Podcast Stanford Hispanic Broadcasting (English E 5a4cu

Today we talk with Leonardo Bonett, a seasoned journalist who spent an extraordinary 40 years working for Voice of America (VOA), and had just retired this last march 2025. Voice of America is a government-funded international broadcaster that, for over eight decades, served as one of the most trusted and influential voices in global journalism. Our conversation traces the arc of VOA’s unique role in the world: a broadcaster committed to telling the truth, regardless of political pressure, and a key player in U.S. “soft diplomacy.” With a presence in over 40 languages and listeners spanning the globe, VOA earned its reputation not by pushing propaganda, but by offering fact-based reporting to regions often starved for independent news. We explore how VOA was born out of the Second World War as a response to Nazi propaganda, pledging from the start to tell the truth — good or bad. That commitment to journalistic integrity became its enduring legacy. Over the decades, VOA’s mission aligned with American ideals of transparency, press freedom, and democratic values, acting as a bridge between cultures and as a platform for voices too often silenced in their own countries. Our guest brings us his perspectives about VOA, and [...]

us for a special conversation with Van Le — a remarkable community volunteer, school board member, small business owner, refugee, and proud leader within the local Vietnamese community. Van Le shares her powerful story of escaping Saigon during the historic events of April 30, 1975, known as the Fall of Saigon. This moving interview is part of our commemoration of the 50th anniversary of “Black April”, a solemn day of remembrance for millions of Vietnamese around the world. Black April marks the painful fall of South Vietnam and honors the resilience, sacrifices, and new beginnings of Vietnamese refugees. The Fall of Saigon marked the official end of the Vietnam War, as North Vietnamese forces captured the capital of South Vietnam. After years of brutal conflict, the South Vietnamese government collapsed, leading to widespread fear and chaos. In the final days, desperate evacuations took place, with thousands fleeing by air and sea. This historic event triggered one of the largest refugee movements in modern history, as hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people sought safety and a new life abroad, many eventually settling in the United States. Van Le is not only a pillar in our community — she is also the founder of San Jose’s Lantern Festival and the organizer for this [...]

I had the pleasure of sitting down again with Urs Leonhardt Steiner, the Swiss-born conductor and founder of the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, a truly unique and inspiring musical ensemble based in San Francisco. For over 33 years, this orchestra has been more than a performance group — it’s been a community mission. Urs has a gift for making classical music feel alive and relevant. He talks to the audience during presentations in both English and Spanish, making sure audiences from all backgrounds feel welcome and engaged. At every concert, he shares the stories behind the music, offering context that makes even the most complex works approachable and meaningful. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Golden Gate Symphony is its inclusive structure: about half of the musicians are professionals, and the other half are highly talented non-professionals who bring the same level of ion and excellence. This is by design — the orchestra’s mission has always been to open the world of music to everyone, not just the elite. And that mission extends to the audience, too. Every concert includes free tickets for Spanish-speaking families and local community , making world-class music accessible to neighbors who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Mark your calendars for [...]

Welcome, everyone! I’m thrilled to have Supervisor Cindy Chavez with us today. Cindy is someone who has dedicated her life to serving the very community she grew up in – right here in Santa Clara County, the city of San José and the San Francisco Bay Area. Coming from a working-class family, Cindy brings a down-to-earth perspective and a tireless work ethic that resonates with so many of us in this area. Her journey is inspiring. She started at San José State University, where her commitment to community and social justice took root, leading her toward a career tackling real issues that impact people’s lives, like health, transportation, and education. From her time at the South Bay Labor Council to her leadership on the Board of Supervisors, she’s made a real impact on the landscape of Silicon Valley. As an advocate for wage equality she has pushed policies that working families. She was instrumental in recognizing the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in 2020, initiatives that help empower more voices in our community. Supervisor Chavez has also addressed some of the most critical issues in the county, from establishing the Intimate Partner Violence Blue Ribbon Commission to [...]

