College and Beyond Podcast

S4 - EP6 - Liz Galan De Rosas

Jorge Perez — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Liz Galan shares her inspiring journey as a first-generation college student navigating higher education with DACA, advocating for undocumented students, and finding success beyond earning a degree. Her story highlights resilience, community support, and the importance of self-advocacy.

key topics

Liz Galan's college journey as a first-generation student
The impact of DACA on educational opportunities
Challenges faced by undocumented students in college
The role of community support and mentorship
Advocacy and policy changes for undocumented students
Financial support and scholarships for undocumented students
The importance of self-advocacy and resilience
Lessons learned from Liz Galan's personal experiences

DACA, higher education, undocumented students, college support, resilience, community, advocacy, NEIU, immigration, student success

S4 - EP5 - Griselda, Mateo & KYTA

Jorge Perez — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

On this new podcast episode, we have the honor of featuring a powerful mother-and-son duo for the first time: Griselda Torres and her son, Mateo Rodríguez. They join us to discuss children’s literature and their impactful new release, Las Adelitas: Heroines of the Revolution.

Inspired by Mateo’s deep love for Mexican history and culture, the book introduces young readers to the extraordinary women who played a vital role in the Mexican Revolution. Through an engaging and heartfelt narrative, Las Adelitas honors their courage, resilience, and lasting legacy, inviting children and families to discover an essential chapter of Mexico’s history.

Join us on this adventure to hear their stories and learn more about their book—an inspiring release for our community filled with adventure, creativity, and dreams.

Special thanks to @teamnyta for putting this amazing interview together.

S4 - EP4 w/ Dra Lopez

Jorge Perez — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

🎙️ NEW EPISODE — COLLEGE & BEYOND PODCAST | SEASON 4

What happens when we center student voices, advance research, and create opportunities that transform futures? ✨

In this episode, Jorge Perez sits down with Dr. Mara Nohemi Lopez, Inaugural HSI Research Director, for a powerful conversation about equity, student advocacy, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and creating meaningful change in higher education.

🎧 New episode drops September 4, 2026!
🇺🇸 En Español & English

📚 Advancing research in higher education
🤝 Empowering Hispanic-Serving Institutions
💡 Creating opportunities & transforming futures
✊🏽 Student advocacy & student success

Our history. Our voice. Our future. ❤️

👉 Follow, share, and tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!

#CollegeAndBeyond #Podcast #HigherEducation #HSI #HispanicServingInstitutions #StudentVoices #StudentAdvocacy #HigherEd #EducationEquity #LatinoHigherEd #LatinxEducation #EducationalLeadership #Research #StudentSuccess #CollegePodcast #RealTalkRealStrategiesRealImpact

S4 - EP3 with Emily Garcia

Jorge Perez — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Emily Garcia is a pre-school teacher and currently pursuing a bachelors degree at Northern Illinois University in Early Childhood Education. Emily is aspiring to become an impactful teacher and is excited to make a positive impact to her students no matter what age. In this episode, Emily discusses how her father who was a teacher in Mexico inspired her to pursue that career. Emily is a hardworking, dedicated, and determined to continue achieving her goals while supporting and guiding young learners within their educational journey.

Instagram: @emilygarcia

Instagram: @College.beyond.pod

A Latina Trailblazer in Social Work

Jorge Perez — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:41:59 GMT

Join me and my special guest mi amiga Harleny Vasquez, LMSW,SIFI✨ on my podcast. We got the opportunity to chat about her story as a first-generation Latina, Social worker, and Career coach.
Here are some highlights:
- A true coffee lover
- Talked about being an entrepreneur
- Her experience as a Latina social worker
Stay tuned for some thought-provoking insights and engaging conversation!"

