Episode No 30

Victor vs. Victim with Trainer, Trish Igancio

Trish Ignacio, “TrishTheIsh”  is a Filipino-American Personal Trainer & Influencer. Her love for fitness and the desire to empower people especially women has been the focal point of her training business.  Trish speaks on health panels, runs Bootcamps all across the states, & has built an international online training program. The goal is to find balance all across the board :mind, body & spirit. When you love and take care of yourself, you are able to fully give & connect with others.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture

"I was taught that being vulnerable didn’t mean that I was weak, it meant that I was stronger." - Trish Ignacio

In this episode, we chat with personal trainer, Trish Ignacio about the importance of feminism. In this interview, Trish talks about how her family has always encouraged to be a strong woman.

“If we are strong women that attributes to other strong women in our life”

Trish also talks about the importance of being standing strong and not playing victim.

“If you want to change the world, you have look at yourself at a warrior and i believe all women are.”

Audrey talks about the feeling of otherness as a kid vs now and why she had to nix sad hour.

"You can have a victim mentality or a victor mentality." - Trish Ignacio

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 30, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 29

Fashion and Feminism with Gentle Riot Founder, Estefany Arias

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture

"At the beginning of 2017, I decided I’m going to start living my life for me" - Estefany Arias

In this episode, we chat with Gentle Riot founder, Estefany Arias about women of color in fashion. In this interview, Estefany talks about being a feminist and a woman of color in a profession that isn’t always cognizant of her beliefs.

“Yes I’m a feminist, but the industry that I work in and that I love, fashion, isn’t always inclusive.”

Estefany also talks about learning about self care and how certain practices changed how she goes about her everyday

“I used to think self care was a nice long shower, but that’s just basic care. So what do you do to actually take care of yourself?”

Audrey talks about how her dog saved her from depression and growing up in Paramount.

"Sometimes I’m like am I woke enough? It’s always a process of continuing to grow" - Estefany Arias

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 29, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 28

Break It Down, Rake It Up with Financially Savvy Latina Founder, Natalie Torres

atalie Torres-Haddad an Award Winning Author of the International Latino Book Awards of 2016, for her published book Financially Savvy in 20 minutes.  The first Salvadorian American woman to publish a book dealing with student debt.  A workshop facilitator, a real estate investor and brand collaborator. A first generation graduate and part of the 4% of Latinos in the US with a Master's degree MPA from CSUN and from CSULB, Finance & International Business. Born in El Salvador, raised in Inglewood she was surrounded by those facing permanent debt.  Determined to be the exception, by age 24 bought her first rental property and several after.   She is most known for founding LA’s Prom Closet helped over 1,000 high school girls. Her activities have been covered in Huffington Post, LA Times, Fox 11, Univision, KCAL9, La Opinion and Toastmasters Magazine. Has travel to over 30 countries, lived in Spain & France and resides in Huntington Park with husband and 2 dogs. 

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture

"You don’t need money to make money. You can barter, if you have something that someone wants you can make it happen" - Natalie Torres

In this episode, we chat with Financially Savvy Latina Founder and Author, Natalie Torres about money, money, money. In this interview, Natalie talks about dealing with debt and raising your credit score.

“Don’t focus on your debit, that’ll go away! Have something that’ll motivate you.”

Natalie also talks about how getting your finances together can change the people you surround yourself with.

“If you’re doing well and doing better, you’re going to surround yourself with people that are doing better.”

Audrey talks about her own debt, her credit score obsession, and how relationships have changed how she deals with money.

"You need to value yourself and know your worth" - Natalie Torres

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 28, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 27

Swag, Swag, Swag with Swaje Founder, Imani Quinn

Imani Quinn founded and launched SWAJE June 25, 2016 and began building the company a year prior. Imani is a creative who has taught dance through the Los Angeles school district for the past 4 years before leaving to pursue her company full-time. SWAJE is a multicultural lifestyle brand that is focused on creating multicultural awareness through textile design as well as female empowerment through Goddess’ That Give; a platform of SWAJE meant to give back by mentoring young girls from underprivileged communities. Imani is an artist and social activist first and foremost who uses SWAJE as well as her dance workshops and Women Soul Circles as a tool in building community, engaging in social activism and elevating the consciousness of our community at large. 

