Atenea Americana - By Stanford Hispanic Broadcasting

Welcome, everyone! I’m thrilled to have Supervisor Cindy Chavez with us today. Cindy is someone who has dedicated her life to serving the very community she grew up in – right here in Santa Clara County, the city of San José and the San Francisco Bay Area. Coming from a working-class family, Cindy brings a down-to-earth perspective and a tireless work ethic that resonates with so many of us in this area. Her journey is inspiring. She started at San José State University, where her commitment to community and social justice took root, leading her toward a career tackling real issues that impact people’s lives, like health, transportation, and education. From her time at the South Bay Labor Council to her leadership on the Board of Supervisors, she’s made a real impact on the landscape of Silicon Valley. As an advocate for wage equality she has pushed policies that support working families. She was instrumental in recognizing the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in 2020, initiatives that help empower

A few months ago, I had the immense honor of meeting and interviewing Rigoberta Menchú Tum, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and K’iche’ Mayan activist, during an event hosted by Cultura y Arte Nativa de las Américas (CANA) in San Francisco. This encounter was originally aired live on my radio show, bringing her words and wisdom to the airwaves. Now, I’m excited to share the podcast version of this experience, in both Spanish and English, thanks to a live translation. It was a bilingual event, and now with the podcast here it is, another layer of accessibility for those who might have missed the live radio broadcast. Rigoberta Menchú Tum’s life story is one of profound resilience and unwavering dedication to social justice. Born in 1959 in the Guatemalan highlands, Rigoberta’s advocacy work was shaped by her personal experiences during the Guatemalan Civil War, which resulted in the genocide of nearly 150,000 Mayans. Tragically, her family was among the victims, with her brother, mother, and father being tortur

I’m thrilled to introduce a very special guest and longtime friend of our show, Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, a brilliant artist whose contributions to the Bay Area’s music scene over the past 20 years have been nothing short of transformative. Martha is a true Renaissance woman—an acclaimed singer, flutist, conductor, and producer who has brought Latin American folk, classical, and contemporary music to new audiences. Her dedication to her craft and her culture has earned several recognitions, including being named a “Luminary” by the Mexican Consulate in San Francisco and “Excelencia Latina” by LAM and Mundo Fox. For those who have followed her career, Martha is not just an extraordinary musician but also a powerful advocate for community engagement. She serves as Director of several Neighborhood Choirs for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities, and leads the Coro de Cámara and Mariachi CMC. Her passion for inclusivity through music has transformed how people from diverse backgrounds connect with the arts.

In this episode, I have the honor of speaking with Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, a tireless advocate for educational equity and the Deputy Director of Californians Together. Xilonin’s journey from her roots as a fifth-generation resident of Azusa, CA, and the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, to leadership in statewide education advocacy is inspiring. With over two decades of experience serving on the Azusa Unified School District Board of Education, her passion for supporting all students, particularly English learners, shines through in every aspect of her work. We’ll dive into the mission of Californians Together, a powerful statewide coalition dedicated to improving education for the 1.1 million English learners in California. Through promoting equitable educational policies, this organization strives to create better opportunities and outcomes for a community that has often been overlooked. As we explore the challenges and victories in advocating for these students, Xilonin will share how they work on literacy p

In my latest interview on Stanford Radio, I had the pleasure of speaking with Pamela Martinez, an incredibly talented Venezuelan filmmaker whose work delves deep into human rights and social justice. A graduate of the MFA Documentary Media Program at Stanford, Pamela has traveled the world, honing her craft and exploring stories that need to be told. Her film As I Witness—a gripping, 8-minute piece about the suffering of Palestinians during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas—is one such story. Pamela’s journey to becoming a filmmaker is as impressive as her filmography. From studying visual arts at UWC Red Cross Nordic in Norway, to participating in experiential education in Brazil, and later studying Film, New Media, and Social Research at NYU Abu Dhabi, her path has been shaped by a global perspective. She has always been driven by a passion for exploring complex issues—such as gender, migration, and transitional justice—through art. Her undergraduate documentary Estado Fallido (Failed State) expl

