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Carmen Drury is a Latina Exitosa for her philanthropy and leadership in establishing Guadalupe House in San Antonio. Carmen, affiliated with the Drury Inns and Hotels chain, has used her background as a teacher to teach others about helping women in desperate need of a 2nd chance. Angela Gonzalez Rowe is the founder of the Latino Hotel and Restaurant Association, after realizing there was no one advocating for Latinos in the hospitality business. Rowe is now empowering the many Latinos and Latinas who work in hotels and restaurants through her organization.

Laura Lopez Cano, an artist from Seabrook, TX, paints from inspiration of Latinas empowered. Her bold strokes and colors are being recognized nationwide. And she’s been compared to Frida Khalo. She is now exhibiting her artwork all over the U.S. and México. Hear what else moved her to paint her latest series: Mujeres Del Siglo or Women of the Century.

Lost, abandoned and abused animals run rampant on the streets everywhere. SPCA Houston President, Patricia Mercer lays out how her group works to give animals shelter and new homes. She’s also working on the Puppy Mill Bill to make sure of the humane treatment of captive animals. In addition, the BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions group works in tandem with other Pet Rescue Groups everywhere for the good of all animals. See how their program works not just here but all over the U.S.

La Mafia Keyboardist David de la Garza is now collaborating with Santana front man Andy Vargas and many others when he finds the time. When not on the road, the Grammy winning musician, is building a solo career in tandem with his band of 20 years, La Mafia. Sarah Ashley Ramírez is an up and coming Latin Soul singer. She’s given name to the new genre of the Latino sound and she’ just getting started.

In a short 13 years, Guatemalan immigrant, Silvia Mintz, went from cleaning offices at night, to being a nanny, to signing up for community college then law school. Today, she is a successful Immigration lawyer and community leader. Hear her amazing story. Also, Immigration attorney and UofH Regent, Jacob Monty, went undercover as an illegal immigrant to document real stories of discrimination and workplace abuse in his straightforward book: A Gringo’s Guide to Hispanics in the Workplace. A must-read for all employers who hire Latinos.

A topic few want to discuss but exists in every community despite of race, gender, religion or socio-economic status: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. New statistics are staggering. We hear from the Houston Area Womens’ Center CEO and the voice of one victim who escaped the abusive clutches of violence of 15 years. We also talk to Jackie Pontello of the group Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse. And Woman’s Book author, Katherine Center, who writes comically about the little things in life.

Ana Maria Chavez made history becoming the first CEO of the Girl Scouts USA. The lady from Arizona was a life-long Girl Scout and administrator before moving up to the front office in New York. She gives Latina Voices: Smart Talk an exclusive interview of her vision for the future for young girls within the organization. Also, the documentary CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUCIÓN tells the oral histories of families who escaped the Mexican Revolution of 1910 and settled very successfully in Central Texas. Hear from the producer, Lionel Sosa, whose family is depicted.

He was once called the “Best all-around athlete of the last quarter century.” Former NBA Basketball Star and one-time Heisman Trophy winner, Charlie Ward, tells us how he his work in his Houston community makes his life complete along with his author wife Tonja. And Houston and the state of Texas stayed ahead of the debilitating Recession. Hear the CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership’s optimistic projections for the future compared to other big U-S cities.

How does a young man go from Migrant worker to becoming a NASA astronaut? Hear José Hernández’s amazing story of hard work, tenacity and triumph on his incredible ride to the final frontier of space. He’s the first astronaut to “tweet” from Space in Spanish and English. And he’s not finished-Learn of his newest aspirations to become a Congressman from California. And Newspaper reporter Jenalia Moreno tries her hand at a new medium with her new movie: Stitched, the Film.

Fashion Designer and Project Runway Season 2 winner, Cloé Dao, builds on her success to continue her fashion legacy. Now a popular designer on the HSN network, Cloé is now designing her own line for the practical shopper. She also talks about her elopement to long-time boyfriend, Ken Pursley. National Correspondent Miguel Almaguer comes from a long line of broadcasters in his family. He is now one of NBC’s top reporters. He tells Latina Voices: Smart Talk how he reached the top and life on-the-go.

CNN’s Soledad O’Brien gives the ladies an exclusive sit-down interview about her latest In America series titled “In Her Corner” about Pasadena, TX Lady Boxer Marlen Esparza. O’Brien discovers the world of Lady Boxers in the U.S., most of whom are Latinas but follows Esparza on her quest for her 6th Championship and reaching the finals for the 2012 Olympics in London. Also, Ricardo Nazario, a financial expert and Cecilia Rose, a business coach, give tips about losing jobs and money in this economy.

