Building Rosca: Latino Money Circles in a Modern App with Cindy Chavez Swenson

In this solo episode of Cafe con Pam, Pam addresses the recent revelations from civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, who at 95 came forward to disclose Cesar Chavez’s sexual assault against her in the 1960s.With honesty and heart, Pam unpacks what Huerta’s story means for the Latinx community, the heavy silence so many women carry, and the complicated feelings that come when a cultural hero lets us down.If you’ve ever felt the pressure to stay quiet for the sake of family, community, or movement, this episode will resonate. It’s a deep dive into what it costs to keep those secrets—and what it means to finally speak out.National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or rainn.orgDolores Huerta Foundation resources: doloreshuerta.orgThank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at www.savvyladies.orgCheck out BMO hereDo you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:The Unmuted EraDiscover your IkigaiGet on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self LoveInstagramFacebookSubscribe on YouTubeListen to Cafe con PamTake our Calladita Culture®️ QuizGet your business on El MercaditoLearn more about PamTo support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:What do you love about the show?What were you expecting before you listened?What happened after you listened?How would you describe the show to your best friend?If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.comListeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

On this episode of Café con Pam, Pam sits down with Sahirenys Pierce, a powerhouse financial educator and the mind behind the High Five Banking Method.Sahirenys opens up about her experience growing up as a first-gen Dominican-American in San Diego, going through her family’s financial ups and downs during the 2008 recession, and how it pushed her to create new money habits (and eventually, her own book!).The conversation dives deep into real-life money struggles, learning to save even when no one taught you how, and how being intentional with your finances can seriously change your life—no matter where you start from.Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at savvyladies.orgCheck out BMO hereDo you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.Follow Sahirenys on all things social: InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTubeWebsiteFollow Cafe con Pam on all things social:The Unmuted EraDiscover your IkigaiGet on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self LoveInstagramFacebookSubscribe on YouTubeListen to Cafe con PamTake our Calladita Culture®️ QuizGet your business on El MercaditoLearn more about PamTo support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:What do you love about the show?What were you expecting before you listened?What happened after you listened?How would you describe the show to your best friend?If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.comListeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

In this solo episode of Café con Pam, Pam talks about what it actually means to feel certain—and why so many first-gen Latinas constantly feel like they're not enough for any room.We break down the difference between confidence (which we can fake) and certainty (which has to come from deep within), and shares why Calladita Culture was stealing our sense of wholeness before we even noticed.If you’ve ever felt too much or not enough, this episode is your reminder that your unique blend of identities is your superpower, not a flaw. Pam also walks us through simple, body-based (somatic) practices you can use anytime to anchor yourself back into who you really are, so you can show up with more authenticity—just in time for spring’s season of blooming.Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at www.savvyladies.orgCheck out BMO hereDo you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:The Unmuted EraDiscover your IkigaiGet on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self LoveInstagramFacebookSubscribe on YouTubeListen to Cafe con PamTake our Calladita Culture®️ QuizGet your business on El MercaditoLearn more about PamTo support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:What do you love about the show?What were you expecting before you listened?What happened after you listened?How would you describe the show to your best friend?If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.comListeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

This week on Cafe con Pam, Pam sits down with the incredible Cindy Chavez Swenson—a Mexican-American PhD, educator, and founder behind the Rosca app. They dive into Cindy’s journey growing up as the child of Mexican immigrants, what it’s like being overlooked (and underestimated) in both academia and tech, and how her family’s values inspired her to create a fintech app that actually serves Latino communities.From stories about the original “Reading Olympics” snub to the power of gathering—for money, time, and support—Cindy is refreshingly real about the highs, lows, and everything in between. You’ll walk away fired up and ready to start your own tanda!Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at savvyladies.orgCheck out BMO hereDo you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.Follow Cindy on all things social:InstagramFollow Cafe con Pam on all things social:Querida YoThe Unmuted EraDiscover your IkigaiGet on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self LoveInstagramFacebookSubscribe on YouTubeListen to Cafe con PamTake our Calladita Culture®️ QuizGet your business on El MercaditoLearn more about PamTo support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:What do you love about the show?What were you expecting before you listened?What happened after you listened?How would you describe the show to your best friend?If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.comListeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