Today, we conversation with Rodrigo Duran, the Executive Director of Carnaval San Francisco. Rodrigo Ehecatl Durán, a proud San Franciscan and the son of Mexican immigrants, and he had work for years to BIPOC cultures in the city. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Communications from UC San Diego and a Master’s in Public Administration from San Francisco State University, with a focus on Nonprofit Management, Rodrigo leads the charge in making Carnaval San Francisco the biggest and most vibrant multicultural bash in California. He is also a Commissioner for the city for the Human Rights Commission , one of 11 appointed by the Mayor to represent the diverse human rights interests of the City of San Francisco. Carnaval San Francisco isn’t just big community party; it’s about honoring the rich tapestry of Latinx, Caribbean, and African Diaspora cultures that make San Francisco sparkle. Through dance, music, art, and community education, they create spaces where diversity isn’t just celebrated—it’s cherished. It started

Today we have a conversation with Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, Superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). ​ Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, the Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools, has served in education for over 33 years. Her work in education reform and change leadership is grounded in her commitment to serve the community and underserved, vulnerable youth and a mission that is centered around diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. Dr. Dewan is a strong advocate for the expansion of early learning services, health, and education, and believes in providing each and every child opportunities that promote high quality, equitable, and inclusive experiences. ​ The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. They directly serve students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant edu

Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down for a chat with Maestro Urs Leonhardt Steiner, a musical maestro whose journey spans continents and cultures. Originally from the quaint town of Chur, Switzerland, Steiner’s musical roots run deep, having studied at esteemed institutions like the University of Tübingen and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Under the guidance of luminaries such as James Wimer and Gustav Meier, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Andre Previn and Leonard Bernstein in masterclasses, Steiner’s musical education is as rich as it is diverse. But it doesn’t stop there. Steiner’s own compositions, notably the operas “Il Secondo Settenio” and “Return of the Phantoms,” have garnered praise both at home and across the pond. Leading the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra in captivating performances, Steiner’s baton has danced across stages from Europe to Central America. Under the guidance of luminaries such as James Wimer and Gustav Meier, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Andre Pre

Today, we are privileged to host a panel discussion on Public Education, broadcasting live from Stanford University. Our focus centers on the pivotal role of public education as the cornerstone of equality and the linchpin of democracy’s future. For that, we are honored to welcome some guest: Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, the Superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE); Albert Gonzalez, President of the California School Boards Association; and Jessica Speiser, President of the Santa Clara California Latino School Boards Association (SCCSBA). Throughout our discussion, we aim to explore the significance of targeted groups in public education. Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, The Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools has served in education for over 33 years. Her distinguished work in education reform and change leadership is grounded in her commitment to serving the community and underserved, vulnerable youth and a mission centered around diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. A strong adv

Today we are talking with Anais Amaya, from the Latino Community Foundation to talk about the Latino Giving Circles. As the Director of LGCN, Anais plays a crucial role in advancing the strategic expansion of Latino Giving Circles in Southern California for LCF. Having recently relocated her family to Los Angeles, she also embarked on the entrepreneurial journey of launching her business, Raices, dedicated to supporting indigenous artisans in Mexico. Before her tenure at LCF, Anais earned the prestigious Heroes and Hearts Award from the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. This accolade recognized her outstanding contributions as the program manager of the ZSFG Health Advocates. In this role, she led a multi-lingual program that actively screened patients to identify and address their social determinants of health by connecting them with the appropriate community resources. The Latino Giving Circle Network encompasses a diverse array of individuals from various walks of life, spanning generations such a

