Stephanie Beatriz | Culture, Community, Representation

Dec 23, 2025 | Entertainment

Stephanie Beatriz | Culture, Community, Representation

A Creative Conversation on the Red Carpet.

Context and perspective from actress Stephanie Beatriz.

Photos by Richard Sandoval | Production by ReWork Media Group

Once again, Stephanie Beatriz made time for the media by greeting everyone with the same warmth, generosity, and thoughtfulness that have defined her career. A familiar and welcome presence at the event, Beatriz reflected on the importance of celebrating Latino talent, supporting one another, and continuing to show up in an industry that is still evolving.

For Beatriz, attending the 40th Imagen Foundation Awards are more than a ceremony they are a reunion and a reaffirmation of community.

“There are so many Latinos in Hollywood, and this particular night is really special to a lot of us,” she shared. “We’re all gathering to celebrate each other celebrate the work, and celebrate the work that’s coming.”

She spoke candidly about how rare it can be for actors to pause and acknowledge one another amid demanding schedules. Nights like Imagen, she explained, create space for reflection and encouragement.

“We’re all so busy thankfully that when we do get to see each other, we get to celebrate what’s coming next. That’s one of the most exciting things about being here.”

A Career Built on Range and Repetition

Audiences know Beatriz for her standout performances across television, film, and theater from the iconic role of Rosa Diaz on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, to her work on Modern Family, to her acclaimed turn in In the Heights, and more recently in the Netflix series A Man on the Inside. Beatriz credits her foundation in theater for shaping her approach to acting.

“I’ve been very lucky that my career in film and television has reflected my career in theater,” she explained. “I was part of a repertory company doing two or three roles every season.”

She recalled her formative years at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where versatility and discipline were essential.

“We did all kinds of stuff. And my favorite thing is really just trying to disappear into the role to make it about the character and not about me.”

That philosophy prioritizing craft over celebrity has allowed Beatriz to move seamlessly between comedy, drama, voice work, and stage performance, consistently surprising audiences while remaining grounded in her artistry.

Representation, Resistance, and Resilience

The conversation also turned serious as Beatriz addressed the broader cultural and political climate impacting Latino communities. Speaking with honesty and conviction, she emphasized why events like the Imagen Foundation Awards matter now more than ever.

“We’re in a climate right now globally that is, for lack of a better word, shitting on the Latino community,” she said. “That’s why nights like this are important.”

For Beatriz, the power of the evening lies in visibility and unity.

“We’re all here together, and we’re not going anywhere. We’re part of the fabric of the United States. We’re part of the fabric of entertainment and we always have been.”

She pointed out that Latino artists have been contributing to American entertainment since its earliest days.

“From the very first sitcoms we’ve been here forever and we’re not going anywhere.”

Beyond the Screen: Conversation and Connection

In addition to her on-screen work, Beatriz continues to create space for honest dialogue off-camera. Alongside fellow actress and longtime friend Melissa Fumero, she co-hosts the podcast More Better with Stephanie & Melissa, where the two explore friendship, careers, culture, and personal growth with humor and heart.

The project reflects much of what Beatriz spoke about on the red carpet connection, authenticity, and the importance of shared experiences.

A Lasting Presence

As the night continued and the red carpet buzzed with celebration, Stephanie Beatriz remained what she has always been at Imagen: present, thoughtful, and deeply connected to her community. Her words served as both a reminder and a rallying cry Latino voices matter, Latino stories endure, and collective celebration is itself an act of resilience.

For audiences and fellow creatives alike, Beatriz’s message was clear: keep showing up, keep doing the work, and keep celebrating one another.

Flour, Faith, and Sugar: Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery

Dec 17, 2025 | Business

Flour, Faith, and Sugar: Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery

Exclusive photos and article by Richard Sandoval | Hispanic Lifestyle

Sometimes the best stories begin with a scroll

After watching an Instagram post by Michelle Valles of NBC4 Los Angeles, curiosity and a serious sweet tooth led us east to Rialto, California, in the heart of the Inland Empire. What we discovered was more than a bakery. We found a family-owned business built on flour, faith, and sugar and a story that reflects the spirit of small business growth in the region.

