Episodes

  • Importance of home-based child care businesses in the Latino community

    Importance of home-based child care businesses in the Latino community
    Mar 22 2026
    On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss the importance of family-owned, home-based day care businesses in the Latino community. Over 85% of Latino infants and toddlers in low-income households depend on these home-based businesses, according to the Hispanic Research Center. The Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) is a nonprofit organization helping to address that need. One of their many programs is to help home-based day care owners successfully run their businesses. The organization offers extensive training opportunities for home-based child care providers. The nonprofit is based in the South Bronx and was founded in 1992 and serves over 40,000 people annually. Joining us to discuss is Davon Russell, president of WHEDco, and Ana Escoto, who owns a home-based day care. They talk about the critical role home-based child care businesses play in the Latino community. Also ahead, a closer look at the new off-Broadway production, "Public Charge." It's an autobiographical play that chronicles the life of a Latina powerhouse who rose through the ranks of the U.S. government to become a high-level diplomat and ambassador. The production explores the principled use of power and the belief that government can be a force for good. We'll have details on the play and where you can catch it coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Humanitarian crisis in Cuba amid energy shortage

    Humanitarian crisis in Cuba amid energy shortage
    Mar 15 2026
    On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Cuba after the island nation ran out of fuel. The energy shortage follows the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which was the island's main source of crude oil. To make matters worse, there are also shortages of food, medicine and clean water. The Cuban people have suffered through widespread blackouts, and it appears that the island nation has run out of allies willing to supply the hundreds of millions of dollars worth of fuel needed to power the economy. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has said Cuba's days are numbered. Joining us to discuss is Alina Camacho, professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at St. John's University. Also ahead, details on the nonprofit organization, New York Junior Tennis and Learning. The organization engages youth in tennis while prioritizing academic excellence and scholastic support. Students in the program have a 100% acceptance rate to a four-year college. We talk to the founder of the organization and a Latino high school student who has benefitted greatly from the program. The student is an elite tennis player and academic wizard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Nonprofit fights homelessness crisis within Latino community in New York City

    Nonprofit fights homelessness crisis within Latino community in New York City
    Mar 8 2026
    On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss the growing homelessness crisis and its disproportionate impact on the Latino community in New York City. Hispanic people represent about 32% of heads of household in the shelter system, according to the New York State Comptroller's Office. [url HREF="https://www.projectrenewal.org/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]Project Renewal[/url] is helping Latinos transition from shelters to stable housing to end the cycle of homelessness. The nonprofit was founded in 1967 as a de-toxification program and has evolved into a comprehensive social services agency. Project Renewal serves over 10,000 New Yorkers annually. Their mission is to empower individuals and families through three primary pillars: health, homes and employment. Joining us to discuss is Shannon Gonzales from Project Renewal. Also on our program, New York City's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) has extended its application deadline. There are about 100,000 summer job opportunities available for young adults between ages 14-24. The city program helps keep youth engaged and active during the summer. We'll talk to one of the nonprofit organizations involved in the program and learn more about the many available jobs. And more on Teatro Fest 2026, the citywide event celebrating Latino theatre productions. The festival spans multiple neighborhoods in three boroughs with over 20 different performances, including musical comedies, children's puppetry and dances like tango, just to name a few. There's something for the entire family, and we have the details coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • New York Rep. Nydia Velazquez on time in Congress, decision to step down

    New York Rep. Nydia Velazquez on time in Congress, decision to step down
    Feb 22 2026
    On this edition of Tiempo, we catch up with one local congresswoman following her announcement to step down from public office. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, who represents New York's Seventh Congressional District, will retire from Congress when her term comes to an end. Velazquez always will be the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the House of Representatives back in 1993. Born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, she has consistently fought for the island, including advocacy for better working conditions and economic development. She has also advocated and battled for Latinos, immigrants and working-class families. In what way? Through empowering small businesses, expanding economic opportunities and mentoring future Latino leaders. Joining us is "La Luchadora," Congresswoman Nydia Velezquez. Also ahead, Boricua superstar Bad Bunny's Super Bwol Halftime Show goes down in history as one of the most-watched performances ever. A college course at Rutgers University digs deep into the global superstar's music and global impact. The class uses it to study Puerto Rican history, U.S. colonialism and cultural identity. We speak to the professor teaching the class about the curriculum, the course content and the student interest in all things Bad Bunny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • NYC Council passes reform bill to help street vendors obtain license to work

    NYC Council passes reform bill to help street vendors obtain license to work
    Feb 15 2026
    On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss the recent legislative victory for street vendors in New York City. New York City Council members recently passed a bill which makes it easier for vendors to obtain a license. Former Mayor Eric Adams vetoed the reform package before he left office. Only a few thousand permits and licenses are authorized in the city, and there are an estimated 23,000 street vendors doing business across the five boroughs. The vast majority of vendors operate unlawfully and without proper documentation. Proponents of the street vendor measure say it is an important step to remedy the city's broken vending system and to protect the city's largely immigrant vendor workforce as immigration arrests surge under President Donald Trump's administration. Joining us to discuss is Carina Kaufman Gutierrez from the New York City Vendors Project, a major advocate of the reform package. Also ahead, New Jersey's Public Schools Superintendent of the Year is Latino. Dr. Raymond Gonzalez leads the Westfield Public Schools District. The New Jersey Association of School Administrators recently chose the doctor for his exceptional leadership and vision in the Garden State's public schools. We'll talk to him about the prestigious acknowledgment coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Latino church leader detained by ICE in Brooklyn

    Latino church leader detained by ICE in Brooklyn
    Feb 8 2026
    On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss the recent detainment of a local Latino church leader by Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents in Brooklyn. Immigration enforcement took Deacon Sebastian Renoj Ordoñez into federal custody outside his home. ICE agents also took seven other community members into custody. Community leaders gathered recently to call out the arrest. The deacon, originally from Guatemala, serves parishioners at the Young Christians Church in the southside of Brooklyn. He has been an active church leader for nearly 20 years and has no known criminal record. Pastor Erick Salgado from the Young Christians Church joins Tiempo to shed some light on the situation. Also on our program, we highlight the nonprofit Camino al Éxito Project For All. The organization is located in Dutchess County and its mission is quite simple: empower Latinos in the Hudson Valley. It offers a wide range of services like youth mentorship, adult workshops, legal services, job readiness and much more. We talk to the leaders of the organization coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Impacts of federal funding cuts on nonprofit organizations in New York City

    Impacts of federal funding cuts on nonprofit organizations in New York City
    Feb 1 2026
    On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss the potential impacts of federal funding cuts on nonprofit organizations in New York City. President Donald Trump announced his administration will withhold federal payments to sanctuary cities beginning on Sunday. The president believes sanctuary cities have policies that limit local law enforcement's ability to cooperate with federal immigration officers. A significant portion of the federal funds go to social services, education and housing, just to name a few. The decision has a major financial impact for many nonprofits in the Tri-State area. Joining us to discuss is Dr. Lauren Jen, assistant medical director at Children's Aid, and Pedro Rodriguez, executive director of La Jornada. We also catch up with the Bronx Council on the Arts, the official cultural agency for the borough. The organization offers grants, artist residencies and resources, especially for underrepresented groups in the Bronx. We'll have more on the council and the free workshops and programs it offers coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Attorney gives legal advice amid federal immigration crackdowns across US, in New York

    Attorney gives legal advice amid federal immigration crackdowns across US, in New York
    Jan 18 2026
    On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss the latest on federal immigration crackdowns across the country and in New York City, including the recent detention of a NYC Council employee. Newly-elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he will not work with federal immigration enforcement agents and will firmly uphold sanctuary city policies. During a recent visit to New York, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the results of a series of high-profile ICE operations. Her visit was heavily overshadowed by the shooting in Minneapolis, where an ICE agent fatally shot a 37-year-old mother of three. Immigration attorneys, advocacy groups and employers can anticipate greater scrutiny from the federal government regarding hiring practices, foreign-born workers, visa applications and more. Joining us to discuss and provide some counsel on what to expect and how to prepare is immigration attorney Chris Cabanillas. We also have details on a new college program designed to provide first-generation and low-income students with an affordable and debt-free education. Small class sizes, dedicated academic advisors, counseling services and additional support like free meals and laptops are among resources being offered to students. We'll have more on the two-year associate degree program at the University of Mount Saint Vincent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    26 mins