In this episode, I have the honor of speaking with Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, a tireless advocate for educational equity and the Deputy Director of Californians Together. Xilonin’s journey from her roots as a fifth-generation resident of Azusa, CA, and the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, to leadership in statewide education advocacy is inspiring. With over two decades of experience serving on the Azusa Unified School District Board of Education, her ion for ing all students, particularly English learners, shines through in every aspect of her work. We’ll dive into the mission of Californians Together, a powerful statewide coalition dedicated to improving education for the 1.1 million English learners in California. Through promoting equitable educational policies, this organization strives to create better opportunities and outcomes for a community that has often been overlooked. As we explore the challenges and victories in advocating for these students, Xilonin will share how they work on literacy policy with a student-centered approach, ensuring that teaching methods are responsive to the unique needs of English learners. Xilonin’s rich personal history and professional expertise give her a deep understanding of the barriers faced by immigrant and refugee students. She dedicated her career to providing educators with the tools [...]

I’m thrilled to introduce a very special guest and longtime friend of our show, Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, a brilliant artist whose contributions to the Bay Area’s music scene over the past 20 years have been nothing short of transformative. Martha is a true Renaissance woman—an acclaimed singer, flutist, conductor, and producer who has brought Latin American folk, classical, and contemporary music to new audiences. Her dedication to her craft and her culture has earnedseveral recognitions, including being named a “Luminary” by the Mexican Consulate in San Francisco and “Excelencia Latina” by LAM and Mundo Fox. For those who have followed her career, Martha is not just an extraordinary musician but also a powerful advocate for community engagement. She serves as Director of several Neighborhood Choirs for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities, and leads the Coro de Cámara and Mariachi CMC. Her ion for inclusivity through music has transformed how people from diverse backgrounds connect with the arts. Today, we’re especially excited to talk about her long-standing work with the San Francisco Symphony, where she curates the annual Día de los Muertos event—a vibrant celebration that brings together art, music, and culture to honor one of the most cherished traditions in [...]

A few months ago, I had the immense honor of meeting and interviewing Rigoberta Menchú Tum, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and K’iche’ Mayan activist, during an event hosted by Cultura y Arte Nativa de las Américas (CANA) in San Francisco. This encounter was originally aired live on my radio show, bringing her words and wisdom to the airwaves. Now, I’m excited to share the podcast version of this experience, in both Spanish and English, thanks to a live translation. It was a bilingual event, and now with the podcast here it is, another layer of accessibility for those who might have missed the live radio broadcast. Rigoberta Menchú Tum’s life story is one of profound resilience and unwavering dedication to social justice. Born in 1959 in the Guatemalan highlands, Rigoberta’s advocacy work was shaped by her personal experiences during the Guatemalan Civil War, which resulted in the genocide of nearly 150,000 Mayans. Tragically, her family was among the victims, with her brother, mother, and father being tortured and murdered by government forces. she later transformed her pain into action, becoming an international advocate for Indigenous rights, human rights, and peace. Her commitment to these causes earned her the Nobel [...]

In my latest interview on Stanford Radio, I had the pleasure of speaking with Pamela Martinez, an incredibly talented Venezuelan filmmaker whose work delves deep into human rights and social justice. A graduate of the MFA Documentary Media Program at Stanford, Pamela has traveled the world, honing her craft and exploring stories that need to be told. Her film As I Witness—a gripping, 8-minute piece about the suffering of Palestinians during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas—is one such story. Pamela’s journey to becoming a filmmaker is as impressive as her filmography. From studying visual arts at UWC Red Cross Nordic in Norway, to participating in experiential education in Brazil, and later studying Film, New Media, and Social Research at NYU Abu Dhabi, her path has been shaped by a global perspective. She has always been driven by a ion for exploring complex issues—such as gender, migration, and transitional justice—through art. Her undergraduate documentary Estado Fallido (Failed State) explores the socio-political polarization within the Pemón Kamarakoto indigenous community in Canaima, Venezuela, providing an intimate look into the harsh realities of life under Venezuela’s ongoing crisis. In As I Witness, Pamela tackles the suffering of war victims with a sharp [...]