Located on South Riverside Avenue, Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery has quickly become one of Rialto’s most talked-about local spots. Known for selling out early and drawing customers from across the Inland Empire, the bakery is the realization of a dream that began at home.

From Home Kitchen to Community Favorite

Founded in 2012 by Maribel Diaz, Sweet Tooth 909 started as a home-based baking operation. Word spread fast. What began with friends, neighbors, and social media posts soon turned into growing demand—and eventually the leap into a brick-and-mortar location.

Today, Maribel runs the bakery alongside her sister, Araceli Rodriguez, keeping the business rooted in family, culture, and community. Sweet Tooth 909 is often described as a Mexican family-owned bakery, a point of pride reflected in both its flavors and the way customers are welcomed through the door.

We arrived unannounced, cameras in hand, during the holiday season. Despite the busy pace, Maribel and Araceli took time to greet us, share their journey, and walk us through the space an interaction that says a lot about why customers keep coming back.

Faith in the Foundation

One of the most striking moments of our visit came during a conversation about the bakery’s construction. Maribel shared that while building out the space, she inscribed Bible quotations directly onto the wall studs placing her faith into the foundation long before the first pastry was sold.

Those words may be hidden behind drywall, but they remain central to the bakery’s purpose. It’s a reminder that for many small business owners, faith and perseverance are inseparable from entrepreneurship.

A Box Full of Favorites

Of course, no visit to Sweet Tooth 909 would be complete without tasting the offerings that have earned it a loyal following. We walked away with a box of treats that perfectly captured the bakery’s appeal:

Almond Croissant — flaky, buttery, and delicately sweet
Chocolate Chip Cookie — classic, comforting, and generously loaded
Strawberry Pastry — bright, balanced, and beautifully crafted
Cinnamon Roll — rich, warm, and perfect for the holiday season

Each item reflected care, consistency, and pride in craft qualities that define successful neighborhood bakeries.

A Growing Presence in the Inland Empire

Sweet Tooth 909’s popularity has been fueled not only by quality baking but also by strong community support and social media visibility. A viral moment in recent years helped expand its reach, drawing visitors from neighboring cities and reinforcing Rialto’s growing reputation as a destination for locally owned businesses.

Open limited days and often selling out by early afternoon, the bakery has become a reminder of what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

As the holiday season comes to a close, we extend our best wishes to Maribel Diaz, Araceli Rodriguez, and the entire Sweet Tooth 909 team for a prosperous and sweet 2026.

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Dec 15, 2025 | Entertainment

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Actress Jearnest Corchado on Honoring a Living Legend in Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Photos by Richard Sandoval | Production by ReWork Media Group

At the 2025 Imagen Foundation Awards, held at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Hispanic Lifestyle spoke with actress Jearnest Corchado and legendary singer Lisa Lisa (Lisa Vélez) on the red carpet about the emotional and creative journey behind the biopic Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story.

The film tells the powerful story of Lisa Lisa, the trailblazing Puerto Rican singer who rose to fame in the 1980s as the front woman of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, becoming one of the first Latina artists to achieve mainstream success in pop, freestyle, and R&B music.

For Corchado, stepping into the role of a living legend came with both gratitude and pressure.

“It was crazy because I was lucky to do a biopic of someone who’s a living legend,” Corchado shared. “It was really hard, but I’m very grateful that I got to have her after every scene… just having her there telling me, ‘You did a good job.’”

Portraying a real person especially one whose music defined an era was a demanding experience. Corchado acknowledged the emotional weight of wanting to honor Lisa Lisa’s legacy with authenticity and respect.

“It’s so hard because you want to do the best job you can. You want to make them happy,” she said. “So I’m glad that you’re happy.”

Lisa Lisa herself admitted she was initially hesitant to share her life story on screen.

“I really wasn’t ready for it,” she said. “About eight years ago, I got a call asking if they could put my movie out, and I said, ‘Does anybody want to know about my life?’ But they convinced me and here it is.”

