Fritanga by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation

What does the American Dream sound like? In this special Fourth of July episode of Fritanga, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with one of the composers of that dream: Emilio Estefan. Long before he became a 19-time Grammy-winning producer, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and one of the most influential Latino cultural architects of our time, Emilio was an 11-year-old Cuban boy arriving in Miami with an accordion, no money, and a belief in something bigger. A belief in this country. In music. In himself.

From creating the “Miami Sound” to launching the global careers of arti...

In this episode, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with award-winning writer, filmmaker, and cultural storyteller Alberto Ferreras for an unforgettable conversation about art, identity, and the power of storytelling. From the groundbreaking Habla series to working with Madonna (yes, THE Madonna), Alberto reflects on the spiritual power of creativity, queer and immigrant narratives, and how art connects us all. Released as we kick off World Pride 2025 in Washington, D.C. next week, this episode is both celebration and call to unity. Tune in for laughs, wisdom, and a reminder that our stories are our strength.
 

EPISODE R...

Season 4 of the Fritanga Podcast kicks off with a full-circle conversation about hustle, identity, and building a fintech company rooted in community. Richie Serna and Emmanuel Pleitez—both past Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) Youth Awardees—are now leading one of the most exciting startups in tech: Finix.

Richie Serna is a first-generation Harvard graduate from Santa Ana, California, raised by Mexican immigrant parents who instilled a powerful work ethic and value system that still guides him today. After a brief stint in consulting, he taught himself to code, moved into a hacker house, joined a Silicon Valley star...

Welcome back, familia! We're excited to kick off the year with an inspiring conversation featuring Marissa Solis, Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the NFL. From her roots in Mexico to leading one of the world’s most iconic brands, Marissa shares her bold vision to future-proof the NFL, ensuring it stays relevant to younger and more diverse audiences.

Discover how she uses her platform to uplift the Latino community, including her leadership in the NFL Latino Youth Honors—a program in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation that celebrates outstanding high school tack...

In this heartfelt episode of Fritanga, we dive into the profound challenges of caregiving within Latino families. Host Antonio Tijerino shares personal reflections on the weight of caregiving, recalling his experience with his late mother and aging father. Joined by Yvette Peña, VP of Audience Strategy at AARP, Adrian Gaston Garcia, a queer Latine storyteller, and Alejandra Castillo, Fellow in Residence at the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School, we explore the emotional, mental, and financial strains that come with caring for our aging loved ones. 

Through their stories, we highlight the cultural significance of...

In this month’s episode, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with Jonathan Jayes-Green (they/them), a trailblazing LGBTQ+ non-binary Afro-Latinx activist and advocate for justice. Jonathan shares their deeply personal journey of returning to Panama after nearly 20 years in the U.S., reflecting on the healing, reconnection, and self-discovery that accompanied this transformative experience. Jonathan also opens up about the challenges of navigating multiple intersecting identities—Black, Latinx, queer—and the societal pressures that come with them. They offer powerful insights into the realities of racism and classism, both in the U.S. and Latin America, and discuss the ongoin...

Before J-Lo and Shakira, there was the one and only Lisa Lisa. This month, the queen of freestyle music and the first Puerto Rican and Latina artist to break into the pop and R&B charts joins the Fritanga podcast to share her journey from Hell's Kitchen to global stardom. Alongside actress Judy Reyes, she discusses the impact of her music, her influence on fashion and culture, and the challenges she overcame in a male-dominated industry. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true cultural icon!

ABOUT LISA LISA:
One of the greatest Latin Hip...

Join host Antonio Tijerino on this special episode Fritanga featuring Luis and Roberto Clemente Jr., and Thomas Brasuell, President of the Roberto Clemente Foundation. Together, they discuss the life and legacy of the Great One: Roberto Clemente.

 Wearing the iconic number 21, Clemente was the first Latino player inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. His illustrious career includes 3,000 hits, four batting crowns, 12 Gold Glove Awards, the 1966 National League MVP title, 15 All-Star appearances, and two World Series championships. 

Beyond his athletic achievements, Clemente was a humanitarian icon, dedicated to helping those in need. As a...

Welcome back to the Fritanga Podcast by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. In this week’s episode, we explore the urgent need for immigration reform to address the ongoing migrant crisis at the border. Joining us is Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge.

On the pod, we explore:

- The humanitarian crisis resulting from a broken immigration system and the failure of elected officials to enact necessary reforms.

