One Economy

One Economy

Oct 31, 2026 | HL | Culture & Influence

Message from Richard Sandoval

One of the things I’ve come to appreciate about storytelling is how a conversation with one person can lead to a much larger understanding of the world around us.

Over the past several months, my travels have taken me to New York and other communities, where I’ve had opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, meet business leaders, discover entrepreneurs, and listen to people share their experiences.

These conversations have reinforced something I’ve been thinking about lately. When we talk about the American economy, we often focus on numbers, markets, and financial headlines. But behind those numbers are people making decisions about their businesses, their families, their financial futures, and the opportunities they hope to create.

In this November edition of HL | Culture & Influence, we’re exploring those connections.

We consider lessons in building wealth, hear from Louis Barajas about financial dignity, and introduce Leandra Jimenez as we expand our storytelling around homeownership through HL | OPENING DOORS. We also highlight individuals whose leadership, experiences, and contributions continue to shape our communities.

This edition also includes our tribute to Dolores Huerta, whose lifetime of advocacy helped shape American history. Following her passing, I was struck by the thousands of photographs, memories, and personal encounters shared across my social media feeds. They reminded me how important it is to document the people and experiences that become part of our collective history.

Through our coverage of Día de los Muertos, we’re also reminded that culture, traditions, and entrepreneurship are an important part of the American story.

As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2027, I find myself reflecting on the many people whose stories we’ve had the privilege of sharing and the discoveries that still lie ahead.

After all, we may participate in one economy, but we each have a story worth telling.

Richard Sandoval
Publisher | HL Culture & Influence
HL Media Network

About the Cover 

One Economy | November 2026

During a visit to New York in July, I spent an early morning walking through the Financial District, reflecting on conversations about the American economy, the growing influence of the Latino consumer, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

As I walked among the towering buildings, I was struck by the sunlight reflecting off the architecture, illuminating the city in a way that seemed to offer a sense of direction and possibility.

I stopped to capture this photograph.

Looking at it now, I’m reminded that, as entrepreneurs, we’re constantly navigating challenges, making decisions, and searching for new opportunities.

Perhaps that’s why this image resonates with me. Despite the uncertainties around us, we continue looking up, looking forward, and finding our way.

Always surviving to thrive.

Photography by Richard Sandoval | HL Media Network

FEATURED ARTICLES

BUSINESS

ECONOMY

OPENING DOORS

COMMUNITY

HOMEOWNERSHIP

SPOTLIGHT

HERITAGE

MONEY

CULTURE

FEATURED VIDEO

PREVIOUS EDITIONS

More Stories

Leandra Jimenez | The Power of Showing Up

Leandra Jimenez | The Power of Showing Up

Oct 31, 2026 | HL | Opening Doors

HL | OPENING DOORS

Leandra Jimenez | The Power of Showing Up

 Article and Photos by
Richard Sandoval

New York real estate professional shares her perspective on relationships, leadership, and creating opportunities through community.

Every door opens to a story.

HL Media Network is pleased to introduce HL | OPENING DOORS, a new editorial and multimedia storytelling series featuring the people, professionals, and community leaders helping individuals and families pursue opportunities through homeownership, real estate, entrepreneurship, and wealth building.

Through personal conversations, video interviews, photography, and original storytelling, we’ll explore the experiences, insights, and relationships that help people move forward.

Our goal is to go beyond the transaction and introduce our audience to the people behind the profession their journeys, their perspectives, and their commitment to the communities they serve.

And sometimes, the best stories happen when you least expect them.

The Power of Showing Up

During my latest visit to New York, I made it a point to reconnect with several professionals I had met earlier this year at a National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) event.

I’ve always believed there’s something powerful about showing up.

Networking is about much more than exchanging business cards or making introductions. It’s about being present, following up, and developing relationships over time.

Sometimes those connections happen immediately. Other times, people need an opportunity to get to know you, understand your intentions, and discover what you might have in common.