S4 - EP2 - Samantha Alvarez

Jorge Perez — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

¿Alguna vez has sentido que tu historia podría inspirar a alguien más?
Drop a 💪 si alguna vez has pensado en tu propio camino y cuánto te ha formado.En 2020, la pandemia me empujó a explorar un mundo completamente nuevo: ¡el marketing y mi emprendimiento! 🚀
Mi experiencia en el sector sin fines de lucro y mi herencia latina no solo me dieron fuerza, sino también un propósito para inspirar y crear.
Inspirate nació en medio de desafíos, relaciones tóxicas y viajes transformadores—cada experiencia me hizo más fuerte y clara en mi propósito. ✨¿Te has sentido alguna vez atrapado en ideas y dudas?
Mi consejo: escucha esa voz interna, sé fiel a quién eres y no temas en seguir tus sueños, por más grandes que parezcan. ❤️
Recuerda, ¡no hay límites para lo que puedes lograr cuando te conectas con tu verdad!¿Y tú, qué sueño aún no has perseguido pero sabes que debes?
Comparte en los comentarios, quiero saber cómo estás pensando en tu próximo paso.

#LatinaLidera #EmprendedoraConPasión #ViveSinLímites #InspiraYCrece

Important Routines to Create for the Year & More

Jorge Perez — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:00:00 GMT

Hey everyone this is your host Jorge Perez on College & beyond podcast. Today’s episode is about what routines you should consider creating for this year. These include your workout routine, AM/PM routine, your self-care routine and MORE. Stay tuned for more updates!

Don't forget to connect with me on Instagram: College.Beyond.Pod

¡Hasta luego!

Update: Upcoming Episodes

Jorge Perez — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:51:52 GMT

¡Mi Gente!

On this episode, I am providing some content updates. I know it's been a while since I recorded and wanted to let you know about what's been going on. I look forward to creating and bringing more engaging conversations in 2024. Let's do this!

Stay motivated and YOU WILL succeed!

Jorge Perez — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 21:00:00 GMT

No real agenda, more like a round table. I want to also keep you guys updated on what I'm working on. I hope this episode is useful and lets you know it's never to late to start something. Set your mindset, and stay focus too!

The Future of Higher Education with Kate Colbert

Jorge Perez — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 23:30:00 GMT

On this episode I had the honor of having Kate Colbert as a special guest.Truly inspired by the work she is doing, She’s such a humble person. I’m excited to read her most recent book “Commencement: A New Era in Higher Education”

Episode highlights:

⭐️We dive into Kate’s own story as a business owner, author, writer, and higher ed consultant

⭐️Kate talks about her educational journey. Turns out we attended the same community college

⭐️Talked about key insights from her book “Commencement: A New Era in Higher Education”

⭐️Kate’s thoughts on the future of higher education

⭐️Kate shares a key piece of advice for young aspiring professionals

Financial Services y La Comunidad Latina

Jorge Perez — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:00:00 GMT

Maria Chavez, a first-generation Latina born and raised in Mexico, joins us for the ninth episode of season two of the College & Beyond Podcast. Maria has over a decade of experience as a Primerica financial services professional.

In this episode, Maria shares her journey to financial success, including the challenges she faced as a first-generation Latina and how she overcame them. She also discusses the importance of financial education and how she empowers her clients to make informed decisions about their finances.

Some key takeaways from the episode include:

The importance of Latino representation in the financial services industry
Her passion for helping and educating la comunidad Latina
The value of financial education and how it can help people make informed decisions about their money

Maria's story is an inspiration to anyone who wants to achieve financial success. She is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and education.

If you're interested in learning more about Maria and her work, be sure to listen to this episode of the College & Beyond Podcast and connect with her on Instagram @MariaChavezvp

Serving Latinx Students in Higher Ed.

Jorge Perez — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMT

On this episode, I got to host Emmanuel Lopez, the Director of the Latinx Center at Governors State University. He is also the Vice-Chair for the non-profit Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE).

