Milestone | Judith Valles

Milestone | Judith Valles

HL | Milestone Series

Milestone | Judith Valles

For generations, Mayor Judith Valles represented the very best in public service. As an educator, trailblazer, and the first Hispanic elected Mayor of the City of San Bernardino, she dedicated her life to expanding opportunities for others while inspiring future leaders through her example.

Article/Commentary by
Richard Sandoval

Mayor Judith Valles
1933–2026
Educator • Mayor • Mentor • Trailblazer

er influence extended well beyond City Hall. She believed in education, invested in people, and demonstrated that leadership is rooted in character, service, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.

Those who knew her admired her accomplishments.

Those who met her remembered her presence.

A Leader Who Left an Impression

My first introduction to Judith Valles came long before Hispanic Lifestyle existed.

A newly made friend, Raven Workman Lopez, encouraged me to attend a political fundraiser for Esther Estrada, who was running for office in the City of San Bernardino.

She offered one simple piece of advice:

“Look for Mary Figueroa. She’s good people and she’ll take care of you.”

She was right.

That evening became one of the pivotal moments in my career.

Around that table I met people like Mary Figueroa, who would later become President of the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees, and Andres Soto, then President of the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. More importantly, I found myself surrounded by people who believed community leadership wasn’t simply a title—it was a responsibility.

Among them was Judith Valles.

At the time, she was already an accomplished educator and academic leader.

What I remember most wasn’t her title.

It was her presence.

She possessed a quiet confidence.

She spoke with clarity and purpose.

She carried herself with grace, dignity, and professionalism.

She didn’t need to command the room.

The room naturally listened.

Breaking Barriers

Born in 1933 in San Bernardino, California, to Mexican immigrant parents, Judith Valles believed deeply in the transformative power of education.

Her career began in the classroom before advancing into educational leadership, eventually becoming President of Golden West College, where she made history as the first Latina to lead a California community college.

In 1998, she again broke new ground when she was elected the first Hispanic Mayor of the City of San Bernardino.

Throughout two terms in office, she championed education, neighborhood revitalization, youth development, economic opportunity, and civic engagement.

Whether serving students or residents, she believed strong communities are built by investing in people.

Supporting a Vision

Years later, as Inland Empire Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine was beginning to take shape, I invited Judith to join an informal advisory board made up of community leaders whose judgment and experience I respected.

She graciously accepted.

When she was elected mayor, she stepped away from the advisory board to focus on serving the City of San Bernardino, but she remained supportive of our mission.

Looking back, I realize she was one of the earliest people who affirmed the vision behind Hispanic Lifestyle.

She helped me believe that the stories of community leaders deserved to be documented not because of who they were, but because of the difference they made.

She later became one of the earliest recipients of our Inland Empire Latina of Influence recognition and returned as a featured speaker during our inaugural Inland Empire Latina Conference.

 Judith Is My Homegirl

One story has stayed with me for decades.

During one of our advisory meetings, Judith mentioned that Stater Bros. Markets Chairman Jack H. Brown had Latino roots.

Some time later I had the opportunity to briefly meet Mr. Brown and shared what Judith had told me.

He smiled and simply replied:

“Judith is my homegirl.”
— Jack H. Brown, Chairman, Stater Bros. Markets

Those four words said everything.

They reflected the genuine respect and affection Judith Valles earned throughout her lifetime.

HL Archive

Mayor Judith Valles addresses attendees during HL’s inaugural Inland Empire Latina Conference in 1999. Long before HL became a statewide and national platform, she encouraged our mission to recognize, celebrate, and document leadership throughout our communities.

Her Legacy Lives On

Mayor Judith Valles passed away in 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of education, public service, and community leadership.

But perhaps her greatest legacy cannot be measured by elections won or titles held.

It lives in the students she encouraged.

The neighborhoods she served.

The leaders she mentored.

And in those of us who looked at her example and believed our communities deserved to have their stories preserved.

For me, Mayor Judith Valles was one of those people.

She helped shape the editorial philosophy that has guided Hispanic Lifestyle for more than three decades.

