WE ARE THE STORYTELLERS!

WE ARE THE STORYTELLERS!

Oct 22, 2026 | Lifestyle

A Founder’s Message | HL Media Network 

WE ARE THE STORYTELLERS!

Thirty Years of People, Stories and Experiences

 Article by
Richard Sandoval

ver the past several months, I’ve found myself reflecting on conversations I’ve had with business leaders, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and people I’ve met along the way.

One observation continues to surface, often expressed in different ways but with essentially the same message:

“We need to do a better job of telling our stories.”

It’s a statement I’ve heard throughout my career. Yet today, perhaps more than ever, those words have taken on greater meaning.

For more than three decades, I’ve had the privilege of sitting across from people who have shared their experiences, ambitions, challenges, accomplishments, and personal definitions of success.

Some were well-known individuals whose achievements had already attracted national attention. Others were entrepreneurs building businesses, community leaders creating opportunities, or individuals whose contributions had yet to receive the recognition they deserved. What they shared was something far more important than a title or an accomplishment.

They trusted us with their stories and we listened.

That is where storytelling begins.

One Story Led to Another

When we started Hispanic Lifestyle, we weren’t thinking about building a national media network. We were interested in documenting the people, places, organizations, and experiences shaping our communities.

One story led to another. One introduction created another relationship.

Over time, those conversations became newsletters, magazines, television programs, digital articles, photographs, interviews, and experiences that brought people together.

Along the way, something remarkable happened.

We weren’t simply documenting the stories of our communities. We were becoming part of their history.

We witnessed entrepreneurs turn ideas into successful businesses. We interviewed individuals whose leadership would influence generations. We introduced people who might never have crossed paths otherwise.

We celebrated achievements, documented challenges, and shared personal experiences that reminded us how much we have in common.

The stories were never exclusively about business, culture, entertainment, or leadership.

They were about people.

And people have always been at the center of our work.

HL | MILESTONES

Three Decades of Storytelling

1995 | Where It Began

Our journey began with the publication of Inland Empire Hispanic Business Update, a newsletter dedicated to highlighting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. It established the foundation for Hispanic Lifestyle and our commitment to documenting the people and experiences shaping our communities.

1997 | Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine

On October 2, 1997, we launched Hispanic Lifestyle magazine, expanding our editorial reach and creating a publication dedicated to celebrating the people, businesses, cultures, and experiences defining our communities.

Inland Empire Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine Cover – 1997

1999 | Bringing People Together

Our storytelling expanded beyond the printed page as we began producing conferences, recognition programs, and business networking experiences, including Latina Conferences, the Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards, and BizCon (Business Conference). These gatherings created opportunities to recognize achievements, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships.

2004 | Hispanic Lifestyle Television

We brought our storytelling to public television, producing approximately 200 episodes of Hispanic Lifestyle television programming for PBS audiences in Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Texas, and Oklahoma. This expansion introduced our interviews and original programming to audiences across multiple regions.

The Digital Years | HispanicLifestyle.com

As media consumption evolved, so did our approach to storytelling. HispanicLifestyle.com became a digital destination for original articles, interviews, photography, and video, allowing us to connect with audiences nationwide and preserve an expanding archive of stories and experiences.

2026 | HL Milestone Series

Through our Leadership • Influence • Legacy experiences in Orange County, New York, and Silicon Valley, we continued our tradition of bringing people together. The series recognized accomplished individuals, encouraged meaningful conversations, and celebrated the relationships and achievements that shape our communities.

2027 | Celebrating 30 Years

On October 2, 2027, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Hispanic Lifestyle magazine. This milestone honors three decades of storytelling, the relationships we’ve built, and the many people who have trusted us to share their experiences as HL Media Network begins its next chapter.

The Privilege of Listening

Throughout our journey, I’ve often been reminded that some of the most meaningful conversations happen when we put aside prepared questions and simply listen.

There is something special about hearing someone explain why they started a business, describe the sacrifices their parents made, or reflect on the people who helped them achieve success.

