In this powerful episode, I sit down with Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, a trailblazer in local government, public health advocacy, and community empowerment. From her journey as a daughter of immigrants to her leadership in Texas politics, Vanessa shares what it means to serve—not just in office but in uplifting her community.

We dive into her advocacy for equitable healthcare, her fight for working families, and the challenges she’s overcome as a Latina in leadership. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, representation, and making real change.

To connect with Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, follow her here: @vanessaforatx

Support the podcast:
Follow, like, review, leave 5 stars anywhere you listen to the podcast! Share with your friends.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/latinasheserved

Meet Liz Hensel, the dynamic force behind "Latina She Served." As a proud Latina, Liz brings a wealth of personal and cultural insight to the podcast. With a background that blends military service and community engagement, she understands the power of diverse narratives and the importance of representation.

Liz served in the Marine Corps with dedication and distinction, and her experiences have fueled her commitment to uplifting the stories of community influencers. Her journey from the military to the podcasting world reflects her passion for bridging the gap between diverse backgrounds and creating a space for voices that often go unheard.

FB: Latina She Served with Liz Hensel

IG: @Latinasheserved

Patreon: Latina She Served

Inca Gold Wine

Music produced by Grapestuff Stream Walk of Shame

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In this episode, I have the honor of speaking with LTC Marisol Chalas, a trailblazer who became the first Latina Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army National Guard. Born in the Dominican Republic, LTC Chalas immigrated to the United States at the age of nine, overcoming numerous challenges to achieve her dreams. She shares her inspiring journey from enlisting in the National Guard during high school to ascending the ranks and breaking barriers in military aviation. LTC Chalas also discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion in the armed forces, offering insights into her experiences and the lessons she's learned along the way. Join me as I delve into the story of a remarkable leader whose dedication and perseverance continue to inspire many.

You can connect with LTC Chalas via LinkedIn

Support the podcast:
Follow, like, review, leave 5 stars anywhere you listen to the podcast! Share with your friends.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/latinasheserved

Meet Liz Hensel, the dynamic force behind "Latina She Served." As a proud Latina, Liz brings a wealth of personal and cultural insight to the podcast. With a background that blends military service and community engagement, she understands the power of diverse narratives and the importance of representation.

Liz served in the Marine Corps with dedication and distinction, and her experiences have fueled her commitment to uplifting the stories of community influencers. Her journey from the military to the podcasting world reflects her passion for bridging the gap between diverse backgrounds and creating a space for voices that often go unheard.

FB: Latina She Served with Liz Hensel

IG: @Latinasheserved

Patreon: Latina She Served

Inca Gold Wine

Music produced by Grapestuff Stream Walk of Shame

Support the show

Have you heard of the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year (MSOY) program? This program offers an incredible platform for military spouses worldwide! Here, we discuss the behind-the-scenes of our nomination process and how this platform can help elevate the different issues military families face everywhere.

Don’t forget to support the podcast by liking, leaving stars, and subscribing to our new YouTube channel.

To connect with the MSOYS check out the following links:

Courtney Deady: Defenders of Resilience

Building Military Families Network

Shawna McQuate: Connect on FB

Danielle Alford: Connect on FB

Angela Litteral: Connect on FB

Courtney Barber: Connect on FB

Courtney Business: Barber Family Counseling

For more about the MSOY program, please visit their website: Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® (afi.org)

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It's been four months since we moved to Tel Aviv. Here is a little snippet of our experience so far.

Also, we are now on video! Subscribe to the YouTube Channel

https://youtu.be/wk_AqZFpgEQ?si=be-RM9AV4Jw5adpe

Support the podcast:
Follow, like, review, leave 5 stars anywhere you listen to the podcast! Share with your friends.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/latinasheserved

Meet Liz Hensel, the dynamic force behind "Latina She Served." As a proud Latina, Liz brings a wealth of personal and cultural insight to the podcast. With a background that blends military service and community engagement, she understands the power of diverse narratives and the importance of representation.

Liz served in the Marine Corps with dedication and distinction, and her experiences have fueled her commitment to uplifting the stories of community influencers. Her journey from the military to the podcasting world reflects her passion for bridging the gap between diverse backgrounds and creating a space for voices that often go unheard.

FB: Latina She Served with Liz Hensel

IG: @Latinasheserved

Patreon: Latina She Served

Inca Gold Wine

Music produced by Grapestuff Stream Walk of Shame

Shop R. Riveter

R. Riveter

A female-founded, Shark Tank-winning handbag and accessories company that started with a mission to create employment opportunities for military spouses. The brand’s name is an ode to Rosie the Riveter, the iconic moniker for the women who stepped into the workforce during World War II, breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the country.

SHOP NOW

Shop Inca Gold Wine:

https://lizkhensel.com/inca-gold-wine/

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In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Daron Mathena, a Navy veteran who found a new mission in life after her military service. Struggling with PTSD, Daron discovered the healing power of acupuncture, which not only helped her overcome her challenges but also inspired her to help others. Today, Dr. Daron runs a successful acupuncture business in Ramona, California, Gathering Blue Acupuncture, combining her disciplined military background with a compassionate approach to healing. Dr. Daron offers insights into the transformative power of alternative medicine for mental health. Tune in to hear about her innovative treatments, the impact of acupuncture on PTSD, and her vision for a healthier, more balanced life.