For Lisa Lisa, choosing Corchado to portray her proved to be a meaningful decision one that resonated deeply with audiences and with the artist herself.

Corchado reflected on how telling Lisa Lisa’s story changed her personally.

“Lisa is an inspiration to so many women, and especially me now,” she said. “I feel like I came to the film set as one person, and I left as a completely different person.”

The role also gave Corchado a chance to connect across generations especially with her mother, an avid fan who grew up during Lisa Lisa’s rise in the 1980s.

“My mom is her number one fan,” Corchado shared with a smile. “To be able to play her in the film and experience even a glimpse of what it was like to be in the ’80s was a dream come true.”

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is now streaming on Prime Video, bringing Lisa Lisa’s groundbreaking journey to a new generation of viewers.

“It’s streaming now,” Lisa Lisa said. “Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is on Prime—so watch us.”

Bio Information

Jearnest Corchado is an award-winning Puerto Rican actress known for her dynamic performances in television and film. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in Little America, Sneaky Pete, and The Blacklist. Corchado is celebrated for bringing depth, authenticity, and emotional range to stories that spotlight culture, identity, and resilience.

Lisa Lisa (Lisa Vélez) is a pioneering Puerto Rican singer and cultural icon who rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead singer of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. With chart-topping hits such as “Can You Feel the Beat,” “All Cried Out,” and “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” she became one of the first Latina artists to achieve crossover success in mainstream pop music. Her influence continues to shape music and culture today.

About the Film
Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is a biographical film chronicling the life, career, and cultural impact of Lisa Lisa from her early beginnings to her rise as a groundbreaking Latina voice in the music industry. The film highlights themes of perseverance, identity, and the power of representation.

Dr. Marilyn Flores named President of San José City College

Dec 10, 2025 | Education, Latinas of Influence

Dr. Marilyn Flores named President of San José City College

A Latina of Influence, Dr. Flores, has been recognized as the Educator of the Year at the Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards presented by Hispanic Lifestyle.

A first-generation college graduate and second-language learner herself, Dr. Flores has held a variety of leadership positions in her more-than 25 years of service within the California Community Colleges system, including most recently as superintendent/president of Rio Hondo College in Whittier, Calif.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role, and I extend my sincere thank you to the chancellor and board of trustees at SJECCD for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to lead San José City College,” Dr. Flores said. “I am honored to join an excellent team and to work alongside the students, faculty, and staff to support SJCC’s innovative work and ensure access, equity, and success for the diverse community we serve. Together, I look forward to building on the College’s strong foundation and advancing our shared mission with purpose and commitment.”

Dr. Marilyn Flores

Following a nationwide search, Dr. Flores has been named president of San José City College (SJCC).

“Dr. Flores is a distinguished educational leader with a proven track record of advancing institutions and improving student success,” said Dr. Beatriz Chaidez, San José – Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) chancellor. “After reviewing dozens of applications from a deep and diverse pool of highly qualified candidates, conducting two rounds of interviews, and virtual candidate forums, I’m confident that we have identified the right leader for SJCC.”

Prior to her role at Rio Hondo, Dr. Flores served as interim president of Santa Ana College and vice president of academic affairs at Santiago Canyon College. Her prior experience also includes having served as both chief instructional officer and accreditation liaison officer. Her experience also includes instruction and deanships at Santiago Canyon College and Las Positas College as well as earlier leadership roles at Riverside City College.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role, and I extend my sincere thank you to the chancellor and board of trustees at SJECCD for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to lead San José City College,” Dr. Flores said. “I am honored to join an excellent team and to work alongside the students, faculty, and staff to support SJCC’s innovative work and ensure access, equity, and success for the diverse community we serve. Together, I look forward to building on the College’s strong foundation and advancing our shared mission with purpose and commitment.”

A Wheelhouse Fellow from UC Davis, Dr. Flores earned her Ph.D. in institutional leadership and policy studies from the University of California, Riverside. She also holds a master’s degree in education from UCLA and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in education and Spanish, also from UC Riverside.