Sometimes the most memorable part of an interview isn’t the accomplishment itself. It’s the emotion that surfaces when someone remembers how difficult the journey was.

Those are the moments that stay with me.

They remind me that behind every successful organization, every leadership title, and every professional achievement is a human story.

It’s also why I’ve always believed that our responsibility doesn’t end when an interview is completed or an article is published.

When people share their experiences with us, we become responsible for presenting those stories with the thoughtfulness and respect they deserve.

It is our privilege to share your story.

From Our Communities to a National Conversation

Our journey has taken us from neighborhood businesses and community gatherings to corporate boardrooms, national conferences, and conversations with leaders shaping the American economy.

The settings have changed. The conversations have expanded. The importance of listening has not.

Recently, while attending Morgan Stanley’s Leading the Next Economy Summit in New York, I found myself reflecting on the people we’ve interviewed and the relationships we’ve developed over the years.

The discussions about business, financial opportunity, wealth, leadership, technology, and the changing American consumer reinforced something I’ve believed for a long time.

There are important stories being told every day that deserve a broader audience.

These stories are not limited to any one community, profession, or geographic location.

They reflect the ambitions, contributions, experiences, and opportunities that are helping shape our country.

I also recognize that the relationships we’ve developed and the work we’ve produced have prepared us to participate in these conversations in ways we might not have imagined when we started.

We have spent years listening to individuals describe where they’ve been, what they’ve accomplished, and where they hope to go.

Today, those stories are part of a much larger conversation about our collective future.

An Invitation to Enjoy the Story

From the beginning, we have believed that stories are meant to be shared.

That philosophy continues to guide how we present our work.

Through HispanicLifestyle.com and our other media platforms, we’ve made our articles, interviews, photographs, and videos accessible without requiring readers to pay for the privilege of discovering them.

We want people to explore the stories, recognize someone they know, discover someone they don’t, and perhaps find a little inspiration along the way.

Our invitation has always been simple:

We invite you to settle in and enjoy the story.

It’s an approach that reflects our belief that meaningful storytelling creates connections between people who might otherwise never meet.

And sometimes, those connections become the beginning of another story.

The Next Chapter

As we approach the 30th anniversary of Hispanic Lifestyle magazine on October 2, 2027, I find myself looking back with appreciation, but more importantly, looking forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

Thirty years have given us more than an archive of articles, photographs, and television programs.

They have given us relationships, experiences, perspective, and the trust of people who have welcomed us into their lives, businesses, and communities.

Those experiences have helped shape what HL Media Network is becoming.

We are continuing to develop original editorial series, expand our multimedia storytelling, introduce new voices, and create opportunities for people to connect through shared experiences.

Our interests continue to grow, encompassing business, leadership, culture, wealth, wellness, travel, and the many subjects that influence our everyday lives.

But our purpose remains unchanged.

We listen. We document. We share.

Over the coming months, we’ll revisit some of the people and experiences that have shaped our journey. We’ll share stories from our archives, introduce new perspectives, and celebrate the relationships that have made this work possible.

We will also introduce some of the ideas and projects that represent our next chapter.

This anniversary isn’t simply about celebrating how long we’ve been doing this work.

It’s about recognizing why we started, what we’ve learned, and why the stories we share continue to matter.

To everyone who has welcomed us into their lives, trusted us with their experiences, participated in our events, supported our work, or spent time enjoying our stories:

Thank you.

You have been an important part of our journey.

As we look toward the future, I am reminded that there are still so many people to meet, places to discover, and experiences to share.

Our story is still being written.

WE ARE THE STORYTELLERS!

People. Stories. Experiences.

HL Media Network. Storytelling at its best.

EDITOR NOTES 

As we begin our journey toward the 30th anniversary of Hispanic Lifestyle magazine in October 2027, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary people we’ve met, the relationships we’ve developed, and the experiences we’ve been privileged to document.

This anniversary is as much about your stories as it is about ours.

Over the coming months, we’ll be revisiting memorable conversations, sharing photographs and interviews from our archives, and introducing new stories that reflect the communities we serve.