- The global scale of displacement, with over 114 million people affected and the projections of increased migration due to climate change and political in...

As Latinos, entrepreneurship is in our blood. With nearly one in four new businesses being Hispanic-owned, the future of America is in our hands. In this week's episode, we welcome Isabel Casilla Guzman, the 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the highest-ranking Latina in President Biden's cabinet.

On the pod, we'll discuss the critical role of small businesses in driving our nation’s economy and strengthening communities. We’ll also dive into the importance of entrepreneurship within the Latino community and how the SBA is stepping up its support under Administrator Guzman's leadership.

On this month's episode of Fritanga, we dive into the complex journey of mental health, emphasizing the importance of resilience, hope, and self-care within the Latine community. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with two inspiring figures, Curly Velasquez and Cheryl Aguilar, to chat about cultural, systemic, and individual barriers to mental health, including stigma, language barriers, and access to care. 

On the pod, we’ll cover everything from our community’s cultural tolerance of abuse to the impact past traumas have on present reactions. We’ll also discuss the unique challen...

This week on the Fritanga podcast, we delve into the inspirational journey of Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut in space. From her groundbreaking achievements to her advocacy for STEM education and diversity, Dr. Ochoa's story is one of grit, passion, and breaking barriers. Tune in to discover how she shattered stereotypes, logged nearly 1,000 hours in orbit, and continues to inspire the next generation to explore their potential in the sciences - including her recent work with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Minecraft Education on Latinexplorers 2. 

Dr. Ochoa's stellar career includes four space missions and leadership a...

On this special Madre Tierra episode, host Antonio Tijerino welcomes visionary advocate for environmental justice, Mark Magaña.

As the Founding President & CEO of GreenLatinos, Mark has led the charge against climate change's disproportionate impact on our community since 2012. From heatwaves in Texas to hurricanes in Puerto Rico, Latinos across the United States and beyond are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. But despite the challenges, Mark refuses to back down.

Through GreenLatinos, he ignites hope by nurturing a robust national network of Latino environmental and conservation advocates, fostering a culture of collaboration a...

Welcome back to Fritanga! This season, we're thrilled to continue hosting  powerful voices from our community and beyond as we explore what makes us complicatedly compelling and beautiful as Latinos and how we can move forward with greater unity.

In our first episode of 2024, we explore the Afro-Latino experience, vision, and intersectionality. Host Antonio Tijerino is joined by 3 inspiring Afro-Latino leaders for a roundtable conversation about identity, discrimination, and navigating the complexities of being Black and Latino during these turbulent but hopeful times.

Our guests for this episode are Cesar Francia, a dynamic force in M...

In our Season 2 finale of Fritanga, we dive into the world of flavors, humanity, self-care, and traditions with the culinary maestra who has captivated us through her delicious dishes and empowered thousands through her advocacy: Ingrid Hoffmann.  

On the pod, host Antonio Tijerino explores Ingrid's multicultural upbringing, her journey into the culinary arts, and her experiences with Michelin-star restaurants. Along the way, Ingrid shares key lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses the power of food as a tool for advocacy and a bridge between cultures and generations. Ingrid's advocacy includes her incredible work for migrant farm workers t...

In this episode of Fritanga, Antonio Tijerino kicks it with "El Padrino" of alternative Latino music, Felix Contreras. As the co-creator and co-host of Alt.Latino, the groundbreaking NPR radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture, Felix's work with NPR has introduced some of the most unique, indie musicians to mainstream radio, while also showcasing chart-toppers like Kali Uchis and Becky G.

Join us as we explore Felix's career, from being an early Latino journalist in Sacramento to a leading voice in today's dynamic music landscape. Diving headfirst into the industry's evolution, spanning from Ritchie...

"I've always felt ni de aqui, ni de alla, that feeling will never go away. I think that kind of makes us superheroes - able to navigate one culture and another." - Mariana Atencio, Award-Winning Journalist, Motivational Speaker, and Best-Selling Author.  

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, familia! This month, the Peabody Award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and viral speaker, Mariana Atencio joins Fritanga to talk about her personal journey through identity, navigating imposter syndrome, facing microaggressions in the workforce, and ultimately feeling fulfilled being yourself.

