This week, host Arianna Lemus sits down with Yahaira Kolb, a visionary Latina entrepreneur whose legacy in beauty began generations ago. From mastering her craft behind the salon chair to building a renowned luxury salon and wellness medspa, Yahaira has made it her mission to help women feel confident, radiant, and seen.

Her journey extends beyond beauty—she’s also a savvy real estate investor and mentor, guiding other women to build wealth, embrace independence, and dream bigger. In this conversation, Yahaira opens up about the lessons, challenges, and mindset that shaped her path as a businesswoman and leader.

📍 Recorded in Empowered with Gina / ZA Lawyers Studios in Valley Glen, CA

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Empowered with Gina — Empowerment isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle.

Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

🎧 Credits

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Camera Op: Brenna Cherry

Editor: Brenna Cherry

Production Assistant: Genesis Santizo

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Brenda Gálvez, a distinguished first-generation Latina whose work centers on building community, self-advocacy, and social and economic mobility. As the founder of Latina Hustle, Dr. Gálvez has dedicated her career to creating access and opportunity for under-represented communities - bridging local government, educational institutions, and professional industries to uplift the next generation of Latina leaders.

With expertise in designing culturally competent, person-centered career programs, Dr. Gálvez empowers individuals to not only pursue careers that align with their goals but to confidently navigate and thrive within them.

In this episode, host Arianna Lemus sits down with Dr. Gálvez to explore the importance of representation in professional spaces, the power of mentorship, and how she continues to champion Latina empowerment through education and advocacy.

📍 Recorded in Pasadena, CA.

💫 Catch the Conversation

This episode is brought to you by, Latina Hustle, building pathways for Latinas in business, leadership & community. Dr. Gálvez shares powerful insights on career accessibility, leadership rooted in community, and redefining success on your own terms. Shop Latina Hustle at shoplh.com and use promo code “MiraLA15” for 15% off your order.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

🙌 Special Thanks to our season 2 Sponsors:

• Latina Hustle — Building pathways for Latinas in business, leadership & community.

Explore more: shoplh.co

• Empowered with Gina — Empowerment isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle.

Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

• NAMI San Fernando Valley — Championing mental health awareness & community care.

Learn more: namisfv.org

🎧 Credits

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Camera Ops: Brenna Cherry / Alejandra Quiroz

Editor: Brenna Cherry

This week, we’re joined by Diana González, the visionary founder of Cactus Foods, a woman-owned snack brand turning the cactus (nopal) into delicious and sustainable plant-based snacks. While managing a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s and inspired by her family’s history of colon cancer, Diana embarked on a journey to create healthier snack options — blending her nearly two decades of sales and marketing experience (including at NBC/Universal) with a passion for wellness and innovation.

Diana’s mission is to transform cacti — nature’s wonder — into snacks that are as good for the planet as they are for you. Her vision? To become a leading innovator in plant-based snacks that support biodiversity, reduce environmental impact and inspire global culinary exploration.

In this episode, host Arianna sits down with Diana to explore how she stayed rooted in her mission even while navigating chronic illness and launching a business

📍 Recorded in Pasadena, CA.

💫 Catch the Conversation

Diana offers candid insight on aligning business with values, embracing plant-based innovation, and staying resilient through the unknown.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

🙌 Special Thanks

Season 2 Sponsors:

Empowered with Gina - Empowerment isn’t a trend - it’s a lifestyle Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

NAMI San Fernando Valley — championing mental health awareness & community care. Learn more: namisfv.org

Cactus Foods — reinventing snacks using cactus, celebrating health, sustainability & flavor. Explore more: cactus-foods.com

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Editor: Brenna Cherry

This week, we’re joined by Gina Zapanta, a powerhouse attorney, entrepreneur, and community advocate committed to empowering others through law, leadership, and authenticity. A proud daughter of East L.A., Gina brings her full self to every space she steps into — from the courtroom to community boards to mentorship circles.

She’s the Co-Founder of Z.A. Lawyers, ZAGives, and Empowered with Gina, a platform where she shares real and raw insights on success, resilience, and redefining legacy.

In this episode, Arianna sits down with Gina to talk about staying rooted in your mission, navigating success as a Latina in male-dominated spaces, and how giving back is central to building lasting impact.

📍Recorded at the ZA Lawyers / Empowered with Gina offices in Valley Glen, CA.

💫 Catch the Conversation

From her Eastside roots to founding multiple ventures, Gina shares what it means to lead with purpose and uplift others along the way.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

🙌 Special Thanks

Season 2 Sponsors:

• NAMI San Fernando Valley — supporting mental health awareness & community care. Learn more: namisfv.org
• Empowered With Gina — redefining empowerment through mentorship, mindset, and community. Explore more: empoweredwithgina.com

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Camera Operator: Jadon Cal/ Empowered with Gina

Editor: Brenda Hernández

This week, we’re joined by Daniela Inés Calvo, a bilingual stand-up comedian raised in Miami and Argentina, now based in Los Angeles. Daniela began performing at 19 and has since brought her comedy to stages across LA and Miami. She is also the producer of the regular stand-up show en español at The World Famous Comedy Store, where she co-headlines with Francisco Ramos and features surprise guests.