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

"Self awareness is so important. You might not be able to change habits over night, but have the awareness to notice them." - Imani Quinn

In this episode, we chat with Swaje Founder, Imani Quinn talks about growing up in a primarily white school. In this interview, Imani retells her first racist experience and how she dealt with it.

“You can feel things, but you don’t know how to conceptualize them if you don’t have a language for it.”

Imani also talks about the importance of self awareness and why she believes many people are born with a sense of privilege, not just white people.

“It’s so easy to play the victim, but when you have self awareness it’s less about pointing fingers and more about understanding yourself.”

Audrey talks about learning to trust the process, religion, and Master P’s “Them Jeans”.

"Decide what you want and the universe will flow that in." - Imani Quinn

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 26, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 26

TBT to 90s Hip Hop with Dizon Dreams Founder, Lainney Dizon

Lainney Dizon oversees all marketing initiatives for Dizon Dreams, a creative agency specializing in social media marketing for TV and music. Currently, she assists with the marketing initiatives of Pilgrim Studios, the world's most diverse television production company. She is also the editor-in-chief of LA Pulse Magazine, an online platform dedicated to LA's emerging creative artists. When she's not making marketing and editorial magic, she's hosting The Drop Party, a monthly 2000's HipHop dance party in DTLA. 

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture

"It’s not really about competition, it’s about growing with each other" - Lainney Dizon

In this episode, we chat with The Drop and Dizon Dreams Founder, Lainney Dizon talks about growing up as a brown girl. In this interview, Lainney discusses dealing with other people’s perception, scrutiny, and expectation all while jamming to hip hop.

“I feel like being a brown girl you’re very unrepresented and underestimated. No one expects you to come out on top.”

Lainney also talks about the importance of being authentic in everything she does and including that in her social media persona.

“Be authentic and share your story, because no one else can share it - it’s your own to make.”

Audrey talks about her run in with the illuminati, dealing with haters, and her undying love for Oprah, Tupac, and Lauryn Hill.

"I attract authentic people if i’m authentic with myself." - Lainney Dizon

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 26, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 25

Following the Music with Geminelle 

Geminelle, San Diego native, has been pursuing music at a professional level since the age of 13. In the beginning of her career she was a member of the girl group MISS. While she enjoyed her time within the group, she soon began to pursue her solo career.After graduating high school, Geminelle decided to take a break from music to seek a degree in education. Her passion for helping others and being a vessel for change made attaining her M.Ed a major achievement. It was at this time that she realized her gift as an educator and an artist are intertwined: that both music and education can have an impact in an individual’s life. With the help of her friends, family and fans she was able to say farewell to San Diego as she embarked on her “Follow the Music Campaign”. As she settles into New York, a population full of promise, she is continuing to develop her craft in a city known for sharpening the skills of budding artists.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

"A lot of our own capability is how we manifest our own thoughts" - Geminelle Rollins

In this episode, we chat with singer/songwriter, Geminelle Rollins about growing up with mixed heritage. She talks about how she came into her own and learned how to accept every part of her culture.

“For me there was growth that needed to happen from going from almost afraid to identify as mixed race to being able to choose what you want to identify with in which space.”

Geminelle goes on to talk about how she doesn’t know if she labels herself as a feminist but, she is all about rooting for women.

“I’m all about women supporting women and creating spaces for women to be vulnerable.”

Audrey talks about getting to know people through your network and how being instagram thirsty has helped her on her come up.