To learn more about Mariana click here. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

"More than 58% of Latinos are under the age of 34...You want to build a relationship to help carry your brand through the next 20 years." - Stacie de Armas, Senior Vice President of Inclusive Insights and Initiatives at Nielsen

On this month's episode of Fritanga, host Antonio Tijerino is joined by Stacie de Armas to discuss the crucial topic of Latino representation in media and entertainment. With over two decades of experience, Stacie is a trailblazer in shaping the narrative of diversity in the media landscape. 

On the pod, we dive into the methodology behind data c...

With football season fast approaching, we go back to the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Foundation archives to our Tertulia with the only Latino head coach of the NFL  - the head coach of the Washington Commanders, Coach Ron Rivera.

Of proud Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, Coach Rivera has been a difference-maker for the Commanders since he took over in 2020. Despite facing challenges like name changes, ownership changes, and quarterback shifts, Coach Rivera has established a culture of determination, resilience, and diversity within the organization. In his first year with the team, Coach Rivera took the Commanders to the p...

BONUS EPISODE! In honor of Pride Month, host Antonio Tijerino welcomes the warmth and the brilliance of Richard Blanco to Fritanga.

With roots in Cuba, Richard was born in Spain but was raised in New York and Miami, Florida. Through his artistry - he explores the twisted fabrics of our nation and the beautiful quilted experiences of Queer and Latino Identity.

On the pod, we talk about Richard's journey with self-identity and creative expression, how he uses the power of words to enact change, and explore the meaning of home.

Although Richard initially...

Activism is defined as the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. No method of activism is more powerful than art. 

In honor of Immigrant Heritage Month, the brilliant DACAmented art-ivist, Yehimi Cambrón, joins Fritanga to share her story of resilience, hope, and creativity. 

Originally from San Antonio Villalongín, Michoacán, Mexico - Yehimi grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. Through her breathtaking murals - she asserts the presence and humanity of immigrants while challenging the white, male-centric history that dictates what is worthy of public, monumental depic...

Junot Díaz, Dominican-American Pulitzer Prize-winning author, essayist, and professor – chops it up with Antonio Tijerino on this month’s episode of Fritanga. 

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New Jersey, Junot is known for his poignant and authentic portrayals of the Latinx experience in the United States. He is the author of the critically acclaimed Drown; The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, which won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award; and This Is How You Lose Her, a New York Times bestseller and National Book Award finalist. His literary work h...

As Latinos, we know the value of hard work and the commitment to support our familias – but often don’t have the tools, information, or resources to build financial stability for ourselves and our future generations. 

In honor of Financial Literacy Month, host Antonio Tijerino partnered with Nationwide to welcome two financial sabios and community changemakers: Angel Morales, CEO of Morales Capital, and Paul Roldan, CEO & Co-Founder of AllGen Financial Advisors.

On the pod, Angel and Paul share their personal journeys and insights on how to build generational wealth from investing in diverse businesses to promo...

"Let's just be very frank about medical education - it's racist, it's sexist, it's xenophobic, and it's elitist." Welcome to Season 2 of the Fritanga Podcast by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. To kick off our new season, Dr. Pedro "Joe" Greer, Jr. joins host Antonio Tijerino to discuss his journey in creating a more community-centric culture of health in the United States and his continued efforts in developing a new model for medical education.

Dr. Greer is a Professor and Founding Dean of Roseman University of Health Sciences. Previously, he served as Professor of Medicine, Founding Chair of...

Pati Jinich, award-winning chef, cookbook author, TV host, and cultural ambassador, joins host Antonio Tijerino in exploring Mexico's rich gastronomical history while discussing the unifying power of food.

A James Beard Award-winning Mexican chef and New York Times bestselling author, Pati has dedicated her career to building a shared understanding between her two neighboring home countries: Mexico, where she was born, and the United States, where she lives currently and is raising her family. She’s the executive producer and host of the Emmy-nominated PBS series Pati’s Mexican Table, which has brought Mexican flavors, colors, and text...

We all find comfort in culture and our surroundings - especially during the holidays. Join host Antonio Tijerino as he recounts this season's culture comfort moments from each of Fritanga's remarkable guests. From the memories inspired by the sound of Selena or Trio Matamoros, the taste of homemade pupusas, or even the smell of a freshly opened bottle of Fabuloso, we invite you to listen to our guests in their most vulnerable, candid, thoughtful, and entertaining forms. 

Fritanga by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation in partnership with TikTok sets out to inform, entertain, compel, understand, inspire, mobilize, and e...

