DJ Ruby came to the United States looking for a better life, thinking she might one day return home. Then came a Thanksgiving dinner, an unexpected love story, marriage, family — and a completely different future.

In this episode, Ruby shares how she built a new life and continually reinvented herself: from working as a school bus driver and raising her family to becoming a DJ, entrepreneur and active member of her community.

Music was already in her DNA. Inspired by her father and a family legacy of music, Ruby found a way to turn that passion into a new opportunity — and she hasn’t stopped discovering what comes next.

We talk about immigration, love, parenting, entrepreneurship, taking chances and why sometimes the career you never planned becomes exactly the opportunity you needed.

A warm, funny and inspiring conversation about building a life one unexpected chapter at a time.

What do we pass on to our children—and what can we make possible for someone else’s?

Yolanda Cruz joins me on Crossing Cultures with Christina Luna for a heartfelt conversation about family, Puerto Rican heritage, education, and finding purpose through helping others.

Growing up with limited resources, Yolanda learned from parents who had little formal education but were determined to give their daughters more opportunities. Her father encouraged them to pursue careers, stand up for themselves, and be independent—values she carried into raising her own daughter.

We explore the blending of her Puerto Rican roots with her husband’s Dominican heritage, the traditions that shape their family, and the questions a health scare led her to ask about her life and what she wanted to contribute.

One memory stayed with her: her daughter’s friend had seen college as financially out of reach. That experience helped inspire Yolanda’s commitment to scholarships for Hispanic students.

Now in its fourth year, the Latin Gala brings the community together to support that mission. This year’s celebration, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, will honor three young men receiving scholarships.

The gala is sold out, but the need for community support continues. For information about donating or supporting the Latin Scholarship Fund, contact info@latinscholarshipfund.org.

This Hispanic Heritage Month conversation is about the sacrifices behind opportunity, the strength of family, and the difference one person can make.

Subscribe to Crossing Cultures with Christina Luna on YouTube or follow the podcast on your favorite listening platform for more stories that connect us across cultures.

#HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinoScholarships #CrossingCulturesWithChristinaLuna

In this episode of Crossing Cultures with Christina Luna, Edwin shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a Salvadoran family and learning music through his church, to watching his father become a pastor in the United States, raising his own children, and helping build a festival that celebrates Latino culture and brings many cultures together.

Now in its 13th year, the Pocono Latin Fest is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of heritage, music, family, community and the idea that learning about other cultures can bring us closer together.

🎶 Hear Edwin talk about his childhood, his family, music, faith, his children and the story behind the festival.

The Pocono Latin Fest takes place this Saturday.

This is Crossing Cultures: real people, real stories, and the experiences that connect us.

🎙️ Hosted by Christina Luna