HONORable Conversations

Los Valientes with Christopher Guerrero and Robert Allarte

Welcome to HONORable Conversations, hosted by the charismatic Mario Ceballos! Join us as we embark on a journey of candid and insightful discussions with some of the most influential LGBTQ+ Latinx figures today. Tune In and Be Inspired In this episode of Honorable Conversations, host Mario Ceballos engages with Robert Allarte and Christopher Guerrero, two prominent figures in the LGBTQ+ Latino community. During their discussion, they explored the current socio-political climate, the resilience of their community, and the importance of activism and representation. The conversation also highlighted personal experiences, generational perspectives, and the significant role of HONOR PAC in empowering voices within the community.The episode underscored the critical need for community support, self-care, and fostering hope for a better future through active engagement in politics. Christopher Guerrero Spotlight: Christopher Guerrero serves as the Vice President for the Los Angeles area at Southwest Strategies, one of California's largest public outreach firms. With nearly 20 years of experience in political campaigns, coalition building, and government/public affairs, Christopher brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. Having worked in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Washington, D.C., he has cultivated enduring relationships with national grassroots organizations, political figures, and elected leaders across the country. Christopher currently sits on the boards of HONOR PAC and the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Campaign Board. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he is also a graduate of the University of California, Davis. Follow on Instagram: @christopher1127 [https://www.instagram.com/christopher1127/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D#] Robert Allarte Spotlight: Robert Allarte, a native of Southern California, is a dedicated public servant committed to improving his community for everyone. He currently serves as the Chief of Staff to Long Beach Councilwoman Megan Kerr, where he leads efforts in policy, communications, and constituent services. With a strong background in public affairs, Robert has previously held leadership roles within the offices of the LA County Assessor and Supervisor. Active in civic life, Robert is engaged with several local boards, contributing his expertise and passion for service. He is a proud alumnus of Whittier College, where he once served as student body president. Residing in Long Beach with his husband, Robert remains steadfast in his commitment to serving the public. Follow on Instagram: @robertallarte [https://www.instagram.com/robertallarte/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D#] Takeaways * The importance of community support during challenging times. * Resilience of LGBTQ+ Latinos in the face of adversity. * Personal experiences shape perspectives on activism. * Hope for the future lies in younger generations. * Engagement in local politics can lead to meaningful change. * The significance of representation in political spaces. * Building connections within the community fosters growth. * Activism can take many forms, not just protests. * Mental health and self-care are crucial in activism. * HONOR PAC serves as a platform for Latino LGBTQ+ voices. About Your Host: Mario Ceballos Mario Ceballos, president of HONOR PAC [https://www.honorpac.org/], is a trailblazer for Latina/e/o LGBTQ+ political action. Under his leadership, HONOR PAC has become a pivotal voice for the Latina/e/o LGBTQ+ community in California, advocating for progressive change and representation in government. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Share your thoughts, and let us know who you'd like to hear from in future episodes. @HONORableConversations and @HonorPac [https://www.instagram.com/honor_pac/?hl=en] BECOME A SUPPORTER [https://www.honorpac.org/donate] ¡Gracias por escuchar! Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes. Get full access to HONOR PAC at honorpac.substack.com/subscribe [https://honorpac.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

La Healer with Christine De La Rosa

Welcome to HONORable Conversations, hosted by the charismatic Mario Ceballos! Join us as we embark on a journey of candid and insightful discussions with some of the most influential LGBTQ Latinx figures today. Tune In and Be Inspired In this conversation, Christine de la Rosa shares her journey from growing up in a small, racially charged town in Texas to becoming an advocate for cultural representation and alternative medicine. She discusses her family's legacy of activism, the impact of systemic racism, and her personal health challenges with lupus. Christine's exploration of cannabis as a healing alternative leads her to establish The People's Ecosystem [https://thepeoplesecosystem.com/], focusing on safe access to medicine for marginalized communities. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on identity, community, and the importance of fighting for representation and rights in a changing political landscape. Guest Spotlight: Christine De La Rosa is an accomplished entrepreneur, advocate, and public speaker dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in business and investment. She is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of The People’s Group, a venture fund focused on supporting BIPOC and women-owned businesses. Before transitioning into entrepreneurship and advocacy, Christine spent over two decades as a systems and database architect in the technology sector. Her leadership and expertise have earned her recognition as one of the 35 Most Influential Women in Business and one of the 10 Women to Watch. Christine is committed to shaping policies that drive equitable opportunities for underrepresented communities. She serves on advisory boards for various organizations and is an active leader in initiatives that promote economic empowerment and social impact. Through her work, she continues to champion inclusive business practices and create opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs. Follow on Instagram: @thepeoples.ecosystem [https://www.instagram.com/thepeoples.ecosystem/] About Your Host: Mario Ceballos Mario Ceballos, president of HONOR PAC [https://www.honorpac.org/], is a trailblazer for Latina/o LGBT political action. Under his leadership, HONOR PAC has become a pivotal voice for the Latina/o LGBT community in California, advocating for progressive change and representation in government. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Share your thoughts, and let us know who you'd like to hear from in future episodes. @HONORableConversations and @HonorPac [https://www.instagram.com/honor_pac/?hl=en] BECOME A SUPPORTER [https://www.honorpac.org/donate] ¡Gracias por escuchar! Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes. Get full access to HONOR PAC at honorpac.substack.com/subscribe [https://honorpac.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