Mayor Judith Valles…

You were a role model to me.

Thank you for believing in our community.

Thank you for believing in our work.

And thank you for inspiring one young publisher to believe these stories were worth telling.

“Leadership is not defined only by the offices people hold, but by the lives they inspire.

That is how I will always remember Mayor Judith Valles.”

— Richard Sandoval, Founder & Publisher, HL

Milestone Timeline

1933
Born in San Bernardino, California.

Education
Began her career as an educator before serving in numerous academic leadership roles.

1988
Appointed President of Golden West College, becoming the first Latina to lead a California community college.

1998
Elected the first Hispanic Mayor of the City of San Bernardino.

1999
Featured speaker at HL’s inaugural Inland Empire Latina Conference and an early supporter of the vision behind Inland Empire Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine.

2000
Recognized as one of Inland Empire Hispanic Lifestyle’s earliest Latina of Influence honorees.

2002
Re-elected Mayor of the City of San Bernardino.

2003
Awarded Mexico’s prestigious Ohtli Medal for her contributions to education and public service.

2012
Published As My Mother Would Say: Como Decía Mi Mamá.

2026
Passed away, leaving an enduring legacy of leadership, education, and public service.

EDITORIAL NOTES 

Today, as HL begins a new chapter, this article also marks the beginning of HL | Milestone Legacy our commitment to preserving the stories of leaders whose lives have shaped our communities and inspired future generations.

Our responsibility is not to define our community.

It is to document its history, celebrate its achievements, and ensure that the lives of people like Mayor Judith Valles are remembered long after today’s headlines have faded.

Because today’s milestones become tomorrow’s history.

 Richard Sandoval, Founder & Publisher, HL

HL | Milestone – New York

HL | Milestone – New York

A curated reception, leadership forum, and awards experience designed to recognize those shaping business, community, and culture.

A Curated Reception

Each Milestone Series event begins with a private, curated reception that brings together a select group of professionals, decision-makers, and community leaders.

This is a space designed for intentional connection where conversations are meaningful, relationships are strengthened, and the people in the room reflect a shared commitment to leadership and progress.

Event Overview

Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point
500 Hutchinson Riv Pkwy, Bronx, NY 10465

5:00 PM – Guest Arrival & Networking Reception
Guests arrive and enjoy an evening of conversation, hors d’oeuvres, and relationship building in a curated room of influence.

5:30 PM – Welcome Remarks
Opening comments from Richard Sandoval and a welcome from our Funding Partner, Wells Fargo.

5:45 PM – Leadership Forum
Capital, Real Estate & Your Wealth Strategy in a Changing Economy
A timely conversation featuring leaders from business, finance, and real estate.

6:30 PM – HL | Milestone Recognition Ceremony
Honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership, influence, and legacy continue to shape our communities.

2026 HL | Milestone Series – New York Honorees

  • Ana Ceppi
    Co-Founder, Multicultural Growth Partners
  • Saraciea J. Fennell
    Founder, The Bronx Is Reading / Bronx Book Festival
  • Esperanza Teasdale
    Executive & Fractional Chief Marketing Officer
  • Elizabeth C. Yeampierre
    Executive Director, UPROSE
  • Felix Cabreja
    CEO, A&H Security
  • Fernando Brinn
    CEO, The Brinn Group
  • Diana Caba
    Vice President for Community & Economic Development, Hispanic Federation
  • Michelle Herrera Mulligan
    Vice President & Associate Publisher, Primero Sueño Press, an imprint of Atria Books and Simon & Schuster
  • Maria Rios
    CEO, Classico Building Maintenance Inc.
  • NAWBO NYC
    Recognized for its leadership in supporting women business owners throughout New York City.
  • Rhina Valentin
    TV Host, Actress, Producer

7:15 PM – Closing Remarks & Group Photo
A celebration of our honorees followed by final networking opportunities.