I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for future stories. Whether it’s a personal experience, an inspiring individual, or an important issue affecting our communities, I’d like to hear from you.

Email me at RDS@HispanicLifestyle.com, connect with @HLTV on Instagram, or follow Richard Sandoval on LinkedIn.

Let’s keep the conversation going.

Margarita Cornejo | Leading Menifee’s Financial Future

Margarita Cornejo | Leading Menifee’s Financial Future

Oct 22, 2026 | Women and Leadership

HL | Women & Leadership

Margarita Cornejo | Leading Menifee’s Financial Future

With more than two decades of financial experience, Cornejo brings a commitment to public service and financial stewardship to one of Southern California’s growing communities.

 Article by
Richard Sandoval

s communities grow, the responsibility of managing public resources becomes increasingly important. Behind the development of new neighborhoods, infrastructure, and essential city services are financial decisions that help shape a community’s future.

For Margarita Cornejo, those responsibilities are central to her new role as Chief Financial Officer for the City of Menifee, California.

The city announced her appointment on October 14, 2026, recognizing a longtime employee whose career includes more than 20 years of financial experience in the public and private sectors.

Her appointment comes as Menifee continues to experience significant population growth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city’s estimated population reached 118,592 in July 2025, an increase of approximately 15.7% from its April 2020 population base. Hispanic and Latino residents represent 41.2% of the community.

For city leaders, growth brings opportunities as well as responsibilities, including the need to manage financial resources, maintain essential services, and plan for future development.

A Career Built Through Public Service

Cornejo’s professional journey reflects years of experience across municipal financial operations and administration.

During more than a decade with the City of Menifee, she has served in several positions, including Director of Strategic Programs and Initiatives, Acting Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Finance Director, Finance Manager, and Contracts and Purchasing Administrator.

Earlier in her career, she worked with the City of Riverside’s Community and Economic Development Department and served as a senior financial analyst in the private sector, providing consulting services to government entities.

These experiences have given her a broad understanding of budgeting, accounting, purchasing, investments, and the financial responsibilities associated with local government.

Financial Leadership and Accountability

As Chief Financial Officer, Cornejo oversees Menifee’s financial operations and works with city departments and outside agencies on financial matters.

She assumes leadership of a Finance Department recognized for financial reporting and budget presentation, including 13 consecutive Excellence in Financial Reporting Awards from the Government Finance Officers Association.

Her appointment also reflects the value of developing leadership talent from within an organization.

City Manager Armando G. Villa credited Cornejo’s knowledge and contributions to the city’s financial operations in the official announcement, highlighting her role in the department’s success.

A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Cornejo is also an active member of the Government Finance Officers Association and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers.

Leadership That Serves a Growing Community

For residents, municipal financial leadership may not always be visible in everyday life. Yet the decisions made within a city’s Finance Department influence its ability to maintain services, invest in infrastructure, and prepare for future needs.

Cornejo’s appointment represents both a professional milestone and a continuation of her commitment to public service.

Her experience, institutional knowledge, and responsibility for the city’s financial future make her a noteworthy example of women serving in positions of leadership throughout our communities.

About HL | Women & Leadership

Through our Women & Leadership editorial coverage, HispanicLifestyle.com recognizes women whose professional achievements, experiences, and contributions are helping shape businesses, organizations, institutions, and communities.

Sources: City of Menifee, October 14, 2026; U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Menifee, California.

EDITOR NOTES 

Leadership takes many forms, and some of the most meaningful contributions happen quietly, behind the scenes, in the communities where we live and work.

As a resident of Menifee, California, I have a personal interest in the people helping shape our city’s future. Margarita Cornejo’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer is an opportunity to recognize a professional whose experience and commitment to public service deserve attention.

Through our HL | Women & Leadership series, we will continue sharing the stories of accomplished women across business, government, education, and our communities. Not every story requires an interview or video production. Sometimes, an important milestone and a career worth recognizing are reason enough to share someone’s story.