"As a woman i tried to teach the men around how to teach women, talk to women, and court women." - Gimenelle Rollins

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 25, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com, SoundCloud, or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 24

Knowing Your Heritage with Ethiopian Diaspora Fellowship founder, Rediate Tekeste

Rediate is a first-generation Ethiopian-American and founder of Ethiopian Diaspora Fellowship and co-founder of Integrate Africa.  Rediate started both organizations to build bridges between cultures, people, and ideas. She has 10+ years of experience consulting and working for social action organizations including the Clinton Initiative, America Reads Program, World Vision Ethiopia as a journalist and then Selam Children’s Village. Rediate discovered her passion for social impact media while working as an international Field Producer for Girl Rising. She received her B.A in Intercultural Communications at Arizona State University and her Master of Communication Management degree at University of Southern California.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

"You are not only what you think you are but what other’s view you as" - Rediate Tekeste

In this episode, we chat with Ethiopian Diaspora Fellowship, founder Rediate Tekeste about the importance of knowing your culture. As an Ethiopian-American, she talks about why it’s not a weakness to be multicultural.

“We need to be empowered by being both cultures. What’s powerful about you being both? What’s powerful is that you can relate to other people even though you’re not exactly like them”

Rediate goes on to talk about tradition and story-telling and why that’s an avid part of her business.

“If we’re not capturing these stories, we’re losing them. The only way you can take your power back is if you’re telling your own story.”

Audrey talks about her interracial, interfaith home and why she thinks that’s so important, especially now, in Trump Nation.

"We are the keepers of tradition and if those traditions don’t get passed on, we lose them." - Rediate Tekeste

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 24, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com, SoundCloud, or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 23

Coffee and Culture with Beans & Bars founder, Ashlee Turner

Ashlee Lena Turner, founder of Beans & Bars, a hip hop coffee shop, has married two of her greatest interests and passions into a unique perspective of what the coffee industry is missing. In a city where urban coffee shops can be found on almost every corner, Ashlee Lena has anxiously watched as coffee shops have managed to become mere replicas of one another. Various brews of coffee are plentiful but an urban cultural experience for the coffee and ambience connoisseur is absent. It has since been her dream to create Beans & Bars, a coffee shop that serves a variety of robust blends of coffee alongside an urban, tranquil, hiphop cultural experience.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

"I have appreciation for any music that is in that hustle period" - Ashlee Turner

In this episode, we chat with Beans & Bars, Founder, Ashlee Turner about the importance of hip hop. In this interview, Ashlee talks about making her passion for coffee and music and making that her profession.

“What’s more universal is music? And another universal thing is coffee so I think what you should do what you love and make it your business.”

Ashlee also talks about the effects of the election and how she’s still reeling from it.

“I don’t want to see dreamers being deported. Even thinking about the election takes me back for a minute.”

Audrey talks about her love for hip hop music and how she wishes all her Instagram captions started with Drake lyric.

"Do what you love and make it your business" - Ashlee Turner

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 23, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com, SoundCloud, or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 22

The "-isms" with Social Media Influencer, Mandie Torres

Mandie Torres, social media influencer, @dandy.mandie posts show almost every side of her from going to shows, parties, community events, posting funny/dumb videos, talking about social injustices, self love, relationships, learning about your roots, empowering women and just people in general, or her just straight up feeling herself. Lately Mandie has been getting more involved and planning events about culture, self love/care, decolonization, and creating spaces for POC to feel comfortable and not alone in their experiences; and for them to just kick back and catch a breath in a system that barely allows us to. 

"Social media has it’s pro and its cons but, it’s so much easier to spread awareness which is always a pro" - Mandie Torres

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

In this episode, we chat with social media influencer, Mandie Torres about the feeling of otherness. In this interview, Mandie talks about growing up in a primarily white school and how she uses that to her advantage now.

“I wouldn’t say I felt weird, but it was confusing because I was born in America but I wasn’t American enough. It’s like i live here but, Mexican is what runs through my blood”  

Mandie also talk about finding her voice and using that to help people despite potential backlash.

