In this powerful episode, I sit down with Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, a trailblazer in local government, public health advocacy, and community empowerment. From her journey as a daughter of immigrants to her leadership in Texas politics, Vanessa shares what it means to serve—not just in office but in uplifting her community.

We dive into her advocacy for equitable healthcare, her fight for working families, and the challenges she’s overcome as a Latina in leadership. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, representation, and making real change.

To connect with Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, follow her here: @vanessaforatx

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Follow, like, review, leave 5 stars anywhere you listen to the podcast! Share with your friends.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/latinasheserved

Meet Liz Hensel, the dynamic force behind "Latina She Served." As a proud Latina, Liz brings a wealth of personal and cultural insight to the podcast. With a background that blends military service and community engagement, she understands the power of diverse narratives and the importance of representation.

Liz served in the Marine Corps with dedication and distinction, and her experiences have fueled her commitment to uplifting the stories of community influencers. Her journey from the military to the podcasting world reflects her passion for bridging the gap between diverse backgrounds and creating a space for voices that often go unheard.

FB: Latina She Served with Liz Hensel

IG: @Latinasheserved

Patreon: Latina She Served

Inca Gold Wine

Music produced by Grapestuff Stream Walk of Shame

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In this episode, I have the honor of speaking with LTC Marisol Chalas, a trailblazer who became the first Latina Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army National Guard. Born in the Dominican Republic, LTC Chalas immigrated to the United States at the age of nine, overcoming numerous challenges to achieve her dreams. She shares her inspiring journey from enlisting in the National Guard during high school to ascending the ranks and breaking barriers in military aviation. LTC Chalas also discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion in the armed forces, offering insights into her experiences and the lessons she's learned along the way. Join me as I delve into the story of a remarkable leader whose dedication and perseverance continue to inspire many.

You can connect with LTC Chalas via LinkedIn

Support the podcast:
Follow, like, review, leave 5 stars anywhere you listen to the podcast! Share with your friends.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/latinasheserved

Meet Liz Hensel, the dynamic force behind "Latina She Served." As a proud Latina, Liz brings a wealth of personal and cultural insight to the podcast. With a background that blends military service and community engagement, she understands the power of diverse narratives and the importance of representation.

Liz served in the Marine Corps with dedication and distinction, and her experiences have fueled her commitment to uplifting the stories of community influencers. Her journey from the military to the podcasting world reflects her passion for bridging the gap between diverse backgrounds and creating a space for voices that often go unheard.

FB: Latina She Served with Liz Hensel

IG: @Latinasheserved

Patreon: Latina She Served

Inca Gold Wine

Music produced by Grapestuff Stream Walk of Shame

Support the show

Have you heard of the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year (MSOY) program? This program offers an incredible platform for military spouses worldwide! Here, we discuss the behind-the-scenes of our nomination process and how this platform can help elevate the different issues military families face everywhere.

Don’t forget to support the podcast by liking, leaving stars, and subscribing to our new YouTube channel.

To connect with the MSOYS check out the following links:

Courtney Deady: Defenders of Resilience

Building Military Families Network

Shawna McQuate: Connect on FB

Danielle Alford: Connect on FB

Angela Litteral: Connect on FB

Courtney Barber: Connect on FB

Courtney Business: Barber Family Counseling

For more about the MSOY program, please visit their website: Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® (afi.org)

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