And then there are those individuals whose personalities make you feel welcome from the moment you meet them.

Leandra Jiménez is one of those people.

A native New Yorker, bilingual real estate advisor, and business professional with more than 20 years of experience, Jiménez brings genuine enthusiasm to her work, her colleagues, and the communities she serves.

I had the pleasure of reconnecting with her during NAHREP Upper Manhattan’s The Luxury Advantage: Building Brands That Endure, held October 29, 2026, at Wells Fargo’s offices at 20 Hudson Yards in New York City.

The impressive setting provided a wonderful backdrop for conversations with industry professionals about the changing real estate market, professional development, and the importance of building lasting relationships.

What followed was a brief but engaging conversation about leadership, community, and creating opportunities through meaningful connections.

And it was exactly the kind of conversation we envisioned when developing Opening Doors.

HL | OPENING DOORS — A Conversation with Leandra Jiménez

In our inaugural video interview, Leandra Jiménez shares her perspective on professional relationships, the evolving real estate industry, community leadership, and creating opportunities through meaningful connections.

Watch our conversation with Leandra Jiménez.

A Career Built on Relationships and Trust

Leandra’s professional journey extends well beyond real estate.

With more than two decades of experience spanning hospitality, healthcare, luxury sales, and real estate, she has developed a professional approach centered on communication, negotiation, service, and long-term relationships.

Today, she advises homeowners, investors, developers, and business owners throughout New York City, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley.

Her expertise includes residential and luxury real estate, multifamily properties, investment opportunities, and transactions involving probate and estates.

Known for her strategic negotiation skills and tenacity, Jiménez works to guide clients through complex transactions, overcome obstacles, and bring deals to the closing table.

But perhaps one of the most revealing aspects of her professional journey is how she develops her business.

Much of her business comes through referrals and lasting relationships, reflecting the trust she has established with clients through honest communication, discretion, and results.

It’s an approach that reinforces something I’ve come to appreciate throughout my years of interviewing business professionals: relationships are often among the most valuable assets we develop during our careers.

And maintaining those relationships requires more than making a good first impression.

It requires showing up.

Beyond Networking: Building Connections

For Jiménez, the NAHREP Upper Manhattan gathering represented something greater than another professional networking opportunity.

“Not only is there networking, but there’s connection, there is learning,” she shared during our conversation.

The event brought together real estate professionals and industry leaders to discuss the evolving luxury real estate market, professional branding, and opportunities for business development.

One message particularly resonated with Jiménez: today’s real estate professionals must think beyond transactions.

It’s no longer simply about being a real estate agent. It’s about becoming a trusted advisor.

That distinction reflects her own approach to business, where understanding a client’s circumstances, identifying opportunities, and successfully navigating complicated transactions are essential components of providing value.

Whether assisting a homeowner, an investor, or a business owner, Jiménez understands that every transaction involves personal goals, financial considerations, and relationships built on trust.

Creating Opportunities Through Leadership

Jiménez is also extending her commitment to professional relationships through her leadership involvement with NAHREP’s Manhattan community.

During our interview, she spoke enthusiastically about becoming the chapter’s treasurer and the opportunity to welcome new members.

“I’m so excited. Not just to be here, but to welcome our members, and give reasons why to become members.”

For Jiménez, the organization’s value extends beyond professional advancement.

“It’s not just about networking, but it’s about building bridges, community, and I look forward to that.”

NAHREP’s mission of advancing sustainable Hispanic homeownership provides an important platform for professionals who want to expand their businesses while contributing to the communities they serve.

Jiménez is particularly committed to strengthening professional networks, expanding opportunities for Latino professionals, and creating meaningful connections between business and community.

She also recognizes the importance of welcoming professionals from different backgrounds who share an interest in real estate, business development, and community engagement.

Her leadership philosophy reflects an understanding that creating opportunities is only part of the equation.