Today, we conversation with Rodrigo Duran, the Executive Director of Carnaval San Francisco. Rodrigo Ehecatl Durán, a proud San Franciscan and the son of Mexican immigrants, and he had work for years to BIPOC cultures in the city. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Communications from UC San Diego and a Master’s in Public istration from San Francisco State University, with a focus on Nonprofit Management, Rodrigo leads the charge in making Carnaval San Francisco the biggest and most vibrant multicultural bash in California. He is also a Commissioner for the city for the Human Rights Commission , one of 11 appointed by the Mayor to represent the diverse human rights interests of the City of San Francisco. Carnaval San Francisco isn’t just big community party; it’s about honoring the rich tapestry of Latinx, Caribbean, and African Diaspora cultures that make San Francisco sparkle. Through dance, music, art, and community education, they create spaces where diversity isn’t just celebrated—it’s cherished. It started as a local representation of the international Carnaval, on fat Tuesday, but with the weather impediments of February in San Francisco, evolved in to a beginning of summer tradition, with its own personality.  Now in its fourth decade, Carnaval [...]

Today we have a conversation with Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, Superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). ​ Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, the Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools, has served in education for over 33 years. Her work in education reform and change leadership is grounded in her commitment to serve the community and underserved, vulnerable youth and a mission that is centered around diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. Dr. Dewan is a strong advocate for the expansion of early learning services, health, and education, and believes in providing each and every child opportunities that promote high quality, equitable, and inclusive experiences. ​ The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. They directly serve students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 21 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.​ The Office of the Superintendent provides to the County Office, school districts and other educational agencies. [...]

Today we have a conversation with Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, Superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). ​ Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, the Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools, has served in education for over 33 years. Her work in education reform and change leadership is grounded in her commitment to serve the community and underserved, vulnerable youth and a mission that is centered around diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. Dr. Dewan is a strong advocate for the expansion of early learning services, health, and education, and believes in providing each and every child opportunities that promote high quality, equitable, and inclusive experiences. ​ The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. They directly serve students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 21 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.​ The Office of the Superintendent provides to the County Office, school districts and other educational agencies. [...]

Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down for a chat with Maestro Urs Leonhardt Steiner, a musical maestro whose journey spans continents and cultures. Originally from the quaint town of Chur, Switzerland, Steiner’s musical roots run deep, having studied at esteemed institutions like the University of Tübingen and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Under the guidance of luminaries such as James Wimer and Gustav Meier, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Andre Previn and Leonard Bernstein in masterclasses, Steiner’s musical education is as rich as it is diverse. But it doesn’t stop there. Steiner’s own compositions, notably the operas “Il Secondo Settenio” and “Return of the Phantoms,” have garnered praise both at home and across the pond. Leading the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra in captivating performances, Steiner’s baton has danced across stages from Europe to Central America. Under the guidance of luminaries such as James Wimer and Gustav Meier, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Andre Previn and Leonard Bernstein in masterclasses, Steiner’s musical education is as rich as it is diverse. But it doesn’t stop there. Steiner’s own compositions, notably the operas “Il Secondo Settenio” and “Return of the Phantoms,” have garnered praise both at home and [...]

Today, we are privileged to host a discussion on Public Education, broadcasting live from Stanford University. Our focus centers on the pivotal role of public education as the cornerstone of equality and the linchpin of democracy’s future. For that, we are honored to welcome some guest: Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, the Superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE); Albert Gonzalez, President of the California School Boards Association; and Jessica Speiser, President of the Santa Clara California Latino School Boards Association (SCCSBA). Throughout our discussion, we aim to explore the significance of targeted groups in public education. Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, The Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools has served in education for over 33 years. Her distinguished work in education reform and change leadership is grounded in her commitment to serving the community and underserved, vulnerable youth and a mission centered around diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. A strong advocate for expanding early learning services, health, and education, Dr. Dewan believes in providing every child with opportunities that promote high-quality, equitable, and inclusive experiences. Dr. Dewan has served in a variety of leadership roles, which have led to several local and state recognitions, including the [...]