We welcome recommendations, professional achievements, and leadership announcements for editorial consideration.

I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for future stories. Whether it’s a personal experience, an inspiring individual, or an important issue affecting our communities, I’d like to hear from you.

Email me at RDS@HispanicLifestyle.com, connect with @HLTV on Instagram, or follow Richard Sandoval on LinkedIn.

Let’s keep the conversation going.

Louis Barajas | The Heart of Financial Dignity

Louis Barajas | The Heart of Financial Dignity

Oct 20, 2026 | Money, Finances & Wealth

HL | WEALTH

Louis Barajas | The Heart of Financial Dignity

For more than four decades, Louis Barajas has helped Latino families rethink wealth, embrace financial education, and create opportunities for future generations.

 Article and Photos by
Richard Sandoval

here are people we encounter throughout our professional lives whose commitment to their work leaves a lasting impression. For me, Louis Barajas is one of those individuals.

I have followed his work online and have had opportunities to connect with him personally over the years. What continues to impress me is not simply his knowledge of financial matters, but his willingness to share that knowledge with others.

Whether offering insights, making himself available for speaking engagements, or sharing his latest book, Louis demonstrates a genuine passion for helping families better understand their financial opportunities.

His commitment spans approximately four decades.

Long before generational wealth became a familiar phrase in business conferences and financial discussions, Louis was helping Latino families understand what it means to build, protect, and transfer wealth from one generation to the next.

During our interview at VON Global in Las Vegas, we discussed his personal journey, financial literacy, homeownership, and his latest book, Finances Con Corazón: The Latino Journey to Financial Dignity.

What emerged was a conversation about much more than money.

A Financial Journey That Began in East Los Angeles

Louis’s understanding of money began long before he entered the financial services profession.

Growing up in East Los Angeles, he watched his immigrant parents work to create opportunities for their family. When his father started an ornamental ironworks business, Louis found himself learning responsibilities most children would never encounter.

By his early teens, he was helping with bookkeeping, business licenses, paperwork, and taxes.

Those experiences introduced him to the financial challenges faced by working families and small-business owners.

Louis eventually attended UCLA and began a career in financial planning. He later worked with wealthy clients, including multimillionaires and billionaires, gaining firsthand knowledge of how substantial assets are managed and preserved.

But around 1990, following personal tragedy and the birth of his daughter, he began reconsidering his professional purpose.

He returned to East Los Angeles, determined to share his financial knowledge with families who might not otherwise have access to that guidance.

That decision became a defining chapter in his career.

Financial Literacy Is Important. But Is It Enough?

One of the most compelling moments in our conversation came when Louis explained how his thinking about financial literacy had evolved.

Early in his career, he believed the greatest obstacle to building wealth was a lack of financial education.

Over time, he began recognizing another important factor: the way people think about money.

For many families, financial decisions are influenced by personal experiences, uncertainty, cultural expectations, and beliefs formed over generations.

Louis recalled working with immigrant families who had made extraordinary sacrifices to purchase a home, often their most valuable financial asset.

Yet some had never established an estate plan or considered how that property would eventually transfer to their children.

Without appropriate planning, families could encounter costly legal complications and difficulties preserving assets that took decades to accumulate.

His experience revealed an important distinction.

Building wealth is one challenge. Protecting it and preparing the next generation to manage it is another.

Louis began focusing not only on financial knowledge but also on helping families develop the confidence to use the financial and legal tools available to them.

“My goal was not only to change the mindset … [but] also to help teach them the proper tools.” Said Barajas

What Does Financial Dignity Really Mean?

Louis’s sixth book, Finances Con Corazón: The Latino Journey to Financial Dignity, published in 2026, explores a definition of financial success that extends beyond the accumulation of money.

During our conversation, Louis explained that most people are not necessarily seeking private jets, luxury automobiles, or extravagant lifestyles.

Their aspirations are often much more practical.

They want to enjoy dinner at a restaurant without worrying about every price on the menu. They want reliable transportation, access to healthcare, the ability to educate their children, and confidence in their financial future.