Helping people turn those opportunities into meaningful results requires knowledge, determination, and strong relationships.

Leandra Jiménez | Career Highlights

Real Estate Advisor | Community Leader

  • Experience: 20+ years in hospitality, healthcare, luxury sales, and real estate.
  • Specialties: Residential, luxury, multifamily, investment, probate, and estate transactions.
  • Markets: New York City, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley.
  • Leadership: Treasurer, NAHREP Manhattan Chapter.
  • Professional Approach: Strategic negotiation, trusted relationships, client advocacy, and referral-driven business.
  • Languages: English and Spanish.

Leandra Jiménez | Real Estate Advisor & Community Leader

Leandra Jiménez during NAHREP Upper Manhattan’s gathering at Wells Fargo’s Hudson Yards offices in New York City on October 29, 2026.

Photography by Richard Sandoval | HL Media Network

Opening Doors to Homeownership

Our conversation also touched on the importance of financial resources that can help families navigate the homeownership journey.

Jiménez discussed her professional relationship with Wells Fargo and expressed her confidence in the institution’s ability to assist clients throughout the mortgage process.

She also highlighted mortgage-related benefits available to eligible union members and their families, including potential assistance during certain qualifying financial hardships.

Programs such as Union Plus, with mortgage financing available through Wells Fargo, are examples of resources that eligible households may be able to explore. Benefits and assistance are subject to specific program requirements.

For real estate professionals, understanding available programs and resources is an important part of helping clients make informed decisions about homeownership.

It’s also another example of how knowledgeable advisors can help connect individuals and families with opportunities they might not otherwise recognize.

A Conversation Worth Sharing

As someone who has spent nearly three decades documenting the experiences of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community professionals, I continue to appreciate the unexpected conversations that happen when we take the time to connect.

My conversation with Leandra Jiménez was one of those moments.

Her energy, welcoming personality, and commitment to building professional relationships reminded me that successful networking isn’t necessarily measured by the number of people we meet.

It’s measured by the relationships we develop and the opportunities we create for one another.

Leandra’s professional journey also reinforces another important lesson: building a successful career requires more than experience and expertise. It requires determination, trust, and the ability to develop relationships that stand the test of time.

That is what we hope to accomplish through HL | OPENING DOORS: introduce our audience to individuals whose experiences, insights, and commitment to their professions can inform, inspire, and create opportunities for others.

Because sometimes, opening doors begins with something as simple as showing up.

EDITOR NOTES 

The Power of Showing Up

One thing I’ve learned after nearly three decades of interviewing people is that some of the best stories begin long before the camera starts recording.

They begin with showing up, listening, and taking the time to build relationships.

During my latest trip to New York, I wanted to reconnect with professionals I had met earlier this year. One of those individuals was Leandra Jiménez, whose welcoming personality and enthusiasm for connecting people made an immediate impression.

What I particularly enjoyed about our conversation was her understanding that relationships are not simply about doing business. They’re about creating opportunities, earning trust, and helping others succeed.

As we introduce HL | OPENING DOORS, I can’t think of a better way to begin than with a conversation that happened naturally, simply because we took the time to connect.

Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities begin by showing up.

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 Economy: Lessons in Building Wealth

The Economy: Lessons in Building Wealth

Oct 29, 2026 | Money, Finances & Wealth

HL | WEALTH 

The Economy: Lessons in Building Wealth

As everyday expenses continue to rise, understanding how wealth is created, managed, and transferred may be one of the most valuable lessons we can share with the next generation.

 Article by
Richard Sandoval

ast Friday evening, my wife and I visited one of our familiar neighborhood Mexican restaurants. The World Series was on television, and a moderate crowd was enjoying the evening.

My wife ordered a two-item combination, an enchilada and a taco with rice and beans along with a strawberry margarita. I ordered a burrito especial and a glass of water.

The bill came to $45 before tax and tip.

I remember when a similar dinner cost us around $25.