7:30 PM – Event Concludes

VENUE 

Location:

Bally’s Golf Links at

Ferry Point  500 Hutchinson Riv Pkwy

Bronx, NY 10465

Leadership Forum

Capital, Real Estate and Your Wealth Strategy in a Changing Economy

The evening will feature a timely leadership forum focused on how business owners, professionals, and community leaders are navigating today’s changing economy.

The discussion will explore:

  • Capital and access to lending
  • Real estate and wealth-building strategies
  • Business growth in uncertain markets
  • How economic shifts are influencing investment decisions
  • The role of trusted relationships in long-term financial planning

This conversation is designed for leaders who are making decisions, building relationships, and thinking about what comes next.

Nelson Ramos - Moderator

Senior Business Growth Strategy Consultant, Customer Growth Segments, Wells Fargo

Nelson Ramos is a Senior Business Growth Strategy Consultant with Wells Fargo & Company  where he develops growth strategies and strategic partnerships designed to expand sustainable homeownership and strengthen community impact.

Based in the Northeast, Nelson supports initiatives across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, working closely with organizations, community leaders, and financial professionals to create pathways to homeownership and long-term financial stability.

He brings more than 30 years of experience in financial services, including 26 years in the mortgage industry. Throughout his career, Nelson has held leadership roles with JPMorgan Chase, SunTrust Bank, Radian Guaranty and Charles Schwab Bank.

A respected voice in housing and community development, Nelson previously served as Chair of the Board of Governors for NAHREP, where he helped advance policies and initiatives that promote Hispanic homeownership nationwide.

Lucy Wu - Panelist

Lucy Wu is a Corcoran Group real estate agent, entrepreneur, and lifelong New Yorker who brings an unusually layered lens to real estate in The City. Born in Shanghai, China and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Lucy spent more than twenty years inside iconic luxury fashion lifestyle houses including Vera Wang and Ralph Lauren before turning that operator’s mindset fully toward real estate.

Today, Lucy averages $20M in annual sales volume as a solo agent across New York City, representing buyers, sellers, and landlords in condos, co-ops, and townhomes. She is ranked among the top 1.5% of real estate professionals nationwide by RealTrends Verified and is named annually to Corcoran’s Million-Dollar Club. Beyond being an agent, Lucy is a personal real estate investor across New York, Connecticut, and Florida, and a coach to her clients globally, as they navigate one of the most complex housing markets in the country.

Lucy is an active chapter leader with NAHREP Manhattan the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals’ local chapter — where she helps drive community outreach, educational programming, and business networking for Manhattan’s real estate community. She also serves as an Agent Ambassador to REBNY’s Deal of the Year and Member in Need Fund Committee, where she helps fundraise and grow member engagement for the annual event. Lucy has spoken publicly on housing access and prepared a congressional briefing for the offices of New York State Congressman Dan Goldman and Senator Chuck Schumer on the NAHREP State of Hispanic Homeownership Report.

She leads with strategy, emotional intelligence, and heart the same qualities that have made her a trusted advisor across New York’s real estate, investment, and business community.

Eric Gotsch - Panelist

Eric Gotsch is the New York Market Manager for Wells Fargo Home Lending. In this role, he oversees, manages, and develops the company’s Home Mortgage retail sales team in New York City and Long Island, which includes 3 regional offices and more than 120 employees. He is responsible for the successful execution of home mortgage and asset management services to a wide range of customers across the five boroughs, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties.

 

Gotsch, who joined Wells Fargo in 2010, has more than 39 years of experience in the residential real estate industry. Prior to Wells Fargo, he spent 20 years at JP Morgan Chase and served as Head of Retail Mortgage Production for their Northeast Division

 

He is graduate of the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in finance and earned his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Esperanza Teasdale - Panelist

Esperanza Teasdale is an award-winning executive, certified executive coach, and Founder, Mariposa Zenith a leadership advisory firm focused on helping executives lead with greater intentionality, mindfulness, and cultural fluency.

Over a distinguished corporate career spanning more than 30 years, Esperanza held senior leadership roles at PepsiCo and Unilever, where she led growth strategies for globally recognized brands including Pepsi and Propel and managed relationships with major retailers such as 7-Eleven and Dollar General.

