In this episode, we explore how our community, including those who are currently undocumented, can navigate the process of buying a home in the United States. We discuss the steps, challenges, and resources available to make homeownership a reality, regardless of your immigration status. We also address common fears and concerns, offering guidance and reassurance to help you overcome the obstacles on your path to owning a home. Let’s build generational wealth together, starting with the security and stability of owning your own home.   Please subscribe, like, and share with friends and family… but also your favorite Real Estate Agent - they will appreciate it. Guest Speaker Bio:  Jessica Coen, Your Mortgage Sherpa/Su Guía Hipotecario Branch Manager/ Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS 68055 Email: jessica.coen@usmortgage.com Cell phone: 347-712-6576 Website: https://usmortgage.com/jessica-coen/   Jessica started working in mortgages in 1999 when she was finishing college in Puerto Rico. She also became a Real Estate Broker before moving to New York in 2004. In 2005, she opened her own Mortgage Broker office in The Bronx, which she ran until the market crash in 2009.   With The Bronx as her home and workplace, Jessica currently serves as a Branch Manager for US Mortgage Corporation, a Direct Lender established in 1994. In this role, she is a staunch advocate for her clients and the Hispanic/Latino Community, a role that has enabled her to provide invaluable support.   Her guiding principle is: “Be a resource, not a sales pitch.” She is dedicated to educating our community about the benefits of homeownership and its potential to build wealth for future generations.

This is Part 3, the last part of The Case for Language Liberation episode...   Language liberation is an essential tool in the effort to eliminate other oppressions (racism, classism, genocide, sexism, young people's oppression, and so on). This is because language has been used to hold in place the power and structure of the dominant groups and the privileges of their status quo.   María Rosa Brea-Spahn, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (ella, she, her/s), is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Dr. Brea-Spahn joined NYU Steinhardt in Fall 2017 as the inaugural Director of the Bilingual Extension Track. She graduated with an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Cognitive Neural Sciences and a minor in Language Science from the University of South Florida’s Department of Psychology. Prior to and while obtaining her doctorate, she practiced as a bilingual, certified Speech-Language Therapist in school-based settings and was employed as a Clinical Instructor responsible for training and supervising graduate students with varying levels of expertise. Dr. Brea-Spahn is a Dominican immigrant, bilingual communicator (user of Español and English), a critical teacher-scholar whose work has been centered at the intersection of multilingualism and disability. She teaches about and implements culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogical practices in her courses, as these are aligned with her overarching commitments to critical inquiry, reflexive praxis, and the redistribution of power in classroom spaces, in a way that remains representative of her students’ brilliant voices. Her classroom and community collaborations focus on researching the impact of standardized linguistic ideologies in speech-language practices, sustaining variability in languaging in the classroom, and co-envisioning a path for linguistic liberation. Her dedication to student-centered teaching, social justice activism, and community engagement have received multiple accolades. In 2015, Dr. Brea-Spahn was selected for the University of South Florida's Provost Community Engaged Faculty Award. In 2020, she received the prestigious NYU Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty Award. She is also the recipient of the 2021 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)'s Certificate of Recognition for Special Contributions in Multicultural Affairs. And in 2022, she received the NYU Steinhardt Teaching Excellence Award.

