Welcome back to the Building Leadership Community Podcast. I'm your host, Coach Dora Mendez.

This is Part Two of our special World Cup-inspired series exploring how global events bring people together across cultures, generations, and communities.

In this episode, we reconnect with two returning Building Leadership Community guests, Dr. Lori Marie Huertas and Anisha Jennings, to reflect on leadership, teamwork, resilience, and what it means to stay grounded through both success and adversity.

Drawing inspiration from the FIFA World Cup, these conversations remind us that leadership extends far beyond titles and accomplishments. Whether you're leading a team, supporting your family, serving your community, or navigating your own growth journey, authentic leadership often begins with empathy, perseverance, and human connection.

Dr. Lori Marie Huertas shares reflections on hope, diversity, and authentic leadership, including her recent experience attending the soft opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Her perspective reminds us that some of the most powerful leadership lessons emerge when people from different backgrounds come together with a shared sense of purpose and possibility.

Anisha Jennings offers insights on resilience, leadership under pressure, and the role failure plays in growth. Drawing from the world of sports and her experience following the Indian Premier League (IPL), she reminds us that setbacks are not the end of the journey. Growth often comes from our willingness to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.

If you missed Part One of this World Cup series, be sure to listen to that episode as well, featuring perspectives from members of our community including our children, Rocio Mendez, fight and intimacy director for theater, and Zenaida Mendez, author, activist, and public speaker.

Whether you're developing your leadership skills, building community, or looking for inspiration rooted in real-life experience, this episode offers practical lessons that can be applied both personally and professionally.

Key Takeaways

⚽ The Power of Connection
Dr. Lori Marie Huertas reflects on hope, empathy, diversity, and authentic leadership while sharing her experience visiting the Obama Presidential Center.

⚽ Leadership Through Humanity
Leadership is not only about influence. It is also about how we show up for others through empathy, kindness, and authentic connection.

⚽ Redefining Failure
Anisha Jennings explores why setbacks are part of growth and why quitting can become a greater obstacle than failure itself.

⚽ Leading Under Pressure
Both guests discuss the importance of staying grounded, leading by example, and supporting others during moments of challenge and uncertainty.

⚽ Resilience and Perseverance
Whether in sports, business, or life, resilience is built through consistency, recovery, and the willingness to keep showing up.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & World Cup Inspiration

01:13 – Reconnecting with Past Building Leadership Community Guests

04:13 – Launching Your Voice: Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint

05:52 – Dr. Lori Marie Huertas on Hope, Leadership & Human Connection

07:44 – Diversity, Belonging & the Power of Coming Together

10:01 – Authentic Leadership, Empathy & Shared Humanity

11:09 – Reflections from the Obama Presidential Center

15:24 – Anisha Jennings on Leadership, Teamwork & Pressure

17:41 – What Failure Teaches Us About Growth

19:26 – Why Quitting Is the Real Failure

21:20 – Cricket, the Indian Premier League & Resilience

22:28 – Final Reflections & Closing

Guests Featured

Dr. Lori Marie Huertas

Leadership educator and returning Building Leadership Community guest sharing insights on hope, empathy, authentic leadership, and human connection.

Anisha Jennings

Entrepreneur, podcast host, and returning Building Leadership Community guest sharing perspectives on resilience, teamwork, pressure, and personal growth.

Resources & Organizations Mentioned

Obama Presidential Center
https://www.obamafoundation.org/the-center

Obama Foundation
https://www.obama.org

FIFA World Cup
https://www.fifa.com

Indian Premier League (IPL)
https://www.iplt20.com

Accessible Podcasting Resources

Interested in starting your own podcast?

Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint

Our step-by-step course designed to help entrepreneurs and leaders launch their podcast with clarity and confidence. https://bit.ly/4uGjX13

Podcast Consulting with Dylan K. Rogers

Need hands-on support with editing, production, strategy, or podcast growth? Schedule a consultation with Building Leadership Community producer Dylan K. Rogers. https://bit.ly/4fOK6Gn

About Building Leadership Community

Building Leadership Community exists to enrich People, Culture, Wellness, and Joy.

Season 3 serves as a leadership growth hub for professionals of color and allies seeking career advancement, executive presence, meaningful community, and sustainable human-centered leadership.

We believe you don't have to become someone else to grow. You simply need the right conversations, the right perspective, and the right support.

Connect with Coach Dora

Website https://CoachDoraMendez.com

Substack https://coachdoram.substack.com

LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/coachdoram

Instagram https://instagram.com/coachdoram

Facebook https://facebook.com/coachdoramendez

Support the Community

Shop Coach Dora merchandise:
https://www.coachdoramendez.com/merch

Subscribe & Share

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Building Leadership Community on YouTube @CoachDoraM and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

Share this episode with a colleague, friend, family member, or leader who is learning how to grow, lead, and persevere without losing their humanity along the way.

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Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Who This Is For For professionals, community builders, and small business owners who want to lead with inclusivity, celebrate diverse strengths, and remember that it doesn't have to be lonely at the top.

Key Themes

• Embracing the magnificent diversity of global cultures as a framework for inclusive leadership.
• Understanding how different lived experiences and physical instincts heighten a collaborative team.
• Recognizing that personal self-care is a non-negotiable requirement for showing up for others.
• Fostering intergenerational respect and listening to the voices of children.

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 - The World Cup Comes to New York & New Jersey
• 03:55 - Naomi and Mateo's Soccer Interview
• 06:39 - Transform Your Leadership Coaching Course
• 09:56 - Rocio Mendez on Physicality, Collaboration, and Self-Care
• 18:08 - Black Swan Musical and Oregon Shakespeare Festival Updates
• 20:53 - Zenaida Mendez on Team Synergy and the Diaspora
• 24:20 - National Dominican Women's Caucus & Diversity

🎓 Ready to step out of burnout and evolve your leadership style?
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🏆 $97 total! Enroll Today!
Transform Your Leadership with G.R.O.W. Coaching: https://bit.ly/4ufTsye

Support the show

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In this encore presentation, Coach Dora Mendez welcomes public speaking coach Sammie Walker Herrera to look closely at the personal transformations underpinning real leadership. Sammie courageously tracks her personal path from managing a punishing state of adult burnout to receiving late-stage diagnoses of ADHD and autism. Together, they share practical frameworks for how managers can create psychologically safe environments for neurodivergent disclosures, how improvisation builds sustainable communication confidence, and why authentic connection can break down the profound isolation of running a business.