The San Francisco Symphonic Orchestra will celebrate this Saturday, November 4th, the “Dia de los Muertos” concert in 2023. This special event will commemorate the Meso-American holiday, which honors the memory of loved ones who have passed away.  The orchestra will perform a range of pieces that reflect the theme of this important holiday, with a focus on MAYAN traditions this year, introducing new art and music and unique experiences with old traditions. There will be a mixture of music from traditional Mexican folk songs to classical compositions that explore the theme of life and death.  The Davis Hall lobby has been showcasing art installations and interactive experiences related to this event the whole month, and they will be there until Tuesday, November 7th.  Our conversation today is with the long-time curator of this annual event, Martha Rodríguez Salazar. She is a singer, a flute performer, a music educator, and a community organizer. She is a Mexican born artis, long-time San Franciscan who has be

Today we are talking with author Carmen Boullosa, in and on-air live interview on radio from New York, New York all the way to Stanford, California. Born in Mexico City, and currently residenced in New york, Boullosa is a multifaceted writer, known for her prowess as a poet, novelist, and playwright. Her literary work revolve around the intricate themes of feminism, the interaction between religion, superstition and skepticism, and the reevaluation of gender roles within the rich tapestry of Latin American culture and hispanic traditions. With an impressive oeuvre of nineteen published novels, Boullosa’s work also dwells in different periods, locations and characters, but with her unique and unmistakable stylistic imprint. In “The Book of Eve”, Carmen Boullosa reinterprets of the Book of Genesis, but from Eve’s point of view, effectively deconstructing the patriarchal norms that have long underpinned our understanding of the world. From the origins of gastronomy to the domestication of animals, and even the c

Dr. Melissa Moreno is a CA Community College faculty. Her passion has been teaching, researching, and developing curricula in the areas of Ethnic Studies, Chicana/o Studies, Native American Studies, Education, and Leadership for over 15 years. As a first-generation college student, Ethnic Studies saved her life. Schooling became interesting, and she became a professor and leader with the support of many inspiring professors and leaders. For over a decade, she has led Ethnic Studies and taught Chicana/o Studies, History of Race and Ethnicity, Mexican-American History, and Native American Studies. She is a former community educator and faculty in Chicana/o Studies, Education, and Liberal Studies. She holds degrees in Ethnic studies, Sociology, Women’s Studies, and Education. She is a co-founder of the California Community College Ethnic Studies Faculty Council. Her publications and research interests include issues surrounding racial identity formations, subjugated knowledge, cultural citizenship, foodways, foo

Today, we are having an engaging conversation with Pamela Campos, a remarkable Chicana and second-generation immigrant with strong ties to San Jose and Santa Clara County. Pamela dedicated herself to education and has had a career defined by her commitment to advocating for it, housing, and improved quality of life for all. Pamela witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by educators and families grappled with the harsh reality of making a life while earning a $16 per hour salary for educating and caring for small children in the competitive Silicon Valley landscape. However, Pamela’s passion for nurturing a brighter future for children and her proficiency in policy and community development set her on a powerful path toward positive change. During our discussion, Pamela will also talk about her work with The Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) whose mission revolves around mobilizing capital and fostering partnerships to dismantle barriers and ens

During today’s show, we will be talking about Cinequest, a movie festival that embodies the spirit of Silicon Valley.  For that, we will be talking with Mr. Halfdan Hussey, one of its co-founders and CEO.  Halfdan (hallf’ dun) Hussey is the Co-Founder and Director of Cinequest Inc. and CEO of Cinequest Mavericks Studio LLC (CMS). He is also a renowned writer and film producer. Cinequest has been around for decades and has evolved with the times. Under its umbrella, it brings awards, recognitions, educational opportunities, and creative inspiration to a wide range of participants.  Nestled in the vibrant heart of Silicon Valley, CINEQUEST seamlessly melds the forces of innovation and the arts to catalyze extraordinary creations and captivate a diverse spectrum of audiences, bringing youth, artists, and visionaries alike, all while engendering profound community bonds through storytelling. This dynamic process fosters elation and nurtures a profound sense of belonging. Cinequest actively cultivates global netwo