Episode Highlights:

- Learned about his humble upbringing

- Graduated college debt free

- Personal branding

- Utilizing Linkedin

Engineer Turned Financial Educator

Jorge Perez — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:00:00 GMT

On the season finale...

Bernie shares his insights on the importance of financial literacy and how it can empower individuals and families to make informed decisions about their finances. He also discusses the challenges that many people face when it comes to managing their money and how his campaign aims to address these issues.

Key Takeaways:

✴ Financial literacy is essential for individuals and families to make informed decisions about their finances.

✴ Many people face challenges when it comes to managing their money, such as lack of access to resources and education.

✴ Bernie Floresca's campaign aims to reach 30 million families by 2030 to provide them with the tools and resources they need to achieve financial well-being.

Links:

Bernie Floresca's website: TheBernieFloresca.com https://lnkd.in/geGTPC_w

College & Beyond Podcast Insta: @college.beyond.pod

Banishing the College Stigma - Part II

Jorge Perez — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 14:00:00 GMT

Episode Highlights:

- Update on Loyola practicum

- Transfer data from community to 4-year school

- Community college is more economical

- Update on New job

- Next episodes

S3 EP 3 - Dra. Sandy Gonzalez Rivas

Jorge Perez — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:00:00 GMT

In this conversation, Dr. Sandy González-Rivas shares her journey of completing her PhD, her experiences as a first-generation Salvadorian student, and her motivations for pursuing a career in educational administration.

She discusses the importance of community connections, the challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds, and the need for justice in higher education. Dr. González-Rivas also reflects on her transition from K-12 education to higher ed, the impact of burnout on teachers, and the role of academic coaching in supporting students.

The conversation highlights the historical context of higher education and the ongoing struggles for accessibility and equity. In this conversation, Jorge Perez and Dra. Sandy González Rivas explore the complexities of immigration, the impact of U.S. policies on the global south, and the importance of personal narratives in understanding cultural heritage.

They discuss the challenges faced by immigrant communities, the significance of storytelling, and the political climate affecting family dynamics. Dra. González Rivas shares her experiences as a Latina scholar and offers advice for aspiring students pursuing higher education.

Season 4 EP 1 - Laura Rodriguez

Jorge Perez — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

To kick off Season 4, I will be joined by my ENLACE sister, friend, and community advocate, Laura E. Rodriguez Vazquez.
A Southwest Chicago native, Laura recently became part of the 8% of Latino authors in the country. She was published as a contributing author in the book Today’s Inspired Young Latina, Volume VI, a powerful anthology sharing the dreams, wisdom, and journeys of the next generation.
Laura has proudly served the community for fifteen years. she specializes in counseling high school seniors and young adults on post-secondary options, including college, trade school, internships, gap years, and employment. She also provides vital support regarding financial aid, campus academic resources, addressing racism on campus, and navigating personal and career goals.

Socials:

Insta - @elynerod

Linkedin - Laura Rodriguez

Book Order Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd46iHanyVhvrmKafHZoeY64qcfsVXKhLbcg3_f4seNvx4lrw/alreadyresponded?pli=1&pli=1

Ways to take Advantage of your Stimulus Check

Jorge Perez — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 18:00:00 GMT

Hey this your host Jay Perez

And this episode is about how take advantage of your stimulus check and how to put to work that "extra" money so listen up and let me know what you think. Follow me on Instagram @LatinX_finance and stay in contact!

Dale!

Jay

Welcome to College & Beyond Podcast

Jorge Perez — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Key Points:

- What this podcast is about

- My background, who am I

- What you can expect from this podcast

- Social media @Latinx_finance on Instagram

College and Beyond Podcast (Trailer)

Jorge Perez — Tue, 26 May 2020 20:57:43 GMT

Brake up with debt!... it's a toxic relationship

Jorge Perez — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 18:00:00 GMT

On this episode,tuned I will talk about how to set up a basic plan to get out of debt and regain YOUR FINANCIAL FREEDOM. Debt is toxic and you do not need it in your life. So let's punch debt right in the face, follow me on this journey. WE CAN DO IT!

