45 - Jennifer Salinas / EVP, Chief Administrative Officer, and General Counsel at Cerence AI

In this new episode of Season 4 of A LA LATINA, Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner sit down with Jennifer Salinas—EVP, Chief Administrative Officer, and General Counsel at Cerence AI, a global leader in automotive voice technology. From growing up in a home marked by domestic violence to leading in one of the most competitive and fast-evolving sectors, Jennifer shares her remarkable journey of resilience, reinvention, and rising to the C-suite. One of the most senior Latinas in the AI space, she reflects on the power of betting on yourself, navigating corporate America with authenticity, and turning pain into purpose. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: The art of knowing your value. Jennifer shares a powerful, tactical playbook to help Latinas claim their worth—personally and professionally—without losing themselves along the way. The AI revolution is now—and it's a level playing field. Whether you're technical or not, this is the moment to become AI-literate and indispensable in your career. Your background doesn’t define you. Jennifer’s story proves that being the first in your family to graduate high school—or law school—can be the start of something extraordinary. Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast TikTok: @alalatinapodcast YouTube: @alalatinapodcast

Lucy Pérez went from a small town in Puerto Rico to Harvard, from lab coats to boardrooms, and from science to strategy. Today, she’s a senior partner at McKinsey & Company and a global leader in health equity and economic opportunity. In this episode, Lucy shares: ✔️ Why no one is a mind reader — and why asking for help is a strength ✔️ How her mentors (who didn’t look like her) helped her unlock her full potential ✔️ Data-backed proof that investing in Latinos isn’t charity — it’s smart economics ✔️ Her groundbreaking work on women’s health that made it all the way to the White House ✔️ And the most important lesson of all: be your full, authentic self Whether you're building your network, your career, or your confidence — this episode is your new playbook. 🎧 Listen now and share with a Latina ready to lead.

In this new episode of Season 4 of A LA LATINA, Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner welcome the amazing Mónica Gil—a visionary leader redefining what success looks like for Latinas in media and business. As Chief Administrative and Marketing Officer at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, Mónica leads the network’s Operations, Marketing, Strategy & Insights, and Communications teams—making her one of the most influential Latina executives in the U.S. media landscape today. Since joining Telemundo in 2017, Mónica has been instrumental in propelling the network to become the #1 Spanish-language broadcaster in the nation. From spearheading groundbreaking digital and brand campaigns—including Telemundo’s record-breaking 2022 FIFA World Cup broadcast—to overseeing nearly 4,000 hours of annual content production at the state-of-the-art Telemundo Center, her impact is undeniable. A trailblazer at the intersection of technology and leadership, Mónica shares her personal and professional journey—from her early days in political strategy in California to transforming media insights at Nielsen, and ultimately breaking glass ceilings at Telemundo. She also opens up about her passion for empowering women and youth, including her creation of Telemundo’s Women Leadership programs and the Telemundo Academy. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: 1.-Learn the unspoken rules – Success in any organization often depends on understanding what’s not said. Watch, listen, and learn from those around you. 2.- Embrace technology now – Staying ahead of the tech curve is critical. It’s far easier to keep up than to catch up. 3.- Use code-switching thoughtfully – Adapting how you communicate in different settings can be a valuable tool for growth—without losing your authenticity. Mónica’s wisdom, warmth, and strategic insight make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with courage while staying grounded in their identity. Tune in and get inspired to rise A LA LATINA. Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videos Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