In this episode, Arianna sits down with Daniela to discuss carving out space for comedy in español, the intersections of culture and humor, and the power of creating community through laughter

Join us on October 12 for a historic night at the Comedy Store Main Room: “Francisco y Daniela presentan: Comedia en Español,” opening doors for comedians in Los Angeles to perform in Spanish.

Tickets and info: https://www.showclix.com/event/presentan

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Season 2 Sponsor: NAMI San Fernando Valley — supporting mental health awareness & community care. Learn more: namisfv.org

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Camera Operator: Brenda Hernández

Editor: Brenna Cherry

Stay Connected

• Website: miralapodcast.com
• Instagram: @miralapodcast
• TikTok: @miralapodcast
• YouTube: MíraLA Podcast

Special thanks to our venue sponsor: Creativamente Yo / Elisa Rodriguez

Welcome to Season 2 of the MíraLA Podcast! We’re kicking off with professional footballer Sky Rodríguez.

Sky Rodríguez is a professional footballer who plays for Cruz Azul Femenil in Liga MX Femenil and proudly represents the Puerto Rico Women’s National Team. As one of the rising voices in women’s football, she embodies resilience, identity, and community both on and off the pitch.

In this episode, Arianna sits down with Sky to talk about her journey in professional sports, balancing identity, mental health, and visibility as a Latina athlete, and the importance of creating space for women in sports.

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Season 2 Sponsor: NAMI San Fernando Valley — supporting mental health awareness & community care. Learn more: namisfv.org

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Camera Operators: Kristina Andrea, Olivia Zendejas Medina, Brenda Hernández Sound Mixer & Editor: Wooin Jeon Editor: Brenna Cherry

Stay Connected

• Website: miralapodcast.com
• Instagram: @miralapodcast
• TikTok: @miralapodcast
• YouTube: MíraLA Podcast

Venue: The Football Boutique - DTLA

Community Partner: New York Life

This interview was recorded during Pass the Mic, held in July 2025, marking the first episode of Season 2 of the MíraLA Podcast.

MíraLA Podcast #30: The Producers’ Edit

MíraLA Podcast: The Producers’ Edit is a special behind-the-scenes conversation on growth, community and all things MíraLA. Host Arianna Lemus, who leads the podcast with intention and a deep focus on relationship-building and storytelling, is joined by longtime producer Brenda Hernández, who has served as producer, editor, and camera operator, shaping the podcast’s production, structure, and brand.

In this candid Producers’ Edit, Arianna and Brenda reflect on the past, present, and future of MíraLA — from the evolution of the podcast to the growth of the MíraLA Film Festival and other collaborative projects. The episode documents the process behind the work, the challenges and lessons learned, and the moments that have shaped the platform, while also marking a transition as Brenda steps away from the podcast after two years of contribution.

This episode is for listeners who’ve been with MíraLA since day one — and for anyone curious about how collective, community-led creative work actually gets made.

📍 Recorded at Bear Punch Studios in North Hollywood, CA

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

💫 Catch the Conversation

This special Producers’ Edit offers an inside look at MíraLA — the podcast, the festival and the people behind the work.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Special Thanks to our Season 2 Sponsors:

• Latina Hustle — Building pathways for Latinas in business, leadership & community. Explore more: shoplh.co

• Empowered with Gina — Empowerment isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle. Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

• NAMI San Fernando Valley — Championing mental health awareness & community care. Learn more: namisfv.org

• Cactus Foods — Supporting community through food & culture. Available at cactus-foods.com

• Bear Punch Studios — Your go-to creative studio for premium podcast audio and video production. Book your next session at bearpunch.tv

• Nine Glow — Skincare built for sweat, strength, and the glow you earn. Shop at nineskinglow.com

🎧 Credits

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Audio and Video Production: Bear Punch Studios

Editor: Brenda Hernández

In this episode, Arianna sits down with Danitza, a former Correctional Officer turned educator, author, and tech founder, to explore what it means to protect people and preserve truth.

From working in a Protective Custody Unit to earning a PhD in Human Sexuality, Danitza shares how trauma, empathy, and lived experience shaped her path. She opens up about her book Left Vulnerable, her work as a mother and leader, and her latest venture, ELYS, a startup redefining safety and legacy through compassionate technology.

This conversation is about courage, humanity, and making sure what matters most is never lost.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Empowered with Gina — Empowerment isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle.

Learn more: empoweredwithgina.com

Credits:

Host: Arianna Lemus

Producer: Brenda Hernández

Editor: Brenna Cherry