offer temporary protection for immigrants may be at risk. One major concern centers around DACA: the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Immigration attorneys have been very busy preparing for the possibility of large-scale workplace raids and roundups in communities throughout the five boroughs and beyond. Joining us to discuss the matter is attorney Steve Maggi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, the largest family-owned circus is back performing some exhilarating acrobatics in Queens. For 55 years, Circus Vazquez has entertained generations of audiences with an authentic and affordable circus experience, and this year's show carries on that legacy. Tiempo speaks with the family behind Circus Vazquez about its show and legacy. But right now, a New Jersey family is on a mission to help fight poverty in the Dominican Republic. The family created the Caimito City Foundation in 2013. The organization collects food and school supplies to send to families in a rural town called El Caimito in the Dominican Republic. Staffers are currently packing baskets for Christmas in an effort to give back during the holidays. Joining us to discuss is William Almanzar, the co-founder of the Caimito City Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we'll tell you about a city soccer program under the Saturday night lights. Queens Councilmember Francisco Moya and several community-based organizations spearheaded the initiative. The hope is to engage young immigrants, Latino youth and unaccompanied minors in Queens with the soccer program. We'll speak with the councilman and one of the soccer coaches about the program and how you can get involved. But first, it's Puerto Rican Heritage Month, and New York City's Boricua College is celebrating its golden 50th anniversary! The four-year, accredited institution employs one of the largest concentrations of Latino bilingual professionals in New York City. Founded by Boricuas in 1974, the college has expanded to include three campus centers, and the school even had a city street recently named after it. Joining us to discuss the school's milestone is Aurea Morales-Gonzalez, the dean of admissions at Boricua College's Brooklyn campus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we take a closer look at the rise in food insecurity among Latinos in New York City. Staffers at the Food Bank for New York City say they noticed an increase in food insecurity this year. Reports suggest 1 in 3 NYC families struggle to make ends meet, with 50% of city families being unable to afford the cost of food and rent. This holiday season, the hunger relief organization is partnering with Goya Foods to help put food on the table. We'll talk to them about the collaboration. But right now: President-elect Donald Trump's promised immigration plan calls for mass deportations, sparking fear and anxiety in many communities across the city. New York is a sanctuary city, where undocumented immigrants are largely shielded from immigration enforcement agents. NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro joins us our program to speak about the issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special edition of Tiempo, we preview Puerto Rican Heritage Month, which kicks off in November. The celebration honors the many contributions that Boricuas have made in the United States. To kick off the festivities, Comité Noviembre has scheduled several special events, including a Puerto Rican artisan fair. The organization is also celebrating its 38th anniversary. We'll speak with the chairwoman and founding member of Comité Noviembre and the president of the Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts. But first: a critical demographic that could sway the presidential election is the Latino vote. The Hispanic Federation and the Latino Victory Foundation recently conducted a national poll on what issues are important to Latino voters. 60% said inflation and the cost of living are top issues. Immigration and abortion rights were also important issues to those surveyed. Analysts expect a record 36.2 million eligible Latino voters in this election year. Joining us to provide insight is Dorian Caal, director of the Civic Engagement Research Naleo Educational Fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility completed a historic journey for diversity, equity and inclusion. The team hit the streets and walked from Washington D.C. to New York City, a journey of over 240 miles. We'll speak with the group's president and CEO about the organization's mission. But first: proposed legislation is trying to help city vendors obtain a license. The NYC Street Vendor Project recently took party in a documentary that sheds light on the city's vendors and their plight to get a license. Some vendors have been waiting for more than 10 years for a permit. Recently, there's been an effort by city leaders to overhaul the longstanding street vending rules. The most sweeping change would remove a decades-old cap on the city's highly coveted and restricted vendor permits and licenses. Joining our program is Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez, the deputy director of the Street Vendor Project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is our final show in the 2024 celebration of Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month. We'll highlight the Bronx photographers who documented the South Bronx Puerto Rican community in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their photos are on display in an exhibit at the Museum of Bronx History. Our favorite comic book heroin La Borinqueña makes her debut at Comic Con later this month. She now has several new action figures. We'll talk to the character’s creator, Edgardo Miranda Rodriguez a little later in the show. The Yonkers Chamber of Commerce just appointed a new president. The Westchester organization does what chambers do .. it supports businesses. It hosts