Culture & Influence | WHAT’S NEXT

Culture & Influence | WHAT’S NEXT

Jul 23, 2026 | Culture and Influence

ISSUE 01 | July 2026

WHAT’S NEXT

MILESTONE SERIES
Recognizing Leadership

JUDITH VALLES
The Passsing of a Leader

MONEY & WEALTH
Silicon Valley

A Question
Worth Asking

ANDY GARCIA
Lifetime Achievement

WEALTH REPORT
Insights from Luis Alvarado

here are moments in every journey when you realize your perspective has changed.

For me, that moment came while standing along the waterfront in Lower Manhattan, camera in hand, just days after our HL | Milestone Series event in the Bronx. Looking across the New York skyline, I wasn’t simply photographing another city. I was reflecting on more than three decades of conversations, relationships, and experiences that began in California and have gradually expanded across the country.

That photograph became the inspiration for the cover of this inaugural edition of Culture & Influence, a publication of HL Media Network.

Since publishing our first newsletter in 1995 and launching Inland Empire Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine in 1997, our mission has remained remarkably consistent: to discover, document, and share the stories of people and organizations making a meaningful difference in their communities. While our platform has evolved into HispanicLifestyle.com and HL Media Network, our purpose has never changed.

What has changed is the scope of the conversation.

Today, influence is no longer defined by geography alone. Ideas move across industries, technology is transforming how we live and work, and leadership continues to emerge from places and people that may have once gone unnoticed. Understanding where those ideas originate, how they grow, and why they matter has never been more important.

That is the purpose of Culture & Influence.

This publication is dedicated to exploring the people, organizations, ideas, and experiences shaping our communities, our economy, and our culture. Through thoughtful journalism, compelling photography, meaningful conversations, and in-person experiences, we hope to provide context, celebrate achievement, and encourage dialogue that informs and inspires.

About the Cover Photograph

Lower Manhattan, New York City
Photographed by Richard Sandoval | May 2026

Captured just days after the HL | Milestone Series event in the Bronx, this photograph represents more than the New York skyline. It reflects a moment of perspective and possibility. While our story began in California, the conversations we are documenting and the relationships that inspire them—continue to expand across the United States.

Our cover asks a simple question:  What’s Next?

It is a question we intend to keep asking.

Not because we believe we have all the answers, but because curiosity, thoughtful conversation, and a willingness to understand different perspectives have always been at the heart of meaningful progress.

Thank you for joining us as we introduce Culture & Influence. Whether you’ve been with us since our earliest publications or are discovering our work for the first time, we’re grateful you’re here.

The conversation continues.

Richard Sandoval
President & Founder HL Media Network Inc.

In This Edition

Welcome to the inaugural edition of HL | Culture & Influence, a publication by HL Media Network.

For more than three decades, our mission has remained remarkably consistent: to discover, document, and share the stories of the people, organizations, and ideas shaping our communities. What has changed is the way we tell those stories and the conversations we believe are most important to explore.

A collection of recent stories exploring leadership, business, wealth, travel, and the people shaping our communities.

Coming Conversations

We’re already working on the next edition, featuring new conversations, fresh perspectives, and stories from across the country. We hope you’ll return and continue the journey with us.

Thank you for joining us as we begin this next chapter. We look forward to continuing the conversation and sharing new stories with you in the editions ahead.

Richard Sandoval
President & Founder, HL Media Network Inc.

More Stories

Imagen Foundation to Honor Andy Garcia

Imagen Foundation to Honor Andy Garcia

Jul 9, 2026 | Culture and Influence, Entertainment

HL | Culture and Influence

Imagen Foundation to Honor Andy Garcia

The acclaimed actor, filmmaker, producer, and musician will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 41st Annual Imagen Awards, recognizing more than four decades of artistic excellence and a lasting commitment to authentic Latino storytelling.

Photos and article by
Richard Sandoval

Why This Matters

For more than four decades, the Imagen Foundation has celebrated authentic Latino representation in film, television, and, more recently, streaming media. At a time when conversations about representation continue to evolve, the Imagen Awards remain one of the few national entertainment awards dedicated to recognizing Latino excellence both in front of and behind the camera.

This year, the Foundation will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to acclaimed actor, filmmaker, producer, and musician Andy Garcia during the 41st Annual Imagen Awards, to be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the The Beverly Hilton.

For audiences who have followed Garcia’s career over the past four decades, the recognition honors not only an accomplished body of work, but also an artist whose integrity and commitment to authentic storytelling have inspired generations of filmmakers and performers.

A Career Defined by Excellence

From his Academy Award-nominated performance in The Godfather Part III to memorable roles across film and television, Garcia has built a career grounded in artistic excellence and cultural authenticity.

Most recently, Garcia premiered his latest feature film, Diamond, which he wrote, directed, and stars in, at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. He also stars in the Paramount+ series Landman and continues developing projects through his production company, CineSon Productions.

Throughout his career, Garcia has earned Academy Award®, Golden Globe®, and Emmy® nominations while also receiving Grammy® and Latin Grammy® honors for his musical work. Just as significant has been his dedication to creating opportunities for authentic Latino stories and voices within the entertainment industry.