Ready to shake things up this spring? In this episode of Cafe con Pam, Pam tackles what the new season means for first-gen Latinas, especially those who've been running on survival mode.She revisits the five Calladita Culture leadership archetypes and shares simple, practical spring activation tips you can try right away—no matter which archetype you relate to.If you've been wondering how to move from just surviving to actually choosing your own leadership style, this is your pep talk and game plan for stepping into more visibility and growth. Grab your cafecito (or tea!) and tune in for some seriously empowering advice.LeadershipQuerida YoThank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at www.savvyladies.orgCheck out BMO hereDo you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:The Unmuted EraDiscover your IkigaiGet on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self LoveInstagramFacebookSubscribe on YouTubeListen to Cafe con PamTake our Calladita Culture®️ QuizGet your business on El MercaditoLearn more about PamTo support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:What do you love about the show?What were you expecting before you listened?What happened after you listened?How would you describe the show to your best friend?If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.comListeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

This week on Cafe con Pam, Pam sits down with scholars Petra Rivera-Rideau and Vanessa Díaz to dive into all things Bad Bunny, Puerto Rico, and what it really means to be Latinas in academia.The episode is equal parts inspiring and real as they open up about the struggles (and joys!) of being underrepresented in their field, how teaching a college class about Bad Bunny grew into a book, and why teaming up was their secret to making it all happen.Plus, they spill on why Bad Bunny’s music is way more than just catchy—it’s a window into Puerto Rican resilience and pride.  Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at savvyladies.orgCheck out BMO hereDo you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.Follow Vanessa and Petra on all things social:Bad Bunny SyllabusBad Bunny Syllabus IGBad Bunny Syllabus TikTokPFKNR WebsitePetra’s IGVanessa’s IGFollow Cafe con Pam on all things social:Querida YoThe Unmuted EraDiscover your IkigaiGet on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self LoveInstagramFacebookSubscribe on YouTubeListen to Cafe con PamTake our Calladita Culture®️ QuizGet your business on El MercaditoLearn more about PamTo support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:What do you love about the show?What were you expecting before you listened?What happened after you listened?How would you describe the show to your best friend?If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.comListeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

In this solo episode of Café con Pam, Pam explores the complex relationship between rest, productivity, and leadership for first-generation Latinas and women navigating Calladita Culture.Drawing from her own experiences, client stories, and years of coaching, Pam unpacks why our bodies can interpret rest as unsafe, how cultural and generational patterns inform our nervous systems, and what it truly takes to rewire these survival responses. She also shares practical tapping exercises designed to help listeners teach their bodies that rest is safe and necessary for sustainable, values-aligned leadership. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking transformation, self-care, and empowered leadership in Latinx and multicultural communities.LeadershipQuerida YoThank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at www.savvyladies.orgCheck out BMO hereDo you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:The Unmuted EraDiscover your IkigaiGet on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self LoveInstagramFacebookSubscribe on YouTubeListen to Cafe con PamTake our Calladita Culture®️ QuizGet your business on El MercaditoLearn more about PamTo support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:What do you love about the show?What were you expecting before you listened?What happened after you listened?How would you describe the show to your best friend?If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.comListeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

In this episode of Cafe con Pam, Pam sits down with Ana Yáñez-Correa, Ph.D for an honest, moving conversation about her journey from Mexico to the US, childhood challenges, and finding freedom by reconnecting with her roots.Ana shares what it was like surviving work trafficking as a kid, how she hustled her way through school and work, and eventually burned out—only to learn how to put herself first. From real-life tips on moving to Mexico, to favorite morning rituals and remedies, Ana drops wisdom for anyone feeling stuck or ready to make big life changes.This episode is full of inspiration for anyone looking for immigrant stories, overcoming tough times, and learning how to live joyfully.Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at savvyladies.orgCheck out BMO hereDo you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.Follow Ana on all things social: InstagramFacebookLinkedInFollow Cafe con Pam on all things social:Querida YoThe Unmuted EraDiscover your IkigaiGet on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self LoveInstagramFacebookSubscribe on YouTubeListen to Cafe con PamTake our Calladita Culture®️ QuizGet your business on El MercaditoLearn more about PamTo support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:What do you love about the show?What were you expecting before you listened?What happened after you listened?How would you describe the show to your best friend?If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.comListeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