educational programs to help retailers expand and grow their operations and it provides guidance and counsel for new businesses Yonkers is home to a large Hispanic population. Joining us is Lenny Caro, the new president of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The late Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, now has a coin in her honor. The Cuban icon’s face will grace the U.S. quarter with the word “Azucar.” We take you to the big celebration of the coin’s release. “These Days” is a family drama about the Salvadoran community on Long Island. It sheds a positive light on Salvadorans in Brentwood. The film has already won several awards. We’ll talk to the film’s producers. The Spanish government has designated a dual-language charter school in New Jersey as an International Spanish Academy, the first Garden State school to receive such an honor. The recognition for Hola Hoboken Dual Language Charter School occurred last month during a ceremony attended by state, county and local leaders and the consul general of Spain. We’ll learn more from the school’s founder and a Spanish government official. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Boricua musical duo Nina Sky is back. Yhe twins burst onto the music scene with their infectious debut single “Move Ya Body" in the mid-2000's. The dancehall-infused track dominated the airwaves and clubs alike. Now the sisters have a new project "y-2-que" they want to share with us. *** We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we learn about a new school in Yonkers after proud Boricua and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Sotomayor, a Bronx native, was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The school is a dual-language, bi-cultural, community based institution. *** A group of students from our area spent their summer break in Costa Rica. The students went there to help restore public schools while they learned about global issues such as climate change and poverty. The kids also cooked traditional dishes, learned about the economic and social structure of the country and even milked cows and harvested coffee. The Global Kids nonprofit made the educational trip a reality. The organization partners with schools to offer an array of services. And it helps to develop active global citizens and prepare them for success in an ever-changing world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month has begun, and throughout the month, “Tiempo” will recognize the contributions and the impact of Latino Americans on our history and our culture. To begin the festivities, we visit the Museum of Broadway in New York, which has a new exhibit dedicated to the remarkable achievements of Latino artists, ¡VIVA! BROADWAY: ayer, hoy y mañana. But first, we catch up with the Hispanic Federation, the umbrella organization founded in 1990 with a network now of over 750 nonprofit organizations. Its focus remains to strengthen the Latino community. Recently the federation has collaborated with the Latino Victory Foundation and unveiled a national snap poll of registered Latino voters, and revealed that group is highly motivated to participate in the election,. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Tiempo, we are joined by Boricua actress Liza Colon-Zayas of the FX/Hulu series "The Bear." Liza was just nominated for an Emmy award for her performance in 'The Bear' now in its third season. We'll hear from her, plus a paid internship program for undocumented youth in New York City as the city continues to see an influx of migrants. "Beyond Rising" provides skills training, career mentorship, workforce development, financial empowerment and access to higher education for undocumented youth. And, we move our focus once again to Puerto Rico and and yet another hurricane that knocked out power to 700-thousand customers on the island. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the story of an incredible accomplishment for a first-generation Latina student from New York City. Malena Galletto was accepted into eight Ivy League schools. A recent graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, she excelled academically and had a stellar GPA. We'll tell you how she achieved this with the help of her tutor and family. *** We also examine an effort to increase the number of Latino doctors. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center analysis, seven percent of physicians in the US are Hispanic, but Hispanic Americans make up 19 percent of the population. To address this disparity, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, part of the Montefiore Health System, is trying to increase the number of Black and Latino doctors. They have a program called SUMP—Summer Undergraduate Mentorship Program. It provides critical opportunities for students from groups historically underrepresented in science and medicine to learn and pursue health-care careers. They are hitting the books this summer while many other students hit the beach. Joining us is Dr. Elizabeth Lee-Rey, SUMP’s program director; Yuliana Dominguez Paez, SUMP’s leader; and Katherine Tinco, a student in the program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this edition of Tiempo, we learn more about a local novelist and writer who recently debuted her own children's book. Angie Cruz wrote the book, "Angelica and La Guira," about a little Dominican girl who lives in Washington Heights and uses the power of music to connect with her roots back in her home country. Tiempo speaks with Cruz about the book and the impact she hopes it has on her community. But first: the annual National Dominican Day Parade takes place once again in Midtown Manhattan. The parade celebrates Dominican culture and the many triumphs of Dominicans in New York City. In fact, Dominicans make up the largest Hispanic population in the city at nearly 35%. National Dominican Day Parade Board Member Manuel Saez and Ambassador of Culture