HealthCare UnTold is excited to release our new podcast episode today in collaboration with PODCASTHON.ORG — a global charity event mobilizing thousands of podcasts to support an incredible range of nonprofit organizations.
For this year’s event, we are proud to uplift and support Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA) in Watsonville CA by highlighting the inspiring work of Luz Sotelo. Luz Sotelo is a dedicated youth advocate serving as Youth Program Manager at Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance in Watsonville.CA.
These are challenging times for our communities and for the organizations that stand beside us. You can make a meaningful difference by supporting groups like PVPSA.org through your generous donations. Together, we help ensure that youth and families continue receiving the vital support they deserve. Please donate to: PVPSA.org
#PVPSA.org
#YouthEmpowerment
#CommunityWellness
#PreventionMatters
#PodcastForGood

Our guest today is Mireya Gomez-Contreras, the Executive Director of Esperanza Community Farms. Mireya reflects on her personal journey, the leadership lessons learned from working alongside immigrant and Indigenous farmers, and the deep collaboration required to build sustainable food systems. She highlights the farm’s commitment to economic opportunity, climate‑resilient agriculture, and honoring the lived expertise of local families who have long nourished California’s fields.
#FoodJustice
#CommunityLeadership
#EsperanzaCommunityFarms.org
#MireyaGomezContreras
#HealthCareUnTold

Our guest today is Hector L. Torres‑Diaz, the Civil Rights Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Human Rights Commission. He is also a law student specializing in immigration law, public policy, community engagement, and the ongoing movement for Puerto Rico’s sovereignty. As a leader in public service, Hector is dedicated to being a bridge builder amongst multi-ethnic communities to strengthen and expand their access to community involvement.
#HectorLTorresDiaz
#CivilRightsAdvocate
#PennsyvaniaHumanRightsCommission
#CommunityEngagement
#PublicServiceLeadership
#LatinoLeadership
#EquityAndJustice

Our guest today is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council. The Hispanic Construction Council is a national dual nonprofit organization, classified as both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6), that addresses critical gaps in the construction industry. As a think tank, they utilize their board members and media presence to raise awareness and provide solutions for significant economic challenges and opportunities affecting the construction industry and its workers.
#GeorgeCarillo
#HispanicConstructionCouncil,com
#Latino Construction Leadership

#LatinoBuilders
#HealthCareUnTold

Our guest today is Jill Mather the Founder of Volunteers Cleaning Communities. This grassroots movement is transforming Southern California’s streets one cleanup at a time. Jill shares how her passion for environmental stewardship evolved into a thriving volunteer network that removes thousands of pounds of litter annually—without government funding. From organizing neighborhood cleanups to empowering youth and seniors alike, Jill’s story is a testament to the power of civic action and community pride. Tune in to hear how small acts of care can ripple into lasting change.
#VolunteersCleaningCommunities
#LitterFreeLA
#CleanUpCrew
#CommunityPower
#EnvironmentalJustice
#EcoActivism
#GrassrootsMovement
#UrbanSustainability

Our guest today is Sehila Mota Casper, Executive Director of the Latinos In Heritage Conservation. With deep roots in historic preservation and community advocacy, Sehila shares her inspiring journey from grassroots organizing to leading a national movement that centers Latinx stories, sites, and cultural memory.
Under her leadership, the Conservancy recently unveiled the first-ever national list of Endangered Latinx Landmarks—a groundbreaking initiative that shines a spotlight on 13 culturally significant sites across the U.S. and Puerto Rico that are under threat from gentrification, neglect, demolition, and climate change. This campaign marks a pivotal moment in cultural preservation, and Sehila’s voice and the work of her small but mighty team is front and center in amplifying these stories and mobilizing communities to protect them.
Explore the full list and learn more about the initiative on Latinos in Heritage Conservation’s official website: https://www.latinoheritage.us
#LatinosInHeritageConservation
#LatinxHeritageMatters
#EndangeredLatinxLandmarks
#PreserveOurStories
#HealthCareUnToldPodcast

Our guest today is Dr. Gena Castro Rodriguez, a licensed marriage and family therapist, educator, and nationally recognized thought leader with over three decades of experience in mental health, trauma-informed care, and community wellness. Based in San Francisco, Dr. Castro Rodriguez has spent her career expanding access to culturally responsive services and building resilience in underserved communities.
Her leadership spans roles such as Executive Director of the National Alliance for Trauma Recovery Centers at UCSF, Chief of Victim Services for the SF District Attorney’s Office, and Co-Founder of the Youth Justice Institute. Today, she continues her mission as an Associate Professor at the University of San Francisco, where she helps shape the next generation of counselors and advances the work of the Center for Community Counseling and Wellness.
Dr. Castro Rodriguez shares insights on the trauma facing our immigrant communities, trauma recovery, restorative justice, and the intersection of mental health and social justice—offering a powerful vision for healing that centers on equity, dignity, and community voice.
#Drgenacastrorodriguez
#Genacastrorodriguez.com
#TraumaInformedCare
#MentalHealthEquity
#RestorativeJustice
#CommunityHealing
#CulturallyResponsive
#Mentalhealthfirstaid