This conversation is curated for corporate executives, managers, higher education professionals, entrepreneurs, and any individual trying to confidently claim their voice while prioritizing their emotional well-being and psychological safety.

Key Themes

• Moving away from rigid, "perfect" corporate vocal coaching to confidence rooted in improvisation.
• Recognizing the somatic impacts of autistic burnout and severe decision paralysis.
• Building intentional networks of support with other entrepreneurs and professionals of color.
• Providing clear, objective feedback to team members while welcoming their identity disclosures.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to Season 3 & Honoring Your Voice

03:18 - Making Leadership & Growth Coaching Accessible

05:48 - Connecting in Community: The Speaking for Profit Cohort

07:59 - Sammie’s Leadership Journey & Unpacking Adult Burnout

09:18 - Stripping Away the Mask of "Perfect Professionalism"

11:14 - Navigating Late Diagnoses of ADHD and Autism

12:39 - Finding Connection as Business Owners of Color

15:28 - Setting Boundaries & Role Modeling without Oversharing

17:47 - Supporting Neurodivergent Team Members: An Essential Guide for HR

21:14 - How Organizations Can Safely Welcome Workplace Disclosures

24:34 - Building Community & Where to Find Sammie's Programs

🚀 Go Beyond Aspiration—Build Your Coaching Culture:

If you want to transition away from pure management and create a positive, collaborative workplace where everyone thrives, skip the long, high-priced executive courses. Take our multi-part, on-demand video course at your own pace in as little as 5 days. 

Earn a certificate of completion and unlock your team's self-directed goal achievement. Get 90% savings ($97 total fee) and register for Transform Your Leadership with G.R.O.W. Coaching: https://bit.ly/4ufTsye

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Who This Is For
This conversation is for entrepreneurs, executives, community leaders, and content creators of color and allies who recognize that platforms are a profound responsibility, not an entitlement. If you are navigating leadership during challenging times and looking for blueprint models on how to stay authentic without losing your core values, this episode is a sanctuary for you.

Key Themes

• Platforms as Responsibilities: Moving past the danger of sleepwalking through public-facing work.
• The Dynamics of Trust: How Colbert connected with foreign tourists and local crew members with equal dignity and deep cultural humility .
• Systemic Pressures on Free Speech: Unpacking contemporary media adjustments, from Jimmy Kimmel's brief removal to economic boycotts .
• Intentional Space Creation: Practical advice on how to build organizational cultures where anger and hope can safely coexist.

🔴 TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 - The Responsibility of Having a Platform
• 01:01 - Introduction to Building Leadership Community
• 02:11 - A Personal Love Letter and Eulogy for Late Night
• 03:34 - Walking Into the Ed Sullivan Theater: Our Late Show Story
• 05:51 - Interview with Co-Producer Dylan Rogers: Production and Pacing
• 08:35 - Organic Audiences vs. Coached Television Tapings
• 09:56 - Double Tapings, Jon Batiste, and the March 2019 Experience
• 12:00 - Human Connection and Encyclopedic Cultural Knowledge
• 13:54 - Late Night Going Dark: Free Speech and the 200 Crew Members
• 17:00 - Podcasting Education: The Entrepreneurs Podcast Blueprint Course
• 18:20 - Authenticity vs. Branding: Resisting Authoritarianism through Joy
• 21:10 - Building a Room with Intention in Your Own Organization
• 22:53 - Community Reflections and Final Sign-Off

Subscribe to our audio feed, follow us on your favorite platform, and share this episode with another leader who needs to remember that their voice matters today.

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In this special encore episode honoring AAPI Heritage Month, Coach Dora Mendez welcomes Bora Lee, Chief of Staff at the Fifth Avenue Committee in Brooklyn, New York.

Bora reflects on growing up as the child of Korean immigrants, discovering community organizing through public service, and building a leadership journey grounded in communication, care, and operational excellence.

Together, Dora and Bora explore the realities of nonprofit leadership, the importance of supporting the people doing frontline work, and why communication remains one of the most important leadership skills in any organization.

This conversation is for leaders who are navigating growth while trying to stay connected to purpose, humanity, and community.

Who This Episode Is For

• Professionals of color navigating leadership growth
• Nonprofit and mission-driven leaders
• Emerging managers and executives
• Community-centered professionals
• Leaders learning to balance impact with sustainability
• Anyone questioning whether they’re “ready” for leadership

Key Themes

• Servant leadership
• Immigrant identity and leadership
• Community-centered change management
• Communication across generations
• Nonprofit operations and systems leadership
• Mentorship and executive growth
• Sustainable leadership practices

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome + honoring AAPI Heritage Month
00:00:27 Dora reflects on meeting Bora Lee
00:03:42 Bora shares her immigrant family journey
00:06:52 Discovering leadership through community organizing
00:09:19 Supporting immigrant seniors and families
00:11:42 Building systems that support people
00:18:25 The mission behind the Fifth Avenue Committee
00:20:20 Bora’s path from AmeriCorps to executive leadership
00:24:12 Why nonprofit operations matter
00:25:16 Burnout, growth, and investing in education
00:29:54 Becoming Chief of Staff
00:31:09 Communication and stakeholder management
00:32:46 Leading across generations
00:35:19 Leadership beyond titles

CTA

Subscribe to Building Leadership Community for conversations that support leadership growth, executive presence, wellness, and sustainable impact.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts
📺 Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM
💬 Share this episode with someone navigating leadership growth

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

In this special episode of Building Leadership Community Podcast, Coach Dora Mendez speaks directly to the community about leadership, accountability, and the workplace conversations too many organizations still avoid.

As she prepares for her upcoming DisruptHR DC presentation, Dora reflects on her experience investigating workplace discrimination complaints and why that work ultimately led her into leadership development and coaching.

This episode explores what happens when organizations focus on “fixing workers” instead of examining leadership culture, accountability, and psychological safety.