These everyday aspirations represent something more meaningful than material wealth.

They represent independence, stability, and the freedom to make choices.

For Louis, this is the essence of financial dignity.

His message challenges the idea that wealth should be measured exclusively by income, possessions, or the size of an investment portfolio.

Instead, he encourages families to consider what financial resources allow them to accomplish and the opportunities they can create for future generations.

The American Consumer | One Economy, Many Stories

Louis’s perspective also connects to a broader conversation we are exploring through HL’s editorial series, The American Consumer: One Economy, Many Stories.

What does economic opportunity really look like across American households?

National discussions frequently examine consumer spending, housing markets, household income, and the accumulation of wealth.

But behind those economic indicators are families whose financial decisions are shaped by experiences that statistics alone cannot fully explain.

For some, homeownership represents the culmination of years of sacrifice. For others, financial security means supporting aging parents, educating children, or protecting a family business.

Louis’s experience highlights an important reality: homeownership can provide a foundation for building wealth, but maintaining and transferring those assets requires additional knowledge and planning.

His perspective also raises questions about access to professional financial guidance and whether institutions fully understand the circumstances of the consumers they serve.

These are not exclusively Latino experiences. They are American consumer experiences expressed through different family histories, financial circumstances, and cultural perspectives.

Understanding those differences is essential to understanding the American economy.

Four Principles for Financial Progress

Toward the end of our conversation, Louis shared four principles that guide his approach to helping individuals improve their financial circumstances.

Truth. Understand your present financial situation. Progress begins with an accurate assessment of where you stand.

Awareness. Recognize the habits, beliefs, and gaps in knowledge that may influence your decisions.

Responsibility. Accept your ability to make changes, seek assistance, and take ownership of your financial future.

Courage. Move beyond information and put what you have learned into practice.

Louis summarized the final principle with a straightforward message:

“Courage is faith plus action.”

— Louis Barajas

His message reinforces the importance of seeking qualified professional guidance while recognizing that meaningful progress ultimately requires personal action.

A Commitment That Continues

After four decades in financial services, Louis continues to write, speak, educate, and work with individuals and families seeking greater financial security.

His work has reached national audiences through television, including the PBS program Opportunity Knocks, where financial professionals help families navigate financial challenges and explore opportunities for improvement.

He also serves on the CFP Board of Directors, contributing his professional experience to the organization responsible for administering the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.

Yet what stands out to me is not simply his professional accomplishments or the number of books he has written.

It is his accessibility, generosity, and continued willingness to share what he has learned.

Throughout our interactions over the years, I have appreciated his enthusiasm for financial education and his commitment to helping families create opportunities that extend beyond their own lifetimes.

At a time when generational wealth has become a recurring subject in public discussions, it is important to recognize those who were addressing these challenges long before the conversation gained its current visibility.

Louis Barajas is one of those individuals.

His work reminds us that financial dignity is not necessarily measured by how much money someone accumulates.

Sometimes it is measured by the ability to care for family, make informed decisions, maintain independence, and leave the next generation with greater opportunities.

For his commitment and the decades he has dedicated to financial education, I am grateful.

Thank goodness for people like Louis Barajas.

We invite you to settle in and enjoy the story.

About Louis Barajas

Louis Barajas, CFP®, MBA, is an author, financial professional, and advocate for financial education. He is the founder and CEO of International Private Wealth Advisors and serves on the CFP Board of Directors. His latest book, Finances Con Corazón: The Latino Journey to Financial Dignity, was released in 2026.

Learn more: LouisBarajas.com

Sources & Further Reading

This article is part of HL’s continuing editorial coverage of homeownership, Hispanic heritage, financial literacy, and The American Consumer: One Economy, Many Stories.

EDITOR NOTES 

Homeownership Is Only Part of the Story

Throughout our recent interviews examining homeownership, Hispanic heritage, and financial literacy, one subject continues to emerge: the importance of helping families understand what happens after they purchase a home.

