Episode 2: Esmeralda Herrera

“The Bronx is like the music I love. We have the responsibility to preserve the richness of the Bronx.” -Alec Castro (@aleccastromusic) “The Bronx, I think, welcomes. None of us here were born there, but it welcomes us; it’s a welcoming place.” -Brand Torres (@wordsbybrand) Brand Torres and Alec Castro are two lifelong music lovers with a passion for promoting diversity within the arts. In looking to address this dire need, they found their way to the Multicultural Music Group and haven’t looked back since. The Multicultural Music Group is a Bronx-based nonprofit organization that’s been stimulating a more diverse music education in NYC for over a quarter of a century! Tune in with host Dan Zauderer as he speaks with both Alec and Brand about their beginnings with the organization and the positive effects that their work is having on the Bronx youth of today. Recorded on October 7, 2022

Back in 2009, Andrew So took the leap from public school educator to co-founder of South Bronx United, a nonprofit using soccer as a vehicle for youth empowerment and development. Fourteen years later, Andrew is still as dedicated as ever to giving disadvantaged students in the Bronx education system the best chances possible to succeed. Tune in with our host Dan Zauderer and take a ride through Andrew’s professional journey from the classroom to the field. Learn the story of how a former Bronx educator combined his love for the borough with his love for coaching to start a nonprofit that provides academic, athletic and legal support to hundreds of Bronx students every year. Recorded on October 7, 2022

“If I can sum up The Bronx in one word it would be authentic. There is a level of authenticity that you get in our community, there’s a lot of authenticity that you get from the people.” -Jason Autar  "There’s also a lot of family, community, a lot of love, a lot of culture. It is inspiring for me and why I continue doing this work." -Tomas Ramos  Tomas Ramos and Jason Autar are two Bronx natives who grew up understanding the importance of community. Now on the frontlines in the fight against poverty as co-founders of the Oyate Group, this dynamic duo is on a mission to bring that sense of community to those who need it most. Join our host Dan Zauderer as he journeys with Tomas and Jason through their unique migrant upbringings, the conditions that led them to founding a nonprofit, and the many initiatives they’ve launched in an effort to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the Bronx.  Recorded on November 4, 2022.   

"The Bronx is very much so part of my identity. It's not just where I grew up. And I wear that as a badge of honor to this day." -Kevin Brooks "From the food to the people to the music, all these experiences are rooted in love. To the Bronx: I love you. Don’t ever change." -Jason Acosta  It's not every day that a podcast hosts another podcast.  But in Episode 7, we're introducing you to Kevin Brooks and Jason Acosta, the dynamic duo behind Live From the Bronx - a podcast about the artistic genius of creatives and change makers of color.   Tune in with host Daniel Zauderer as we dive into the backgrounds and passions of these two Bronx change-makers - and the journey that led them to hosting a podcast ... and launching a movement.   Learn more about and listen to Live From the Bronx here: https://www.livefromthebronx.com/

"People are beautiful people as is...there is no ideal."  Meet Ron Kavanaugh, founder and executive director of the Literary Freedom Project.  Born and raised in the South Bronx, Ron never thought he'd start a nonprofit.  Now, he spends his life building community through literature.  Tune in to join Ron and host Dan Zauderer as they explore Ron's life journey and his relationship to the borough he calls home.   Recorded on July 29, 2002.  

"I dont think people understand how brave someone has to be to get up in front of people and tell them, 'I'm having a hard time feeding my family.'" Tune in for episode 5, with Bronx native Joshua Rivera!  Joshua shares about his passion for fighting food insecurity and the experiences and challenges that have shaped him into the person he is today.  Co-hosted by Dan Zauderer and Rina Madhani, and recorded on 4/29/22.  

“Success stories in the Bronx aren’t diamonds in the rough, the Bronx is a field full of diamonds.” Meet John Sanchez, lifelong Bronx resident, who takes us on a journey through the rich culture, talent, and community spirit of the borough he calls home.  Hosted by Rina Madhani of Start Lighthouse and Dan Zauderer of Grassroots Grocery.   Recorded 4/29/22

Author and educator Mary E. Cronin was born and raised in the Bronx, where she fell in love with reading, writing, and libraries.  Tune in to hear Mary recount her life's journey in and out of the borough she calls home. Visit Mary's site here!

Growing up in the Bronx wasn't always easy for Esmeralda Herrera.  But her resilience pushed her to absorb information and travel to new places to feed her need for knowledge.  Throughout her journey, Esmeralda learned about what the Bronx meant to her. She questioned her belonging in the areas she visited and became aware of how her Bronx identity was rooted in her.  Now, Esmeralda continues to empower the Bronx through her position as the Director of Programs and Community Relations at Communitas America, the accelerator program for Bronx-based entrepreneurs where co-hosts Rina Madhani and Dan Zauderer met!  

Meet the Maloney Brothers, founders of Sol Caco - the first black owned Bean to Bar Chocolate Factory in the United States!