Nothing about our evening was extravagant. It was simply another reminder of how dramatically everyday expenses have changed.

And realistically, does anyone expect restaurant prices to suddenly drop by half? Will gasoline return to $2 a gallon? Some prices may decline, but slowing inflation doesn’t necessarily mean returning to the prices we once paid.

These are the financial realities many American households are experiencing.

Yet another reality is unfolding. The stock market has reached historic highs, businesses continue creating wealth, and investors are finding opportunities to grow their financial portfolios.

What can we learn from those who are building wealth in this same economy?

THE BIG PICTURE | WEALTH & OPPORTUNITY

  • 58% of U.S. adults said price increases had worsened their financial situation in 2025.
  • 56% of American families owned stocks directly or indirectly in 2025.
  • $124 trillion in wealth is projected to transfer to heirs and charitable organizations through 2048.

The lesson: Understanding the financial tools available today can help families prepare for tomorrow.

  • Sources: Federal Reserve, 2025 household and consumer finance surveys; Cerulli Associates, 2024.

One Economy, Different Experiences

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices increased 3.7% during the 12 months ending September 2026.

The Federal Reserve’s 2025 household economic well-being report found that 62% of adults had switched to less expensive products, while 41% had reduced their savings in response to higher prices.

These adjustments affect more than today’s purchasing decisions. They can influence a family’s ability to save, purchase property, invest, and prepare for retirement.

At the same time, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached record closing highs in October 2026. Families participating in financial markets have had opportunities to benefit from investment growth.

According to the Federal Reserve’s 2025 Survey of Consumer Finances, approximately 56% of American families owned publicly traded stocks directly or indirectly. Among families holding stocks, the inflation-adjusted median value of their investments increased 36% between 2022 and 2025.

Of course, financial markets carry risks, and investment performance is never guaranteed.

But the difference in financial participation raises an important question about education, access, and opportunity.

Beyond Building a Successful Business

During my recent visit to Morgan Stanley’s Leading the Next Economy Summit in New York, conversations about wealth creation and financial opportunities brought to mind many of the entrepreneurs and professionals we’ve interviewed over the years through HL.

I thought about individuals who have spent decades developing successful businesses, reinvesting their profits, purchasing homes, improving their lifestyles, and creating opportunities for their families.

These achievements represent years of commitment, sacrifice, and determination.

But eventually another question emerges.

After investing so much in building a business and improving your quality of life, what comes next?

For some entrepreneurs, the next chapter may involve developing a personal financial portfolio beyond the business they created.

Stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, real estate, and other financial instruments provide different opportunities to manage and potentially grow wealth. Each also comes with considerations and risks.

The transition from working in a business to working on a business is familiar to many entrepreneurs. Learning to diversify wealth beyond that business represents another important stage of financial development.

It’s not necessarily about earning more money. It’s about understanding how to manage the resources already created.

Financial Education Creates Opportunities

Morgan Stanley’s State of Hispanic-Latino Wealth research offers an interesting perspective.

Among the emerging-affluent and high-net-worth Hispanic-Latino investors surveyed, 77% identified limited financial education as a barrier to building wealth.

The findings also reveal that respondents viewed wealth as more than financial assets. Family, health, community, independence, and creating a lasting legacy were important parts of their financial aspirations.

This broader definition reflects many of the conversations we’ve had with the entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders featured through HL.

Financial education matters at every stage of life.

For a prospective homebuyer, it may mean learning about mortgages, credit, and financing options. Even as September 2026 pending home sales declined 7.3%, according to the National Association of Realtors, prospective buyers and industry professionals have reasons to prepare for changing market conditions.

For an entrepreneur, financial education may involve learning about diversification, retirement planning, or managing assets beyond their company.

For families, it may begin with budgeting, reducing expensive debt, establishing savings, and understanding investment risks.

The objective isn’t to encourage everyone to rush into the stock market.