In this solo episode of Cafe con Pam, Pam gets real about those tough moments when you just don’t know what to do next—especially when everything in the world feels heavy.Pam opens up about what it means to rest with intention and reminds us that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish, it’s actually revolutionary. We weave in wisdom from Audre Lorde, Gloria Anzaldúa, Ana Castillo, and introduce Deepa Iyer’s Social Change Ecosystem to help us all find our place (and our peace) in movements for change.If you’re feeling burnt out, unsure where to start, or guilty for not doing “enough,” this episode is a soulful reminder to honor your capacity and show up in the best way you can.Resources mentioned:Deepa Iyer's Social Change Ecosystem Map: buildingmovement.org/our-work/movement-building/social-change-ecosystem-map/Audre Lorde, "A Burst of Light and Other Essays"Gloria Anzaldúa, "Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza"Ana Castillo, "Massacre of the Dreamers: Essays on Xicanisma" (1994)Maylei Blackwell, Floridalma Boj Lopez, and Luis Urrieta, "Special Issue: Critical Latinx Indigeneities," Latino Studies (2017)Maylei Blackwell, "¡Chicana Power! Contested Histories of Feminism in the Chicano Movement" (2011)Maylei Blackwell, "Scales of Resistance: Indigenous Women's Transborder Activism" (2023)Deepa Iyer, "Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection"Contemporary Xicana/Chicana Feminist Scholars:Maylei Blackwell (UCLA) - Critical Latinx Indigeneities frameworkAna Castillo - Xicanisma philosophyLuis Urrieta Jr. - Indigenous Latinx education and identityFloridalma Boj Lopez - Indigenous migration studiesThank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at www.savvyladies.orgCheck out BMO hereDo you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.Follow Cafe con Pam on all things social:The Unmuted EraDiscover your IkigaiGet on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self LoveInstagramFacebookSubscribe on YouTubeListen to Cafe con PamTake our Calladita Culture®️ QuizGet your business on El MercaditoLearn more about PamTo support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:What do you love about the show?What were you expecting before you listened?What happened after you listened?How would you describe the show to your best friend?If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.comListeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.

In this episode of Cafe con Pam, Pam welcomes breathwork expert and coach Ana Lilia for a heartfelt conversation about healing, personal growth, and breaking generational cycles.Ana Lilia shares her story of growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American in Napa, navigating family expectations, and stepping boldly into independence and self-discovery. They tap into the challenges of being the eldest daughter, the transformative power of therapy and breathwork, and the importance of setting boundaries and celebrating oneself.Whether you're interested in healing modalities, entrepreneurship, or embracing your heritage, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways for anyone ready to dream bigger.Thank you to Savvy Ladies for supporting Cafe con Pam. Savvy Ladies is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women take control of their financial future. Check out their free financial helpline at savvyladies.orgCheck out BMO hereDo you want to support our show and get ad-free episodes? Join our Supporters Club here.Follow Ana Lilia on all things social: WebsiteInstagramDream Bigger Workshop in LAFollow Cafe con Pam on all things social:The Unmuted EraDiscover your IkigaiGet on the waitlist for Un Verano con Self LoveInstagramFacebookSubscribe on YouTubeListen to Cafe con PamTake our Calladita Culture®️ QuizGet your business on El MercaditoLearn more about PamTo support the show, an easy way to do it is to leave a review. Your feedback definitely helps other listeners connect and see if this is a podcast they could resonate with. To make it easy for you, here are some quick questions to think about when you’re leaving a review:What do you love about the show?What were you expecting before you listened?What happened after you listened?How would you describe the show to your best friend?If you are new here, welcome! I hope you feel like you’re at home, and come back to drink a cup of coffee with us. Let’s stay connected:Social media. Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram and Facebook.Learn more about our work and other stories at cafeconpam.comListeners, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, y como siempre STAY SHINING!*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of BMO. BMO sponsors the podcast but does not influence or endorse the specific discussions or viewpoints shared herein. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.