This conversation is for:

• HR professionals
• Educators
• Emerging leaders
• Professionals navigating workplace culture
• Anyone committed to building healthier, more human-centered systems

Key Themes

• Leadership accountability
• Psychological safety
• Workplace systems
• Courage in leadership
• Human-centered leadership development
• Organizational culture

Timestamps

00:00 – This episode is different
00:28 – Why Coach Dora is speaking at DisruptHR DC
00:46 – “No fluff, no hiding”
01:47 – A message to the leadership community
02:26 – Leadership development resources
04:50 – Why Dora stepped into the arena
05:09 – From discrimination investigations to leadership coaching
06:19 – What makes DisruptHR different
07:32 – Why workplace systems go unchallenged
07:48 – “The truth on the stage”
08:05 – The leadership courage gap
08:53 – Why this conversation matters

🎧 Follow Building Leadership Community Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video episode on YouTube @CoachDoraM.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Zenaida reflects on arriving in New York as a teenager, the political realities that shaped her family’s migration journey, and the years she spent organizing for representation, environmental justice, and equity in communities across New York City.

Together, Dora and Zenaida explore the emotional realities behind diaspora experiences: the love, heartbreak, resilience, and responsibility that shape immigrant families and future generations of leaders.

Buy Zenaida's Book: Amazon https://bit.ly/4nhpIPS

This episode is for:

• First-generation professionals
• Immigrant leaders and families
• Professionals of color navigating leadership spaces
• Community advocates and organizers
• Anyone seeking leadership rooted in humanity, culture, and belonging

Key Themes

• Migration and identity
• Leadership through community organizing
• Representation and civic engagement
• Intergenerational wisdom
• Language, confidence, and belonging
• Preserving family and community stories

🔴 TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Mother’s Day Encore Introduction
01:05 The Meaning Behind the Memoir
04:40 Why Zenaida Chose to Share Her Story
06:56 Arriving in New York at Fourteen
08:30 Politics, Migration, and Identity
10:54 Dominican Leadership and Representation
12:39 Organizing Washington Heights Communities
14:15 Environmental Justice Advocacy
16:13 Encouraging the Next Generation
17:24 The Meaning of “Love and Heartbreak” in the Diaspora
20:37 Leadership Through Family and Community
21:51 Language, Education, and Opportunity
23:01 “Your Accent Is Your Superpower”
24:13 Why Every Story Deserves to Be Told
25:15 Closing Reflections

🎧 Subscribe, follow, and share this episode with someone navigating leadership, belonging, or change.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

This episode is different in the best way.

In honor of Take Your Children to Work Day, Coach Dora invites her children to step into the role of co-hosts. What unfolds is a conversation that moves beyond leadership theory and into something more grounded, personal, and real.

They ask about how the podcast is built, how leadership is practiced in teaching and business, and what advice she would give her younger self.

But what makes this conversation meaningful is what happens in between the answers.

There’s reflection. There’s honesty. And there’s a moment where leadership becomes less about strategy… and more about responsibility, example, and love.

This episode is especially meaningful for anyone thinking about the kind of leader they want to be… not just at work, but in life.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Leadership beyond the boardroom
00:55 – Podcast introduction and mission
01:20 – Children step in as co-hosts
02:23 – The podcast as a family collaboration
03:08 – How leadership conversations are structured
03:43 – The three questions every guest is asked
04:13 – Where podcast guests come from
05:02 – Teaching leadership in the classroom
05:49 – Staying organized as a leader
07:12 – Advice to a younger self
07:35 – Leading by example
07:47 – A moment of emotion and reflection
08:05 – Leading in a way your children can be proud of
08:14 – Why the kids wanted to host
09:04 – Generational leadership and legacy
10:21 – The impact of early exposure to leadership
10:55 – Producer reflection
11:19 – Recognizing young leaders
11:37 – Closing message to the community

Why This Conversation Matters

This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t just something we practice in professional spaces.

It’s something we live.

And often, the people learning from us aren’t in the room… they’re at home, watching how we show up every day.

Listen & Watch

🎥 Watch on YouTube: @CoachDoraM
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Coach Dora Mendez is joined by producer Dylan Rogers to walk through the real systems behind launching a podcast—from defining your purpose to choosing the right tools and scaling your content across platforms.

This conversation is designed for entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders who are ready to transform their ideas into influence and build a platform that creates long-term opportunity.

Key Themes:
• Podcast strategy for beginners
• Video vs audio growth strategy
• AI-powered content workflows
• Launch planning and audience building
• Leadership visibility through content

Timestamps:
00:00 Encore Introduction + Why This Episode Matters
02:35 Meet the Producer: Behind the Scenes
03:12 How to Start a Podcast (Beginner Strategy)
04:18 Audio vs Video Podcasting
05:43 Equipment You Actually Need
06:24 Launch Strategy (First 3 Episodes)
08:28 What If You Don’t Have Time?
09:47 Why Your Voice Matters

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Together, they explore people-centered leadership as both a philosophy and a practical approach to career advancement. This conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, community, wellness, and helping professionals recognize and articulate the full value of their experience.

One of the most powerful moments in this episode focuses on transferable skills—specifically how professionals, including student veterans, often underestimate their leadership experience because they have not translated it into language that resonates in new environments. This episode offers a clear lens for understanding how to bridge that gap and step into leadership with confidence.

This conversation is a valuable resource for professionals seeking career growth, leaders focused on inclusive leadership, and anyone committed to building workplaces rooted in belonging and human-centered values.

🔑 Key Themes

• People-Centered Leadership
• Belonging and Workplace Culture
• Transferable Skills and Career Growth
• Mentorship and Leadership Development
• Wellness and Sustainable Leadership
• First-Generation Leadership Journeys

🔗 Relevant Organizations & Resources

• HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities)
  https://www.hacu.net
• Metropolitan State University of Denver
  https://www.msudenver.edu
• Elephant Circle (Nonprofit – Circle of Care concept)
  https://www.elephantcircle.net
• Deloitte (Leadership & Mentorship Example)
  https://www.deloitte.com
• Joint Services Transcript (JST)
  https://jst.doded.mil

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and introduction
03:02 Guest introduction
06:17 Leadership journey
11:09 Community and leadership
13:14 Wellness and Circle of Care
18:37 Advice for future leaders
24:04 Teaching philosophy
25:43 Transferable skills discussion
29:41 Leadership legacy

🔗 Connect with Dr. Lori Marie Huertas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorimariehuertas/

🔔 Subscribe & Share

Subscribe to Building Leadership Community and share this episode with a leader in your network.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Jonathan shares his journey from nonprofit fundraising to systems-level leadership, including raising over $14 million, coaching nonprofit leaders, and building capacity across organizations. Together, they unpack the difference between burnout and what Jonathan calls “moral injury”—a systemic failure that impacts high-performing professionals.