It’s to recognize the value of understanding financial tools before the opportunity or need to use them arises.

At a New York farmers market, small business entrepreneurship and everyday consumer activity come together reflecting the many ways Americans participate in the economy.

Photography by Richard Sandoval | HL Media Network

Preparing the Next Generation

Another important development is what financial researchers call The Great Wealth Transfer.

Cerulli Associates projects approximately $124 trillion in wealth transfers through 2048, including an estimated $105 trillion passing to heirs.

Much of that wealth is concentrated among affluent households, but the larger lesson applies to families at different stages of their financial journeys.

Are we preparing our children and grandchildren to understand money, ownership, investing, and financial responsibility?

Are we teaching them not only how to earn a living but how to manage and potentially grow the resources they create?

Passing along property, businesses, and investments can help establish generational wealth. Passing along financial knowledge can help future generations make more informed decisions about those resources.

Even families without significant financial assets can begin that educational process today.

The Lessons Worth Learning

We cannot ignore the challenges of today’s economy. Families are adjusting their budgets, entrepreneurs are navigating changing markets, and many Americans are working hard simply to maintain their financial stability.

But we shouldn’t overlook the lessons offered by those who are successfully building and managing wealth.

How did they begin? What did they learn? Which financial tools became important as their circumstances changed? And how are they preparing the next generation?

As we continue exploring The American Consumer: One Economy, Many Stories, these are conversations worth having.

We may not be able to control the price of groceries, gasoline, or a Friday evening dinner. But we can make a greater effort to understand the financial opportunities available to us.

Building wealth is a journey. So is learning how to manage it.

And perhaps one of the most valuable investments we can make is sharing that knowledge with the next generation.

Sources & Further Reading

Financial Disclaimer: HL | WEALTH provides financial information and perspectives for educational and informational purposes only. This article does not constitute personalized investment, legal, tax, or financial advice. Investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. Readers should consider their individual circumstances and consult qualified financial professionals before making financial decisions.

EDITOR NOTES 

While photographing a farmers market during my recent visit to New York, I was reminded that our economy is about much more than stock market performance and financial statistics. It’s about people, small businesses, everyday transactions, and opportunities.

My recent conversations at Morgan Stanley also reinforced something I’ve come to appreciate through years of interviewing entrepreneurs and business leaders: Building wealth is one accomplishment. Learning how to manage, diversify, and pass it along is another.

I hope this article encourages conversations about financial education, the opportunities available to us, and what we can teach the next generation.

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.

Dolores Huerta | A Lifetime of Purpose

Dolores Huerta | A Lifetime of Purpose

Oct 29, 2026 | Community

IN REMEMBRANCE • 1930–2026

Dolores Huerta | A Lifetime of Purpose

Remembering an American icon whose presence, accessibility, and commitment to others inspired generations.

 Article and Photos by
Richard Sandoval

n Wednesday, October 28, 2026, America lost one of its most influential civil rights leaders. Dolores Huerta passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of activism, leadership, and service.

Throughout yesterday afternoon, my social media feeds were filled with what seemed like thousands of photographs, personal memories, and remembrances of Dolores Huerta.

What struck me wasn’t simply the number of people sharing their experiences. It was the remarkable accessibility of a woman who had helped shape American history.

We live in an age when nearly everyone carries a camera in their pocket. Over the years, countless people had the opportunity to meet Dolores, exchange a few words, pose for a photograph, or record a moment on their phones and yesterday, many of those moments became part of a collective remembrance.

Looking through those photographs, I was reminded that many of the people sharing them understood something significant: they had stood alongside, spoken with, or shared a moment with a civil rights leader whose contributions were woven into our nation’s history.

Not everyone has the opportunity to meet someone whose life and work will be studied by future generations. Yet Dolores Huerta made herself remarkably accessible to people from all walks of life.

Some of the images were from prestigious celebrations. Others came from schools, community gatherings, conferences, and neighborhood events.