In this uplifting episode of A LA LATINA, hosts Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner welcome the remarkable Citlalli Rojas, Inland Empire General Office Managing Partner at New York Life Insurance Company. They delve into her inspiring journey—from her early days in Chiapas, Mexico, to becoming a nationally celebrated leader in financial services. Citlalli opens up about how she designed a life grounded in purpose, leadership, and authenticity. Her rise—from a college intern at New York Life to Managing Partner—was driven by ambition, heart, and a relentless commitment to empowering others. Today, she leads one of the company’s most successful offices and serves as a national voice shaping strategic direction for the future of financial leadership. She shares how she champions Latina empowerment through legacy-building and financial impact, and how motherhood, community service, and honoring her heritage shape her path. Here are the three takeaways: 1.- Design the life you want: You have the power to shape your future. Plan boldly, live intentionally, and pursue what lights your soul. 2.- Be a Goldfish: Let go of what doesn’t serve you. Don’t dwell on the past—stay focused, resilient, and forward-moving. 3.- Celebrate your roots: If someone shaped who you are—like your mom—tell them. Gratitude has the power to heal, connect, and inspire. From leading with love to lifting others along the way, Citlali’s story is a testament to what’s possible when you stay true to your values and never stop rising. Listen now to be uplifted, energized, and reminded that your authenticity is your superpower. Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videos Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast

In this new and inspiring episode of A LA LATINA: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self, Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner welcome the incredible Rebeca Vargas, Chief Marketing Officer at Girl Scouts of the USA.Rebeca’s journey is one of bold leadership, personal sacrifice, and unwavering authenticity. As the CMO of one of America’s most iconic youth organizations—serving nearly 2 million members—Rebeca is redefining what it means to lead with purpose. Her career spans powerhouse institutions like Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, and BBVA, as well as founding and growing transformative nonprofit initiatives for Latinas and underserved youth across borders.From pitching herself directly to CEOs to launching groundbreaking multicultural campaigns and building the largest Latina STEAM mentoring network in 22 countries, Rebeca shares how she built a remarkable career—without ever leaving her culture, values, or voice behind.Here the three takeaways of the conversation: Be your own advocate – Rebeca teaches us the value of raising your hand—even when no one asks. By directly pitching roles and ideas to leadership, she reminds us that courage and initiative open doors. The power of sacrifice – With raw honesty, Rebeca reflects on leaving her 5-month-old daughter in Mexico to pursue her dreams in the U.S.—a decision many immigrant women know too well. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and generational impact. Understanding DEI vs. Multicultural Marketing – In today’s evolving corporate landscape, Rebeca sheds light on the crucial differences between diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) and multicultural marketing—and why knowing the distinction matters for real change. A Latina trailblazer recognized by Adweek, Diversity MBA Magazine, and The White House, Rebeca Vargas brings unmatched insight, heart, and brilliance to this must-listen conversation.Tune in now to be inspired, empowered, and reminded that the most powerful version of success is the one where you stay true to yourself!Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videosVisit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.comFOLLOW OUR SOCIALSInstagram: @alalatinapodcastTiktok: @alalatinapodcastYoutube: @alalatinapodcastFacebook: A La Latina PodcastFor partnership opportunities, click here.

In this new episode of A LA LATINA: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self, Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner are joined by the incredible Betsabe Botaitis, a trailblazing strategist and fintech executive with over 15 years of experience. Her career spans large financial institutions, fintech companies, and blockchain and cryptocurrency companies. Betsabe's journey is nothing short of inspiring.Betsabe has held several senior roles at renowned, leading-edge companies, including Uplift (the leading BNPL in travel), Kueski (Mexico’s largest BNPL), Lending Club, and Citigroup. Today, she serves as the CFO and treasurer for Hedera, the number one enterprise blockchain governed by leading organizations around the world.In this powerful conversation, Betsabe shares the lessons she's learned throughout her impressive career, the obstacles she's overcome, and how she stays true to her authentic self.Here are the three key takeaways:Corporate America is not a Meritocracy: Betsabe sheds light on the reality that success in corporate America isn’t always about merit alone. She emphasizes the importance of being strategic, building your own network, and leveraging relationships to break through barriers, especially if you don’t have a prestigious degree.Facing the wall from Latinos: Betsabe talks about how she encountered a scarcity mentality within the Latino community, where the instinct to compete sometimes overshadowed the need for support. She advocates for a cultural shift toward collaboration, solidarity, and creating networks that lift each other up.What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger: Through her own hardships, Betsabe has become a living testament to the power of resilience. From humble beginnings to overcoming countless unexpected challenges, her story proves that what doesn’t break you only makes you stronger. Her journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone facing adversity on their path to success.Betsabe’s experiences offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to rise, stay true to themselves, and succeed on their own terms. Tune in to hear her remarkable story and feel empowered to take on whatever comes your way.Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videosVisit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.comFOLLOW OUR SOCIALSInstagram: @alalatinapodcastTiktok: @alalatinapodcastYoutube: @alalatinapodcastFacebook: A La Latina PodcastFor partnership opportunities, click here.