This is Part 2 of The Case for Language Liberation episode...   Language liberation is an essential tool in the effort to eliminate other oppressions (racism, classism, genocide, sexism, young people's oppression, and so on). This is because language has been used to hold in place the power and structure of the dominant groups and the privileges of their status quo.   María Rosa Brea-Spahn, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (ella, she, her/s), is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Dr. Brea-Spahn joined NYU Steinhardt in Fall 2017 as the inaugural Director of the Bilingual Extension Track. She graduated with an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Cognitive Neural Sciences and a minor in Language Science from the University of South Florida’s Department of Psychology. Prior to and while obtaining her doctorate, she practiced as a bilingual, certified Speech-Language Therapist in school-based settings and was employed as a Clinical Instructor responsible for training and supervising graduate students with varying levels of expertise. Dr. Brea-Spahn is a Dominican immigrant, bilingual communicator (user of Español and English), a critical teacher-scholar whose work has been centered at the intersection of multilingualism and disability. She teaches about and implements culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogical practices in her courses, as these are aligned with her overarching commitments to critical inquiry, reflexive praxis, and the redistribution of power in classroom spaces, in a way that remains representative of her students’ brilliant voices. Her classroom and community collaborations focus on researching the impact of standardized linguistic ideologies in speech-language practices, sustaining variability in languaging in the classroom, and co-envisioning a path for linguistic liberation. Her dedication to student-centered teaching, social justice activism, and community engagement have received multiple accolades. In 2015, Dr. Brea-Spahn was selected for the University of South Florida's Provost Community Engaged Faculty Award. In 2020, she received the prestigious NYU Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty Award. She is also the recipient of the 2021 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)'s Certificate of Recognition for Special Contributions in Multicultural Affairs. And in 2022, she received the NYU Steinhardt Teaching Excellence Award.

This is Part 1 of The Case for Language Liberation episode...   Language liberation is an essential tool in the effort to eliminate other oppressions (racism, classism, genocide, sexism, young people's oppression, and so on). This is because language has been used to hold in place the power and structure of the dominant groups and the privileges of their status quo.   María Rosa Brea-Spahn, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (ella, she, her/s), is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Dr. Brea-Spahn joined NYU Steinhardt in Fall 2017 as the inaugural Director of the Bilingual Extension Track. She graduated with an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Cognitive Neural Sciences and a minor in Language Science from the University of South Florida’s Department of Psychology. Prior to and while obtaining her doctorate, she practiced as a bilingual, certified Speech-Language Therapist in school-based settings and was employed as a Clinical Instructor responsible for training and supervising graduate students with varying levels of expertise. Dr. Brea-Spahn is a Dominican immigrant, bilingual communicator (user of Español and English), a critical teacher-scholar whose work has been centered at the intersection of multilingualism and disability. She teaches about and implements culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogical practices in her courses, as these are aligned with her overarching commitments to critical inquiry, reflexive praxis, and the redistribution of power in classroom spaces, in a way that remains representative of her students’ brilliant voices. Her classroom and community collaborations focus on researching the impact of standardized linguistic ideologies in speech-language practices, sustaining variability in languaging in the classroom, and co-envisioning a path for linguistic liberation. Her dedication to student-centered teaching, social justice activism, and community engagement have received multiple accolades. In 2015, Dr. Brea-Spahn was selected for the University of South Florida's Provost Community Engaged Faculty Award. In 2020, she received the prestigious NYU Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty Award. She is also the recipient of the 2021 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)'s Certificate of Recognition for Special Contributions in Multicultural Affairs. And in 2022, she received the NYU Steinhardt Teaching Excellence Award.

Jessica Nelson was named Realtor Associate of the Year by the New Jersey Association of Realtors in 2018. Since 2014, when she became a Realtor, Jessica has built a thriving practice representing buyers and sellers in general real estate transactions as well as representing many developers on new construction projects. In 2017, as the team leader for Nelson Global Real Estate, Jessica became the leading Northeast Ambassador for Zaha Hadid's ultra-luxury residential skyscraper, One Thousand Museum, which is located in Miami, Florida. Jessica also serves on the Legislative, Grievance and Community Service Committees of the New Jersey Association of Realtors. In addition, Jessica is the founder and CEO of My Buddyguard Inc., a nonprofit in Hoboken dedicated to enhancing the security of domestic abuse victims. Her most important responsibility to date is raising her twin daughters, Kenzie and Hayley. Jessica attended Montclair Kimberley Academy, where she was an all-state softball player and the starting catcher of the MKA Cougars 3-time state championship team. Jessica went on to obtain her bachelor's degree from UCLA. Jessica's roots as a team player are evident in how she manages her business, emphasizing discipline, integrity and performance as the fundamentals of Nelson Global Real Estate.

We are excited and most importantly very proud to present our featured guest for today's episode. Dana Cadena.   A Real Estate Broker, Coach, Trainer and Public Speaker, who empowers and equip entrepreneurs to outproduce their best results in business, funding incredible results for their families! As she thrives in real estate and finance for over 24 years, it simply means that she weathered through many markets and solved many challenges. She energized by the future of real estate and business moving forward, with prop-tech and AI impacting our daily lives. As the founder of her training and coaching platform: Overachiever Central, She proudly lead business workshops throughout the continental U.S. and beyond. In leadership, She serves as President of the Women's Council of Realtors in Middlesex County, N.J. She proudly participate in the national Black Realtor Network and NAHREP, which are meaningful roles to Dana Cadena. Certified to lead wealth building to youth, She host talks in underserved communities. Her passion is to pour into young people on the topic of building wealth, while living fulfilling lives. 

Kris Fleming was Born in DR and immigrated to the US in 1981 with her parents and siblings. She started her Human Resources career at a young age, and to date she continues to hold executive and leadership roles including her own HR consulting business. Kris has worked for domestic and fortune 500 global companies in many industries. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in international business from Franklin University. Kris is a Real Estate Investor, International Best Selling Author, and Speaker, and owns a photography business. She is also a Board Director/Personnel Chair at a nursing home in her community, and a curriculum healthcare advisor at a local college. She has 3 daughters and a grandson; In her free time Kris enjoys time with her family, photography, gardening, and travelling. Kris spends much of her time in the NH Lakes Region with her fiancé sailing, hiking, dining, and relaxing by the fire with their 2 dogs.

Janet Pagan, CEO, Janet Pagan Home Loans and Branch Manager with Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. NMLS #220666 Janet Pagan Home Loans Powered by PRMG Janet Pagan broke the glass ceiling twenty-five years ago when she entered an industry that was mostly male dominated and developed her expertise in the mortgage lending industry as an entrepreneur. Pursuing her passion to help people, Janet Pagan has achieved for hundreds of homebuyers the American dream of homeownership. She has built a business based on consistent referrals and in educating borrowers regarding the complex home buying process and mortgage options so they can make informed decisions that will give them financing tailored to their needs, listening to those needs and future desires, and pairing them with the best loan program to fit their lifestyle. Her Borrowers can realize the American dream of sustainable homeownership and continue to build wealth through to their new generation. Janet prides herself as being a Latina who speaks fluent Spanish and has dedicated herself to helping Hispanics achieve the dream of homeownership. Janet is an active participant and volunteer in her community by serving on various groups and associations to name a few, President of the Rotary Club of Fort Lee, Board Director, Women with Vision NJ Mortgage Bankers Association Women’s Committee, Regional Director NNJ Board Director, Hudson County Latin American Chamber of Commerce. President, Rotary Club of Fort Lee She has received industry awards and has been named in industry publications. She has also collaborated as a co-author on several books. Janet is paying it forward by motivating and guiding women and men in entry level positions in the mortgage industry advance themselves. Janet loves spending time with her family and exploring new places like traveling, museums, art and good food!

Ana Reynoso is the Founder of Reynoso Real Estate Inc. She offers over two decades of real estate experience consisting of residential sales. Ana is a real estate professional who is known for helping her clients reach their goals. She brings to the table more than twelve years of experience in real estate development, with a focus on residential, commercial, and multifamily building services. Having worked in a variety of positions, everything from construction project management to sales, she has cultivated a unique perspective of the business and grown into someone who can be counted on to get results. Her negotiation skills are widely respected, and when you work with her, you can be sure that you are ending up with the best deal possible. Ana has established long-term relationships with key stakeholders and C-level executives, making her business network particularly effective. She is someone who takes an active interest in her clients' success, overseeing asset management and redevelopment projects and keeping everyone apprised of what is going on from beginning to end. Communication is one of her major strengths. She has worked with short sales, BPOs, and bankruptcy situations before. Serving families from the Central Valley to the Bay Area, she is also heavily involved in hotels. Bilingual, Ana is fluent in both English and Spanish. She is well-versed in fair housing laws, codes, and regulations, and she is qualified to provide counsel on a range of real estate-related topics.

Jacqueline is a woman with a purpose driven goal: to be a part of a woman’s healing journey in these three pillars: Entrepreneurship, Faith, and Infertility. Jacqueline Vazquez aims to help women struggling with Entrepreneurship, Faith, or Infertility by providing them with the tools & resources to release, heal and achieve emotional freedom. Her life’s journey and experiences has prepared her to become a resource for women worldwide. Jacqueline Vazquez has been an entrepreneur and well-esteemed professional in the event industry for over 25 years. At the age of 28, she soon learned her journey with motherhood would take an unexpected turn into a journey with infertility. Her faith has kept her on firm foundation throughout all her unexpected situations. Whether it was a challenge or a loss, her resilience and faith has allowed her to move ahead towards her purpose. Other than being a Latina CEO, Jacqueline is an Author, Speaker, Educator, Mentor, and Podcast Host. She is also described as being genuine, caring, resilient, patient, mindful, funny, empathetic, driven, reliable, trustworthy, curious, a survivor, and a realist. While at the height of building her company and speaking in countries from Ecuador to China, not only was she struggling with the nuances that comes with being an entrepreneur, but she was also experiencing and struggling with infertility.  This is one of the reasons that lead her to serve other women. Jacqueline is always looking for ways to support & empower girls and women by mentoring and speaking at events that build awareness and encourage women to be curious and driven. As a supporter of women’s mental wellness, she created this community that offers life-changing tools and resources. This community was created with intention and purpose based on Jacqueline’s real life experiences in all the three pillars: Entrepreneurship, Faith, and Infertility. She launched the Inspired by Jacqueline Podcast, to educate, spread awareness and equip women globally. Tune in to the Podcast, as well as the Breaking The Glass Ceiling book where she discusses her journey with infertility while being an entrepreneur. Also look out for the Becoming An Unstoppable Woman book, where Jacqueline shares her journey on how she changes her narrative as a shy introvert. Jacqueline’s journey was also featured in the Event Therapy Magazine, a magazine focused on building mental health awareness for event and entertainment professional. - https://inspiredbyjacqueline.com/about/

“I wanted to be able to help people achieve their dreams.”   Peggy Pratt Calle, a successful Associate Broker from Century 21 North East. Specializing in first-time homebuyers, Hispanic buyers, and investors, Calle assists clients within the Boston and North Shore markets, where her years of experience flipping houses comes in handy with her investor clients. She is a certified Loss Mitigation Specialist and has completed more than 240 short sale transactions throughout her career.    Last year, Calle formed her own team, taking responsibility for training and teaching her new buyer agent and assistant as well as implementing new systems to streamline her process and increase production. In 2018, she ranked at No. 116 for the Top 250 Latino agents in the nation by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP). Previously, she’s earned the Double Centurion Award from Century 21 and the Community Contribution Award from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. She has also been named a NEAR Platinum Top Producer and among the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals’ Top 50 in the Northeast for 2017.   Calle is the NAHREP Boston Chapter President for 2018 and a member of the North East Association of Realtors. She is a supporter of Rotary International and Habitat for Humanity.   Credits: | Boston Agent Magazine

Lourdes Genao Ulloa is a multifaceted professional who is naturally curious about life and the "why" of things. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire in Marketing with a minor in Race Culture and Power and Master of Science from Bentley University in Information Age Marketing.   She is a co-author in a book titled Breaking the Glass Ceiling which has been a amazon top seller in 29 categories in 2 countries with a chapter called Island Roots, Global dreams. Her passions include understanding people and trends and relentlessly pursuing a better version of herself in all facets of life. Originally born in the Dominican Republic and growing up in Nashua, NH. Lourdes is known for her persistence, and work ethic, these characteristics have served her to accomplish a debt free college education and fully paid tuition for her masters degree.   As a part-time venture, she’s a real estate investor,  principal and owner of Genao Marketing and provides public speaking services on the power of influence, the art of persuasion and tools to be a master negotiator. She enjoys traveling, dancing and spending time with family and friends. Her goal is to share her experiences and serve to inspire as an example that despite hardships, obstacles and stereotypes anything is possible.

Neily Soto, Developer & Housing Advocate, and Best Seller Author of Breaking the Glass Ceiling. She is now running as one of the first Latinas for the city council in her community.   Growing up in subsidized housing, she recognized an opportunity in real estate, becoming an investor and housing developer.    Neily’s passion for real estate and entrepreneurs has allowed her to help develop programs locally to aid first-time home buyers in the early stages of her career, such as the down payment assistance program for the City of Lawrence under the administration of Mayor Sullivan and Interise, a program she taught to help aide local businesses scale.    Her focus has always been First Time Home Buyers and business owners in communities of color. In the great recession, she pivoted her business to serve over 400 families, modify their loans, or transition them with a short sale. In 2011, she shifted her business to helping owner occupants cash out some equity to start building a portfolio, as well as serving entry-level investors to attain the knowledge to start investing. A decade later, Neily has shifted again to start developing inventory as our communities are in dire need of housing.   Some of her accomplishments include becoming Founding Chair for the Diversity Equity & Inclusion task force in Massachusetts and Founder of PRG, LLC a development and consulting firm producing Attainable Housing Developments which is focused on bringing housing stock for home ownership into all communities of color. She is the Co-Founding President of Business Network International Advocates in Lawrence, MA, and Is the current President of the Massachusetts Housing Coalition in Cambridge, MA, where their mission is to promote a sustainable and smart growth housing environment that supports economic, racial & social equality.   Neily was born in Massachusetts to Dominican parents and lives there with her husband and children. In her free time, Neily still sits on several boards and is working to create sustainable homeownership and generational wealth for as many families as possible. She enjoys traveling with her family and dances Salsa for entertainment. She loves to eat and exercise and has a passion for art and literature. Her biggest accomplishment has been to put her oldest daughter through college debt-free and mentor her for home ownership and passive income at the age of 22.

Tune in for the Part 2 of Dr. Lorilet's episode!    Dr. Lorilet Monegro is a pediatric speech and language pathologist focusing on bilingual Spanish/English language development and disorders. She is based in Westchester County, New York. Dr. Monegro holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from New York University and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Long Island University — Brooklyn Campus. She completed The Bilingual Extension Institute program for speech-language pathologists under the direction of Dr. Cate Crowley from Columbia University.  Dr. Monegro is passionate about supporting Latina Spanish-speaking mothers and their children’s vital speech and language skills. She is committed to empowering Latinas and helping future generations of women achieve their educational goals. Her doctorate in Executive Leadership focused on understanding the influences on high school academic success for Latina college graduates. She was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society as a Saint John Fisher University Alpha Gamma Omicron Chapter member. 

Dr. Lorilet Monegro is a pediatric speech and language pathologist focusing on bilingual Spanish/English language development and disorders. She is based in Westchester County, New York. Dr. Monegro holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from New York University and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Long Island University — Brooklyn Campus. She completed The Bilingual Extension Institute program for speech-language pathologists under the direction of Dr. Cate Crowley from Columbia University.  Dr. Monegro is passionate about supporting Latina Spanish-speaking mothers and their children’s vital speech and language skills. She is committed to empowering Latinas and helping future generations of women achieve their educational goals. Her doctorate in Executive Leadership focused on understanding the influences on high school academic success for Latina college graduates. She was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society as a Saint John Fisher University Alpha Gamma Omicron Chapter member. 

Zoila Marisol Gomez is the Managing Partner & Founder of Gomez & Palumbo, LLC. She obtained her JD in 2006 and since has been licensed to practice by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She has specialized in immigration law. She dreamed of becoming a lawyer since she was a child living in the Dominican Republic. She immigrated to the United States in 1988.    She has dedicated her life work to advocate for and educate the immigrant community. In her efforts to further educate them regarding their rights and responsibilities, Attorney Gomez, participates weekly in the radio show “Al Son de la Mañana,” in WGUA Radio Católica, 98.1 FM. She is extremely passionate about giving back to the community that has seen her grow into the successful professional woman she is today and is active in many boards to further the betterment of the community she is proudly part of.

Meet Johana Quintuna, a nail artist and the founder and CEO of Nails by Johana.   Johana Quintuna, a woman who defied the odds and crossed borders, both literal and figurative, to create an extraordinary life. At age 17, she crossed the borders undocumented and inside a wooden box. Imagine entering a foreign land undocumented, concealed inside a wooden box, without knowledge of the language, culture, or the daunting challenges ahead. Johana Quintuna did just that, and her journey was nothing short of terrifying.   But what sets Johana apart is her indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience. Join us as she shares her heart-wrenching yet empowering tale of survival and transformation. From her humble beginnings as an undocumented immigrant, she has risen to become a successful founder and CEO of her own businesses - and now she is becoming a published author of our coming book Breaking the Glass Ceiling   In this episode, Johana Quintuna opens up about her experiences, her struggles, and her triumphs, with the hope of inspiring women everywhere to discover their own inner strength and resilience. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that reminds us all that resilience knows no borders. Don't miss it only in Inspirame Podcast.

Meet Claudia Inoa, a Latina team leader in the real estate industry, and host of a popular women empowerment podcast - Claim Your Throne Queen. Director of Education for the Women's Council of Realtors in Bergen County. Claudia is a leading voice in women's empowerment, helping them build better lives for themselves and their families by providing mentorship, guidance, and support. She is a sought-after speaker, leader and coach, who has appeared on TV in the U.S. HGTV and Telemundo, featured in publications both in print and online, including El Diario: 2023 Mujeres Destacadas Award, Real Producers, Stroll Saddle River & Rio Vista Magazine, Rivertown Magazine, Ridgewood Guild Magazine. Claudia is the host of the acclaimed Claim Your Best Year conference and has been a panelist for the Tom Ferry Summit & Wire event. Claudia is the proud mother of three and happily married to her hero Elvis Inoa.

Join us in todays episode! Meet The K2 Group:  Karol Escobar-Lynch and  Karina Castellanos, the force behind it! "Our community’s future matters to us. As Latinas and Immigrants, we understand the power behind owning your home. Our mantra is "Mortgage Loans Made Simple." We are committed to educating and uplifting our community to break free from the scarcity and poverty mindset and continue to build generational wealth by creating a legacy that comes with homeownership.   We help homebuyers through the complex process of obtaining a mortgage and securing the financing they need to purchase their dream home."   The K2 Group, founded by Karol Escobar-Lynch and  Karina Castellanos, has over 43 years of combined experience in the mortgage industry. We joined forces to provide homebuyers with the best experience and resources the industry offers, from competitive rates to our key to success, the human touch. Here at K2, we care for our clients.  

Join us as we chat with our incredible guest, Julissa Alvarez, one of our authors in the book BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING. She shares her personal story of triumph with expert insights; this episode is all about celebrating the achievements of women while shedding light on the challenges that still need our attention.   Julissa Alvarez is the Vice President, Board of Advisory for the Lehman College Alumni Association She has led important initiatives, most recently, the development of the first endowed alum association scholarship fund. She is an Associate Director for Faculty Affairs at NYU Steinhardt School of Education She is currently the Associate Director for Faculty Affairs at the NYU Steinhardt School of Education.   That’s not enough; Julissa is also one of the founders, together with her husband, of an Amazon logistics company where Julissa is the CEO and oversees over 120 employees. Through this company, she has offered job opportunities in her community by making jobs available (full-time and part-time) for people of all ages and walks of life. This multimillion-dollar company has created over 350 jobs since 2020.   She is also the CEO and founder of Brimela Routes luxury Event rentals in the Dominican Republic, creating jobs in the DR.