HL | Milestone Series – Honors Michelle Herrera Mulligan

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Michelle Herrera Mulligan

May 6, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Michelle Herrera Mulligan

Shaping the Future of Storytelling and Expanding the Marketplace of Ideas

Michelle Herrera Mulligan is helping redefine how stories are told—and who gets to tell them.

As Associate Publisher and Vice President of Primero Sueño Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster and Atria Books, she is building a platform that brings new voices into the global marketplace of ideas.

Michelle Herrera Mulligan will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — New York, taking place on May 20, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/4bApDkE

Her milestone is defined by transforming how stories are published, distributed, and experienced creating access for voices that have long been underrepresented.

In 2024, she launched Primero Sueño Press, a new imprint dedicated to publishing commercial and literary works by Latine authors in both English and Spanish. That same year, she played a key role in developing a first-of-its-kind partnership with UranoWorld expanding distribution directly into Spain and throughout Latin America.

Her editorial work continues to shape national conversations. Among the titles she has helped bring to market are Trejo, The Marathon Don’t Stop, and Free Cyntoia, along with more recent works exploring identity, trauma, and triumph.

Before her current role, Michelle helped build influential media platforms as a founding editor of Cosmo for Latinas and Latina magazine reaching millions of readers and helping define a generation of cultural storytelling.

An accomplished author and journalist, her work has appeared in The New York Times and Elle, reaching audiences across both print and digital platforms.

Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Latinas in the United States, she continues to mentor writers, guide emerging voices, and push for a broader, more inclusive marketplace of ideas.

Milestone Statement

Her milestone is defined by elevating voices, expanding access, and reshaping the cultural narrative through the power of the written word.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

Home, Tu Casa: The First Bloom

Home, Tu Casa: The First Bloom

Apr 28, 2026 | Home Tu Casa

Home, Tu Casa: The First Bloom

Story and photo by Richard Sandoval

Home, Tu Casa Series

Last year, we began reimagining our front yard.

Like many homeowners, our initial focus was on the inside. When you first purchase a home, there’s a long list of priorities furnishings, repairs, and making the space livable. In our case, the exterior had been handled by the builder, so we directed our time and energy inward.

But homeownership doesn’t stand still.

Over time, your perspective changes. The furniture you once loved no longer feels quite right. Your taste evolves. Maybe your career advances, your lifestyle shifts, or your priorities become clearer. You repaint. You redesign. You begin again.

That’s the journey.

This rose captured in a quiet moment from our garden, represents more than a seasonal bloom. It marks the first sign of life in a space we chose to shape ourselves. It reflects effort, patience, and care. From selecting the plant to nurturing it through changing seasons, there’s intention behind every step.

Homeownership works the same way.

For many, especially first-time buyers, the process can feel overwhelming. You may be the first in your family to take that step. That’s why it’s important to lean on experience friends, colleagues, and trusted organizations that can help guide your decisions.

That’s also why we’ve partnered with Credit.org through our Home, Tu Casa series to provide real conversations, practical guidance, and access to resources that help turn the idea of homeownership into something achievable.

Because the truth is simple: owning a home isn’t just about where you live it’s about investing in yourself, your future, and your family.

And yes, it’s also about moments like this.

Taking a step back. Appreciating what you’ve built. Recognizing the growth both around you and within you.

This rose is a reminder.

Your home, like your life, will continue to evolve. And if you’re willing to put in the work, the results will speak for themselves.

We invite you to share your homeownership journey with us as part of Home, Tu Casa. Your story may be exactly what someone else needs to take their first step.

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HL | Milestone Series — Honors Anita Martinez Lepp

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Anita Martinez Lepp

Apr 18, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Anita Martinez Lepp

A Legacy Defined by Leadership, Influence, and Endurance

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes individuals whose leadership, influence, and legacy reflect a lifetime of contribution, resilience, and impact across our communities.

Anita Martinez Lepp represents a remarkable example of perseverance, discipline, and long-term influence. From humble beginnings in Texas to building a thriving accounting practice in California, her journey reflects not only personal success but the empowerment of generations of entrepreneurs and families.