This conversation centers on inclusive leadership, community, and the role of self-awareness in sustainable career growth. It offers practical insights for leaders who want to move beyond intention and create meaningful change within their organizations.

Key Themes:

• Inclusive leadership in practice
• Moral injury vs. burnout
• Community-centered leadership
• Systems thinking in nonprofit leadership
• Self-awareness as a leadership skill

🔹 Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome + Guest Introduction
01:10 – Meet Jonathan Meagher-Zayas
07:38 – Leadership Story & Early Influences
10:03 – Nonprofit Leadership & Systems Thinking
13:44 – Transition to Community Foundation Work
16:27 – Leadership During 2020 & Equity Work
18:42 – Origin of “Equity Warrior”
22:54 – Why Community Matters in Leadership
23:54 – Burnout vs. Moral Injury
27:24 – Advice for Emerging Leaders
30:16 – How to Connect with Jonathan

Guest Links:
🔗 Connect with Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmeagherzayas
🌐 Guest Website: https://EquityWarriorStrategies.com

CTA:
Subscribe, share, and join a growing community of leaders building impact-driven careers.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Nikki shares her journey from growing up in a working-class town in England to building a business that helps speakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders step into their authority. Together, they explore how personal branding, speaking, and community play a critical role in leadership development and career advancement.

This conversation is especially relevant for leaders navigating visibility, identity, and influence in today’s workplace.

Key Themes:
• Personal brand strategy and positioning
• Speaking as a leadership growth tool
• Building community in leadership
• Overcoming self-doubt and owning your voice
• Creating visibility and authority

Timestamps:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why Your Voice Matters in Leadership
01:20 – Meet Nikki Groom
05:00 – From England to Entrepreneurial Leadership
09:00 – The Power of Community in Career Growth
13:30 – Speaking as a Leadership Strategy
16:30 – Personal Brand & Positioning Framework
19:45 – Overcoming Self-Doubt & Owning Your Voice
22:00 – Fear, Growth, and Leadership Identity
24:00 – How to Connect with Nikki

Guest Links:
Website: https://raised-voices.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkigroom/

https://nsaspeaker.org
https://.talkadot.com

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

In this episode of the Building Leadership Community Podcast, Coach Dora Mendez sits down with Anisha Jennings, a systems administrator, entrepreneur, and founder of Jennings Tech Corner, to explore what it means to lead through transition and uncertainty.

After moving from India to the United States to pursue her second master’s degree, Anisha rebuilt her life step by step, launching multiple ventures while balancing career, motherhood, and community.

This conversation explores leadership through lived experience, the power of taking imperfect action, and how to scale with systems and support.

Key Themes

• Leadership through transition and reinvention
• Building systems for sustainable growth
• Community as a leadership strategy
• Imperfect action vs perfection
• Visibility and digital presence for entrepreneurs

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Rebuilding, reimagining, rising
01:52 – Why leadership should be accessible
06:55 – Anisha’s origin story and move to the U.S.
09:25 – Building Jennings Tech Corner
10:56 – Why visibility matters in business
11:18 – Launching a podcast for women of color
12:05 – Scaling through team and collaboration
13:22 – What community really means
16:05 – Advice to her younger self
17:33 – Leadership advice for the next generation
18:58 – Imperfect action vs perfection
21:04 – Websites as digital leadership tools
24:54 – Final message: take the leap

Guest Links

Website: https://jenningstechcorner.com/
Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@AnishaJennings
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jennings-tech-corner/

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Jean shares her journey in philanthropy, her approach to mission-driven leadership, and why community is essential for navigating uncertainty. Together, they explore how leaders can build authentic executive presence while leveraging technology for social impact.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
03:54 – Guest Introduction
07:51 – Career Journey
12:14 – Community & Leadership
15:04 – Community as Antidote
17:30 – Leadership Advice
18:25 – “Be Cool. Be Sweet. Be Yourself.”
21:07 – Authenticity in Leadership
24:30 – Where to Connect

Key Themes:

• Authentic leadership
• Community-driven leadership
• Technology and equity
• Career growth and purpose
• Executive presence through authenticity

Connect with our guest:
Jean Westrick
President & CEO, Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG)
Leader in philanthropy, technology, and equity-driven innovation

🔗 Guest Links: 
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/JeahWestrick
https://tagtech.org
TAG Tech on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/technologyassociationofgrantmakers

Subscribe, share, and join the conversation.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Dr. Ruiz Lopez shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her leadership journey—from growing up in the South Bronx during a time of social unrest to witnessing systemic inequities in education and healthcare. Those early experiences became the driving force behind her lifelong commitment to education and community leadership.

Today, the school she founded sends more than 95% of its students to college, creating pathways for young people who might otherwise be overlooked.

This conversation explores perseverance, leadership, representation, and the responsibility leaders carry to create opportunity for future generations.

Connect with Dr. Elaine Ruiz Lopez

Get her book “The Fight for Equity in the Bronx” https://amzn.to/4bh7KIM

https://DrElaineRuizLopez.com

Timestamps

00:00 – Podcast introduction
02:20 – Why leadership community matters
04:25 – Introducing Dr. Elaine Ruiz Lopez
07:52 – Her leadership origin story
09:00 – Growing up Puerto Rican in the South Bronx
11:00 – Witnessing injustice in childhood
13:00 – Educational barriers and inequality
17:00 – Teenage motherhood and leaving high school
18:30 – Returning to education through City College
19:00 – Teaching in the South Bronx
19:40 – Leadership shaped by lived experience

Key Themes

• Leadership rooted in lived experience
• Representation and education equity
• Resilience and perseverance
• Creating pathways to opportunity
• Community-driven leadership

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

In this reflective International Women’s Day conversation, Coach Dora Mendez explores how storytelling, literature, and lived experience shape the way leaders understand equity, representation, and community.

Leadership is often shaped by the ideas we encounter and the voices we choose to amplify. In this episode, Dora highlights a group of international women authors and thought leaders whose writing, research, and personal stories have influenced her leadership philosophy.

From memoir to literary fiction to leadership frameworks, these voices remind us that stories expand empathy—and empathy strengthens leadership.

For professionals seeking to grow their leadership influence, deepen their cultural understanding, and build more equitable workplaces, this episode explores how literature and storytelling can transform the way we lead.

Whether you are watching the replay of the livestream or discovering this episode later, the insights remain just as powerful.