In this episode of A LA LATINA, Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner are thrilled to welcome the incredible Araceli Lewis, a powerhouse global sales executive at Dell Technologies. With a deep expertise in cybersecurity, cloud solutions, AI, and managed services, Araceli serves as a Global Account Manager, leading a team focused on forging resilient C-level partnerships and driving global sales initiatives. Her role centers around creating robust joint solutions, directly contributing to sustained revenue growth.Araceli’s commitment to innovation and excellence, combined with her consultative selling approach, enables her to tailor strategies that address the complex needs of Dell’s strategic accounts. Through inspiring her global sales team and cultivating strong partnerships, she leads efforts that not only exceed expectations but also deliver groundbreaking technologies that elevate human progress and uplift society as a whole.Three key takeaways from this episode: The power of your roots: Araceli shares how growing up in a border town shaped her worldview, work ethic, and sense of purpose, turning her Latinx heritage into a source of strength in everything she does. Turning failures into triumphs: She discusses how to embrace and unpack failures, using them as a tool for growth and resilience to ultimately achieve the success you desire, no matter the setback. Leveraging latinidad as a superpower: Araceli emphasizes how to embrace your Latinx identity as a unique superpower in navigating today’s fast-paced, global environment, using cultural understanding and connection as an asset in all areas of life and career. Tune in to hear Araceli’s empowering insights on how to lead with authenticity, build meaningful partnerships, and use your cultural strengths to make a lasting impact in the world. This episode is an inspiring reminder that being true to yourself is the key to success and progress!#iwork4dell Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videosVisit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.comFOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

In the opening episode of Season Four of A LA LATINA podcast, hosts Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum-Milner are delighted to start the season with the incredible Teresa Barreira, a transformational leader and innovator who currently serves as the Global Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Publicis Sapient. We are beyond excited to begin this new season with such an inspiring and trailblazing guest!Teresa’s journey is one of fearlessness and innovation, embracing the unknown and turning challenges into opportunities. Her leadership has earned her prestigious awards, including the Gold Stevie Award for Achievement in Management and Excellence in Leadership from Consulting Magazine, and she has won three Clio Awards for the social impact documentaries she produced: Never Done and Forgiving Johnny.Here are the three takeaways from this incredible conversation: Resilience and entrepreneurship from an early age: Teresa reflects on how her career began in her father’s café when she was just seven years old. This experience helped her develop resilience, scrappiness, and an entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped her entire career. Embracing your background as a superpower: Teresa shares a valuable lesson—recognize your background as a source of strength. She didn’t fully realize the power of her heritage until later in her career, and she encourages everyone to embrace their roots early on to unlock their true potential. Mastering the art of super prioritization: Teresa reveals her secret to success—super prioritization. Instead of focusing on everything you can do, she advises to focus on what you won’t do. This strategic approach helps you dedicate time and energy to what really matters, leading to greater success. This episode is packed with powerful insights and inspiring stories that will leave you motivated to stay true to your authentic self and thrive in your career. We are so excited to share Teresa's wisdom and kick off this new season with such an extraordinary guest!You can find the links to her documentaries below: https://www.publicissapient.com/impact/never-done-film https://www.publicissapient.com/impact/forgiving-johnny-filmListen to the extended video version of this episode on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videosVisit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.comFOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