She is widely recognized for her expertise in integrating business strategy, creativity, and analytics to deliver measurable growth while helping organizations connect more effectively with multicultural consumers.

In 2025, Esperanza launched Mariposa Zenith and introduced two signature frameworks: The Cultural Fluency Advantage and The Mindful Leadership Advantage, which combine executive coaching, inclusivity, and mindfulness to help leaders and organizations thrive.

Her many honors include induction into the American Marketing Association New York Hall of Fame, recognition as Hispanic Marketer of the Year, Campaign US’s “Female Frontier” award, and inclusion in People en Español’s “25 Most Powerful Women” list.

Among her notable achievements, she led the launch of PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos initiative, which helped drive significant growth while supporting Hispanic-owned small businesses across the United States.

Lisa Sorin - Panelist

President, Bronx Chamber of Commerce

Lisa Sorin is President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and the first woman to lead the organization in its history. She also made history as the Chamber’s first female Board Chair, helping pave the way for a new generation of women leaders in business and community development.

Under Lisa’s leadership, the Bronx Chamber has expanded its role as a powerful advocate for businesses throughout the borough, supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening strategic partnerships, and promoting policies that advance economic opportunity.

Lisa is widely recognized as one of the Bronx’s most influential civic and business leaders. She serves on the boards of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Chamber Alliance of New York State, New York State Choice Savings Program, and Bronx Council on the Arts. She also serves on the New York City Districting Commission and the Small Business Advisory Commission, where she co-chairs the Licensing, Fees, and Fines Subcommittee.

Before joining the Bronx Chamber, Lisa served as Executive Director of the Westchester Square Business Improvement District, where she led economic development initiatives, enhanced marketing efforts, and launched community programs that increased engagement and revitalized the district.

She is also the founder of LAS Consulting Services, Inc., a firm that provided marketing, public relations, and event planning services to nonprofit and corporate clients for more than 15 years.

Lisa holds a master’s degree in Business Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Concordia College. She established the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program, which annually awards scholarships to young women in the Bronx during Women’s History Month.

Her leadership has earned her numerous honors, including recognition as one of the “25 Most Influential Women of the Bronx” by the Bronx Times Reporter and accolades from organizations such as the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, and New York City Parks and Recreation.

A lifelong advocate for the Bronx, Lisa is driven by a commitment to strengthening her community and inspiring future generations through leadership, service, and opportunity.

Sandra Bonilla Panelist

Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors

Sandra Bonilla is a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors and a member of The Voyage Group. She works with individuals, families, and small business owners to help them build, preserve, and transfer wealth through thoughtful, personalized financial planning.

Sandra began her career in financial services while attending university in 2011. After earning her degree in Finance and International Business from Fairfield University, she joined Morgan Stanley before moving to Wells Fargo Advisors, where she developed her passion for wealth management.

She takes a comprehensive approach to financial planning, helping clients navigate retirement planning, education funding, wealth preservation, charitable giving, and tax-efficient investment strategies. Sandra carefully reviews each client’s full financial picture, including cash reserves, liability management, investments, insurance, estate planning strategies, and employee stock options.

Known for her high level of personal service, Sandra also helps develop customized investment plans and leads social media initiatives that create new ways to connect with clients and the broader community.

Beyond her professional work, Sandra is deeply committed to giving back. She serves as a financial coach with The Women’s Development Council and is a board member of Lifting Up Westchester.

When she is not advising clients, Sandra enjoys travel, fitness, and outdoor activities including running, skiing, and hiking.

FUNDING PARTNER

Wells Fargo Logo

HL | Culture & Influence is proud to announce Wells Fargo as a Funding Partner of the HL | Milestone Series “an invitation-only” leadership experience recognizing individuals and organizations shaping business, community, and culture.

As part of this collaboration, Wells Fargo will support the Milestone Series across three key markets in 2026: Orange County, New York, and Silicon Valley.