“I always try to practice what I preach. Be unapologetic. Stand your ground, even if you look like a bitch. Say what you have to say”

Audrey talks about the struggle of being perceived one way due to social media and how she overcame that during the rise of Worthy Women.

“I wasn’t aware of how many people were digging what I was posting and how it was helping them” - Mandie Torres

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 22, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com, SoundCloud, or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 21

Google, Fear, and Motherhood with Lil' Libros co-founder, Patty Rodriguez

Patty is the co-founder of Lil' Libros, the Senior Producer at "On Air With Ryan Seacrest," and the creator of MALA by Patty Rodriguez.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

“This isn’t just about me anymore, now [having my son] there’s substance in my life and in my heart to make the world a better place” - Patty Rodriguez

In this episode, we chat with Lil Libros Co Founder, Patty Rodriguez about the importance of getting it on your own. In this interview, Patty talks about how google is basically her BFF and how she used it to persuade MAC to create the Selena collection.

“There is no excuse to getting where you want to be and having the life you want - if you have a phone you can do anything you want”  

Patty goes on to talk about how she deals with fear and how that motivates her to get what she wants.

“Sometimes I ask myself, “Why do I feel fear?” Most of the time when you feel fear it’s a good thing because it’s your heart telling you this is where you belong. Everything worth having is scary.”

Audrey talks about being of service to your community, what that looks like, and why it’s so important.

“It’s not about being fearless, it’s about taking a stance in how you handle your fear” - Audrey Bellis

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 21, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com, SoundCloud, or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 20

Reality TV and Representation with Casting Director Tiffany Dejillo

Tiffany Dejillo was raised East San Jose, CA, a diverse working-class suburb in the Silicon Valley.  As a Gen-Xer from a close-knit family of Filipino immigrants, she grew up with Riot Grrrl ideals, gangsta rap, and Bay Area pride.  Now, Tiffany is a Reality TV veteran with over 15 years of production and casting experience, and cites the joy of changing people's lives for the better as her personal mission.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

"I look up to all women who are unapologetic in their opinions" - Tiffany Dejillo

In this episode, we chat with Reality TV Casting Director, Tiffany Dejillo about breaking through the glass ceiling to get what you deserve. In this interview, Tiffany talks about how she didn’t suffer from “otherness” until she got older.

“I noticed it was a little harder for me being a woman, being brown, being small. I was these things all along but, I had no idea.”

Tiffany goes on to talk about being called a “feminazi” and how that offended her but, being labeled as a feminist never has.

“Why is feminism that still needs to be around? Why haven’t we surpassed that? It’s really uncomfortable to know we haven’t”

Audrey talks about the importance of representation of brown girls on tv and how people use that to identify themselves and others.

“I think it’s so important as women to be leaders that drive the community” - Audrey Bellis

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 20, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com, SoundCloud, or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 19

Leslie Antonoff better known as Hautemommie – a content creator, television personality, entrepreneur, and style influencer. You’ve seen her face on TV, as one half of “Butter and Brown”  and the mini staple series “Big Screen, Small Bites” on Aspire Network. 

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

"I’m all about brown women being in power and getting into spaces where we’re not welcome " - Leslie Antonoff

In this episode, we chat with HauteMommie and Sweet Knowledge Clothing Company Founder, Leslie Antonoff about raising biracial children. In this interview, Leslie talks about other accepting her interracial relationship and what that means to her.

“The one thing I’ve always wanted in a marriage, is for it to be a blessing to other people.”

Leslie also talks about her dislike for labels and how she had to come to turns with being labeled as a feminist.

“I struggle with the word for the feminist because i thought it was meant for white women. Once they started having problems then they wanted to rise up.”

Audrey talks about her own interracial, interfaith family and professed her love for the Black and Yellow remix - Black and Jewish.