In the latest episode of A LA LATINA: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self, Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner had the privilege of chatting with the multi-talented trailblazer Jessica Alba, about her journey to the top being authentically Latina. From her iconic roles in films, to becoming the youngest Latina to take a company public in 2021, Jessica’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and empowerment.In this conversation, Jessica shared how she came to be the rockstar she is. Tracing back to her early years and breaking stereotypes both in Hollywood and business. Here are the three key takeaways of the conversation: 1. Embrace and elevate your identity. Jessica inspires us to fully embrace our cultural identity and recognize the profound impact of our early role models, especially within our own families. For her, the incredible support and strength of her family were crucial in shaping her confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose. By embracing who we are, we unlock the power to achieve greatness, with our roots serving as a powerful source of strength and determination.2. Trust your Instincts and own your journey. One of Jessica’s key pieces of advice is to trust your instincts, especially when stepping into the unknown. She encourages us to believe in our own abilities and stop seeking validation from others. Over time, she learned to trust herself and follow her unique path. 3. Be ready to overcome obstacles Jessica’s journey teaches us that with persistence, optimism, and a mindset of growth, we can break through any obstacle. Whether launching The Honest Company or navigating the challenges of Hollywood, Jessica turned setbacks into stepping stones by staying open to learning and trusting the process. She shows that success comes not from having all the answers upfront, but from the courage to keep going, to learn, and to never give up.Jessica’s dedication to social justice and sustainability has earned her recognition on prestigious platforms like Forbes' Self-Made Women issue and Fortune's 10 Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs. She’s also been recognized by Fast Company, UK Glamour, and Vanity Fair, and received prestigious awards like the March of Dimes Grace Kelly Award and the Golden Heart Award for Outstanding Philanthropy.Jessica’s journey is a testament to the power of staying authentic, embracing one’s heritage, and using success to uplift others. Don’t miss out on this uplifting and motivating episode with one of the most influential Latinas of our time. Stay tuned for all the wisdom Jessica Alba has to share!Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videosVisit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.comFOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

In this dynamic episode of A LA LATINA: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self, hosts Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner welcome the inspiring Ana Maria Rodriguez-Figueres, a global leader in culinary innovation with an impressive career spanning emerging and developed markets. Former Chief Innovation and Quality Officer at Pizza Hut International, Ana Maria has led initiatives across the food industry, from ideation sessions and new product development to consumer insights, marketing positioning, and quality assurance. She’s an expert in commercialization, supplier development, prototyping, and consumer research, with a track record of successfully launching new products and driving growth.Ana Maria shares her unique perspective on how to make an impact in the corporate world while staying true to your authentic self. She gives valuable insights on the importance of building meaningful connections and how leadership is about inspiring others as much as it is about expertise and hard work. With her global experience and deep knowledge of the culinary industry, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at how innovative ideas come to life, and how to ensure they’re executed successfully with measurable results.Key takeaways: If you don’t get a seat at the table, bring the conversation to your table. Ana Maria emphasizes that you don’t need permission to create your own opportunities — everyone has the power to carve out their own space, have their voice heard, and make a difference. What really gets you to the top is not just expertise, but the ability to inspire others. Leadership is about more than just technical knowledge. Ana Maria stresses that the capacity to motivate and guide people is what sets you apart in any field. A playbook to go above your boss (without getting fired). In this episode, Ana Maria provides practical advice for navigating organizational dynamics and climbing the career ladder while maintaining respect, professionalism, and authenticity. With her deep experience in everything from product commercialization and consumer research to successful market launches and quality assurance, Ana Maria offers listeners a playbook for success that is as much about personal growth as it is about professional achievement. Tune in for an empowering conversation that will inspire you to lead with confidence and authenticity, no matter where you are in your career journey!Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videosVisit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.comFOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.