Anita Martinez Lepp will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Anita’s path into finance began with curiosity and determination. Her early studies at East Los Angeles Collegeintroduced her to accounting, sparking a passion that would shape her career.

She continued her education through coursework at University of California, Los Angeles and California Institute of Technology, expanding her expertise and staying ahead of an evolving financial landscape.

Her pursuit of knowledge did not stop with formal education—she continued learning well into her later years, reinforcing her belief that growth is ongoing.

Building a Business Through Trust and Relationships

Encouraged early in her career to pursue entrepreneurship, Anita launched her own accounting firm in the late 1970s. Serving small business owners across Southern California, she became a trusted advisor to contractors, landscapers, and entrepreneurs navigating complex financial systems.

Her expertise included working with the Internal Revenue Service and supporting clients in accessing opportunities through the Small Business Administration.

Her business grew not through marketing campaigns, but through relationships—built one conversation at a time, often starting in a local coffee shop. Trust, consistency, and credibility became the foundation of her success.

Balancing Business, Family, and Purpose

Anita’s journey reflects more than professional success—it highlights a deep commitment to family and responsibility.

She balanced long workdays with raising her children, preparing meals, and attending classes at night. That discipline and structure defined her approach to both life and business.

Her ability to manage multiple roles without compromise demonstrates a form of leadership that extends beyond titles—one rooted in responsibility and care.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

Today, Anita’s influence reaches across five generations. She remains active in her business, continuing to serve clients while mentoring family members and those around her.

Her story is not simply about building a career—it is about building a legacy grounded in values, resilience, and belief in one’s own potential.

As shared in her nomination:
“Anita exemplifies what a true Latina of Influence looks like… a trailblazer who refused to accept limitations and instead defined her own path.”

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Georgina Maldonado

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Georgina Maldonado

Apr 1, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Georgina Maldonado

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes leaders whose work reflects lasting impact, elevates communities, and helps shape the future of leadership, access, and opportunity.

Georgina Maldonado, Executive Director of the Community Health Initiative of Orange County (CHIOC), has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing access to healthcare for underserved communities across California.

Georgina Maldonado will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

Since assuming leadership of CHIOC in 2015, Georgina has guided the organization through a period of strategic growth and innovation. Under her direction, CHIOC launched a nonprofit insurance agency and expanded its services to include Medicare support creating both continuity of care for vulnerable populations and a sustainable model for long-term impact. Through these efforts, the organization has helped more than 55,000 individuals access healthcare coverage and essential social services.

Her professional journey spans both the public and private sectors, including leadership roles such as Regional Community Programs Manager at Health Net of California and Principal Partner at Genesis Consultants. This cross-sector experience allows her to navigate complex systems, align stakeholders, and deliver solutions that are both practical and transformative.

A recognized leader in statewide policy advocacy, Georgina played a key role in advancing California’s Health4All Medi-Cal expansions. She continues to serve on multiple advisory boards, including the Insure the Uninsured Project, OC Women’s Health Project, and UCI’s Community Advisory Board. Her leadership extends to board service with California Coverage & Health Initiatives and OC Forum.

In 2019, she was recognized as Woman of the Year by Congressman Lou Correa.

A graduate of the HOPE Leadership Institute, Georgina remains deeply committed to developing future leaders, advocating for immigrant families, and ensuring that access to healthcare is not a privilege, but a fundamental right.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Leo Robles

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Leo Robles

Mar 31, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Leo Robles

The HL | Milestone Series honors individuals and organizations whose leadership and influence elevate voices and inspire leaders across our community.

Leo Robles, known as “Mr. AI,” is a Southern California real estate leader shaping the future of the industry through AI-powered marketing and intelligent technology.

Leo Robles will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

As Chief Growth Officer of the Designated Local Expert Network, Leo Robles leads the expansion of a global community of real estate professionals across 12 countries and 44 U.S. states. Under his leadership, the network represents billions in annual real estate transactions, reflecting both scale and sustained performance.

Widely recognized for his forward-thinking approach, Robles is a pioneer in AI and large language model (LLM)–driven marketing. His work focuses on helping professionals build authority, visibility, and long-term relevance in an increasingly digital and machine-driven marketplace.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.