Today we are talking with Anais Amaya, from the Latino Community Foundation to talk about the Latino Giving Circles. As the Director of LGCN, Anais plays a crucial role in advancing the strategic expansion of Latino Giving Circles in Southern California for LCF. Having recently relocated her family to Los Angeles, she also embarked on the entrepreneurial journey of launching her business, Raices, dedicated to ing indigenous artisans in Mexico. Before her tenure at LCF, Anais earned the prestigious Heroes and Hearts Award from the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. This accolade recognized her outstanding contributions as the program manager of the ZSFG Health Advocates. In this role, she led a multi-lingual program that actively screened patients to identify and address their social determinants of health by connecting them with the appropriate community resources. The Latino Giving Circle Network encomes a diverse array of individuals from various walks of life, spanning generations such as Baby Boomers to Millennials, and encoming professionals ranging from CEOs to emerging talents. Inclusivity extends beyond nationality, encoming both immigrants and US-born individuals, as well as Latinos and non-Latinos alike. Within this network, each participant has the opportunity to harness our collective influence, contributing to the [...]

The San Francisco Symphonic Orchestra will celebrate this Saturday, November 4th, the “Dia de los Muertos” concert in 2023. This special event will commemorate the Meso-American holiday, which honors the memory of loved ones who have ed away.  The orchestra will perform a range of pieces that reflect the theme of this important holiday, with a focus on MAYAN traditions this year, introducing new art and music and unique experiences with old traditions. There will be a mixture of music from traditional Mexican folk songs to classical compositions that explore the theme of life and death.  The Davis Hall lobby has been showcasing art installations and interactive experiences related to this event the whole month, and they will be there until Tuesday, November 7th.  Our conversation today is with the long-time curator of this annual event, Martha Rodríguez Salazar. She is a singer, a flute performer, a music educator, and a community organizer. She is a Mexican born artis, long-time San Franciscan who has been in charge of curating this event since 2008, bringing every year a unique experience and exploring different aspects of “Dia de los Muertos” traditions and history.  Miguel Harth-Bedoya conducts the San Francisco Symphony in the concert program, [...]

Today we are talking with author Carmen Boullosa, in and on-air live interview on radio from New York, New York all the way to Stanford, California. Born in Mexico City, and currently residenced in New york, Boullosa is a multifaceted writer, known for her prowess as a poet, novelist, and playwright. Her literary work revolve around the intricate themes of feminism, the interaction between religion, superstition and skepticism, and the reevaluation of gender roles within the rich tapestry of Latin American culture and hispanic traditions. With an impressive oeuvre of nineteen published novels, Boullosa’s work also dwells in different periods, locations and characters, but with her unique and unmistakable stylistic imprint. In “The Book of Eve”, Carmen Boullosa reinterprets of the Book of Genesis, but from Eve’s point of view, effectively deconstructing the patriarchal norms that have long underpinned our understanding of the world. From the origins of gastronomy to the domestication of animals, and even the cultivation of land and pleasure, Boullosa weaves a narrative that shifts the focus to the feminine perspective, while explaining the stories of the creation. “The Book of Eve” traverses the narratives that have shaped perceptions of womanhood for centuries with in most cases [...]