"I want my kids to know I'll always take care of them, but I need to take care of me too” - Leslie Antonoff

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 19, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 18

Eileen Rosete is a marriage and family therapist (MSMFT), yoga instructor, and mama. She added the role of entrepreneur to her list when she launched Our Sacred Women in 2016 - a social enterprise dedicated to offering specialty gifts that help women feel seen, valued, and honored. She is passionate about helping people connect meaningfully with themselves and others, and in doing so, cultivate healing moments of witnessing and being witnessed.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

"You'll recognize that helping others, helps you." - Eileen Rosete

 In this episode, we chat with Founder of Our Sacred Women, Eileen Rosete about the importance of what we are bringing to the world. Eileen talks about how sometimes you find solace in helping others.

“The things that we are trying to offer the world, are often times things we’re working on in our lives. You’re not just helping others but you'll recognize that helping others, helps you.”

 Also, Eileen talks about what inspired her to start a business that empowers women but, also reflects the values of the culture she was raised in.

“I wanted to be more of a bridge builder. Women are sacred, to me, is hopefully a platform where people of all walks of life can get on board with.”

 Audrey talks about how yoga helped her in a time of need and how she started Worthy Women from a place of healing.

"Someone’s healing is waiting on your revealing." - Audrey Bellis

 This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 18, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

 This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 17

Joy Riley, as the Founder of Love Jays + Married Millennials Podcast, loves love. Although she is passionate about relationships, she is most interested in the relationship we all share with ourselves. When she's not asking any and everybody what makes their soul tick, this former dancer can often be found on her sofa reading a good book with her feet propped up on her husband's lap, while snuggling with their two dogs.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

"If you don’t recognize your value, no one else is going to see it. And if you do recognize you’re less likely to allow someone in your life who doesn’t." - Joy Riley

In this episode, we chat with Married Millennials Podcast Host, Joy Riley about the importance of relationships. Joy talks about how the relationship you have with yourself is most important and a foundation for what you accept in other relationships.

 “If you feel like to be in a relationship you can be the best version of yourself or the best you - you shouldn’t be in that relationship! You don’t need to live for somebody, with somebody, just alongside somebody”

 Joy also sheds light on her experience with white guilt and her feelings on diversity.

 “Diversity shouldn’t be the issue [anymore]. We don’t all have to be the same. We just need to bring it to the table, address it, and move on. Not harp on it.”

 Audrey talks about how she believes the relationship you have with other people is the direct result of the relationship you have with yourself and why it’s so important to remedy that relationship first.

"Sometimes you are the victim of society, but you cannot let that define you. " - Joy Riley

 This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 17, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

 This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 16

Renata Simril is President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation (www.LA84.org). Formed in 1985, originally as the Amateur Athletic Foundation, the LA84 Foundation is a legacy of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Summer Games. Ms. Simril began her career in the U.S. Army as a Military. Ms. Simril is an accomplished civic and private sector trailblazer with more than 25 years of diversified experience with a commitment to leadership and service.  She most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff to the Publisher of the Los Angeles Times, where she oversaw staff operations and special projects.  Her earlier career included three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where she served as Senior Vice President of External Affairs overseeing the restoration of the Dodgers brand and the Dodgers Foundation; and over a decade in real estate development with Jones Lang LaSalle, Forest City Development and LCOR, Inc. 

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

"Service is the price you pay for the space you occupy " - Renata Simril

 In this episode, we chat with LA84’s President, Renata Simril about how she got her start and has climbed the ladder ever since. She begins talking about how in order to get her start, she had to fight for education and opportunities.

 “Education is universal, opportunity is not. Opportunities lead me to phenomenal mentors along the way, people that really believed in me and believed in my success. ”  

 Renata also talks about her relationship with the word feminist and how that contributes to her business lifestyle now.

“I am about women and creating opportunities for women to do whatever they want to do. If you want to call that feminism, great.”

 Audrey talks about how she was the ultimate finesser when it came to dodging P.E. class and how in hindsight she believes that shaped her to be who she is today.

