Podcast: Freedom to Thrive

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros explores the powerful intersection of music and social justice with special guest, Hector Flores, co-founder of the band Las Cafeteras. Join us as Hector shares his journey from social justice organizer to musician, highlighting the inspiration behind songs like "Caravana," "Vivas Nos Queremos," and "La Bamba Rebelde." Discover how his music serves as a voice for immigrant communities and a call to action for listeners everywhere.

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros delves into a heartfelt conversation with internationally acclaimed Filipinx chef and author, Chef Angel Dimayuga. Join us as Chef Angel discusses discusses their journey from a young, ambitious cook to a renowned chef. Chef Angel explores the role of food in storytelling, preserving culture, and creating community, while sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their immigrant upbringing and Filipinx heritage.

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with Kica Matos, President of the National Immigration Law Center. Kica Matos is a social justice advocate, lawyer, and national immigrants' rights leader. Kica gets to the heart of America's immigration issues, sharing personal stories and professional insights.

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros engages in conversation with acclaimed writer and storyteller, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio. Karla, an immigrant from Ecuador and Harvard graduate, is reshaping the narrative around immigrants in America through her powerful works "The Undocumented Americans," and "Catalina." In this episode, Karla shares her journey as a writer, the inspiration behind her books, and the importance of telling immigrant stories with authenticity and humanity. Discover how Karla's personal experiences and defiance against stereotypes fuel her mission to ensure that the histories and contributions of immigrants are recognized and remembered. Listen as Karla and Victoria discuss the challenges and rewards of being a storyteller, the complexities of immigrant identities, and the critical role of narratives in shaping our understanding of immigration. Tune in to explore how Karla's writing not only captures the essence of immigrant life but also inspires future generations to continue this vital tradition.

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with four-time Emmy Award-winning comedian, author, and filmmaker W. Kamau Bell. Kamau shares insights from his extensive career, including his experiences from his acclaimed CNN show "United Shades of America." Victoria and Kamau discuss the importance of empathy, curiosity, and listening in bridging divides, as well as Kamau's latest projects, including the East Bay Film Collective and his Emmy Award-winning documentary "1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed." Tune in to hear Victoria and Kamau's discussion about the intersection of immigration and systemic racism, the power of storytelling, and the need for solidarity among marginalized communities. Join us for an engaging and enlightening conversation that challenges us to find our compassion and shared humanity.

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with the multitalented performing artist, writer, comedian and activist, Kristina Wong. From her early days at UCLA to becoming a Pulitzer Prize finalist, Kristina's journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Listen in as Kristina shares anecdotes about her eclectic career, from her satirical website "Big Bad Chinese Mama" to her impactful work with undocumented Americans and formerly incarcerated individuals. Discover the origins of the Auntie Sewing Squad, a grassroots initiative born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it led to her critically acclaimed show, "Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord." Victoria and Kristina explore the intersectionality of Kristina's activism, her upcoming projects, and her thoughts on the importance of community and storytelling. This episode is a testament to how creativity and activism can come together to create powerful change.