Together, they revealed something that awards and historical accounts alone cannot fully capture: the personal connections she made throughout a lifetime of public service.

I found myself reflecting on my own experiences.

Over the years, I had the opportunity to meet, interview, and photograph Dolores Huerta on numerous occasions.

Living and working in California, particularly while documenting the Hispanic community, it was difficult to attend a major gathering without seeing Dolores either participating, being recognized, or encouraging others to become involved.

From red carpets and prestigious celebrations to high schools and small community gatherings, she was seemingly everywhere and regardless of the size of the gathering, she had a message to share.

The Power of Being Present

I want to be clear. I did not know Dolores Huerta personally. My observations come from nearly three decades of encountering her through my work as a journalist, photographer, and storyteller.

I believe I first met her sometime in the late 1990s or early 2000s.

By then, I was certainly familiar with her contributions to the farmworker movement and her place in California history.

You couldn’t help but recognize that you were in the presence of someone who had helped shape not only California, but the nation.

Yet something else stood out.

Despite the recognition, awards, and attention she received, Dolores seemed to possess an extraordinary ability to approach people and make them feel comfortable.

Whether speaking to elected officials, students, community organizers, or someone asking for a photograph, she appeared genuinely interested in the people around her.

That is something I always admired.

There was a certain accessibility about her, an ability to connect with people without allowing her reputation or accomplishments to become a barrier.

2025 Red Carpet Moments | 40th Annual Imagen Awards Awards

Appearing in the photo, Kenny Ortega, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Helen Hernandez, Dolores Huerta, Edward James Olmos

A Life That Changed History

Born April 10, 1930, in Dawson, New Mexico, Dolores Huerta grew up in California’s Central Valley. She began her professional career as a teacher before dedicating herself to improving the lives of farmworkers and their families.

In 1962, she co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with César Chávez, an organization that would eventually become the United Farm Workers.

Her leadership helped advance labor protections, collective bargaining rights, and improved working conditions for agricultural workers. She played a significant role in the Delano grape strike and the nationwide boycotts that brought attention to the circumstances facing farmworker families.

Her work extended far beyond the agricultural fields. Over the decades, she advocated for women’s rights, educational opportunities, civic participation, immigrant communities, and greater representation in American society.

Her enduring expression, “Sí, se puede,” became a rallying cry for generations who believed that meaningful change was possible through perseverance and collective action.

Among her many honors was the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama in 2012.

But perhaps one of her greatest accomplishments was her ability to encourage others to believe that they, too, could make a difference.

The Sacrifices Behind the Recognition

I did not know Dolores during the 1960s or 1970s, when the farmworker movement was taking shape and its organizers confronted enormous obstacles.

Like many of us who came to know her story later, I cannot pretend to fully understand the personal challenges she experienced.

The demands of raising a family, maintaining a livelihood, confronting opposition, and dedicating so much of one’s life to a cause are not things that can be completely understood through photographs, interviews, or historical accounts.

Her life included enormous personal sacrifices, including painful experiences that only became publicly known decades later. Those experiences are also part of her history and deserve to be acknowledged.

What we can recognize is that her commitment extended across generations.

She continued showing up, sharing her experiences, encouraging participation, and reminding people that they had a role to play in their communities.

A Legacy We Can Carry Forward

As I looked through the thousands of photographs and remembrances appearing in my social media feeds, I was reminded that history is not only measured by legislation, awards, or public recognition.

Sometimes it is measured by the way someone makes another person feel.

From my perspective, Dolores Huerta encouraged people to vote, stand up for what they believed in, and use whatever abilities or opportunities they possessed to make a positive impact.

You didn’t need to be famous, wealthy, or hold public office to contribute something meaningful.

You simply needed to care enough to participate.

And that may be one of the most important lessons she leaves behind.

Her life provides a reference point for what is possible and, in many ways, a playbook for inspiring future generations of leaders.

Those photographs circulating yesterday are more than personal keepsakes. Collectively, they represent generations of people who had an opportunity to connect with someone who helped shape our nation’s history.

They are reminders that history isn’t always something we discover in books or museums.

Sometimes history is standing right next to us, smiling for a photograph, sharing a conversation, or encouraging us to do something meaningful with our own lives.

Dolores Huerta | A Life of Leadership
1930–2026

Dolores Huerta was an American labor leader, civil rights activist, and advocate for women, workers, and underserved communities.

Her contributions and recognition include:

  • 1962: Co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with César Chávez, helping establish what became the United Farm Workers.
  • 1965–1975: Helped organize farmworker strikes and national boycotts and advocated for California’s Agricultural Labor Relations Act.
  • 1993: Inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
  • 1998: Received the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award.
  • 2003: Established the Dolores Huerta Foundation to support grassroots organizing, education, and community leadership.
  • 2012: Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
  • 2013: Inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

Her legacy continues through the organizations, communities, and generations of leaders influenced by her commitment to civic participation and social change.

EDITOR NOTES 

Thank you, Dolores Huerta, for being accessible.

Thank you for sharing your time, your experiences, and your sense of purpose with so many people over the years.

And thank you for reminding us that even those who leave an extraordinary mark on history are human beings walking this earth with ambition, conviction, challenges, and the desire to make life better for the people around them.

I consider myself fortunate to have documented a few moments along your remarkable journey.

Your legacy will continue through the people you inspired, the communities you helped strengthen, and the generations who will discover your story.

Sí, se puede.

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.

Día de los Muertos | Culture, Community and Entrepreneurship

Día de los Muertos | Culture, Community and Entrepreneurship

Oct 26, 2026 | Community

HL | Culture  

Día de los Muertos | Culture, Community and Entrepreneurship

At Hollywood Forever, an invitation from Toyota introduces HL to three entrepreneurs whose businesses are driven by creativity, family and opportunity.

 Article by
Richard Sandoval

t was a beautiful Southern California afternoon. The sun was shining, music filled the air, and families gathered at Hollywood Forever Cemetery for the 27th annual Día de los Muertos celebration.

Throughout the historic grounds, colorful costumes, elaborate ofrendas honoring loved ones, traditional foods and live entertainment created an atmosphere filled with culture and community.

This year’s celebration, themed All Under One Sky – Bajo un Mismo Cielo, brought visitors together ahead of Día de los Muertos, traditionally observed November 1 and 2.

Our friends at Toyota invited HL to experience the festivities and meet three entrepreneurs whose stories demonstrate how family inspiration, creativity and reliable transportation can contribute to building a business.

Levi Flores | Brewing His Future with Eye_vel

At just 21 years old, Levi Flores is already discovering the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Founder of Eye_vel, Levi launched his mobile coffee business approximately eight months ago, combining his appreciation for mid-century design with traditional Mexican flavors.

During his first month, he relied on expensive U-Haul rentals to transport equipment to events.

Then his mother gave him a 2004 Toyota Sienna, providing a practical solution that helped him move his business forward.

At Hollywood Forever, Levi shared his mobile coffee experience, featuring café de olla and fresh pan de muerto. During our conversation, he also spoke enthusiastically about hot chocolate inspired by his mother’s recipes.

When asked about his biggest lesson as a new entrepreneur, Levi emphasized preparation and making every event count.

His next ambition? Expanding his mobile coffee operations and eventually opening a café.

For Levi, a gift from his mother helped turn his entrepreneurial vision into a growing opportunity.

Melissa Rojas | Chasing Camilla

Traveling from San Antonio, Texas, Melissa Rojas introduced us to Chasing Camilla, her women’s clothing and accessories brand named after her daughter.

When Melissa started her business, she didn’t own a vehicle. After three years of hard work, she was able to purchase her first Toyota RAV4, allowing her to transport merchandise and participate in pop-up markets.