“We are proud to collaborate with Wells Fargo as a Funding Partner of the Milestone Series,” said Richard Sandoval, Storyteller | Producer | Connector, HL | Culture & Influence. “Their support allows us to elevate conversations, recognize leadership, and create spaces where relationships and ideas can move forward with purpose.”

ORANGE COUNTY HL | MILESTONE KICK OFF EVENT

ANNOUNCING THE MILESTONE SERIES

THE EXPERIENCE

A curated, invitation-only reception

A leadership forum featuring market-relevant insights

Recognition of selected honorees

An elevated setting designed for meaningful engagement

Upcoming Events

OUR MILESTONE HONOREES

Milestone | Judith Valles

HL | Milestone SeriesFor generations, Mayor Judith Valles represented the very best in public service. As an educator, trailblazer, and the first Hispanic elected Mayor of the City of San Bernardino, she dedicated her life to expanding opportunities for others while...

A Question Worth Asking

HL | Milestone SeriesHow a conversation between a high school student and artist Carlos Pérez became one of the most memorable moments of the HL | Milestone Series in Silicon Valley.Photos and article by Richard SandovalArtist and designer Carlos Pérez with Nicholas...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Jazmin Diaz

Growth • Purpose • Impact When Jazmin Diaz founded Flourish Learning & Development, she transformed a lifetime of personal resilience, professional achievement, and leadership experience into a mission dedicated to helping others grow with intention, confidence,...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Paleta Planeta

Family • Vision • Impact Some businesses begin with a business plan. Others begin with family. For brothers Luis Salazar, Mauricio Salazar, and Gabriel Salazar, the journey that would become Paleta Planeta started during one of the most uncertain periods in recent...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Hilda Ramirez

Leadership • Opportunity • Impact For Hilda Ramirez, leadership has never been defined solely by transactions or titles. It has been measured by the opportunities she creates for others, the professionals she mentors, and the families she helps move closer to...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Rocio Medina van Nierop

Purpose • Influence • Courage When Rocio Medina van Nierop co-founded Latinas in Tech in 2014, she set out to create opportunities for Latina professionals in an industry where representation at leadership levels remained limited. What began as a vision to support and...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors OSI Engineering

Leadership, Innovation & Community Impact Some companies are built to generate revenue. Others are built to create opportunity. OSI Engineering has accomplished both. In Silicon Valley, success is often measured by innovation, growth, and market influence. Yet the...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Gloria Mirazo Gregor

Leadership, Influence & Legacy Throughout her career, Gloria Mirazo Gregor has helped families achieve one of life's most important milestones homeownership. As a respected mortgage banking executive and community leader, her influence extends beyond lending,...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Dr. Marilyn Flores 

Breaking Barriers. Expanding Opportunity. Transforming Lives. When Dr. Marilyn Flores was appointed President of San José City College, she became the first Latina president in the institution's more than 100-year history a milestone that reflects decades of...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Julian Cañete

Culture • Influence • Legacy Some leaders advocate for business. Others dedicate their careers to creating opportunities that allow businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities to thrive. Julian Cañete has spent more than two decades doing exactly that. As President and...

Selena: From Texas To The World

Selena: From Texas To The World

Selena: From Texas To The World

The GRAMMY Museum® presents a special pop-up exhibition celebrating the enduring legacy of Selena, an icon whose impact on music, fashion and culture continues to inspire generations around the world.

 

Opening Jan. 15, 2026, and running through March 16, 2026, this limited-time exhibit marks the first official display of Selena’s personal artifacts outside of the Selena Museum in her hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas. 

Curated in collaboration with Suzette Quintanilla, Selena’s sister and President of Q Productions, the exhibit offers an intimate glimpse into Selena’s life, artistry and groundbreaking career.

The Quintanilla Family & Chris Pérez are deeply honored to share Selena’s story and legacy with fans in such a meaningful way. It’s incredibly special to share these treasured items, for the very first time outside of our Selena Museum, at the iconic GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles. Selena and our band were extremely proud to receive a GRAMMY® for our live concert. This exhibit is a beautiful tribute to her spirit, her culture and the unwavering love she had for fans.”