Buying a home may represent decades of hard work and sacrifice. But protecting that investment, understanding estate planning, and preparing for the transfer of family assets are equally important conversations.

Louis Barajas reminds us that generational wealth is not simply about what we acquire. It is also about what we preserve and the opportunities we create for those who follow.

I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for future stories. Whether it’s a personal experience, an inspiring individual, or an important issue affecting our communities, I’d like to hear from you.

Email me at RDS@HispanicLifestyle.com, connect with @HLTV on Instagram, or follow Richard Sandoval on LinkedIn.

Let’s keep the conversation going.

The American Consumer: One Economy, Many Stories

The American Consumer: One Economy, Many Stories

Oct 11, 2026 | Money, Finances & Wealth

HL BUSINESS 

The American Consumer: One Economy, Many Stories

Beyond the trillion-dollar headlines, HL explores the people, purchasing decisions and financial realities shaping America’s economic future.

Article by
Richard Sandoval

s Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, new economic research offers another reminder of the growing influence of the U.S. Hispanic consumer. The numbers are impressive. But after nearly three decades of documenting the stories of Hispanic Americans, I’ve come to believe there is a more important conversation we should be having.

Who are the people behind these numbers?

Beyond the Trillion-Dollar Headlines

In October 2026, the Latino Donor Collaborative released new research, produced in partnership with Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business, estimating the U.S. Latino economy at $5.1 trillion in economic output for 2026, with household consumption estimated at $3.2 trillion.

These are two different economic measurements, but both reinforce the significant contributions Hispanic Americans make to the nation’s economy. For businesses, understanding these economic trends is essential.

We regularly examine industries such as agriculture, technology, healthcare and aerospace to identify growth opportunities. We study consumer behavior, income, age, geography and professional backgrounds to better understand who purchases our products and services.

Why should understanding demographic communities be any different?

Market segmentation is not about separating people. It’s about understanding the economic behaviors, circumstances and opportunities within a larger marketplace.

One Market, Different Economic Realities

Over the past year, through our HL | Milestone Series and participation in national business conferences, I’ve observed a recurring theme. Research continues to document the expanding economic influence of Hispanic Americans.

Yet behind these economic projections are people living dramatically different financial experiences.

Consider a family carefully managing its grocery budget, struggling with rising housing expenses or relying on credit to cover everyday necessities.

Now consider a successful entrepreneur purchasing luxury goods, an executive investing in real estate or a family preparing to transfer accumulated wealth to the next generation. Both contribute to the American economy. Both may be Hispanic. But their financial circumstances, purchasing motivations and priorities are entirely different.

According to the Federal Reserve’s 2026 report on household financial well-being, 58% of American adults said price increases had negatively affected their finances during 2025.

Economic influence does not necessarily mean financial security.

Sources: Latino Donor Collaborative, 2026 U.S. Latino Economic Impact Report — Part Two, produced with Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business (October 2026); Federal Reserve Board, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 (May 2026).

Research links:

%

U.S. adults who said higher prices negatively affected their finances in 2025

Understanding the People Behind the Market

The U.S. Hispanic consumer is not defined by one individual profile.

Hispanic Americans represent different national origins, generations, professions, income levels, cultural identities and personal experiences. They include business owners, healthcare professionals, educators, executives, skilled workers, students and retirees.

They include Afro-Latinos, multiracial families, immigrants and Americans whose families have lived in this country for generations.

Some are building wealth for the first time. Others are managing wealth accumulated over several generations.

Their purchasing decisions may be influenced by price, quality, convenience, family recommendations, professional relationships, cultural experiences or personal aspirations.

Understanding these differences matters because the American Hispanic consumer is, first and foremost, an American consumer.

The Opportunity for American Business

For brands seeking growth, demographic research provides valuable market intelligence. But understanding purchasing power alone is not enough.

What motivates someone to select one brand over another? How do personal relationships influence purchasing decisions? Why are some consumers investing in luxury experiences while others struggle to afford everyday necessities?

These are questions worth exploring.