Book an appointment with Dr. Daron today.
Gathering Blue Instagram
Gathering Blue Webiste

R. Riveter
A female-founded, Shark Tank-winning handbag and accessories company that started with a mission to create employment opportunities for military spouses. The brand’s name is an ode to Rosie the Riveter, the iconic moniker for the women who stepped into the workforce during World War II, breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the country.
SHOP NOW

Connect and support the podcast:
Meet Liz Hensel, the dynamic force behind "Latina She Served." As a proud Latina, Liz brings a wealth of personal and cultural insight to the podcast. With a background that blends military service and community engagement, she understands the power of diverse narratives and the importance of representation.
Liz served in the Marine Corps with dedication and distinction, and her experiences have fueled her commitment to uplifting the stories of community influencers. Her journey from the military to the podcasting world reflects her passion for bridging the gap between diverse backgrounds and creating a space for voices that often go unheard.
FB: Latina She Served with Liz Hensel
IG: @Latinasheserved
Patreon: Latina She Served
Inca Gold Wine
Music produced by Grapestuff Stream Walk of Shame

Support the Show.

4o

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Tab Bartley better known as #BluntBartley shares her story of overcoming physical post-birth trauma while serving in the Marine Corps, her political run for Indiana State Senate, and where she is now.
Tab is truly the veterans veteran, and with genuine compassion, she is always available to help any veteran in need.
She is also the podcast host for The Oath We Took, available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Connect with her on LinkedIn
Tab Bartley
Connect and support the podcast:
Meet Liz Hensel, the dynamic force behind "Latina She Served." As a proud Latina, Liz brings a wealth of personal and cultural insight to the podcast. With a background that blends military service and community engagement, she understands the power of diverse narratives and the importance of representation.
Liz served in the Marine Corps with dedication and distinction, and her experiences have fueled her commitment to uplifting the stories of community influencers. Her journey from the military to the podcasting world reflects her passion for bridging the gap between diverse backgrounds and creating a space for voices that often go unheard.
FB: Latina She Served with Liz Hensel
IG: @Latinasheserved
Patreon: Latina She Served
Inca Gold Wine
Music produced by Grapestuff Stream Walk of Shame

Support the Show.

This incredible Mexican-American powerhouse shares her story coming from Texas to Indiana to the halls of Congress, to being the Vice President of Fulcrum Public Affairs. Drawing on her experience in the political realm, Josie provides insights into the dynamics of legislative processes and policy-making. We discuss the transition from a public service role to a leadership position in the private sector, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities encountered along the way.
To connect with Josie and her team visit the following:
Website: fulcrum-dc.com
IG: @fulcrumpublicaffairs
FB: Fulcrum Public Affairs LLC
LinkedIn: Fulcrum Public Affairs LLC
Connect and support the podcast:
Meet Liz Hensel, the dynamic force behind "Latina She Served." As a proud Latina herself, Liz brings a wealth of personal and cultural insight to the podcast. With a background that blends military service and community engagement, she understands the power of diverse narratives and the importance of representation.
Liz served in the Marine Corps with dedication and distinction, and her experiences have fueled her commitment to uplifting the stories of community influencers. Her journey from the military to the podcasting world reflects her passion for bridging the gap between diverse backgrounds and creating a space for voices that often go unheard.
FB: Latina She Served with Liz Hensel
IG: @Latinasheserved
Patreon: Latina She Served
Inca Gold Wine
Music produced by Grapestuff Stream Walk of Shame

Support the show

From Battlefields to Baking: Join us in this special podcast episode as a Marine Corps veteran Alicia Figliuolo takes on the 'Nailed It' challenge, proving that resilience and precision aren't just for the battlefield. Get ready for some epic baking triumphs and delightful surprises as she battled it in the kitchen while being a TBI survivor! 🍰🎙️

To connect with Alicia follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aliciafigliuolo/
Check out her podcast: D&D For The DeconstructedSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rzUBrSRbaAZT1vq4zuyVs?si=4fcc352eafc743b3

"Latina She Served" is not just a podcast; it's a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of remarkable community influencers. Join Liz Hensel, a passionate advocate with a heart for storytelling, as she sits down with trailblazers, activists, and change-makers who are leaving an indelible mark on their communities.

Connect and support the podcast:

FB: Latina She Served with Liz Hensel | Facebook
Instagram: Latina She Served w Liz Hensel (@latinasheserved) • Instagram photos and videos
Patreon: Latina She Served is creating a podcast | Patreon
Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/latinasheserved
Music produced by Grapestuff Stream Walk of Shame by Grapestuff | Listen online for free on SoundCloud
Inca Gold Wine:https://lizkhensel.com/?post_type=product

Meet Liz Hensel, the dynamic force behind "Latina She Served." As a proud Latina herself, Liz brings a wealth of personal and cultural insight to the podcast. With a background that blends military service and community engagement, she understands the power of diverse narratives and the importance of representation.

Liz served in the Marine Corps with dedication and distinction, and her experiences have fueled her commitment to uplifting the stories of community influencers. Her journey from the military to the podcasting world reflects her passion for bridging the gap between diverse backgrounds and creating a space for voices that often go unheard.

Support the Show.