Thank you for listening! and stay tune for new episodes every Thursday 1 PM CST

Over and out!

Jay Perez

Insta @Latinx_finance

College and Beyond New Season!

Jorge Perez — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 19:01:34 GMT

Guess who is back mi gente!

Season 2 Episode 1

In this episode, I want to update you all on what's been happening since the last time I created an episode. And, I would like to update you on what to look forward to in this new podcast and what is my mission. New episodes every Tuesday at 8 am, perfect when you are commuting or later when you are taking your lunch.

God bless

Jorge

E2 - Sembra Chicago w/ Jasmin Zamora

Jorge Perez — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:00:00 GMT

In this conversation, Jasmin Zamora shares her journey as a first-generation college student and the challenges she faced in pursuing her education. She discusses her experiences in nonprofit work with Sembra, community engagement, and the importance of cultural identity. Jasmin also highlights the significance of support systems and the need for innovative community building and DEI work in the nonprofit sector. The conversation concludes with insights into upcoming events and the importance of community connections.

How to Be Mentally Strong

Jorge Perez — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 20:43:43 GMT

Hey, what is up mi gente!

Here is to the new year 2023! I'm excited to bring another episode to you all and share some updates and tips about staying mentally strong and removing unnecessary stresses in your lives.

I will share with you some tips that you could possibly use in your daily routine, your work life, your personal life, or just in general. I have some updates about myself to share like me starting GRAD SCHOOL. what!!! that is a big deal.

Thank you all for your patience and continued support. I will work hard to bring more content every week and share it with you all.

But for now, stay strong and stay focus. Hasta luego!

Bless your hearts!

Jorge Perezfocused

Woman on a Mission

Jorge Perez — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMT

On this episode I have the honor of hosting a very special guest, a new friend, and tv personality Danielle Robay.

- We will discuss her background as a TV personality, content creator, and journalist

- Talk about her podcast PrettySmart and her cool card game "question everything'

- She's interviewed so many great people, so does she have a favorite one? we'll see...

- We got the opportunity to do a lightning round where I asked 3 random questions. One of the questions was "are you a Cubs fan or Sox fan? tune in to find out.

- Talk about who is my next special guest

The College Stigma

Jorge Perez — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 19:00:00 GMT

Have you heard or has someone told you, you are NOT cool because you attended or are attending community college?

Well, that seems to be the big question. Attending community college is a smart move and its also an economically savvy way to not be in loan debt.

So, follow me and explore this stigma so we can eliminate from our lives and not let society dictate us where we should go.

S3 Premier: Carmen F. Youngstead

Jorge Perez — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the College and Beyond podcast, host Jorge Perez interviews Carmen Fraser-Johnston, a strategic development and marketing director. Carmen shares her multicultural upbringing, the influence of her diverse heritage on her career in marketing, and her passion for networking. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in marketing strategies and discusses her aspirations to improve access to education for the growing Latino population in Texas.

In this conversation, Carmen Fraser Youngsteadt and Jorge Perez discuss the importance of financial literacy, mental health, and leadership for students, particularly those from Latino backgrounds. They emphasize the need for educational institutions to provide resources and support for first-generation students.

Carmen shares her experiences in building partnerships to enhance student support and the significance of networking for professional growth. The discussion highlights the value of stepping out of comfort zones and the role of education in personal and professional development.

Finances at Home as a Teen/Young Adult

Jorge Perez — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 18:25:09 GMT

As a Latino teen/young adult our parents put in place the responsibilities and chores we had to stand by. This helped me become a more responsible adult growing up and now.

Did you have chores growing up?

Did your parents make you pay rent? or a bill?

that was me! so join me and let's talk about your upbringing and let me know your thoughts!

Stay safe my friends!

Your host Jay Perez