Suzette Quintanilla

Selena’s sister and, President, Q Productions

Kelsey Goelz, GRAMMY Museum Curator, added,

“Selena’s impact transcends genres and generations. She paved the way for so many artists who followed in her footsteps. We’re thrilled to celebrate her at the GRAMMY Museum, where lifelong fans can feel closer to her and a new generation can discover her.”

Beyond her chart-topping success, Selena was a fashion pioneer whose signature style, from shimmering bustiers and iconic stage outfits to bold red lipstick, continues to influence pop culture and street fashion today. Her charisma, determination and pride in her Mexican-American heritage made her a symbol of empowerment for young women and Latin communities across the world.

Exhibit highlights:

  1. The outfit Selena wore on the cover of Amor Prohibido, complete with her signature gold hoop earrings
  2. The white beaded Lillie Rubin gown Selena wore to the 1994 GRAMMY Awards®
  3. Selena’s GRAMMY Award and Lifetime Achievement Award
  4. Instruments played by Selena’s siblings Suzette Quintanilla (snare drum) and A.B. Quintanilla III (bass), as well as former husband Chris Pérez (guitars)
  5. Selena’s microphone, still marked with her red lipstick
  6. Hand-drawn fashion designs from her teenage years
  7. Selena’s personal cell phone

ABOUT SELENA

It is not an everyday occurrence that an individual is born who is destined to touch the lives of millions. But on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, such an individual was born. Her name was SELENA. Alongside her brother, Abraham III (bass), sister, Suzette (drums), and their manager father, Abraham, they created an unforgettable musical experience that continues to inspire and thrill fans globally to this day. With the combination of her charismatic stage presence and memorable songs, she ultimately became the #1 selling female artist in Latin music history and is acclaimed for hits such as “Como La Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “I Could Fall In Love,” and “Dreaming Of You.” All this culminated in her becoming the first female Tejano artist to win a GRAMMY® Award, earning Best Mexican/American Album for Selena Live! She has become a legendary bicultural icon and one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century and continues to be lauded to this day.

ABOUT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM

The GRAMMY Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and exploring music from yesterday and today to inspire the music of tomorrow through exhibits, education, grants, preservation initiatives, and public programming. Paying tribute to our collective musical heritage, the Museum values and celebrates the dynamic connection in people’s diverse backgrounds and music’s many genres, telling stories that inspire us, and creative expression that leads change in our industry. For more information, visit www.grammymuseum.org

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Hispanic Lifestyle Relaunches as HL: A Reimagined Platform Celebrating Culture & Influence

Hispanic Lifestyle Relaunches as HL: A Reimagined Platform Celebrating Culture & Influence

Hispanic Lifestyle Relaunches as HL: A Reimagined Platform Celebrating Culture & Influence

The climate of our country and the media industry has changed drastically over the last 11 months. To stay relevant, to remain useful, and to continue honoring our community, it became necessary to rebrand, reimagine, and completely rework how we show up and serve.
Through my travels, conversations with colleagues, advertisers, creators, and community leaders and by watching the trends shaping our world I came to one undeniable conclusion: the Latino community continues to be underserved, undervalued, and underrepresented across far too many sectors.

Hispanic Lifestyle now known as “HL | Culture & Influence”

Our community has earned the right to be respected, acknowledged, and celebrated. And while we do not speak with a single voice, we represent a powerful spectrum of perspectives, cultures, and lived experiences. We must do a better job of telling our stories, highlighting our achievements, and being consistent, diligent, and unapologetic about showcasing our excellence.

After 30 years of producing content and events, I remain driven to do better—to go deeper, expand our reach, and collaborate with partners who share our commitment to elevating the voices that deserve to be heard.

At HL, our purpose is simple:
to capture the culture and influence of the community and ensure our stories are seen, valued, and remembered.

With our relaunch, Hispanic Lifestyle now known as HL | Culture & Influence enters a bold new chapter in our evolution as a media company. In our corner of the internet, our editorial focus remains clear: to raise, amplify, and honor the voices and stories shaping our community’s future.