Honoree Amaurys Grullon join the show to discuss the celebration and preview the parade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Venezuela recently held its presidential election. Authorities declared Nicolas Maduro the winner - once again. Maduro is now set to begin his third six-year term. Maduro's political party has been accused of interfering in past elections. Many Venezuelans supported Maduro's main opponent - Edmundo Gonzalez - who aimed to undo policies that caused economic collapse and led millions of people to leave the country According to UN estimates, 7.7 million people have left the country since 2014. And the numbers of Venezuelan migrants arriving in the United States has increased significantly in a span of four years. In 2021, more than 48,000 Venezuelan migrants entered the country. That number grew significantly to more than 217,000 so far this year according to the U.S. Border Patrol. And out of more than 107,000 migrants who arrived here since 2023, 42,920 are from Venezuela per New York City officials. Joining us is our good friend Renata Castro. She is a longtime immigration attorney and founder of the USA 4 All law firm. *** A Puerto Rican organization based in New York City just launched a push to get more Boricuas to vote in November The organization, La Brega y Fuerza, hopes to mobilize Boricuas here so they can build connections and create a pipeline of power that links voters and issues on the island to those in the diaspora. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this edition of Tiempo, we explore the work of Latino artist Manny Vega. You've probably seen the murals and mosaics that decorate the city, artwork created by the Bronx-born artist. His creations often celebrate Latino pioneers. Vega has an in-residence exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York. Meanwhile, he is also conducting workshops for the public. Joe Torres speaks with Vega about his artwork and legacy. But first: Immigration scams are on the rise in New York City. Reports of those scams have spiked, according to several community agencies that help run the free immigration hotline by the New York Office of New Americans. The scams range from someone offering to get immigrants to the front of the line in court if they pay money, to someone offering help at a migrant shelter, again for money, and then they disappear. Scammers are also spoofing government agency phone numbers. Elizabeta Markuci, director of hotline services at Catholic Charities Community Services, joins Tiempo to discuss the rise in scams and how people can protect themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of "Tiempo," we talk to a Latina educator born and raised in the South Bronx. She opened a charter high school there, which has an impressive record for consistently sending more than 95 percent of its graduates to the college of their choice. Dr. Elaine Ruiz Lopez wrote a book about her journey called "The Fight for Equity in the Bronx." She details the struggles and challenges of her childhood in the South Bronx and the fight she endured to open the charter high school. But first, we catch up with the founder of LatinTRENDS magazine, Juan Guillen. The news and entertainment website chronicles the best of Latin culture, music entertainment and inspirational people. Originally launched as Dominican Times in 2001, the magazine's creators and editors rebranded the publication as LatinTRENDS in 2010 and now it's only available online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Tiempo, we learn more about the potential powerful storms that could make landfall in Puerto Rico. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently predicted the most extreme hurricane season in history. For Puerto Rico, the memories of Hurricane Maria and Fiona will never go away. Americares, a disaster relief and global health organization, has a chapter in Puerto Rico. The organization has been on the frontlines helping Puerto Ricans recover from these storms and natural disasters. The director of Americares Puerto Rico, Eric Jovan Perez-Lopez, joins Tiempo to discuss the preparations the organization has in place for potential storms. Also on the program, we learn about the great work of "Mi Patria Puerto Rico." Local military veterans created the group, which volunteers in Puerto Rico to help families rebuild after natural disasters. The nonprofit organization has reconstructed numerous homes across the island. Joe Torres speaks with "Mi Patria Puerto Rico" co-founders Raymond Collazo and Carmen Iris Santiago about the group and its mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this edition of Tiempo, we talk about the significance of a program giving Dreamers the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones abroad. A total of 30 DACA recipients from the City University of New York traveled to Mexico earlier this year. Nearly all the Dreamers were born in Mexico and had not seen their family members since leaving the country as young children. The visit was an all-expense paid study abroad program facilitated by CUNY Citizenship Now! Adela Zamora, a DACA recipient and Queens College alumna, and Jesus Perez, the director of Brooklyn College's Immigrant Student Success Office, joins Tiempo to discuss the impact of the trip. Later on our program, we also talk about the "Tu Cuentas" Cine Youth Fest. The Brooklyn-based festival spotlights young and emerging Latino creatives in the film industry. It takes place in October and they are still accepting submissions. We talk with "Tu Cuentas" Cine Youth Fest's co-director Cynthia Rivera about the event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this edition of Tiempo, Latin Restaurants Week returns for a second year. The two-week event is an effort to drive awareness and customers to Latino restaurants. The campaign hopes to help these restaurants thrive, and there's even discounts for many Latino dishes. Mike