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

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