The Girl Scouts of America has been empowering young girls for 100 years. Mary Vitek, CEO of the San Jacinto Council and Membership Manager, Corinna Jimenez, continue the organization’s mission with a new Hispanic Campaign to reach out to young Latinas with the first Latina CEO, Anna María Chavez, at its helm. BELO international correspondent, Angela Kocherga, puts her life on the line while covering the violent U-S, Mexico border. How she copes, and how her lifestyle has changed by just doing her job.

H-Texas Magazine publisher, Laurette Veres, discusses her premier lifestyle publication which is now the go-to magazine for everything wedding. Producer of the biggest show for brides, her Bridal Extravaganza attracts tens of thousands of Brides-to-Be from all over the country. Also, top blogger Laurita Tellado Calderón from Orlando, FL is a Latina Exitosa for her dedication and commitment to those who suffer from Spina Bifida. She started Holdin’ Out for a Hero, her advocacy organization, which primarily uses Social Media to raise awareness.

Houston-based Cuban painter (artist) Alberto Godoy shows off his latest works. The stylish artist, whose work reflects reminiscences of Mexican Muralist Diego Rivera and others, reminds of the influence of his homeland in his art. Godoy uses his art to remember his youth in Havana. Latina Exitosa, Maria Contreras Sweet, is the first woman to run a Latino-owned bank. Promerica Bank in Los Angeles sets the bar for helping a community and the economy grow.

Budget cutbacks nationwide are hurting the state of Education at home. Who is checking to see what happens in the classroom? We talk with Educators like HISD’s Harvin Moore III and Stephen Amstutz of The Next Step Fund and former principal of the controversial Liberty School for Immigrants. Also, educator and author Carmen Treviño Moreno adds to discussion of erosion of education and tells of her her new book A JOURNEY TO THE AISLE.

Young girls and SELF ESTEEM. What are their struggles? A frank talk with young Girls, Inc. Scholars and what the program has done for their self esteem. Also, New York Times Best Selling author, Peggy Orenstein on her book CINDERELLA ATE MY DAUGHTER and how the “Princess” generation may set expectations too high to reach.

Rice U’s Superstar standout with the Rice Owls, Anthony Rendón of Houston, wants to get to Omaha with Coach Wayne Graham who’s one of a handful of coaches to get his 900th victory. The pair talk about their incredible parallel journeys to make it to the top of college Baseball. And Secret Millionaire contestant Marilyn Gambrel of No More Victims

SUDDEN DEATH has become a prevalent danger for sports-oriented young people around the nation. We talk with Dr. Paolo Angelini of the Texas Heart Institute and Dr. John Higgins of the H.E.A.R.T.S. Program about this urgent medical dilemma which many times turns tragic. Is there something that can be done before people die on the football field or basketball courts? Sudden Cardiac Disorder is too much in the news…time to pay attention

Veteran’s Court is a new legal resource for Military men and women who come home and end up on the wrong side of the law due to their severe and acute injuries on the warfront. Houston District Judge Marc Carter presides over the court that gives injured soldiers a second chance like Sgt. Marty González. González turned his life around because of Veterans’ Court which is in several other states around the country.

The real power behind the pulpit at Lakewood Church: Dodie Osteen is the co-founder of the Megachurch, a cancer survivor, and mother of Rockstar Televangelist Joel Osteen. Dodie Osteen talks about the church, her unwavering faith, Joel and his other siblings who are all in the ministry. Former Journalist and Author Mignette Dorsey tells us the story about her father Charles Patrick Dorsey, who stood up and helped rouse the Civil Rights Movement way before MLK.

Immigration Reform is a recurring topic of heated discussion that won’t go away. Former INS Director in Houston, Hipólito Acosta, speaks to the misconceptions, the fence, and the U.S. laws that are already in the books that he says are ignored by congressional leaders. Acosta gives solutions that until now are falling to deaf ears. Harris County Sheriff Adrian García discusses how Immigration Reform’s 287g law is affecting his agency and many others nationwide.

Green Team America recruits teens from High Schools from across the land to advocate for the environment. Inspired by Al Gore’s award-winning film “An Inconvenient Truth,” founder Gary Dunham and Green Teamer Selene Burns Ramirez explain how to help global climate change.And Tina Aguirre, a Downstream Global Supportability Manager with Shell Oil, is our “Latina Exitosa.” See why in her story of perseverance.

Islam in America is seen as a religion to some, but a faith steeped in terrorism to others. Dr. Dina Al-Sowayel of the University of Houston discusses the controversy surrounding the Mid East religion, the tenets of Islam and the reasons for its image problem in the U-S. Judge Vanessa Gilmore, the youngest appointed Federal Judge is an also an author and using her children’s books to keep young people from reaching her courtroom.