Lopez, owner of "Benny's Cuban Cafe," joins to discuss his business. But first: President Biden recently took executive action to stop the surge of migrants at the southern border. The move comes as New York City hits a new milestone of 200,000 migrants who have passed through in the last two years. The measure will bar migrants who cross the border illegally from seeking asylum once a daily threshold of 2,500 is met for a week straight. President Biden says the White House is working closely with Mexico to deal with the migrant crisis. That means the administration will soon hear from the history-making and first woman-elected president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum. John Gutierrez from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Margaret Martin from Catholic Charities sits down with Joe Torres to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Torres previews the 67th Puerto Rican Day parade with honoree Carmen Jovet, an award winning journalist with a five-decades-long career, and board member Louis Maldonado. Singer Lisa Velez will serve as the ‘Madrina’ for the annual Puerto Rican Day parade and gives a sneak peek at a new salsa version of her son Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of "Tiempo," Joe Torres sits down with Raymond Collazao and Carmen Iris Santiago, founders of Mi Patria Puerto Rico, an organization of volunteers on the island helping families rebuild after natural disasters. Plus, the star of the ABC show Will Trent, Ramon Rodriguez, will serve as the padrino for the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. He sits down with entertainment reporter Joelle Garguilo to talk about the show and his heritage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Insurance fraud is one of the most costly and damaging forms of crime in the United States and globally. Fraud takes many forms because scammers constantly change their methods to find new gaps and loopholes. According to the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud, 40 percent of Latino adults have been targeted by insurance fraud. We'll talk to the alliance about measures they are taking to help protect everyone. But first: controversy regarding a crackdown on day laborers at several Home Depot stores across New York. One of Home Depot stores in New Rochelle now patrols the parking lot with dogs that pushed the day laborers to the edge of the property. Police say there have been complaints about the laborers getting aggressive with customers when offering to load up their cars. Dario Navarrete from United Community Center of Westchester joins us to shed more light on the situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of "Tiempo," we talk to a Latina educator born and raised in the South Bronx. She opened a charter high school there, which has an impressive record for consistently sending more than 95 percent of its graduates to the college of their choice. Dr. Elaine Ruiz Lopez wrote a book about her journey called "The Fight for Equity in the Bronx." She details the struggles and challenges of her childhood in the South Bronx and the fight she endured to open the charter high school. But first, we catch up with the founder of LatinTRENDS magazine, Juan Guillen. The news and entertainment website chronicles the best of Latin culture, music entertainment and inspirational people. Originally launched as Dominican Times in 2001, the magazine's creators and editors rebranded the publication as LatinTRENDS in 2010 and now it's only available online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The New York Department of State just gave more than a million in grant money to several community organizations in our area. The goal? Fund financial literacy programs and help people improve their finances. The programs plan to provide one-on-one coaching with experienced financial professionals and offer help on how to budget and manage your finances for the long term. Two of the community organizations are based in the Bronx. where so many Latinos live. Joining us is Robert Rodriguez, the New York secretary of state to give us details on why this program is crucial to Latinos. Then, free legal immigration assistance is being offered at Queens College as the city manages the influx of migrants. The CUNY school just launched a campus branch of CUNY’s Citizenship Now! The new office will be fully staffed by a supervising attorney, a paralegal and office employees who will provide completely free legal assistance to students, as well as their families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We examine New York Latino voters and the presidential elections in November. Political analysts expect one million Latinos in New York to cast ballots in the presidential election, according to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials or NALEO. The association also expects Latino turnout in the Empire State to increase by 12.4 percent from 2020, and more than 13 percent from 2016. Joining us is Dorian Caal from the NALEO Educational Fund, which has a comprehensive analysis on Latino voter turnout come November. *** We highlight a New York City jazz program where most of the students are Latino. The Jazz Power Initiative is located in the heart of Washington Heights and offers after-school classes, senior center workshops and a program for artists and educators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start in Puerto Rico, where dengue cases are on the rise. Leaders on the island recently declared a public health emergency. Puerto Rico's Secretary of Health said the Health Department has registered 549 cases of dengue so far this year, and that far exceeds historical numbers. Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne virus across the globe. The secretary said all parts of Puerto Rican society must join forces to prevent contagion and the spread of this virus. Joining us this morning is Judith Aponte, professor at Hunter College. *** There is a push to make sure Latino children have continuous health coverage during their crucial early years of life. It's a major concern as New York State considers drastic cuts to Medicaid. We talk to Health First New York's largest nonprofit health insurer. They want to raise awareness to help stop gaps in coverage for Latino children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hundreds of Cubans hit the streets recently to protest the lack of food and access to electricity and fuel. The Cuban government has initiated nightly blackouts for almost seven months due to rising fuel costs and continued economic hardship on the island. Ted Henken, a professor at Baruch College who has written several books on Cuba, joins us to discuss the crisis. Then, we'll highlight an organization whose mission is to reunite men and women taken at birth in Chile. It happened during the country's dictatorship that lasted from 1973 to 1990. Thousands of babies were taken from their mothers and sold across the world. The nonprofit has made several trips to the South American nation to reunite families. Many of the members are adoptees themselves and from our area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mayor Eric Adams wants to modify New York's status as a sanctuary city for migrants. The mayor says migrants who commit serious crimes should be deported. Right now, existing laws prohibit city officials from cooperating with federal immigration agents if a foreign national is charged with a crime. New York City has officially ended the right-to-shelter for single adult migrants after 30 days in a city-run shelter. The administration has provided shelter and care to around 183,000 new arrivals in the past two years. Joe Torres sits down with attorney Muzaffar Chishti from the Migration Policy Institute to focus on the migrant crisis. *** In honor of Women’s History Month, Tiempo is highlighting The CUNY TV Show Latinas, which showcases influential Latina leaders. Joining us is Tinabeth Piña, the host and managing editor of the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences faced controversy in recent years about its lack of diversity. But there's good news - Latino representation in front of and behind the camera has grown. And it can be seen in this year’s nominations. We'll take a closer look. This is the fifth year with at least seven diverse nominees in the acting categories, and three of the five best supporting actress nominees are diverse women. Joining us this morning is Stacie de Armas from Nielsen to share some data regarding diverse representation in the films nominated for Oscars. Plus, the New York City Latino College Expo and Leadership Summit is right around the corner. Every year we bring you details on all the work the organizers and recruiters do to prepare students and their families for college. The mission remains the same: Provide that help through specialized programs designed to access resources and link the students to colleges and universities. The expo grows bigger and better each year. Joining us this morning is the founder and executive director of the Latino College Expo, Antonio Aponte and Damaris Mercado, the expo's director of programming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin with help with the federal student aid form for college students known as FAFSA. The U.S. Department of Education recently introduced an updated form with fewer questions and expanded eligibility. But the form launched months later than usual, and students have encountered several computer glitches and longer wait times for news on financial aid. . James Rodriguez from College and Career Resource Fairs and Francisco García-Quezada from NYC Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network are here to tell us about several free FAFSA completion events. *** Manhattanville College in Westchester County just appointed the school's first Latino president. Dr. Frank Sanchez takes the helm of the 182-year-old college that has its campus in Purchase, New York. He joins us on this episode of “Tiempo." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There have been several recent acts of violence by newly arrived migrants in New York City. A group of migrants assaulted several police officers in Times Square and a 15-year-old migrant fired several shots in a Times Square store and at police trying to capture him. The city also announced a curfew for many migrant shelters to try and curtail the crime. Some immigrant advocates believe the recent crimes create a false sense of chaos and insecurity that threatens law-abiding immigrants. Take a look at the numbers: Overall, they show the New York City shelter system has housed almost 174,000 migrants since the crisis began two years ago. The number of those migrants arrested in the city is a very small percentage compared to the number who arrived here Joining us is Liz Alarcón, the daughter of Venezuelan immigrants and founder and executive director of Pulso, a nonprofit media startup. *** A new podcast series, "Qué Pasa, Long Island: The Story of the Secatogue Nine," shares the stories of nine Latino immigrant families who faced discrimination when they settled in Farmingdale, New York, on Long Island a decade ago. It recounts their traumatic journeys from their native countries, where many lived through social unrest, domestic abuse, and gang violence. Like so many other families, they decided to restart in America. They faced new hardships – racism, discrimination, and marginalization – when they settled in Farmingdale. The families found support and legal representation when they connected with the students and faculty at Hofstra University’s law reform advocacy clinic. Joining us are Mario Murillo and Lawrence Levy from Hofstra University to discuss the impact of that case and its final outcome, and why it serves as the foundation for a podcast series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Torres