In the months ahead, you will see expanded editorial categories, new online series, renewed storytelling, and fresh opportunities for engagement and collaboration. I invite you to explore the new HispanicLifestyle.com and join us as we build the next chapter of community-centered media.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Buckle up friends, there is so much more we are ready to share with you.

Richard Sandoval,
President & Executive Producer, HL

Please support our efforts by joining HL Partner Network

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Introducing | Culture & Influence Update

Introducing | Culture & Influence Update

Introducing | Culture & Influence Update

Your bi-weekly guide to the stories, people, and experiences shaping our community.
HispanicLifestyle.com | InlandValleyLiving.com

Hispanic Lifestyle, a leading voice in storytelling and community-focused media for more than 30 years, is proud to announce the launch of its newly reimagined bi-weekly newsletter: Culture & Influence Update.

The Culture & Influence Update is designed to bring readers the latest stories, videos, interviews, features, and community highlights from HispanicLifestyle.com and InlandValleyLiving.com, delivering a unified editorial experience that reflects the people, culture, and innovations shaping Latino life across the country and especially throughout Southern California.

“Our community deserves trusted content that reflects both our cultural influence and our everyday experiences. The Culture & Influence Update gives our readers a curated, inspiring, and informative look at the stories we’re producing across business, lifestyle, health, finance, travel, and more.”

Richard Sandoval

President , Hispanic Lifestyle

A Fresh Editorial Approach Rooted in Culture & Influence

The launch of the Culture & Influence Update represents a major step in Hispanic Lifestyle’s platform evolution, aligning with its strengthened editorial mission:

To capture, showcase, and celebrate the culture and influence of the Latino community.

Every issue will feature a curated collection of:

  • Top stories and features from HispanicLifestyle.com

  • Business, community, and regional highlights from InlandValleyLiving.com

  • Insights from newly launched categories including
    Money, Finances & Wealth,
    Health & Wellness,
    Fashion & Beauty,
    Auto & Mobility, and
    The Way We Travel

  • Video interviews and podcast segments from Creative Conversations and the upcoming Culture & Influence Video Podcast

  • Event announcements including
    the Culture & Influence Awards,  and
    Women | Business | Wellness Summit

  • HL Partner Network highlights featuring businesses, nonprofits, and organizations making an impact

With its new name and expanded editorial approach, the newsletter becomes the central hub that connects the full Hispanic Lifestyle ecosystem digital, video, events, and regional storytelling.


Serving a Growing and Influential Audience

Hispanic Lifestyle reaches a broad and engaged readership:

  • Over 3 million website visitors annually

  • 11 million+ page views

  • An audience that is 70% Latina decision-makers between ages 30–55

  • Strong video engagement through HLTV, YouTube, and social platforms

  • A growing Inland Empire audience through InlandValleyLiving.com

The Culture & Influence Update will serve as the bi-weekly touchpoint for these audiences, offering both inspiration and practical insight.


Opportunities for Partners

Organizations, corporations, and community partners will have the opportunity to connect with Hispanic Lifestyle’s readership through:

  • Newsletter sponsorship

  • Featured partner stories

  • Video integrations

  • Content collaborations

  • Participation in the HL Partner Network

For partnership inquiries, please contact: Richard Sandoval, @ RDS@Hispaniclifestyle.com

Partnership Opportunities Available

The Culture & Influence Update is our bi-weekly email newsletter connecting readers to stories, video features, and events from HispanicLifestyle.com and InlandValleyLiving.com.

Our audience includes:

  • Latino professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs

  • Community leaders, nonprofits, and public agencies

  • Women 30–55 who are primary decision-makers in the home

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship Options:

Level Rate (Example) Includes
Presenting Newsletter Sponsor $2,500 / month “Presented by” branding on header, sponsored message block, logo + link, mention in social posts promoting the newsletter
Edition Sponsor $750 / issue Sponsor block (mid-newsletter), logo + link, 1 short call-to-action paragraph
Partner Mention Included in HL Partner Network tiers Logo in footer + link to Partner page

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