Nhi Podcasts

In this episode, Isabella Matamoros, a first-year student at the University of Georgia, and Mia Aguinaga, a first-year student at Augustana College, reflect on nostalgic CWS memories and breakthrough moments alongside some of NHI’s recent graduates.Emmanuel Gutierrez and Maulid Sanchez Carmona join the conversation, sharing their experiences being coached by George Washington University and Bucknell University as members of the NHI College Register. In this episode, they revisit their favorite memories, challenge listeners to take their next step, and announce their college commitments for Fall 2026.Host & Audio Editing: Isabella Matamoros and Mia AguinagaPodcast Art: Diego GarciaMusic: Zaiden WorleySocial Media Support: Avril CruzTo learn more about the Collegiate World Series, visit: www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org/cws

Listeners hear from National Hispanic Institute (NHI) Trustee and Texas Collegiate World Series (CWS) Education Director Angela Masciale, as well as Texas Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) Education Director and NHI legacy George Nicolas Rodriguez.They reflect on their journeys within NHI’s mission, share insights from leading flagship youth leadership programs, and offer guidance for high school students, emerging leaders, and educators interested in student leadership, community engagement, and educational opportunities through NHI.

In this episode, Isabella Matamoros, a first-year student at the University of Georgia, sits down with some of NHI's recent Great Debate participants. In the first segment, Isa interviews Emma Wulff to discuss her experience as an Oratory finalist at the 2025 Northeast Great Debate at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. In the second segment, Isa talks with Andrew Mefrige, Jacob Suarez, and Sophia Tabuenca, participants of the 2025 Texas Great Debate hosted by Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Our participants got to share their first-hand experiences, their new-found strengths, and what they look forward to in 2026. Host & audio editing: Isabella Matamoros, Podcast art: Diego Garcia, Music: Zaiden WorleyTo learn more about the Great Debates, visit: www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org/great-debate

In this episode, Isabella Matamoros, a first-year student at the University of Georgia, sits down with two groups of NHI volunteers who are major players in some of NHI’s emerging communities.In the first segment, Isa interviews Cruz Ramos, Camila Castro, and Diego Gomez Zamora to discuss expansion efforts in Omaha, Nebraska. Together, they share their reflections and lessons as they take on a new year of recruitment.In the second segment, Isa talks with Manuel Treviño and Ana Paula Rosales Visoso, two volunteers who pioneered NHI Mexico’s first-ever entrance into the world of the Texas 4-Day Great Debate. As first-time head coaches, they reflect on their experiences and offer advice for others working to grow their own NHI communities.Host & audio editing: Isabella MatamorosPodcast art: Diego GarciaMusic: Zaiden Worley

In this episode, Isabella Sada Nieto, Director of the Texas 4-Day Great Debates, sits down with two of NHI’s most successful recruiters, Samuel Molloy and Isabella Matamoros. Together, they share their recruitment strategies, reflect on what drives their success, and offer valuable insights for new volunteers entering the year.Audio editing by: Isabella Matamoros Podcast art by: Diego GarciaMusic by: Zaiden Worley To learn more about NHI's work, visit: www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org

NHI president and founder Ernesto Nieto and education office leader Julio Cotto discuss the Great Debate mock trial and cross examination topics. Copyright (c) 2023. www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org

NHI president and founder Ernesto Nieto and education office leader Julio Cotto discuss the history of NHI's Great Debate. They present and dissect the 2023 Great Debate theme. www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org

In a conversation with Julio Cotto, NHI Senior Vice President and alumnus, founder and President Ernesto Nieto, and co-founder Gloria de Leon, the core NHI concept of "Community Equity Building (CEB)" is explored. Part of NHI's Spring Training program, this conversation is also relevant to alumni and the general public wanting to learn about a unique approach and mindset towards building community equity and wealth. Recorded March 25, 2020 in Austin and Kyle, Texas. Copyright (C) 2020. National Hispanic Institute. All Rights Reserved.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto, Chris Nieto, and NHI Founder and President Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2019 Summer Learning Theme.

This was an interview conducted by Phil West of young entrepreneur, NHI alumna, and Celebracion presenter Rachel Basoco. An alumna of NHI at Houston and the Texas Great Debate, former Governor of the New York LDZ, All Star at the CWS, avid volunteer, and member of the Junior Faculty, Rachel has also been growing a business with NHI principles and alongside NHI members and investors. Learn more about Trenza, Rachel's business at .  For more information on NHI, visit

This was an interview conducted by Phil West of Anita Fernandez, 2018 NHI Distinguished Alumna at the Celebracion 2018 conference in San Marcos, Texas sponsored by the National Hispanic Institute in November. Anita was honored for her work in San Antonio and her years of service to the Institute in particular with the NHI at San Antonio Alliance () For more information on NHI, visit

This was an interview of Varo Maldonado conducted by Phil West at the Celebracion 2018 conference in San Marcos, Texas sponsored by the National Hispanic Institute in November. Varo was honored with this rare award for his 30+ years of supporting the work of the Institute and for being the catalyst for establishing the Colorado Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) which celebrates 30 years this June.  For more information on NHI, visit https://www.nationalhispanicinstitute.org

In a slight departure from previous conversations, NHI Founder and President Ernesto Nieto invites Tejano artists Ruben "El Gato Negro" Ramos and Leonard Davila of Street People to Maxwell to talk about the history and importance of Tejano music and the movement. Ernesto has been in talks with the two of them to produce a Southwest Experience that would honor, preserve, and promote American Latino cultures and forms like Tejano. They discuss the art form as a true American contribution and creation but also the challenges of keeping it relevant and popular in the 21st century. They talk about the importance of 'roots' but also of the opportunities to evolve culture and music.

Former head of NHI's Collaborative Research Center, Dr. Joseph Villescas has had a long history with NHI going back to being the younger sibling of an alumna. Years later, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus for his contributions to NHI's research, study, and publications. He was most notable for leading the editing and collaboration known as the "Perfect Storm Scenario" that is discussed on the conversation. Ernesto Nieto, NHI President and founder, is joined in the interview by colleague Julio Cotto. The interview was recorded at the NHI home office in late May 2018.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Mock Trial topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Extemporaneous Speaking topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Cross Examination debate topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Recorded in Maxwell, Texas at NHI's headquarters, Julio Cotto and Ernesto Nieto discuss the 2018 Oratory topic in preparation for the Great Debates.

Once known as part of a group of friends and high school volunteers known as the "LDZ Gods", A. J. Del Cueto, San Antonio alumnus and filmmaker drops by the NHI Ranch for a conversation about NHI memories, the state of Latinos in film, and future creative projects that set out to tell new Latino stories. A graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Texas at Austin, A.J. has been in film and working in digital and creative industries since his graduation from college. He recently went out on his own and hopes to one day establish a studio that paints new Latino and American imagery. Ernesto, A.J., and Julio Cotto discuss symbols, vision, and film as the "next text".

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from Yorktown Heights, New York by way of the Bronx participated in 2005 and in her years has become an Education Director, Onsite Director, Secretary of State, curriculum specialist, trainer, and all around volunteer. This summer, Alexandria will challenge a longtime U.S. Congressman in New York for his seat. This conversation discusses her lessons and challenges of running for Congress in America's largest city while drawing on NHI learning and training as a guide. Ernesto and Alexandria discuss culture, courage, and vision as essentials for any future community leader.