Key Takeaways

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why leadership growth requires understanding history, culture, and lived experience
  • How storytelling shapes empathy and decision-making in leadership
  • Why amplifying women’s voices strengthens organizational culture
  • How literature can expand leadership thinking beyond traditional frameworks
  • Practical ways leaders can elevate underrepresented voices in their workplaces

Authors and Leaders Highlighted

n this episode, Coach Dora shares:

📚 Books by International Women Authors
✨ Dr. Fulgani Shah – From Gaslighting to Truthlighting
✨ Dr. Elena Ruiz – The Fight for Equity in the Bronx
✨ Zenaida Mendez – Amor y Desamor, de La Diáspora

📖 Literary Fiction That Transforms Worldviews
🌺 The Farming of Bones – Edwidge Danticat
🦋 In the Time of the Butterflies – Julia Alvarez
🌻 Half A Century Ago – Dr. Angela Arias

✍🏽 Latina Leadership & HR Representation
💼 Latinas Rising Up in HR – Executive Edition
🌟 Extraordinary Latinas – Volume 4

Podcast Guests Featured

Dr. Falguni Shah
Leadership expert and author addressing workplace gaslighting and leadership dynamics.
https://www.fortruthlighting.com
Podcast Episode:https://youtu.be/_c1zsozd3zo?si=0PU36DsBJ9VaR7ug

Dr. Elaine Ruiz Lopez
Education leader and advocate for equity in schools and communities.
https://www.drelaineruizlopez.com

Podcast Episode: coming soon.

Zenaida Mendez
Memoirist and storyteller exploring diaspora identity, heritage, and leadership through lived experience.
https://substack.com/@zenaidam
Podcast Episode: https://youtu.be/G7taR8E7Hug?si=3CKqH5790FwJW8xE

Books and Authors Referenced

Edwidge Danticat
The Farming of Bones https://amzn.to/4b0FDxC

Julia Alvarez
In the Time of the Butterflies https://amzn.to/46JRI7J

Sandra Cisneros
The House on Mango Street https://amzn.to/4umOX6A

Dr. Angela Arias
Half A Century Ago https://amzn.to/40QEl1Z

Resources and Links

Watch the episode replay:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/I-SsYq7Ycs4?si=9gGDobxS3hGGRClC

Connect with Coach Dora Mendez:
Website: https://CoachDoraMendez.com

Key Themes

• Leadership shaped by storytelling
• Gender equity as a leadership issue
• Representation and voice in leadership
• Cultural perspective and empathy in leadership
• Building community through shared narratives

 If this episode resonates with you, subscribe to the Building Leadership Community Podcast and share this conversation with someone whose leadership journey you admire.

Leadership grows when we elevate the voices that shape our understanding of the world.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Transforming Your Money Story with Financial Wellness Coach Erika Dox-Martinez

In this episode of Building Leadership Community, financial wellness coach Erika Dox-Martinez shares how leaders can transform their relationship with money, build financial confidence, and create long-term wealth aligned with their values.

Professional Context

For many professionals, especially leaders of color, conversations about money are often shaped by silence, shame, or inherited beliefs about scarcity.

Erika Dox-Martinez helps ambitious women rethink those narratives by combining financial strategy with mindset work.

In this conversation with host Dora Mendez, Erika shares how she transformed her own financial life after struggling with debt despite working in financial services. She eventually paid off her debt, built wealth, and launched Blissful Vida, a platform dedicated to helping women rewrite their money stories.

This episode explores how financial wellness supports career advancement, leadership confidence, and long-term professional stability.

Key Takeaways

• Why your money mindset shapes your financial decisions and leadership confidence
• How early experiences with money influence career growth and financial habits
• The role of community accountability in financial progress
• How leaders can move from financial stress to financial empowerment
• Why rewriting your money story is essential for inclusive leadership development
• Practical strategies for building financial confidence and long-term wealth

Connect with Erika Dox-Martinez

Website
https://MyBlissfulVida.com

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-dox-martinez/

Dates With Dinero
https://myblissfulvida.com/dateswithdinero

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/myblissfulvida/

Resources

Get Coach Dora Merch
https://www.coachdoramendez.com/merch

Shop the Coach Dora Books (Affiliate Links)
https://amzn.to/3Z0B4fB
https://amzn.to/4qONHqh

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
01:23 Welcome to Building Leadership Community
03:37 Introducing Erika Dox-Martinez
05:38 Erika’s leadership journey and leaving corporate finance
08:16 Why community matters in financial empowerment
09:19 The power of accountability and money conversations
11:35 Understanding your money story
15:46 Debt, credit cards, and financial planning
18:17 Investing in education and financial strategy
26:31 Advice for emerging and established leaders
28:13 Challenging the myth that women of color can’t build wealth
30:13 Financial planning and long-term strategy
32:14 Why money mindset and emotional healing matter
34:01 Resources from Erika

Stay Connected with Coach Dora

Website
https://CoachDoraMendez.com

LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/in/coachdoram

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/coachdoram

Substack
https://coachdoram.substack.com

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/coachdoramendez

About Coach Dora Mendez

Coach Dora Mendez is a leadership strategist, speaker, and founder of Coach Dora LLC. Her mission is to be a beacon of bold authenticity, igniting conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion through writing, speaking, and leadership development.

Through coaching, consulting, and community dialogue, she works to help leaders build workplaces rooted in courage, compassion, and measurable equity.

If you'd like, I can also show you a podcast-growth optimized version of these show notes (slightly different structure that improves Apple Podcasts search indexing and Spotify discoverability).

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In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez talks with Yulkendy Valdez — social entrepreneur, consultant, and founder of Phenomenal Talent .

Yulkendy shares how her leadership journey began in the Dominican Republic, teaching neighborhood children to read , and evolved into building ventures that empower underrepresented creators .

Together, they explore:

• The courage to choose purpose over stability
• Mentorship and sponsorship as leadership accelerators
• Healing as a leadership practice
• Why community sustains long-term impact

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
03:39 – Founding Forefront & Early Entrepreneurship
07:16 – Backyard School in the Dominican Republic
11:59 – Spelling Bees, Representation & Confidence
18:12 – Choosing Entrepreneurship
21:37 – Wellness & Leadership

Guest

Yulkendy Valdez
Founder, Phenomenal Talent
Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree

Connect with Yulkendy:
https://linkedin.com/in/yulkendyvaldez/
https://yulkendyvaldez.com

Check out The Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint course: https://www.coachdoramendez.com/offers/nbFVW58k/checkout

Subscribe, share this episode with your leadership circle, and help us build community together

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Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Arias has generated over $112 million in client revenue and mentored more than 400 professionals. In this conversation, he shares what entrepreneurial leadership truly requires: disciplined risk evaluation, systems thinking, and community as a leadership stabilizer.