While her appointment was approved by the SJECCD board of trustees during its meeting on December 9, 2025, Dr. Flores is scheduled to assume her new role as SJCC president on January 12, 2026.

The Business of Surviving to Thrive | Canales Furniture

Dec 5, 2025 | The Business of Surviving to Thrive

The Business of Surviving to Thrive | Canales Furniture

The Canales Family and the Power of Latino Entrepreneurship in Texas

Photos by Richard Sandoval | Production by ReWork Media Group

For more than two decades, Canales Furniture has grown from a modest door-to-door operation into one of the most respected Latino-owned retail businesses in Texas and Oklahoma. Their story rooted in family, resilience, and a commitment to helping others is the kind of entrepreneurial journey that defines our Business of Surviving to Thrive series.

Founded in 2003 by Veronica Canales, an immigrant and visionary Latina entrepreneur, Canales Furniture began with a simple but powerful idea: create opportunity through hard work and serve families with dignity. What started with catalogs, personal deliveries, and the collective labor of 10 brothers and sisters has become a multi-location enterprise with 24 showrooms across Texas and Oklahoma.

Today, the company employs 380 families in the Dallas–Fort Worth area alone, reinforcing the powerful economic footprint of Latino-owned businesses in the region.

The Latino Business Boom: A National and Texas Success Story

The story of Canales Furniture is not an outlier it is a reflection of one of the most significant economic transformations in the United States.

According to the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (2024):

Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. grew 44% over the last decade, compared to 4.5% for non-Latino-owned businesses.
Latino entrepreneurs now contribute over $3.2 trillion to the U.S. economy.
Nearly 1 in 4 new businesses in the United States is Latino-owned.

Texas, in particular, has become a powerhouse of Latino entrepreneurship:

More than 850,000 Latino-owned businesses operate in Texas.
These businesses generate over $150 billion in economic output annually.
Latino business creation in Texas is happening at three times the national rate.

Canales Furniture embodies this momentum scaling, hiring, and investing in communities while preserving the family-first values that built the foundation of the business.

Resilience, Reinvention, and the Commitment to Family

Second-generation leaders like Andrea Osorio Canales and team members such as America Renteria carry on the passion and discipline of their founding generation. Their roles in real estate, interior design, community outreach, and operations reveal a business that is more than retail it is a service to families seeking comfort, stability, and home.

“For us, family means everything. Helping other families whether it’s finding their first home or furnishing it is what keeps us inspired,” shared Andrea.

This philosophy is echoed throughout the company. Every morning, team members are reminded that their work supports hundreds of families, not just individual paychecks. The staff are affectionately referred to as “Gallos and Gallas”, a tribute to the Canales family’s grandfather, whose work ethic and leadership shaped their values.

Growing Through Challenges, Thriving Through Community

Like many immigrant-founded businesses, the Canales family faced significant challenges along the way competition in the retail market, rapid scaling, and navigating customer needs across diverse regions. Yet their resilience remains unwavering.

Their approach to business goes beyond the showroom floor. Canales Furniture actively partners with:

Local police and first responders
Community organizations and nonprofits
Families in need of interior design, staging, or furnishing support

This community-centered strategy has strengthened their reputation and contributed to long-term growth.

The Next Generation: A Legacy in Motion

As the third generation begins to enter the business, the Canales family is preparing for a future defined by continued expansion, innovation, and service. Their vision is simple but powerful:

Help as many families as possible.
Stay rooted in culture.
Grow with purpose.

With their expanding footprint and unwavering commitment to community, Canales Furniture stands as a powerful example of what Latino-owned businesses can achieve when passion, family, and resilience come together.

The Business of Surviving to Thrive

The Canales story is one of faith, determination, and strategic growth from surviving the early challenges of entrepreneurship to thriving as one of the largest Latino family-owned furniture retailers in the Southwest. Their journey reflects the strength of the Latino business community nationwide and the bright future that lies ahead.