"The stories that keep me inspired, are one kid at a time, one family at a time." - Renata Simril

 This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 16, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

 This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 15

Feminism and Festivals with Do LaB's Monica Fernandez

As Executive Producer and a foundational member of the Do LaB community, Monica Fernandez oversees Lightning In A Bottle's production, while curating a host of the event's creative programming and media. Proud to be a woman in a male dominated industry, she employs an empathetic management style known as “compassionate leadership”, which is instrumental in understanding how individuals think, feel and get motivated.  She sees this as an invaluable tool in retaining and grooming talent so that each of her team members have the opportunity to reach their highest potential both in the office and at home.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture.

"We are always looking at ways to curate and create more diversity in our community." - Monica Fernandez

In this episode, we chat with Do LaB’s Executive Producer, Monica Fernandez about how she made a way for herself in a male dominated workplace. She also, goes on to talk about how they advice she gave herself back then probably wouldn’t be the advice she’d give young girls today.

“I felt like pulling back my femininity, I started wearing more black and I always wore heels so I can be tall. It helped me be heard but, now looking back I don’t know how I feel about that anymore...”

Monica also details one of her experiences with racism and otherness, she goes on to say how that has changed how she shows up in the workplace today.

“I want to create an even playing for everybody. Whether it’s an actual playing field or the workplace. I want people to look at people as just people.”

Audrey and Yvette talk about their experiences with raves (or lack thereof), how they deal with feminism in the workplace, and growing up with otherness.

"I want people to look at people as just people" - Monica Fernandez

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 15, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 14

Sports, Entertainment, and Owning Your Stuff with Jaia Thomas

Jaia Thomas is a sports and entertainment attorney. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University and her Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School. She primarily assists clients with transactional and intellectual property matters. In addition to her legal experience, she is an adjunct professor at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Prior to her appointment at UCLA, Jaia taught and guest lectured at American University, Georgetown University, Vassar College and Carnegie Mellon University. Jaia has been cited as a legal expert in such publications as The New York Times and USA Today and has had several scholarly works published in the American Bar Association, National Bar Association and various journals. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jaia volunteers for several organizations such as the California African American Museum and is the founder of a free legal clinic in her hometown.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture

"I've always felt like women should receive equal treatment as men" - Jaia Thomas

In this episode, we chat with Sports + Entertainment lawyer, Jaia Thomas about talks about her surprising lack of having to deal with discrimination. She also, goes on to talk about how she encourages other young women to follow in her footsteps to change the lack of diversity in the academia world.

 “I grew up being taught the importance of self sustainability and owning your stuff”

 Jaia also discusses her relationship with feminism. She talks about how her definition of feminism differs from the “white” feminism and why that is.

 “Yes, I feel like women should receive equal treatment as men. However, my definition and the things I find important in feminism might be different than that of the white woman. Just because we have different needs.”

 Audrey and Yvette talk about how Brown Girls Rising was made for the women who couldn’t identify with White Feminism or Black Girl magic and why that’s important to them.

"Who is not worthy of a redemption story?" - Audrey Bellis

 This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 11, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

 This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 13

Changing The World One Cupcake at a Time with Karina Jimenez

After baking cupcakes as an escape to a dull desk job, Karina Jimenez decided to turn her attention to a more creatively fulfilling side business. She searched within, turning to her own knowledge and found what she had in her all along, a love for her Mexican culture and the food she had grown up with. As a self-professed sweet tooth and foodie, it only made sense to Karina to fuse dessert with culture, and thus Viva Los Cupcakes was born.  Since its official beginning in 2012, Viva Los Cupcakes has been baking Mexican inspired cupcakes to the delight of Los Angeles and neighboring cities. With award winning flavors like “Tamal con Mole”, “Conchita”, “Churro con Cajeta”, “Horchata”, and the wild “Street Elote”, “Mangoneada”, and “Chile En Nogada” to name a few, Viva Los Cupcakes has made a name for itself presenting a classic American dessert with a modern Mexican twist. After 4 years of cupcake catering and being on the road, Viva Los Cupcakes is in preparations to take the next step of moving into its own flagship bakery.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture

"There are so many things tied to food - emotions and memories - it’s a powerful thing." - Karina Jimenez

In this episode, we chat with VivaLosCupcakes Founder, Karina Jimenez about her move from Mexico. In this interview, Karina talks about how she brought her Mexican upbringing into her cupcake business today.