From the HL Archive

One of the advantages of covering our community for more than three decades is the opportunity to build lasting relationships with the people whose work shapes culture and inspires audiences.

Over the years, HL has had the privilege of interviewing Andy Garcia on multiple occasions, documenting not only his accomplishments as an actor and filmmaker, but also his reflections on storytelling, creativity, and the importance of authentic representation.

Those conversations continue to resonate today and provide additional perspective on the career being recognized by the Imagen Foundation.

WATCH HL’S CONVERSATION WITH ANDY GARCIA

Andy Garcia and Tony Plana share their thoughts on the arts being tought in schools

Antonio Banderas and Andy Garcia at the 2006 Imagen Awards

Recognition From the Imagen Foundation

Announcing the honor, Helen Hernandez, Founder and President of the Imagen Foundation, reflected on Garcia’s decades of artistic achievement and his commitment to advancing Latino representation in entertainment.

She noted that from hosting the fourth annual Imagen Awards in 1989 to his continued work today, Garcia has built an extraordinary career while inspiring generations of storytellers through both his work and his leadership.

Accepting the recognition, Garcia shared his thoughts on receiving the Imagen Foundation Achievement Award:

“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Imagen Foundation, an organization that has championed Latino talent and authentic representation for more than forty years. This award is especially meaningful because it celebrates not just my journey, but the many artists, mentors, and audiences who have been part of it and have inspired me. Our common Hispanic culture has many important and inspirational stories that can reflect the richness of who we are and our contributions to the world.”

Moments like these remind us why HL continues to create experiences that bring accomplished leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators together. While our events recognize achievement, they also create an environment where conversations can happen naturally where questions are welcomed, ideas are exchanged, and inspiration is often found in the most unexpected places.

As both a father and a storyteller, watching that exchange reaffirmed something I have believed for many years: some of life’s greatest lessons begin with a simple question.

Looking Ahead

The 41st Annual Imagen Awards will recognize more than 30 individuals and productions representing excellence in film, television, and streaming. For more than forty years, the Imagen Foundation has remained committed to encouraging authentic portrayals of Latinos while expanding opportunities for creative professionals throughout the entertainment industry.

The Foundation also enters an important chapter in its history. While Helen Hernandez continues to lead the organization and remains actively engaged in its mission, Director Esteban Melendez has assumed a growing leadership role as part of the Foundation’s long-term succession planning. The transition reflects a thoughtful commitment to preserving the Foundation’s legacy while preparing the next generation of leadership.

EDITOR NOTES 

One of the privileges of producing HL for more than three decades is witnessing careers that stand the test of time.

Andy Garcia’s career has never been defined simply by the roles he has played, but by the integrity he has brought to his craft and the example he has set for generations of artists who followed. His work reminds us that great storytelling begins with authenticity and that representation is strongest when stories are told with honesty, depth, and respect.

The Imagen Awards continue to recognize those values, making this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award a fitting tribute to one of entertainment’s most enduring voices.

At HL, we also recognize the organizations whose commitment makes these moments possible. For more than four decades, Helen Hernandez has guided the Imagen Foundation with purpose and vision. As Director Esteban Melendez assumes an expanded leadership role, the Foundation is thoughtfully preparing for its future while remaining grounded in the mission that has defined it since its beginning.

As HL continues documenting the people, organizations, and ideas shaping culture and influence, we look forward to celebrating this milestone and sharing more stories that inspire future generations.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Saraciea J. Fennell

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Saraciea J. Fennell

May 14, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Saraciea J. Fennell

Building Community Through Storytelling, Books, and Literary Advocacy

Saraciea J. Fennell has transformed her love of books and storytelling into a powerful movement that celebrates culture, elevates underrepresented voices, and creates opportunities for writers and readers throughout the Bronx and beyond.

A Brooklyn-born, Bronx-raised Black Honduran American writer, editor, and publicist, Saraciea is the founder of The Bronx is Reading and Honduran Garifuna Writers. Through her work, she has created spaces where Black and Latine stories are not only shared, but championed.

Saraciea J. Fennell 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 creating platforms that expand access to literature, foster cultural pride, and help emerging writers find their path to publication.

Through The Bronx Book Festival, now celebrating its ninth year, Saraciea has helped distribute more than 6,000 free books to members of the Bronx community while connecting aspiring writers with editors, agents, and publishing professionals. Those efforts have already helped several Bronx writers secure book deals with major publishers.

As an award-winning editor, Saraciea has shaped nationally recognized anthologies including The Black Girl Survives in This One and Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed. Her writing and editorial work has appeared in LatinaMediaCo, Refinery29, Mitú, and The Washington Post.

Her work continues to demonstrate that storytelling is more than an art form—it is a tool for representation, empowerment, and lasting community impact.

Milestone Moments

  • Award-winning writer, editor, and publicist
  • Founder of The Bronx is Reading and The Bronx Book Festival
  • Celebrating nine years of the Bronx Book Festival
  • Helped provide more than 6,000 free books to the Bronx community
  • Connected emerging writers with publishing professionals, leading to multiple major publishing deals
  • Editor of The Black Girl Survives in This One and Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed

Saraciea J. Fennell’s leadership reflects the power of storytelling to build community, amplify voices, and create opportunities for future generations.

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 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.