What an amazing month the Democrats Abroad Hispanic Caucus Podcast has had! The folks who joined us really had some terrific and enlightening things to say during our discussions, including a college engineering student in California, a Democratic candidate running for local office in Pennsylvania, a Puebla-based Democrats Abroad Mexico member, and a union activist in Indiana – all wonderful guests who are making significant differences in their communities. Check out the names below in bold font to see who we spoke to in July.
As a reminder, all of our podcast episodes can be accessed here (or seen with episode summaries here).
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Bianca Vasquez And Her Mission To Promote Latinas In Space Exploration
In a galaxy far, far away, there likely awaits a NASA rocket, probe, satellite or rover with Bianca Vasquez's name to be written on it. With her steadfast determination, there's no question that this Latina is dedicated to fulfilling successful missions of scientific research and human exploration in realms far from Earth. This week, this motivated college student from California and - gasp! - "engineering propulsion intern" joined the Democrats Abroad Hispanic Caucus podcast and educated us on her terrific organization - the Society of Women in Space Exploration (SWISE.org) - and how college and university chapters are popping up all over in support of its worthwhile pro-science and pro-women in diversity initiatives.
Ms. Vasquez also spoke on why having Latinas involved in S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) contributes to a diverse workforce preparing to tackle major issues like climate change and how to best harness the power of green energy. At only 22 years old, Ms. Vasquez is an inspiration to all of us. She's clearly shooting for the stars -- quite possibly in a rocket designed, tested, and built by her own hands! Have a listen to our podcast discussion with this young lady and we're sure you'll be just as impressed about the future of American science and innovation as we are. ¡Sube el volumen!
"Necesitamos elegir representantes que creen en la importancia de la sciencia para un futuro mejor para nosotros y para nuestros hijos." - Bianca Vasquez (Twitter: @PinkRocketship)
Sus comentarios en español comienzan a las 20:32 en la conversación. (Ms. Vasquez’s Spanish-language remarks begin at 20:32 into the conversation.)
Hispanic Caucus participants in this episode: Alison Maciejewski (DA Czech Republic) and Amerika García-Grewal (DA Fiji). Podcast music provided by Carlos Colao (DA Spain).
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Under The Electoral Microscope: A Discussion With Sam Stone On Latinx Candidates We Should All Be Aware Of
The Democrats Abroad Hispanic Caucus’ Dee Dee Camhi (she/her/ella) and Michael Ramos (he/him/él) held a terrific discussion about Latinx candidates and upcoming races with one of our all-around knowledgeable caucus colleagues, Dr. Samuel Stone, Esq. When Sam’s not doing bilingual media interviews or teaching university students, he’s doing the tough work of researching candidates and issues. In today’s discussion, Sam took some time to inform us of some Latinx candidates that are likely to grab our attention in preparation for the upcoming 2019 and 2020 elections. In addition to Hispanic Caucus members being aware of Latinx incumbents and Latinx political newcomers, Sam gave his perspective on why all Americans abroad should request their ballot and cast their votes. Good stuff! Before you go celebrate Independence Day, have a listen to this interesting episode to get Sam’s insightful thoughts on Latinx candidates running in current electoral cycles.
“Things are changing. For example, in Philadelphia, there are a number of Latinos running for office… But now, they’re doing more inclusive things such as adding the ‘ñ’ on ballots for candidates’ names because there are so many Hispanic candidates running… and as a country and our Party, we’re seeing great improvements to accommodate Latino candidates.” - Sam Stone
Hispanic Caucus participants in this podcast episode: Dee Dee Camhi (DA Mexico), Nelleke Bruyn (DA Costa Rica), and Michael Ramos (DA Australia). Podcast music provided by Carlos Colao (DA Spain).
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Shaking Up A Local Race: Speaking with Democratic Primary Winner and Latinx City Council Candidate Nicarol Soto
In the eastern part of the Keystone State, there’s a city which historically has had a thriving coal industry, then years later became known as an unwelcoming place for immigrants, and nowadays, ironically, is the home to an increasingly-large Hispanic community -- welcome to the City of Hazleton. With the city currently in debt, minority-owned small businesses seeking to expand economic opportunities, and children limited in participating in youth programs, Nicarol Soto, a Democratic Latina candidate for city council, is ready to roll up her sleeves and move Hazleton forward.
Nicarol joined the Democrats Abroad Hispanic Caucus Podcast in a bilingual discussion to explain what she’s fighting for and why she’s running for public office. In this day and age of media attention largely showering candidates for federal public office, the Hispanic Caucus recognizes the need for overseas voters to devote time to learning more about state and local races before our members request their ballots. Nicarol Soto is one such candidate whom all Hazleton voters living abroad should know: she’s bilingual, she’s a mother, she works hard in a job outside of politics, she has a vision for where the city could potentially be, and she’s an inspiration for all young Latinas who want to make a difference in improving our nation through public service.
You know what to do… grab a beverage of your choice, kick back, and crank up the volume!
Hispanic Caucus participants in this episode: Carlos Colao (DA Spain), Thorin Engeseth (DA Germany), Dee Dee Camhi (DA Mexico), and Michael Ramos (DA Australia). Podcast music provided by Carlos Colao.
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Local Labor Leader Stuart Mora With Thoughts On Immigration, Organizing And Voting
The Democrats Abroad Hispanic Caucus recently had a chance to speak with UNITE HERE's Stuart Mora, of Local 23 in Indianapolis, and heard his thoughts on the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the American Dream and Promise Act, how union workers and the Marion County Dems are preparing for upcoming elections, and why overseas Americans exercising their right to vote will be critical in beating back the misguided agenda of Republicans. As a vocal and highly-active organizer in the Rust Belt working directly with women, immigrants and the service industry, in addition to having previously lived abroad, Stuart's well-rounded experience in analyzing today's political climate gives an honest assessment of what's needed to move our country forward and what a collective voice can achieve. Have a listen to this interesting conversation and be sure to share with all Hoosiers living abroad!
"Like me, when I was living abroad, you know other Americans abroad where you live. We've got to make sure they're registered to vote, and voting." - Stuart Mora
Hispanic Caucus participants in this episode: Alison Maciejewski (DA Czech Republic) and Carlos Colao (DA Spain). Podcast music provided by Carlos Colao.