sits down with Yadira Ramos-Herbert, New Rochelle’s first Latina mayor, who is leading a Westchester County city where more than half of the residents are Latino or Black (11:38). *** Leslie Gordon, president and CEO of Food Bank For New York City, discusses the organization’s 40-year history and how its economic challenges are complicating its response to the migrant crisis. (4:35) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re outside the Ambassador Theatre, home to the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. “Chicago” was one of the many shows in which Chita Rivera played a starring role. The legendary singer, dancer and actress died last week here in New York City at the age of 91. We explore Rivera's long-lasting impact. *** A new pilot program is training asylum seekers in culinary arts. The program provides hands-on training classes and helps migrants get work permits and place them into jobs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hundreds of bodega owners across New York City are now armed with guns. The bodega owners say violent thefts continue to plague their businesses, and they need to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers. The United Bodegas of America organized the push to get more of the business owners to get concealed-carry licenses. The organization also provides the grocers with gun training. *** We focus on the migrant crisis in New York City. The latest numbers published by the city on Jan. 7 show there are more than 69,000 asylum seekers in the city's shelter system. More than 168,500 migrants have come through the city's intake system since spring of 2023. Gov. Kathy Hochul was in Albany recently pleading for more money to cover state-funded services. Also, the city started a curfew to nearly 2,000 migrants at four city centers. Many migrant families and single men have received eviction notices. Joining us is immigration attorney Renata Castro. She is also the founder of the USA 4 All immigration law firm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of Tiempo with Joe Torres, we take a closer look at the chaos and unrest in Ecuador. The South American nation has been plagued by a wave of extreme violent attacks. Recently, armed gunmen stormed a live television broadcast as the nation watched in horror. The attack on the station is just part of a wider pattern of violence, much of it sparked by a top gang leader's escape from prison. Eyewitness News reporter Lindsay Tuchman visited Jackson Heights, Queens, to talk with Ecuadorian immigrants. Joining us this morning is our good friend here on Tempo, Francisco Moya, who represents parts of Queens on the New York City Council. He is also a proud Ecuadorian American who has monitored the unrest in his home country. Also on Tiempo, America is seeing a small-business boom by people of color, and Latino entrepreneurs are at the very center of the growth. What’s driving this? The Small Business Administration has taken significant steps to increase access to capital programs, and Latinos are taking advantage of the access. We'll talk to the SBA's regional administrator. Make sure you hit follow and never miss an episode of Tiempo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Tiempo, host Joe Torres takes you to the Salsa Museum in East Harlem. The museum sits on the site of a former hardware store, and has more than 300 pieces of memorabilia like a guitar used by Hector Lavoe and a tuxedo worn by Tito Puente. The mission: To preserve the legacy of the salsa pioneers. We'll talk to Johnny Cruz, the founder of the museum. . Also, the New Jersey Department of Education recently released 2023 statewide assessment scores for all public schools from K through 12 in the Garden State. The findings show academic excellence for Latino and Black students in New Jersey's public charter schools And in New Jersey's largest city, Newark, charter school students outperformed the statewide average in English language arts. Joining us are Barbara Martinez, the executive director of the New Jersey Children’s Foundation in Newark and Jenn Da Silva, a school leader at North Star Academy Newark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The smash hit Broadway musical "SIX" has new cast members. The “Queens” recently made their debut on the show, and one of them, Didi Romero, is from Puerto Rico. The show is about the six wives of King Henry the Eighth. The women are all members of a girl group, and they compete against each other to be the new leader of the group... Plus, January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the good people at Goya Foods joined forces with a number of organizations and businesses to help fight the epidemic. “Goya Care”' launched global initiatives to help combat child trafficking, one of which is a pilot program to get the word out in schools around the country. The assemblies educate students on the warning signs and red flags to watch out for. Joining us is Rafael Toro, the public relations director at Goya, and Stefany Ovalles, the director and attorney at the Center for Safety & Change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Buenos días y bienvenidos! Welcome to the new “Tiempo” podcast from New York’s WABC-TV and Eyewitness News. Hosted by reporter Joe Torres, “Tiempo” is focused on the many issues affecting Latinos. We closely examine topics such as education, health care and immigration. Plus, we feature Latino legends, pioneers and groundbreakers to highlight their latest artistic endeavor, whether it’s a new exhibition, an award-winning documentary or a cultural celebration. In addition to full episodes of “Tiempo,” we’ll also share some extra content: Extended interviews, deeper insights, upcoming community events y mucho mas. So make sure you hit follow and join us each week for an educating, informative and often entertaining time on “Tiempo.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices