Civilian #8 Brenda Equihua — Seeing Differently, Creating with Intention

Civilian #9 Victoria Mahoney - The Power of Authority Through Identity

Victoria Mahoney joins Civilians: Breaking Boundaries for a conversation that goes beyond filmmaking into the tension between identity and authority. What does it mean to lead at the highest level while carrying the weight of representation? How do you hold your voice inside systems that weren’t built with you in mind? This episode explores pressure, authorship, and the quiet decisions that shape how power is expressed — not just claimed. A deeper look at what it takes to step into authority without losing the core of who you are.

Civilian #8 Brenda Equihua — Seeing Differently, Creating with Intention

Brenda Equihua shares how observation, culture, and identity shape her approach to design, transforming the familiar into something deeply personal yet widely resonant. From reimagining the iconic San Marcos cobija to exploring what defines something as “classic,” this conversation dives into creativity, trust, and building with intention in a world full of opinions.

Civilian #7 : Carolina Groppa — The Beautiful Chaos of Building Your Path

Carolina Groppa is an Emmy-nominated producer who rose from an immigrant childhood in São Paulo to producing acclaimed films and documentaries in Hollywood. In this conversation, she reflects on the winding path that shaped her career, being told she was never “Latina enough” for gigs, to carving out space in an industry that didn’t invite her in, and learning that success comes from putting in the reps, embracing the zigzags, and staying true to your values. Carolina speaks candidly about representation and the importance of support systems in the industry, while sharing why integrity, daily choices, and commitment to the work ultimately define a lasting career. https://linktr.ee/angleonproducers?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio [https://linktr.ee/angleonproducers?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio]

Civilian #6 Jairo Alvarado - Redefining the Entertainment Industry

In this episode, Jairo Alvarado of Redefine Entertainment shares the moment he realized there was a bigger world out there—one that didn’t always reflect who he was. He talks about getting the right guidance, making room for mistakes, and navigating the tension between following your instinct and remembering that it’s still a business. From “horoscope networking” to the commodification of representation, Jairo challenges creators to ask: What do you actually believe in? He also opens up about success, failure, and staying in the game to what happens after the big win, and how to respond when things fall apart. Sometimes it’s not you, it’s the setup. This conversation is about recalibrating, reframing ideas to fit Hollywood’s risk profile, and building with conviction to move culture forward. https://www.redefineent.com/ [https://www.redefineent.com/]

CIVILIAN #5 Leah Chin-Katz

CIVILIAN #5 Leah Chin-Katz - Leading Kitchens with Intention and Kindness Pastry chef Leah Chin-Katz shares the story of how childhood food memories, early kitchen jobs, and a bold leap into pastry school shaped her path into fine dining. From discovering the world of Michelin kitchens to realizing what she didn’t want out of restaurant culture, Leah reflects on the pivotal moments that clarified her voice and values as a chef. She opens up about navigating male-dominated spaces, leading with kindness, and building a kitchen culture rooted in intention. The conversation also explores her commitment to local, sustainable ingredients and how she weaves Asian and Jewish flavors into classical French pastry, all while working toward a dream of one day creating something lasting for her daughter.