Richard "Crazy Legs" Colón joins host Antonio Tijerino to discuss his humanitarian work in Puerto Rico, the roots of Hip Hop, and his efforts in preserving the culture while instilling a legacy of mentorship in our community. 

Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón is a Bronx-born, Puerto Rican dancer, educator, and pioneer recognized and respected globally for his Hip Hop and humanitarian contributions. Described as the most iconic Latino figure in Hip Hop history, Colón is the longtime President of the legendary dance group, Rock Steady Crew and founder of Backspin Productions, which produces the annual Rock Ste...

With elections around the corner, Emmy-nominated political and voting rights activist, María Teresa Kumar, joins host Antonio Tijerino in unpacking the power of the Latino vote. As the Co-Founder and current President & CEO of Voto Latino, María Teresa shares her backstory and takes a long look at the misconceptions and impact we can have as Latinos when we vote. 

To learn more about the work of Voto Latino and how you can get involved, or how to become a registered voter - check out our resources below. 

RESOURCES:
-Learn More About Voto Lati...

Jump into the Minecraft universe with host Antonio Tijerino and Laylah Bulman, Senior Program Manager of Learning Experiences at Minecraft Education Edition, as they discuss the creation of Minecraft’s first Latino-themed game in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation: LatinExplorers! 

On the pod, Laylah and Antonio discuss the development of the game- from concept to construct - and learn about Laylah’s personal journey into the Minecraft universe.

To get Latinexplorers, which includes corresponding educational, community, and parental guides and toolkits along with pathways to the gaming and tech industry, go to Education.Minecraft.net. 

Join host Antonio Tijerino at the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas as he chats with Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. 

On the pod, Sister Norma shares her backstory and perspectives on faith and hope in context with the current migrant crisis while challenging us to stand together in seeking the common good and well-being of all, especially the poorest and most vulnerable in our society.

To support the efforts of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, click here.

The talented actress, filmmaker, writer, producer, director, and activist Nava Mau joins Antonio Tijerino to discuss her creative journey, talk identity and safe spaces, and share her inspirations. As a mixed-race trans-Latina from Mexico City and San Antonio, Texas who starred in the HBOMax series Generation, Nava is on a mission is to illuminate the stories of marginalized people in order to help transform their access to resources, pride, identity, expression, and representation. 

Learn more about Nava’s work and support her efforts here.

In this episode, we chat with Mónica Ramírez, a long-time advocate, organizer, and attorney fighting to eliminate gender-based violence and promote gender equity. As the Founder of Justice for Migrant Women and Co-Founder of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, The Latinx House, and Poderista, Mónica is a true Poderosamente Latina leader. 

As Latinxs, we have collectively turned to our Latina leaders to move our community and country forward through remarkable vision, intellect, creativity, and ganas. Through Fritanga’s Poderosamente Latina Profile series, we showcase portraits of Latina leaders that are nothing short of extraordinary.

Gues...

In our first episode, Antonio Tijerino sits down for a roundtable - or “brown table” as he likes to call it - discussion with the Associate Administrator of the US Small Business Administration Mark Madrid, and other Latinx small business owners, including a recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's Creciendo Con TikTok small business grant, to discuss how Latinx entrepreneurship continues to play a vital role in the US’s economic recovery. Together, they share real-life experiences as small business owners, provide recommendations for financing, and share tips for navigating a healthy work-life balance.

Guests: 
Mark Madrid...

Coming off his first Grammy win for the 2022 Latino Pop Album entitled Mendó, singer, songwriter, and producer Alex Cuba joins Antonio Tijerino while on tour to discuss the recent award, share his backstory as a self-proclaimed ‘Canuban’, and invite us into his world as we explore the complexities of his identity, his musical inspirations, and his commitment to being a citizen of the world.

Listen to Alex Cuba’s Grammy Award-winning album Mendó here. 

Watch his musical tribute to Carlos Santana at the 34th Hispanic Heritage Awards here.

To learn about the Cuban genre of...

 Fritanga by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, hosted by Antonio Tijerino, is a cultural coming together for Latinos to find comfort, connection, information, identity, and inspiration by exploring what makes us complicatedly compelling and how to move forward with greater unity. A new episode will premiere the third Thursday of every month, digging into Latinx culture - the past, present, and future - and broadening the definition of community and familia.

Make sure to follow us on TikTok @hispanicheritage.

To learn more about the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, visit www.hispanicheritage.org.  

What’s a Frit...