“I grew up in Mexico so that’s where all my inspiration comes from. I remember going to the mercadas, all the candies, and the desserts. I grew up with all of that.”

Karina also discusses how she was a feminist before she even knew about the label and how being one is still prevalent when it comes to her business.

“I learned the word later but, I just knew it in me. I always realized when things were unfair and when I was treated differently because I was a woman.”

Audrey and Yvette talk about the importance of food in their households growing up, the different traditions they were raised around, and the importance of gender roles.

"I’ve come to the point in my life where I strive to think of people as people. Not as genders." - Karina Jimenez

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 11, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 12

Following Your Dreams As a Mother with Jessica Resendiz

Jessica Resendiz was born in Queretaro, Mexico and immigrated to United States when she was only 8 months old. In 2011 she graduated from FIDM with a degree in Fashion Product Development. In late 2011 Raggedy Tiff was born, it started as Headpieces and jewelry but throughout the years Raggedy Tiff has been growing and expanding specializing in Apparel ,Accessories, Home Decor, Stationary. All of which is dedicated to Jessica's Mexicana roots, culture and child hood memories.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture

"I feel like every woman is able to do something inspiring." - Jessica Resendiz

In this episode, we chat with Raggedy Tiff Founder,  Jessica Resendiz about discrimination. In this interview, Jessica talks about how she didn’t have to deal with discrimination until recently. She mentions what it’s like for her to raise a daughter now, in Trump Nation.

“I tell my daughter to continue to do what you’re doing in school, keep rising, and make a difference. I have a huge thing for women making a difference.”  

Jessica also talks about how her daughter and fiancee encouraged her to make the jump from her 9 to 5 to her passion project.

“I took the lead, I guess I was brave with the encouragement of my fiancee and daughter! I feel like they believed in me more than I did. They said “I think it’s time.” and ya know, it doesn’t hurt to try?”

Audrey and Yvette talk about their undying love for Selena and how they stumbled into creating the Brown Girls Rising podcast.

“Standing out culturally is something you should be proud of!” - Yvette Montoya

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 11, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.

Episode No. 11

When It Comes to Activism, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number with Marina Preciado

Marina Preciado is 17 years old. She uses social media to inform, educate, and empower people — especially youth — about current events and social issues. As a proud Chicana and lover of humanity, she hopes to pursue a career in the education or judicial system in order to educate others and promote diversity.

Brown Girls Rising is a partnership with Nylon Espanol to elevate the conversation of feminist action, leadership, community involvement, and culture

“I’ve realized that being brown doesn’t make me stand out in a bad way, if anything it makes me stand out in a good way!” - Marina Preciado

In this episode, we chat with MTV contributor,  Marina Preciado about being socially aware at a young age. In this interview, Marina talks about coming into her own and accepting the “brown girl” that she is.

“I used to tell my friends that I didn’t want to go out in the sun because, I didn’t want to be darker. I didn’t want to tan! I would even tell my friends that I didn’t speak spanish even though, I fluently speak spanish!”

Marina also talks about her current experience as a brown girl at primarily white high school. She replays how her and her friends organized a school walk out in light of the election.

“It was really ironic, because we had just learned about our right to protest! Then we did a protest at school - all morning we were researching our rights and making little booklets! I don’t want to say it was fun but, it was very interesting.”

Audrey and Yvette compare and relive their 2000 high school experience to Marina’s current situation.

To keep up with Marina, head to: Twitter, MTV, Latinx4Change.

This episode, Brown Girls Rising Episode 11, can be found at BrownGirlsRising.com or on iTunes.

This episode was recorded in sunny Downtown Los Angeles at Maker City LA.