Created by St. Louis Latinx professionals, the “Auténtico!” podcast is committed to shaping Latinx identity.
Each episode reveals stories and lessons learned from bilingual Latinx professionals and small business owners.
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Emilia Serrano is co-executive producer of major network television shows like, Promised Land, Mixed*Ish and High School Musical - The Series. She says, “Struggles and challenges help me write stories now.” She is proud of her Mexican American culture and her authentic stories reflect her passion to see more inclusive onscreen characters who reflect the real people in her life and culture. And she’s winning! -
From Medellin Colombia to St. Louis, Missouri, Carlos Glynias Restrepo knew at a young age he would be living in St. Louis someday, through the pages of a picture book, he first saw the landscapes of our region. He shares with you his reaction while living here and how he ended up in Marshall, Missouri. -
Kendall Martinez-Wright is an Afro-Puerto Rican transgender woman advocating for transgender rights in the Missouri Legislature. Amidst nationwide transphobic legislation in 2021, Kendall ran a historic campaign for Missouri's Fifth District. She has a long career in advocacy, politics and legislative work. The campaign's website was admitted to the Library of Congress, as she became the first Afro-Puerto Rican transgender woman to run for Missouri’s House of Representatives.
The Team
Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano
Autentico Co-Host
Before creating the We Live Here Auténtico Podcast, Gabriela worked as an educator, diplomat, community advocate, business counselor, restaurant owner, marathon runner, author, co-founder and small business owner.
Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico and inspired by her own experience growing up as an immigrant in the United States, Gabriela has a passion and commitment to help others.
Now back in St. Louis, Gabriela finds her voice helping small business owners achieve their dreams as the Executive Director at the Center for Emerging Technologies and Director of Entrepreneurship at CORTEX. Through her podcast, Auténtico, she empowers and showcases bilingual Latinx professionals and small business owners and through her work at the BALSA Foundation she promotes social equity and prosperity
Gabriela holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Missouri - Columbia and an MBA from Lindenwood University. She just graduated from the 2021 Leadership MO class and is most proud of raising amazing children who inspire her to help make the world a better place.
Alejandro Santiago Ortega
Autentico Co-Host
Alejandro Santiago Ortega is a foreign attorney and community advocate.
Alejandro received his J.D. from Universidad Anáhuac in Oaxaca, Mexico. After graduating law school, Alejandro did a Master’s Degree in U.S. Law at California Western School of Law in San Diego, California. Alejandro has worked for non-profits and law firms in many areas including real state, immigration, mediation, and contracts.
He also volunteers for several organizations in the St. Louis region, looking to create meaningful change in the community. Alejandro is committed to improving the quality of life for all in the region.
Alejandro Santiago Ortega es abogado extranjero y defensor comunitario.
Alejandro recibió su J.D. de la Universidad Anáhuac en Oaxaca, México. Después de graduarse de la facultad de derecho, Alejandro hizo una maestría en derecho estadounidense en la Facultad de Derecho de California Western en San Diego, California.
Alejandro ha trabajado para organizaciones sin fines de lucro y bufetes de abogados en muchas áreas, incluyendo bienes raíces, inmigración, mediación y contratos.
Alejandro también es voluntario de varias organizaciones en la región de St. Louis, buscando crear un cambio significativo en la comunidad. Alejandro está comprometido con mejorar la calidad de vida para todos en la región