Blazing Ember Podcast

In this second episode with Moe Vela, Diana Santos and Maria Fernandez explore his journey to launch multiple companies and serve as a lawyer while maintaining his continued focus on the universal power of love and authenticity. Vela's insights underscore the importance of character and integrity over external success, inspiring listeners to be true to themselves in all aspects of life. The conversation also delves into embracing flexibility, confronting internal struggles, and supporting diverse voices. Moe also shares his newest venture, Unicorn Hunters,? which he created to provide meaningful opportunities for minority entrepreneurs #latinopower #governmentservice #diversityatitsbest #supportingothers

In this Blazing Ember podcast episode, Diana and Maria welcome Moe Vela, CEO of MoeVela LLC, celebrated for his pioneering roles as the first Hispanic American, Latino, and LGBTQIA senior advisor to Vice Presidents Joe Biden and Al Gore. Moe shares profound reflections on his Texas roots, the powerful influence of his Latino heritage, and the family support that fueled his ambitions, emphasizing the values of authenticity and truth. The conversation explores resilience in the face of childhood trauma, mental health struggles, and the importance of cultural pride and unity within the Latino community, inspiring listeners to embrace self-worth and support each other on their professional journeys. Episode URL in the comments. A trigger warning is on the episode page; please read it before listening. Given the election on Tuesday and Moe’s role in the White House, we are accelerating his episodes. #blazingember #unicornhunters #resilience #lovewins Maria Fernandez Diana Santos

Part II with Maria Melendez is here. The URL for the episode is in the comments. Enjoy! In this episode, Maria Melendez returns to share powerful insights on advancing diversity within the legal profession. She centers on a global mindset, fostering inclusion and engaging diverse individuals. She critiques the U.S.'s often-insular approach to diversity, calling for intentional and expansive strategies. She emphasizes mentorship's critical role in empowering women and underrepresented groups, advocating for confidence and visibility as essential tools for professional success. #BlazingEmberpodcast #Latinapower #DEI Maria Fernandez Diana Santos

Next week, we will release Part II of the Maria Melendez podcast episode. For those who did not listen to Part I, this is your chance. https://lnkd.in/eYSeGU-Z In another inspirational Blazing Ember podcast episode, Maria Melendez, former Chief Diversity Officer and retired partner at Sidley Austin LLP, delves into her career journey from computer science to law, shedding light on challenges faced by Latinas in leadership roles and the importance of DEI initiatives. She underscores the value of diverse perspectives in client service, employee motivation, and fostering inclusive work environments, challenging the misconception that DEI efforts are a zero-sum game. Maria also addresses concerns about the defunding of DEI initiatives, emphasizing the need for collaboration and understanding to drive meaningful progress in global DEI efforts.

We are back! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! In this first episode of Season 2 of the Blazing Ember Podcast, Diana Santos and Maria Fernandez return after a brief hiatus to launch a new series of episodes during Hispanic Heritage Month 2024. We share updates on our busy lives, personal and professional, and reflect on Season 1 and the amazing guests who were so authentic and shared what made their Ember Blaze. Join us as we launch Season 2. Link to episode in the comments. #blazingember #latino/xleadership #hispanicheritagemonth #beauthentic

"Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! As we celebrate the vibrant culture, contributions, and resilience of the Hispanic community, we are thrilled to mark another milestone - the 1st anniversary of the Blazing Ember Podcast! Over the past year, we've had the privilege of sharing inspiring stories, insightful conversations, and a fiery passion for leadership with our listeners. This achievement wouldn't be possible without our incredible guests, loyal audience, and dedicated team. Join us as we continue to ignite meaningful discussions, amplify diverse voices, and blaze trails for a brighter future. ?Gracias por su apoyo! (Thank you for your support!) Keep that Ember Blazing! #HispanicHeritageMonth #BlazingEmberPodcast #1YearAnniversary #Diversity #Inclusion #PodcastLife #LatinxExcellence"

The State of Latinas in Corporate America draws heavily on Lean In and McKinsey & Company’s annual Women in the Workplace study. Since 2015, more than 590 companies employing more than 22 million people, along with a quarter of a million individual employees, have participated in Women in the Workplace. To our knowledge, this makes it the largest study on the state of women—and Latinas in particular—in corporate America. This report primarily highlights data from the 2019–2023 Women in the Workplace studies. It also draws on an analysis of in-depth interviews conducted between 2021 and 2024 with more than two dozen Latinas; the findings from this analysis are featured in the “Beyond the Numbers” report sections.

To Moms and Mom Adjacents!

Diana Santos, Blazing Ember's co-host, hosted a fireside chat with Drew Valentine as part of Fordham Law School's diversity alum group. Fabulous host there as well.