This episode explores:
• Why entrepreneurs fail without preparation
• How systems protect time and energy
• The connection between leadership and community
• Why risk must be evaluated through opportunity cost

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
04:24 Leadership Journey
08:13 Global Expansion
11:43 Community in Leadership
21:28 Risk and Preparation
24:15 ROI Mindset

Guest Links:
https://IgniteFunnels.com
https://IgniteFunnels.ke
https://WebsterBerryMarketing.com

Support the show

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In Season 3, Coach Dora explores leadership through the lens of neuroscience with Dr. Christopher Eaddy and Lisa Oborne.

Drawing from psychology, biology, and organizational systems, they examine how emotional reactivity affects logic, how accountability and authenticity intersect, and why the central nervous system may be the first culture of every organization.

Key Themes

• Leadership as embodiment
  • Nervous system regulation
  • Psychological safety
  • Inclusive leadership culture
  • Systems thinking in organizations

Timestamps

00:00 – Leadership as embodiment
01:54 – Introducing Dr. Eaddy & Lisa Oborne
07:02 – The coloring book story and early conditioning
15:08 – The central nervous system as culture
20:17 – Authenticity vs accountability
26:36 – Cues for Leadership explained
30:28 – Emotional regulation and decision-making
33:56 – Advice for emerging leaders
39:44 – How to connect with the guests

Connect with Dr. Eaddy and Lisa OBorne:

Guest Website: https://CuesForLeadership.com

email: info@CuesForLeadership.com

Subscribe, rate, and share to support inclusive leadership conversations.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome
03:20 Leadership origins
09:12 The TED Talk story
15:18 Integrity in leadership
18:10 Community and philanthropy
24:24 Advice for emerging leaders
32:07 Purpose over position

Key Themes
Leadership without titles Mentorship and community Career growth through integrity

Guest Bio
Dr. Danielle R. Moss Cox is an educator, advocate, and national leader in educational equity with over 20 years of experience.

Connect with Dr. Danielle Cox
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdaniellermosscox/
https://oliverscholars.org

Get Coach Dora Merch!
https://www.coachdoramendez.com/merch

This video description contains affiliate links.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Shop the Coach Dora Books: (Affiliate Links) 👇 https://amzn.to/3Z0B4fB https://amzn.to/4qONHqh

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Todd shares how a hunting trip sparked the idea that became a patented product, why honest feedback matters, and how community helps you stay grounded while you grow. If you’ve been sitting on an idea or navigating a career pivot, this episode will encourage you to take the next step.

Subscribe, share this episode, and remember: leadership doesn’t have to be lonely.

Timestamps / Chapters

00:01:55 Welcome + episode theme

00:02:36 Corporate-to-entrepreneur journey

00:05:09 Meet Todd Hanson + Compass Carts

00:05:41 The moment that sparked the invention

00:06:32 19 prototypes + product launch

00:11:41 Why community + feedback matters

00:14:22 Start before you know everything

00:15:10 Move with imperfect action

00:16:13 SWOT analysis + adapting to uncertainty

00:17:48 Improvise, adapt, overcome

00:18:50 Trade shows + evolving customer needs

00:22:20 Closing + where to follow

Key Themes + Takeaways

• Innovation begins when you refuse to accept the status quo
• You don’t have to know everything to start
• Community creates space for honest feedback and growth
• Persistence beats perfection: 19 prototypes
• Adaptability matters when external changes show up

Guest Credentials

Todd Hanson is an entrepreneur, inventor, and founder of Compass Carts (Rochester, Minnesota). He spent over 21 years in business development at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage before launching his product in November 2023.

Connect with Todd Hanson and Compass Carts.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddhanson1

Compass Carts Official Site :https://compasscarts.com/

Start your own podcast: The Entrepreneur’s Podcast Blueprint: https://bit.ly/46gso9B

 If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their next chapter.

Shop the Coach Dora Books: (Affiliate Links) 👇

https://amzn.to/3Z0B4fB

https://amzn.to/4qONHqh

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Key Themes

• Leadership and cultural humility
• Career advancement for women of color
• Community, wellness, and mentorship
• Systemic change in organizations

Guest Dr. Falguni Shah, PhD Physician, Organizational Psychologist, Author of Truth Lighting

Resources

• Get Falguni Shah, PhD's book: https://amzn.to/3LLMkti
• Falguni Shah, PhD's website: https://www.fortruthlighting.com/
• Check out the Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint: https://bit.ly/46gso9B

👉 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation

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What do winning teams consistently get right? In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez and HR expert Kyle Patrick Smith explore leadership as responsibility and service.

They unpack authenticity, accountability, and why people-first leadership creates teams that thrive, especially during times of change.

Check out Kyle Patrick Smith’s books:
Recruiting Is Easy!: If You Approach It Like Sales And Marketing
https://amzn.to/45c8qMj
Get the Job You Love
https://amzn.to/3LjZA8x

Key Takeaways

• Winning teams are built through service, not control
• Authentic leadership requires accountability
• Leaders succeed when they lift others up
• People-first culture drives long-term results

Guest Credentials

Kyle Patrick Smith is an HR expert, bestselling author, and founder of HR Kyle with over 25 years of corporate HR experience.

Connect with Kyle Patrick Smith
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehrkyle/
https://hrkyle.com

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

In this Episode:
00:00 Introduction & episode overview
02:42 Leadership, wellness, and responsibility
04:52 Stephan’s leadership journey
09:20 Service, fun, and organizational culture
13:27 Wellness, burnout, and leadership sustainability
19:40 What community really means
21:45 Advice for the next generation of leaders
26:50 How to connect with Stephan
29:49 Final reflections & closing

Pre-register for Coach Dora's Wellness Club: https://forms.gle/CFyihe1StCJF16ix5

Connect with Stephan Spilkowitz https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-spilkowitz

Shop the Coach Dora Books: (Affiliate Links) 👇
https://amzn.to/3Z0B4fB
https://amzn.to/4qONHqh

Let's Stay Connected!