Women in Print Media and how they are jumping aboard new media to keep up with a changing journalism landscape. The legendary Society Columnist, Shelby Hodge, after nearly two decades as a Houston Chronicle reporter, goes Digital with her new “mapzine” CultureMap, a website covering Lifestyle, Entertainment and News. Carla Valencia, of 002 Houston Magazine also discusses how her traditional magazine has changed with new technological advances.

Actor, playwright and comic of Culture Clash fame, Herbert Siguenza, is back transforming himself like a chameleon in his latest entry of unforgettable drama in the one-man show and world premiere: A Weekend with Pablo Picasso. Siguenza charms his audiences as he did in !Cantinflas! only this time using a multi-media platform. And Laura Silva Quezada teaches the Silva Method of mind-control to improve your life.

Homelessness is an unending societal dilemma. One that Elena Davis, founder of the I Am Waters Foundation, an organization that distributes water bottles to the homeless, and the Search Homeless Center and Healthcare for the Homeless, work on daily to help tens of thousands. Hear how these agencies work in tandem to lend a hand to those who are homeless, hopeless and living on the streets of America.

The first foreign-born President of a major U.S. university, Dr. Renu Khator, takes U of H in two years, further than any other in the past 20. An exclusive interview with a woman whose own life and journey to success should be a book. Also, the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston curator who Time Magazine named one of 25 Most Influential Hispanics and who developed one of the most acclaimed Latin Art Departments in the nation: Dr. Mari Carmen Ramírez.

Latina Voices delves into understanding the so-called Obamacare and the possible roll back of changes recently approved. How will new tax changes affect healthcare? We talk with two noted experts on what Americans can expect in the next year. And the concept of Anonymous Sperm Donations and what it does to the children of sperm donors. Kathleen LaBounty knows the frustration first-hand and is still looking for her “missing family.”

A former Army Colonel takes aim at the U.S. handling of the Gaza Strip. What Mary Ann Wright sees as a possible solution. And two world-class experts weigh in on the Middle East Peace Process. Will the new Egyptian violence affect any chance of peace in that war torn region? Listen to some interesting discussion. Also, an exclusive interview with one of the Hero pilots of the Miracle on the Hudson, Jeff Skiles.

How kids learn their ABC’s is changing. See how one award-winning Charter School is getting notice from Oprah Winfrey. And the new Cristo Rey Jesuit School is gaining ground with students and community support. Traditional education models versus more focused private and charter school programs. Find out more in this edition of Latina Voices: Smart Talk.

The inventor of the Zaky, a special tool that helps premature babies survive, Yamile Jackson inspires with her personal story that led to her invention and confirms that “necessity is the Mother of invention”…hear about her successful company. And, “out of this world” shoe designer, Omar Angel Pérez, shows us why his designs have gotten the attention of the Art World.

Inventor, Scientist, Internationally recognized, Dr. Raúl Cuero stimulates an interesting conversation about helping young people become young to become creators and passionate about their education as future inventors. His “creactivate camps” are touching lives all over the world. Also, author and now filmmaker, ReShonda Tate Billingsley on her inspirational tomes and new movies to reach young people.

The BP Oil Spill will have long-lasting effects along the Gulf Coast. Dr. Tyler Priest explains what is expected as far as damage to the environment and the economy. The future looks bleak due to the Great Recession of 2010, but for how long? Futurist, Dr. Andy Hines has the forecast for the future.

With Latinos expected to comprise 30% of the U.S. population by 2050, Latino Leadership is imperative to the community and to the nation. Meet two U-H students handpicked to go to a Harvard Leadership Program to meet those goals. Also, Dr. Marie Hernández gives examples of what a defeated Dream Act is doing to top undocumented students.

Popular Chef Tarsha Gary aims to “Green” up what children are eating. Using her Ecotone program to fight obesity, she’s turning to Community Gardens to teach healthier ways to eat. Also, with concerns of Obesity so high, and buoyed by First Lady Michelle Obama, Houstonian Gracie Cavnar has a Recipe for Success for school lunch programs.

The “Banker to the Poor,” and Nobel Peace Prize winner and creator of “microfinancing” Dr. Mohammad Yunus talks about why he’s created ways to help the world’s impoverished populations. Also, Cristal Montanez Baylor of the Houston based Hashoo Foundation, which uses “Plan Bee” to help women in USA, Britain and Middle East gain empowerment and a living.

She came to the U.S. from China knowing little English. Today, scholar, legal eagle, and community leader Ping Sun leads the way as Rice University’s Representative and school liaison. And PBS personality, Rima Corral, teaches “How ‘Lil Eddie Learned to Read.” Her passion to teach everyone the importance of reading no matter the age.