Dr. Melissa Moreno is a CA Community College faculty. Her ion has been teaching, researching, and developing curricula in the areas of Ethnic Studies, Chicana/o Studies, Native American Studies, Education, and Leadership for over 15 years. As a first-generation college student, Ethnic Studies saved her life. Schooling became interesting, and she became a professor and leader with the of many inspiring professors and leaders. For over a decade, she has led Ethnic Studies and taught Chicana/o Studies, History of Race and Ethnicity, Mexican-American History, and Native American Studies. She is a former community educator and faculty in Chicana/o Studies, Education, and Liberal Studies. She holds degrees in Ethnic studies, Sociology, Women’s Studies, and Education. She is a co-founder of the California Community College Ethnic Studies Faculty Council. Her publications and research interests include issues surrounding racial identity formations, subjugated knowledge, cultural citizenship, foodways, food justice education, Chicana/o indigeneity, intergenerational trauma and healing, and practices of community-based leadership. She is a member of the Indigenous Caucus for the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS), among other associations. Painted by artist Jerry Jordan, this mural celebrating ethnic diversity is displayed in the Multicultural Student Center Satellite Office in Gordon Commons residence hall. [...]

Today, we are having an engaging conversation with Pamela Campos, a remarkable Chicana and second-generation immigrant with strong ties to San Jose and Santa Clara County. Pamela dedicated herself to education and has had a career defined by her commitment to advocating for it, housing, and improved quality of life for all. Pamela witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by educators and families grappled with the harsh reality of making a life while earning a $16 per hour salary for educating and caring for small children in the competitive Silicon Valley landscape. However, Pamela’s ion for nurturing a brighter future for children and her proficiency in policy and community development set her on a powerful path toward positive change. During our discussion, Pamela will also talk about her work with The Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) whose mission revolves around mobilizing capital and fostering partnerships to dismantle barriers and ensure equitable access to opportunities for all. This organization invests in, collaborates with, and advocates for high-quality, affordable housing, early care and education, educational opportunities, gainful employment, and access to healthcare. These initiatives are specifically designed to benefit Black, Latino, and other marginalized communities, whose [...]

During today’s show, we will be talking about Cinequest, a movie festival that embodies the spirit of Silicon Valley.  For that, we will be talking with Mr. Halfdan Hussey, one of its co-founders and CEO.  Halfdan (hallf’ dun) Hussey is the Co-Founder and Director of Cinequest Inc. and CEO of Cinequest Mavericks Studio LLC (CMS). He is also a renowned writer and film producer. Cinequest has been around for decades and has evolved with the times. Under its umbrella, it brings awards, recognitions, educational opportunities, and creative inspiration to a wide range of participants.  Nestled in the vibrant heart of Silicon Valley, CINEQUEST seamlessly melds the forces of innovation and the arts to catalyze extraordinary creations and captivate a diverse spectrum of audiences, bringing youth, artists, and visionaries alike, all while engendering profound community bonds through storytelling. This dynamic process fosters elation and nurtures a profound sense of belonging. Cinequest actively cultivates global networks among creators, innovators, emerging talents, and discerning audiences, boldly asserting its leadership on the world stage. By championing and embracing the trailblazing innovations that have fundamentally revolutionized the panorama of creative expression and cinematic media, they consistently reinforce their commanding presence within the international sphere of influence. Cinequest [...]

This week we are talking with Jakie Guzman, Sunnyvale city deputy manager. She is a native of the bay area with a bachelor’s degree in diplomacy and work affairs, a master’s degree in Public Works, and minors in Spanish and Economic Science, bringing with her two decades of work for the local and diverse communities in different positions.   As a deputy manager, she oversees city-wide programs and initiatives on behalf of the City Manager, including direct oversight of the Communications Division and Equity, Access, and Inclusion initiative while she provides strategic to the City Manager, city department heads, and City Council.  Her heart and interests line up with social justice and working for a happier and more livable city. At the time when she started her work for the city of Sunnyvale, the community faced a hate crime. A war veteran decided to drive over a group of pedestrians, thinking they might be Muslims. The need to take action brought the community together with the wish to fight hate and intolerance. Guzman started putting together city-wide plans to unite people and give them tools to improve community relations, learn tolerance and fight hate. The Sunnyvale Unity Initiative represents the [...]