Website: https://CoachDoraMendez.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/coachdoram
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdoram
Substack https://coachdoram.substack.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachdoramendez

Sign Up for my FREE Newsletter! https://coachdoramendez.com

This video was recorded with StreamYard. Click this link to give it a try! 👇🏾 https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4806734327447552

About Coach Dora Mendez - https://coachdoramendez.com
The mission of Coach Dora LLC is to be a beacon of bold authenticity, igniting conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion through my writing and public speaking. I envision a world where everyone feels empowered to lead with courage and compassion, and my coaching and consulting services are the tools to make this vision a reality.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

In This Episode:

• The 10 Moments of 2025 A raw reflection on scaling a business, becoming AI-fluent, and leading with intention.

• The Wellness Club Launch Learn how to claim one of 26 founding spots and step into a more supported 2026.

• Season 3 Preview A first look at upcoming guests, from equity warriors to neuroscientists.

Resources & Links:
• Join the Founding Circle of Coach Dora’s Wellness Club https://forms.gle/iXw2i8ZQRsPmTQVM7

• The Entrepreneur’s Podcast Blueprint https://www.coachdoramendez.com/offers/nbFVW58k/checkout

Episode Chapters:
00:00 – A Moment to Breathe (Intro)
02:59 – Top 10 Moments from 2025
14:15 – Season 3 Preview & Guest Reveal
16:20 – Holiday Closing Subscribe now so you don’t miss the Season 3 premiere in mid-January.

Books by Coach Dora (Affiliate Links)
• Latinas Rising Up in HR, Volume III: Executive Edition https://amzn.to/3MEerLn
• Extraordinary Latinas, Volume IV https://amzn.to/4p88Mud Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.

As an Amazon Associate, Coach Dora earns from qualifying purchases.

Stay Connected with Coach Dora

Website: https://CoachDoraMendez.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/coachdoram
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdoram
Substack: https://coachdoram.substack.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachdoramendez

Sign up for the FREE newsletter to stay inspired and informed. About Coach Dora Mendez Coach Dora Mendez is the founder of Coach Dora LLC. Her mission is to be a beacon of bold authenticity, igniting conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion through writing, public speaking, coaching, and consulting. She envisions a world where everyone is empowered to lead with courage and compassion.

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In this episode:

• The Future of Leadership: Hear from Naomi and Mateo as they share their perspectives on what makes a good leader, what they like about the podcast, and how they lead in their own lives (like playing fair on the soccer team).
• Season 2 Insights: Producer Dylan Rogers shares the 3 major themes that emerged this season: empathy and vulnerability as a way to build trust, the power of the pivot, and community-first leadership.
• Behind the Mic: Coach Dora gives a shout-out to her family members featured this season, including Dora's mother, Zenaida Mende, aunt Carmen Mejia, and sister, Rocio Méndez.
• Start Your Podcast: Learn about the Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint mini-course, created to help leaders and entrepreneurs start their own show with a slim budget.
• Season 3 Preview: Get a sneak peek at next season, which will be bigger and more diverse, featuring incredible men who are allies in the leadership space, leaders in tech, philanthropy, and more!

Connect with Dora Mendez: Listen and watch every episode of Season 1 and 2 on all audio platforms or on YouTube @CoachDoraM.

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In this episode, Rocío shares:

How her background in martial arts and stage combat led her to pursue fight choreography as a career.

The crucial role that mentorship played in her career trajectory.

The vital importance of her role: to choreograph scenes of intimacy while also ensuring performers have autonomy with their bodies, are fully consenting, and have a voice in the room.

Her philosophy on leading: showing people the value and collaboration of the work to build a fun and sustainable creative environment.

Her top leadership advice: to commit to continuous learning and education—on topics like mental health, gender politics, and anti-racism—to stay relevant and build a stronger community of professionals.

Guest Links:

Website: RocíoMendez.com

Instagram: @itsRocíoMendez

Organization: Oregon Shakespeare Festival (osfashland.org)

IMDb

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Coach Dora Mendez is joined by her husband and podcast producer, Dylan Rogers, to answer your most frequently asked questions about launching a podcast. This episode is dedicated to providing you with the tools and strategies you need to finally share your voice with the world.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Getting Started: The first step is to create your podcast blueprint by defining your show's purpose and mission.
• We recommend using AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm titles, craft taglines, and outline episodes.
• Audio vs. Video: While audio is the easiest way to start, video offers a much bigger payoff, allowing you to use content on platforms like YouTube and for social media clips.
• AI tools can also help you create show notes and social posts from your transcripts.
• Essential Equipment: You don't need a fancy studio. The bare minimum includes a reliable computer, a decent USB microphone, headphones, and a quiet space.
• For recording, we use StreamYard, but other options like Riverside FM and Zoom also work.
• Launch Strategy: To make a great first impression, you need a high-quality cover image and compelling show notes.
• Dylan, a professional graphic designer, uses Photoshop for their cover art, but recommends Canva for beginners.
• For video editing, he uses Adobe Premiere but suggests iMovie as a good option for those just starting.
• Saving Time: If you don't have the time to do it all yourself, you have two options.

Ready to Get Started?

• Get The Entrepreneurs Podcast Blueprint Course! 
• Explore podcast production services: If you're interested in production services, you can connect with us by visiting DylanRogers.com/podcast-production.
• Try Kajabi for FREE HERE! 
• Try StreamYard for FREE HERE!

Purchase the Podcast Launch Blueprint Mini Course, or you can use our "done for you" service where we handle editing, production, and show notes.

Limited-Time Offer: The Podcast Launch Blueprint Mini Course is available for a limited time for just $99 and includes a blueprint guide, AI prompts to transform your transcripts into show notes and social posts, and a consultation with Dylan.

Links: [Check out the Podcast Launch Blueprint Mini Course HERE! Follow Coach Dora on YouTube @CoachDoraM Visit Coach Dora's website at CoachDoraMendez.com

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Lore and Dora discuss:

• The essential work of Sinergia, which supports children and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries.
• How Sinergia champions underserved communities by providing service coordination, advocacy, parent support, and housing resources.
• The challenges of leading a nonprofit in the current healthcare landscape and the importance of advocacy.
• Lore's career progression and the rewarding experience of helping clients achieve independence.
• The advice Lore would give to her younger self and the next generation of leaders: to "pace yourself" and "be kind to yourself".

Listen in as Lore shares her story of leading with grace and purpose, and how Sinergia continues to be a beacon of hope and support in the community.