The debate over Immigration Reform and the Arizona Law is sweeping the nation from the halls of Congress to Main Street. Is the wave hitting Texas? Texans for Immigration Reform and Immigration lawyer Gordon Quan take up the hot topic and pose solutions. Also, U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Pete Olson discuss where reform stands in Congress.

An award-winning P.R. executive whose personal challenges proved vital to her success. Meet Crystal Brown Tatum and learn how she made it to the top of her game. And Dr. Guadalupe Quintanilla, once labeled “retarded” by her teachers, triumphed and surprised even the naysayers with her daunting success!

A revealing talk with Frank Young, founder of Houston’s cultural gem, Theater Under the Stars, on this edition of Latina Voices: Smart Talk. Hear how he took TUTS from a city park to Broadway and beyond. And the CEO of the Texas Diversity Council, Dennis Kennedy, tries to show corporate America the importance of diversity in the workplace.

Through his music, Houston Rapper Baby Jay, has a surprisingly “positive” message for young people: Stay in School! Hear how his “rap” is motivating students all over the nation. Also, a “Latina Exitosa” or Successful Latina, Geovana Wilkinson who discusses her rise in business. And a candid talk with the original King of Latin Comedy Paul Rodríguez.

Rice University’s foremost Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Richard Tapia, visits the Latina Voices Ladies to discuss the status of Latinos and Education and the outreach that has garnered him National recognition. The show also looks at Hispanic adoptions or the lack thereof. Experts from Spaulding for Children join the conversation.

Disease prevention is one way to stay healthy. Hear what nationally-recognized Internist, Dr. Carlos Rivera, says can help stave off diabetes, obesity, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Also, Texas To Go.com is a new place to go to get up to speed on latest Apps and technology to stay on top of your business. Listen to Sahnya Schulterbrant’s ideas.

Cyberbulling is the new Buzz Word in American culture, and is becoming more of a deadly problem. Cyberspace is the new haven for schoolyard bullies and is driving young people to suicide. What is happening around the country? What should parents do? Also, did you know that Arthritis strikes Hispanics disproportionatley? The American Arthritis Foundation wants you to know its reach in 1 in 5 Americans. Sofia Perches has stats.

Olympic Speed Skater Chad Hedrick takes a Bronze Medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and announces his retirement. Now what? The Olympian chats it up with the Latina Voices Ladies about his sport, his new life and his promising future. And, the new Entrepreneur Broadcasting Company (EBC) has launched with programming appealing to the businesswoman or man. You’ll learn what you need to do to succeed!

Violence in México is raising concerns on both sides of the border. With nearly 20,000 lives lost mostly along the U-S, México border, Latina Voices: Smart Talk looks at Drug Cartels and Turf Battles at the center of the bloodshed that is spilling into U-S cities. Latina Voices: Smart Talk discusses this smoldering issue with sociologists from Rice University and U of H. Also, Sean Touhy, the adoptive father of Baltimore Ravens footballer, Michael Orr, the subject of the movie THE BLIND SIDE.

Newly installed Mayor of Houston, the Honorable Annise Parker is a special guest on this edition of Latina Voices: Smart Talk. Parker became only the second woman mayor in Houston history and the first openly gay mayor of a major U-S city. Also, Financial Expert and Author Manisha Thakor talks about her new book “Getting Financially Naked: Talking Money with your Honey.”

Latinos in Higher Education is spelled out and the numbers don’t look good. Texas’s Top Educators: Dr. William Flóres, President of the Univ. of Houston Downtown campus and Dr. Guadalupe San Miguel, Mexican American Studies professor of the UofH, break down the sad numbers of Latinos seeking at higher education, espeically Postgraduate degrees at the University Level and discuss what should be done by schools, parents and students alike.

The First Lady of Rock, Dayna Steele, tells it like it was to Latina Voices: Smart Talk. Anointed the First Lady of Rock on Hard Rock Station K.L.O.L. in the 80’s and 90’s, Dayna culls some business acumen from the Rockers she covered like Mick Jagger, Gene Simmons, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and Sammy Hagar. Her book “Rock to the Top” is a must read for all business owners and rock ‘n roll aficionados

Census 2010 is both needed and feared. One of the most important duties of all American residents, legal or illegal, is discussed in this edition of Latina Voices: Smart Talk. Census 2010 Media Specialist, Eduardo Guity, and Complete Count Committee Member, Gracie Saenz, spell out the 10 Questions/10 Minutes it takes to be COUNTED. Also, Carla Herron author of Matches in the Gas Tank - escaping a cult.