At HL, we’ve spent nearly 30 years introducing audiences to the entrepreneurs, professionals, executives, families and community leaders whose stories help explain the changing American economy.

Their experiences provide something economic statistics cannot fully capture: the human perspective.

As we introduce The American Consumer, a new HL editorial series, we’ll examine the relationships between money, business, education, wealth, consumer behavior and opportunity.

Because the American consumer is not defined by a single demographic category.

It is a diverse population whose ambitions, experiences and financial decisions shape one interconnected economy.

Understanding the differences helps businesses identify opportunities. Understanding the people behind those differences helps us see the bigger picture.

More from The American Consumer to follow . . . 

EDITOR NOTES

The American Consumer: One Economy, Many Stories introduces a new HL | Money, Finances & Wealth editorial series examining the people, purchasing decisions and financial realities shaping America’s economy.

Drawing on nearly three decades of original reporting, interviews and firsthand experiences, HL will explore the diverse economic circumstances of American consumers from the challenges of everyday household spending to entrepreneurship, education, luxury markets, homeownership and generational wealth.

Our goal is to move beyond economic headlines and demographic statistics to better understand the people behind the numbers, the decisions influencing their financial lives and the opportunities emerging across the American marketplace.

The American consumer is the market. Understanding the people who shape it is our story.

Edward James Olmos | A Perspective on Latino Influence

Edward James Olmos | A Perspective on Latino Influence

Oct 11, 2026 | Entertainment

HL | WATCH 

Edward James Olmos | A Perspective on Latino Influence

Revisiting a conversation from the 2025 Imagen Awards, the acclaimed actor, director and producer shares a perspective on Latino contributions that remains relevant in today’s changing American landscape.

 Article and Photos by
Richard Sandoval

ome conversations are worth revisiting, particularly when their message continues to resonate.

During the 2025 Imagen Awards in Beverly Hills, HL had an opportunity to reconnect with acclaimed actor, director, producer and cultural advocate Edward James Olmos.

As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, we are sharing this conversation from our archives, recognizing that his perspective on the contributions of Latinos to American society is just as relevant today as it was when we spoke last year.

Considering the issues and conversations dominating today’s headlines, his words offer an opportunity to reflect on the important role Latinos have played, and continue to play, in shaping America’s cultural, social and economic landscape.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, HL invites our audience to revisit this conversation with Edward James Olmos and consider why his perspective continues to matter.

Watch our conversation with Edward James Olmos, recorded during the 2025 Imagen Awards in Beverly Hills, California.

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Few figures in American entertainment have demonstrated the lasting influence of Latino storytelling quite like Edward James Olmos.

For decades, Olmos has helped bring Latino experiences to audiences through memorable performances, independent filmmaking and his commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.

His extraordinary career includes performances in Stand and Deliver, Selena, Miami Vice and Battlestar Galactica. Yet his influence extends beyond his work as an actor.

Through his involvement with the Latino Film Institute, the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival and Latino Public Broadcasting, Olmos has remained committed to expanding opportunities for Latino storytellers and encouraging more authentic representation in entertainment.

That commitment was particularly meaningful at the 2025 Imagen Awards, which celebrated four decades of recognizing Latino contributions to film and television.

The Conversation Continues

As Olmos continues his work in entertainment and cultural advocacy, his legacy reminds us that representation is not simply about visibility. It is also about recognizing the people, experiences and contributions that are part of America’s story.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, HL invites our audience to revisit this conversation with Edward James Olmos and consider why his perspective continues to matter.

EDITOR NOTES 

Over the years, HL has had the opportunity to interview Edward James Olmos on several occasions. Each conversation has offered a perspective on his career, cultural identity and commitment to the Latino community.

This particular conversation was recorded during the 2025 Imagen Awards in Beverly Hills. Although it remained in our archives, I couldn’t help but reflect on his words as we considered the issues and conversations making headlines today.

His perspective on the contributions of Latinos to American society is just as relevant today as it was when we spoke last year, perhaps even more so.

As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, we felt this was an appropriate moment to revisit the conversation and share it with our audience.