El Playwright with Luis Alfaro

Welcome to HONORable Conversations, hosted by the charismatic Mario Ceballos! Join us as we embark on a journey of candid and insightful discussions with some of the most influential LGBTQ Latinx figures today. Tune In and Be Inspired In this engaging conversation, Luis Alfaro shares his journey as a Chicano artist, mentor, and storyteller. He reflects on the chaos of contemporary life, the importance of community and mentorship, and the power of personal narratives in shaping cultural identity. Alfaro discusses the intersection of art and activism, embracing vulnerability, and the impact of loss and grief on his creative process. He emphasizes the significance of saying yes to life and opportunities, and the legacy of storytelling in his work. In This Episode: * Luis navigates a chaotic world as an artist and mentor. * Luis emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship in the arts. * Cultural identity plays a crucial role in Luis’s storytelling. * Personal narratives are powerful tools for connection and understanding. * Art and activism are intertwined in Luis’s work. * Embracing vulnerability is essential for creative expression. * Loss and grief have shaped Luis’s artistic journey. * Saying yes to opportunities leads to growth and discovery. * Luis carries the legacy of his family and mentors in his work. * Storytelling is a way to honor and celebrate humanity. More about Luise Alfaro: Luis Alfaro is a distinguished Chicano playwright hailing from the vibrant heart of downtown Los Angeles. Celebrated for his profound contributions to the arts, Luis has been named the 2024 TCG World Theatre Artist, an honor that acknowledges his exceptional talent and influence. In the same year, he garnered the prestigious award in literature from the American Academy of Arts & Letters, further cementing his status as a luminary in the literary world.A recipient of the illustrious MacArthur Fellowship, Luis has also been honored with the PEN America/Laura Pels International Foundation Theater Award for a Master Dramatist. His extensive career includes six transformative seasons at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, seven impactful seasons at Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theatre, and two decades of inspiration at the Ojai Playwrights Conference.Luis's compelling plays such as *Aztlan*, *Earlimart*, *The Travelers*, *Electricidad*, *Oedipus El Rey*, *Mojada*, and *Delano* have graced stages across the United States, Latin America, Canada, and Europe, capturing audiences with their rich narratives and cultural resonance.In academia, Luis serves as the director of the MFA in Dramatic Writing at the University of Southern California, where he fosters the next generation of playwrights. His roots in the Los Angeles Poetry and Performance Art communities span two decades, during which he has significantly shaped the artistic landscape.Luis Alfaro's enduring legacy in theater and literature continues to inspire and influence artists and audiences worldwide. About Your Host: Mario Ceballos Mario Ceballos, president of HONOR PAC [https://www.honorpac.org/], is a trailblazer for Latina/o LGBT political action. Under his leadership, HONOR PAC has become a pivotal voice for the Latina/o LGBT community in California, advocating for progressive change and representation in government. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Share your thoughts, and let us know who you'd like to hear from in future episodes. @HONORableConversations and @HonorPac [https://www.instagram.com/honor_pac/?hl=en] ¡Gracias por escuchar! Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes. Get full access to HONOR PAC at honorpac.substack.com/subscribe [https://honorpac.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

