What's better than two family members on this podcast? Of course, three family members!

In our 4th episode, we are joined by our cousin, Charlene Rodriguez Gomez. However, this is more than just family gossip—Charlene is a determined Latina fighting for opportunities for Puerto Ricans in her career. Listen as this trio discusses the challenges facing the people of Puerto Rico, offers financial tips and solutions, and reveals what is really happening in Puerto Rico. Moreover, Charlene gives us new insight into the family and shares her favorite foods and traditions.

Highlights:

• A look at Charlene’s career with the federal sector in Puerto Rico.
• A discussion of some of the unique challenges people in Puerto Rico are facing.
• How Charlene’s own experience as a Latina inspired her career path into government work.
• Career advice for people from marginalized communities interested in a role like hers.
• A dive into family food and traditions and more…

About the guest:

Charlene Rodriguez Gomez works with the federal sector in Puerto Rico. Her work has helped to bring vital assistance to areas of Puerto Rico that experience persistent poverty and economic distress. She lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is Tania’s cousin!

Links and resources we talked about in the episode.

Follow Coqui the Chef and More Than Rice and Beans

• Our website: ⁠https://www.coquithechef.com/podcast/⁠
• Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/morethanriceandbeans⁠
• Our cooking classes: ⁠https://www.coquithechef.com/⁠
• Support our show here: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/morethanriceandbeans/support⁠

Follow Charlene Rodriguez Gomez

• Instagram: @alaila_zahaara & @lacamaleona_del_ caribe

Resources:

• Income limits: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html

Public Service:

• AmeriCorps Vista: https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-vista
• Peace Corps: https://www.peacecorps.gov/
• Nonprofits catalog- http://www.nperci.org/Dir.%20OSFL%20PR.pdf

In our 3rd episode for season 4, the multi-talented Jacqueline Vazquez joins us. Jacqueline is the Founder and CEO of Lifetime Events by Jacqueline, a premiere wedding and event planning company that creates memorable experiences around the world.

She’s also an internationally recognized industry expert, educator, mentor, author, and more! Tania, Miguel, and Jacqueline discuss the challenges and rewards of being a strong Latina in a competitive industry, explore how family traditions shape the events Jacqueline loves planning, talk travel and bundling a global brand. Plus, Jacqueline shares her hard-earned advice for anyone looking to break into the event planning business.

CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES

Follow Coqui the Chef and More Than Rice and Beans

• Our website: https://www.coquithechef.com/podcast/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/morethanriceandbeans
• Our cooking classes: https://www.coquithechef.com/
• Support our show here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/morethanriceandbeans/support

Follow Jacqueline Vazquez

• Website: https://classyandinspiring.com/
• Inspired by Jacqueline Community & Podcast: https://linktr.ee/inspired_by_jacqueline
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classyjv/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lebjv/

Fewer than a quarter of third generation Latinx in the U.S. speak Spanish, but Wendy Ramirez is on a mission to change that. In this episode, Tania and Miguel are joined by the founder and CEO of Spanish Sin Pena (Spanish Without Shame), Wendy Ramirez.

The trio breaks down the stigma and barriers that keep many Latinx people from learning their first language, talks about how connecting through language learning creates deep community and empathy, and discusses Sin Pena's ongoing advocacy work for hurricane-damaged Puerto Rico. If you've ever considered learning Spanish or are trying to connect with an Indigenous language of your own, you don't want to miss this episode!

Links

• Visit our webpage: https://www.coquithechef.com/podcast/
• Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/morethanriceandbeans
• Check out our cooking classes: https://www.coquithechef.com/
• Support our show here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/morethanriceandbeans/support

Follow Wendy Ramirez

• Spanish Sin Pena: https://www.spanishsinpena.com/
• Volunteer Relief Fund for Puerto Rico: https://www.gofundme.com/f/volunteer-relief-fund-for-puerto-rico?utm_campaign=p_cf%20share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES