In this final episode of Association Rockstars, host Lowell Aplebaum and producer Amy Hager look back on five years of conversations with association executives who are shaping the future of mission-driven organizations. Together, they share how the show began in early 2020, the impact of 70+ episodes and 80+ guests, and the community that made it all possible.

Lowell also announces his upcoming podcast, The Association Evidence Project, launching January 2026, focused on helping association leaders navigate a volatile world with stronger, research-driven insights. Amy shares what’s next in her work supporting associations and mission-driven businesses with clear messaging and stronger positioning.

Thank you for being part of the Rockstars community. The full library of episodes will remain available at associationrockstars.com and on YouTube.

Association Rock On.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with association leaders shaping the future of their industries!

This year’s roundtable features:

- Chip Flater, Director of Information Technology at the National Science Teaching Association
- Jason Wampler, Managing Director of IT at the International Society of Automation
- Josie Hernandez, Account Executive at Bostrom
- Julia Miller, Director of Communications at Minnesota Credit Union Network
- Kate Fryer, CEO of the Endocrine Society
- Steven Stout, Executive Director of the Texas Society of Association Executives

Tune in to hear their insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of associations in 2025.


Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova
Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova
Video and Audio Editing: Savannah Bragg
Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

In this special episode of Association Rockstars, host Lowell Aplebaum sit down with leaders from Association Latinos, the dynamic grassroots community elevating Latino leadership and inclusion across the association industry.

Board members Josie Hernández, Carlos Cardona, Diana Dumitru, and Jay Carino share how a single conversation during Hispanic Heritage Month sparked a national movement. They discuss the lessons learned from launching a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3), what it takes to coordinate over 40+ active volunteers, and how listening, empowerment, and partnership have fueled sustainable growth.

You’ll hear how Association Latinos is shaping the future of associations through leadership development, mentorship, and authentic community-building — plus their plans for scaling impact with new membership models, governance frameworks, and technology systems.

If you’re passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, grassroots organizing, or building communities that last, this conversation is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical wisdom for association professionals everywhere.

Watch now to learn how Association Latinos is redefining what leadership looks like in the association world.
About our guests:
Carlos Cardenas, CAE, AAiP, incoming Board President of Association Latinos, champions Latino leadership and belonging in the association space. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Senior Strategic Consultant at DelCor Technology Solutions, he helps organizations innovate with purpose and stay rooted in culture.
Diana L. Dabdub is the Senior Director for Admissions and Recruitment Affairs at the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, where she develops and implements programs that support member institutions’ admissions activities, including oversight of the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) for 48 colleges of veterinary medicine, serving over 13,000 applicants and 80,000 applications annually. She also leads strategic admissions and recruitment initiatives, promotes careers in veterinary medicine, and directs marketing and virtual outreach for prospective applicants.
Jay Cariño has over 18 years of valuable experience in the association industry and currently serves as the Vice President of Membership Services at the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). He provides strong strategic leadership in this critical role that drives membership growth, innovation, and engagement to new heights.
Josie Hernandez is an Account Executive at Bostrom; Bostrom is an association management company. In this role, Josie works with her clients’ board of directors and staff to lead the execution of their mission, vision, and strategic plan.

Keywords: Association Latinos, Latino leadership, diversity and inclusion in associations, grassroots community, volunteer engagement, association management, nonprofit leadership, DEI initiatives, association professionals, building inclusive communities

Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova
Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova
Video and Audio Editing: Savannah Bragg
Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...