Her business began with handmade pieces created by her madrina and expanded to include clothing and accessories produced by artisans in Mexico.

Today, Melissa operates her mobile boutique using a 2026 Toyota 4Runner and is preparing for another milestone: opening her own storefront in San Antonio.

Her journey reflects how an idea inspired by family can grow into a business that creates opportunities while celebrating cultural traditions.

Denise Romero | Belleza Tarasca

For makeup artist Denise Romero, Día de los Muertos carries a deeply personal meaning.

Founder of Belleza Tarasca, Denise specializes in Catrina-inspired beauty transformations using airbrush techniques.

Her inspiration began with her grandmother in Michoacán, Mexico, who introduced her to the traditions of Día de los Muertos and encouraged her creativity.

Although her grandmother passed away in 2000, Denise continues honoring her memory through her artistry while sharing those traditions with her daughters.

Operating her mobile beauty business from a 2023 Toyota Corolla, Denise travels to events and communities, sometimes driving several hours to serve clients.

For Denise, her vehicle provides the transportation she needs to operate her business, while her artistic work preserves an important family legacy.

Toyota | Celebrating Legacy and Ambition

One of the most interesting aspects of the afternoon was Toyota’s approach to recognizing Latino entrepreneurs.

Its activation featured four vehicles, including three operating mobile businesses, a vintage 1974 Toyota truck and a photo experience celebrating family memories.

Rather than simply displaying vehicles, Toyota created an opportunity for entrepreneurs to introduce their products, demonstrate their talents and connect with potential customers.

Each business illustrated the practical role transportation plays in helping entrepreneurs pursue their ambitions.

From our perspective as storytellers, the experience was especially rewarding. We appreciated the opportunity to meet several business owners in one location, hear their journeys firsthand and share their experiences with our audience.

It was a thoughtful example of how a corporation can recognize the entrepreneurs and families who are part of the communities it serves.

Below are photographs from our experience at the 27th Annual Día de los Muertos celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles on October 24, 2026. These images capture just a glimpse of the artistry, traditions, and sense of community that made the afternoon so memorable.

Día de los Muertos 2026 | Hollywood Forever • Los Angeles

People, Stories and Experiences

As we continued enjoying the celebration, surrounded by beautiful altars, music and families honoring loved ones, we were reminded that Día de los Muertos is about the memories and traditions connecting generations.

Those connections were reflected in the entrepreneurs we met.

A mother building a clothing business inspired by her daughter. A young man pursuing his passion for coffee with support from his mother. An artist honoring her grandmother through creativity.

Different businesses. Different journeys. A shared commitment to family, culture and creating opportunities for the future.

For HL, it was another memorable afternoon discovering the people and stories that define our communities.

HL thanks Toyota for the invitation and the opportunity to meet these entrepreneurs.

Event information: 27th Annual Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever

HL | PRODUCTION CREDITS

Editorial & Photography: Richard Sandoval
Video Production: Nicholas Sandoval
Produced by: HL Media Network

This gives Nicholas appropriate recognition for his production work while keeping the credits professional and consistent with HL’s editorial presentation.

EDITOR NOTES | A Celebration of Family and Remembrance

Over the years, I’ve experienced smaller Día de los Muertos celebrations, but this was my first opportunity to attend an event of this magnitude, and sharing the afternoon with my family made it even more memorable.

Our photographs only begin to capture the extraordinary creativity and detail of the altars throughout Hollywood Forever. Some were deeply personal tributes to loved ones, and I made an editorial decision not to share those images out of respect for the families and the memories being honored.

What impressed me most was the genuine sense of community. Families were walking together, enjoying the music, sharing food, admiring the artistry and celebrating their traditions on a beautiful Southern California afternoon.

It was a reminder that Día de los Muertos is as much about celebrating life and family as it is about remembering those who came before us.

I’m grateful we had the opportunity to experience it together.

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.