MíraLA Podcast

by Arianna Lemus

Society & Culture

Season 2

#25 Selina Ringel — Award-Winning Filmmaker & Author

This week, host Arianna Lemus sits down with Selina Ringel, an award-winning Mexican-American filmmaker whose bold storytelling and relentless creative drive have made her a standout voice in independent cinema. As a writer, producer, and actress, she’s built a body of work that pushes boundaries and resonates across communities. Her latest feature film, You, Me & Her, earned 15 awards and premiered in 250 theaters nationwide as the Alpha test for Fithian Group’s innovative distribution platform, Attend. The film was later acquired by Starz, and is now streaming on Starz, Amazon, and Apple TV. Beyond the screen, Selina continues to inspire with her bestselling book Be The Train, a powerful guide for emerging filmmakers that has quickly become required reading at film programs across the country. Her mission is simple but transformative: help creators take ownership of their voice, their stories, and their careers. In this conversation, Selina opens up about her evolution as a filmmaker, the risks and resilience behind her work, and the mission that drives everything she creates. 📍 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 Ops: Brenda Hernández / Marlon V. Rodriguez Editor: Brenna Cherry

#24 Yahaira Kolb – Entrepreneur & Beauty Industry Visionary

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

#23 Dr. Brenda Gálvez – Founder of Latina Hustle

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

#22 Diana González – Founder of Cactus Foods

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

#21 Gina Zapanta, Esq. - Attorney, Advocate & Community Leader

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

#20 Daniela Inés Calvo - Comedian & Producer of Comedia en Español

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 ________________________________________________________ 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

#19 Sky Rodríguez - Pro Footballer (Cruz Azul Femenil & Puerto Rico WNT)

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. __________________________________________________________________ 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.

Season 1

#18: Adriana Zuniga: Chicana Business Owner & Entrepreneur

Welcome to the MíraLA Podcast - a podcast by women, for women and anyone willing to listen. Hosted by Arianna Lemus. Episode 18: This week, Arianna interviews Adriana Zúñiga. Adriana is a 36 year old Chicana, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She is a mother of 3 girls (and an adorable Frenchie) and spouse to her partner, Jesse. Adriana talks about her experience of being a business owner during the pandemic, the positive impact of community and loyal customers and the legacy she is creating as a Latina business owner. About Cara Vana: Cara Vana Coffee Shop is located in North Hollywood, California owned by Chicana entrepreneur and San Fernando Valley native, Adriana Zuniga. Our favorites: the horchata latte, a sweet twist on the classic, or the breakfast burrito and avocado toast—both are must-tries. Follow Adriana’s journey: instagram.com/caraxvana instagram.com/valleycinemarentals24 —————————————————————— MíraLA Podcast (miralapodcast.com) Follow us on: instagram.com/miralapodcast TikTok: tiktok.com/@miralapodcast Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@miralapodcast —————————————————————— Our Sponsors: Isabel Grace Events: instagram.com/isabel_grace_events_ Cara Vana Coffee Shop: instagram.com/caraxvana Visit Cara Vana Coffee Shop: 5629 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 —————————————————————— The MíraLA Team: Host: Arianna Lemus Sound Mixer & Audio Editor: Wooin Jeon Camera Op/Gaffer: Brenda Hernández Video Editor: Genevieve Erickson

#17: Patty Ortiz: Latina Aerospace Engineer

Welcome to the MíraLA Podcast - a podcast by women, for women and anyone willing to listen. Hosted by Arianna Lemus. Episode 17: This week, Arianna interviews Patty Ortiz. Patty is an aerospace engineer and project manager for NASA. In this episode, Patty talks about the road to NASA, her experience with Post Partum Psychosis Episode and her mental health journey. As a project manager for Space Projects and Partnerships at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, Patty manages various space and aeronautics projects for new technologies that begin from the early stages to the execution. This involves meeting with partners, working with leadership and managing the project for performance and mission success. (Source: NASA) Follow Patty’s journey: instagram.com/latinasneedspace Resources: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) is the largest association in the nation for Latinos/Hispanics in STEM. They offer effective training, mentorship and programming for their vibrant community. To learn more, visit shpe.org —————————————————————— MíraLA Podcast (miralapodcast.com) Follow us on: instagram.com/miralapodcast TikTok: tiktok.com/@miralapodcast Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@miralapodcast —————————————————————— Our Sponsors: Isabel Grace Events: instagram.com/isabel_grace_events_ Cara Vana Coffee Shop: instagram.com/caraxvana —————————————————————— The MíraLA Team: Host: Arianna Lemus Sound Mixer & Audio Editor: Wooin Jeon Camera Op/Gaffer: Brenda Hernández Video Editor: Genevieve Erickson

#16: Aaricka Washington: Multimedia Award-Winning Journalist

Welcome to the MíraLA Podcast - a podcast by women, for women and anyone willing to listen. Hosted by Arianna Lemus. Episode 16: This week, Arianna interviews Aaricka Washington, a multimedia, community-driven award-winning journalist based in Los Angeles. Most recently, she worked as an associate editor and reporter at LAist, a local NPR station, where she developed strategies and collaborated on stories for the daily podcast, How To LA. Aaricka grew a loyal, engaged audience through various forms of impactful, captivating multimedia storytelling. She is a former teacher who has a passion for reporting stories that centers students and marginalized communities in L.A. and nationwide. She is a published writer who has contributed to the New York Times, PBS NewsHour, Time Magazine and several publications nationwide. Follow Aaricka’s journey: x.com/aarickawash linktree.com/aaricka —————————————————————— MíraLA Podcast (miralapodcast.com) Follow us on: instagram.com/miralapodcast TikTok: tiktok.com/@miralapodcast Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@miralapodcast —————————————————————— Our Sponsors: Isabel Grace Events: instagram.com/isabel_grace_events_ WOC House: woctherapy.com —————————————————————— The MíraLA Team: Host: Arianna Lemus Sound Mixer & Audio Editor: Wooin Jeon Camera Op/Gaffer: Brenda Hernández Video Editor: Genevieve Erickson

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