El Profe with Felipe Agredano

Welcome to HONORable Conversations, hosted by the charismatic Mario Ceballos! Join us as we embark on a journey of candid and insightful discussions with some of the most influential LGBTQ Latinx figures today. Tune In and Be Inspired Rec. on October 7, 2024. Professor Felipe Agredano shares his journey as a fourth-generation immigrant, exploring the complexities of identity, faith, and queerness within the Latino community. He reflects on the historical context of his family's migration, the influence of religion, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in conservative religious settings. Agredano emphasizes the importance of education and activism in empowering future generations, expressing hope in his students as agents of change. Guest Spotlight: Felipe Agredano, MTS Felipe earned an Associate of Arts degree from the Los Angeles Community College District; dual Bachelor's degrees from UC Berkeley in Government and Chicana/o Studies, a Master's degree from Harvard University, with Fellowships in comparative religion at Oxford and at Universidad Menendez Pelayo Santander, Spain, and in early Christianity in Italy. At Harvard, Felipe served at the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, a research assistant at the W.E.B. Du Boise Institute, Teaching Fellow for Afro-American Studies, and as an administrator at Radcliffe College. He served as the Senior Field Representative for the Chair of Higher Education in the State Senate. He has taught academic courses in the History of World Religions, US Political and Social History, and Religion and Chicana/o Studies at East LA College, Harvard University, LA City College, LA Southwest College, LA Trade Tech College, West LA College, and Cal State Northridge. Felipe served: * On the National Board of Asociación Líderes Hispanos; * As President of the School Board; * On the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations; * Chair of the CA Democratic Party's 49th AD; * Co-Founder of HonorPAC; and * As an alumnus of the National Association of Latina/o Elected and Appointed Officers (NALEO) CA Health Leadership Project. Felipe has appeared on the BBC, CNN, FOX, NBC/Telemundo, PBS, Univision, and has been quoted in The Los Angeles Times, La Opinion, HOY, The Harvard Gazette, and The Harvard Crimson. Follow on Instagram: @felipeagredano [https://www.instagram.com/felipeagredano/?hl=en] About Your Host: Mario Ceballos Mario Ceballos, president of HONOR PAC [https://www.honorpac.org/], is a trailblazer for Latina/o LGBT political action. Under his leadership, HONOR PAC has become a pivotal voice for the Latina/o LGBT community in California, advocating for progressive change and representation in government. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Share your thoughts, and let us know who you'd like to hear from in future episodes. @HONORableConversations and @HonorPac [https://www.instagram.com/honor_pac/?hl=en] ¡Gracias por escuchar! Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes. Get full access to HONOR PAC at honorpac.substack.com/subscribe [https://honorpac.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Alquimia with Dr. Manuel Peña

In this engaging conversation, Mario interviews Dr. Manuel Peña, the CEO of Alquimia Med Spa [https://alquimiamedspa.com/], who shares his journey from being a pediatrician to an entrepreneur. Dr. Peña discusses the significance of his work in the community, the challenges he faced, and the personal experiences that shaped his career. He reflects on the importance of cultural identity, the impact of his family, and the value of friendship. The conversation also touches on the importance of taking risks, overcoming fear, and the rewarding nature of patient care. Dr. Peña was born in Michoacán, Mexico, and immigrated with his family to Redwood City in the San Francisco Bay Area when he was less than one year old. He is the eighth of nine children of Aurelia and Manuel Peña and is the first in his family to pursue and obtain a formal higher education. Dr. Peña attended local public schools and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science and the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at the University of California, Berkeley. He pursued residency training in General Pediatrics and practiced for two decades in Redwood City and surrounding communities. Throughout his tenure as a pediatrician at the county hospital and various clinics, Dr. Peña effectively merged his commitment to community medicine and public health by providing comprehensive care in primary care clinics, school-based clinics, and a youth health center. A personal history of a chronic skin condition motivated Dr. Peña to investigate innovative research in 2004 pertaining to the application of lasers as a treatment modality. This pivotal experience ignited his interest in laser medicine, leading to a significant shift in his professional trajectory. In 2005, he established a solo practice in aesthetic medicine, named Alquimia Med Spa, which is poised to celebrate its 19th anniversary in the coming weeks. Dr. Peña is dedicated to delivering high-quality, professional skin care to his community, with an emphasis on safety, education, and preventive measures in all cosmetic procedures, mirroring his approach in primary care. He finds great fulfillment in enhancing his patients' lives and self-esteem by assisting them in achieving healthier, more youthful skin and providing effective solutions for various dermatological concerns. In This Episode: * Dr. Peña transitioned from a pediatrician to CEO of Alchemia Med Spa. * The name 'Alquimia' symbolizes the transformation of beauty through science. * Dr. Peña's personal skin condition inspired his journey into skincare. * Dr. Peña emphasizes the importance of community and serving those in need. * Overcoming fear is essential when pursuing new ventures. * Patient stories reaffirm the purpose of his work. * Cultural identity plays a significant role in Dr. Peña's life and career. * Friendship and support are vital in personal and professional growth. * Dr. Peña's commitment to education and patient care is unwavering. * Dr. Peña encourages others to embrace their fears and take risks. Manuel Peña, MD, MPH is an active member of the following medical associations: * American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine * American College of Phlebology * American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine * American Academy of Pediatrics More about Alquimia Med Spa: alquimiamedspa.com [https://alquimiamedspa.com/] Alquimia Med Spa on Instagram @alquimiamedspa [https://www.instagram.com/alquimiamedspa/#] About Your Host: Mario Ceballos Mario Ceballos, president of HONOR PAC [https://www.honorpac.org/], is a trailblazer for Latina/o LGBT political action. Under his leadership, HONOR PAC has become a pivotal voice for the Latina/o LGBT community in California, advocating for progressive change and representation in government. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Share your thoughts, and let us know who you'd like to hear from in future episodes. @HONORableConversations and @HonorPac [https://www.instagram.com/honor_pac/?hl=en] ¡Gracias por escuchar! Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes. Get full access to HONOR PAC at honorpac.substack.com/subscribe [https://honorpac.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]