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Dora and Heidi, who are co-authors in the Extraordinary Latinas, Volume 4, dive deep into the importance of uplifting and sharing the stories of Latina leaders.

Heidi shares her background as a first-generation U.S. citizen and her work supporting diverse communities, particularly Latina women and professionals. The conversation also touches on Heidi's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of being a solo female entrepreneur, and how books and storytelling can be a powerful tool for building community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate their leadership journey with purpose and to find inspiration in the power of connection.

Connect with Heidi Monika Romer:
Website: https://www.heidimonika.com/
H.O.L.A. Books: https://www.hola-books.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidimonikaromer/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/heidimonika

Subscribe to my Substack https://substack.com/@coachdoram
Sign Up for my FREE Newsletter! https://www.coachdoramendez.com/contact
About Coach Dora Mendez - https://coachdoramendez.com

Building Leadership Community Podcast was recorded with StreamYard. Click this link to give it a try! 👇🏾 https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4806734327447552

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Support the show

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Key takeaways from this episode include:

• The Evolution of a Leader: How varied experiences across different industries prepared Stephanie for consulting and executive leadership.
• The Power of Coaching: Stephanie highlights the invaluable experience of receiving executive coaching, especially when facing the unique isolation of top-tier roles.
• Community as a Catalyst: Discover the profound impact of joining communities like "Latinas Rising Up in HR" and the sense of belonging found through shared experiences.
• Conquering Comfort Zones: Stephanie, an admitted introvert, offers powerful advice for emerging leaders: embrace opportunities that challenge you, as these moments foster self-discovery and confidence. She encourages listeners to "go after those things that scare you".

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow in their leadership journey, understand the nuances of HR, or find courage in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors.

Guest Links:

Website: https://EmpoweredLCG.com

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-martinez-1018/

Resources:

https://www.LatinasRisingUpInHR.com/

https://brenebrown.com/

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• From Court to Career: Angela shares how basketball served as a gateway to new experiences, leading to an NCAA Division I scholarship and professional play in Germany.
• The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Discover how her work with non-profits like Nifty and entrepreneurship camps fueled her passion for creating the life she desired, ultimately leading to publishing books and establishing a PR agency.
• Advice for the Next Generation: Angela emphasizes the importance of following your curiosity and embracing opportunities, even if you feel unprepared. She cites Sheryl Sandberg's advice: "When you get a chance to take a seat on a rocket ship, take it."
• Community as Service: Angela defines community as a commitment to service, illustrating how her involvement with "Women in Sports and Events" in Dallas helped her build a new community. She highlights that service can take many forms, including caring for those closest to you.
• Leadership Beyond Titles: Angela challenges the traditional view of leadership, asserting that it's not about a title but about influence and the ability to lead oneself and others positively.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on navigating their leadership journey with confidence and purpose.
Guest Information:

• Angela R. Lewis is the Head of Operations at Speaker Hub. She has coached and mentored over 500 athletes and authored multiple books for young women in sports.

Connect with Angela R. Lewis:

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/AngelaRLewis
• Website: https://AngelaRLewis.com
• Instagram: @theAngelaRLewis

Building Leadership Community Podcast:

• Hosted by Dora Mendez, founder and CEO of Coach Dora, LLC.
• Follow on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube: @CoachDoraM
• Visit the web: https://CoachDoraMendez.com. 

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In this upcoming episode:

• Carmen shares her journey empowering individuals through dance, wellness programs, and community outreach.
• Learn about her unique approach to leadership, integrating movement and recreational therapy to foster healing and personal transformation.

Subscribe now so you don't miss the full episode!

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In this inspiring episode, Priscilla shares her personal and professional journey, from starting in hospitality to becoming an HR executive. She discusses the challenges of transitioning roles, the impact of personal struggles like miscarriages on her career path, and the importance of prioritizing well-being.

A key theme is the crucial role of community in leadership. Priscilla emphasizes how a supportive network, like Latinas Rising Up in HR, provides a safe space for leaders to navigate challenges and grow. She advises aspiring leaders to "be the influencer for yourself" by focusing on their core values and building a strong foundation to withstand any "storms" in life.

This episode is a testament to resilience, authentic leadership, and the power of collective support.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership can be lonely, but community provides essential support.
• Personal challenges can lead to profound self-discovery and new ventures.
• Prioritizing mental and physical health is crucial for sustainable leadership.
• Building a strong personal foundation (values, community, faith) helps navigate adversity.
• Be the "influencer for yourself" by focusing on internal growth rather than external validation.

Resources:

• Find the book "Latinas Rising Up in HR Volume 3 Executive Edition" here: bit.ly/3HYP58w
• Connect with Latinas Rising Up in HR: https://LatinasRisingUpinHR.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/latinasrisingupinhr
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinasinhr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LatinasInHR
• Connect with Priscilla Guasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscillaguasso/

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Tune in for the full conversation on June 27th!

Connect with Priscilla & Latina Rising Up in HR:

Website: http://www.latinasrisingupinhr.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscillaguasso/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@latinasrisingupinhr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinasinhr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LatinasInHR

Support the show

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Together, we explore:

• The hidden challenges and untapped potential of young professionals.
• How motherhood can sharpen leadership skills.
• Why mentorship is key to developing inclusive, future-ready leaders.
• How Alison’s tech-enabled platform is helping organizations scale meaningful mentoring.
• The myth of balance and the power of prioritization.
• Practical advice for aspiring leaders looking to accelerate their growth.

Whether you're just starting out or stepping into the C-suite, this conversation offers inspiration and tangible strategies to help you lead with clarity and impact.

Resources Mentioned: EngageMentoring.com Learning to Lead Through Mentoring by Alison Martin 🎙 Hosted by Coach Dora Mendez 🌐 Learn more at CoachDoraMendez.com 📲 Follow @CoachDoraM on YouTube, LinkedIn & Instagram

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#leadership #mentoring #engagementoring #coaching #dei #diversity #MentorshipMatters #womeninleadership #LeadershipDevelopment #careergrowth #careergrowthcoaching #careergrowthtips #podcast #podcastinterview

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Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

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About Coach Dora Mendez - http://coachdoramendez.com

The mission of Coach Dora LLC is to be a beacon of bold authenticity, igniting conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through my writing and public speaking. I envision a world where everyone feels empowered to lead with courage and compassion, and my coaching and consulting services are the tools to make this vision a reality.   

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Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.

Support the show

Follow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.