Hey hey! We’re wrapping up another season! Season 12. Thank you SO much to everyone who has listened and been a part of the conversation this season.

We kicked off this season with an amazing live panel discussion with Dr. Louisa Olushoga, Sarah Brown, and Ana Lopez. They all brought such great wisdom to the conversation. When it comes to our health… sometimes it can be the last thing on our long list of things to take care of. I know that was the case for me. For as long as I can remember I don’t think I ever prioritized my health…well maybe just when I was pregnant.

But this year I knew that I needed to be intentional about taking care of my health physically and mentally. My father was the one that told me that my health was my biggest asset. While he told me this a loooong time ago, I’m finally listening to him.

As we get older and our body changes, it is going to need different things for it to thrive. And we need to get over this mentality that it’s “selfish” to set aside time for our health. We may think, oh I don’t have time for therapy, or I don’t have time to fit in a doctor’s appointment, or I shouldn’t be spending money for bloodwork but rather on something else for my kids…however, when we show up for ourselves, we are showing the next generation that our bodies and our minds are worth prioritizing.

The conversations this season have kept me grounded amidst all the chaos we’ve been experiencing here in Chicago with ICE. It’s really taken a toll on everyone in the community. But I’ve had to remember to take my health, mental and physical, seriously so that I can keep showing up for my family, and my community. I’m so grateful to everyone who has attended live events that I’ve hosted, and listened to the Elevating la Cultura Podcast. I will continue to create safe and impactful events where we can come together and learn from each other, and just exist authentically.

I’ll be taking a break for the holidays but will be back in the new year. I wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday season. If you'd like to be on the podcast in the future or know of someone who should be a guest, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The more we share our stories, the more we can potentially inspire and encourage others. And that’s why I do what I do, to elevate our voices, our experiences, our expertise, and our cultura.

Ok amigos, thank you so much for listening, after you listen feel free to take a screenshot to post on IG and tag @elevatinglacultura or send me a DM. You can also comment on our YouTube video if you’re watching online. I always like to hear from people and how they resonate with the stories I share. SO leave a review on apple podcasts so we can get more ears listening to these stories and we can continue elevating la cultura.

Enjoy the rest of the day/afternoon/evening whenever you’re listening, y nos vemos next year.

Xochitl is the founder of Werk Mija, a brand that celebrates Latinas who unapologetically embrace their culture and individuality. Werk Mija’s mission is to empower and inspire through relatable designs that honor our heritage and amplify our voices.

Every design is crafted to embody the boldness, beauty and resilience of nuestra comunidad. From Latina-inspired coffee mugs and cozy sweatshirts to statement-making t-shirts and vibrant stickers, each product reflects what it means to be "Unapologetically Latina, Authentically You."

At Werk Mija, you'll discover more than apparel and accessories- you'll find a celebration of identity, strength, and the journey that makes you uniquely Latina.

Please enjoy round two of Xochitl being a guest on the podcast. Xochitl’s first debut on Elevating la Cultura: Episode 39

Website: werkmija.com

Instagram: @werkmija

TikTok: @werkmija

Facebook: @werkmija
Podcast: The Werk Mija Podcast

She’s grown her business so much in just a few years! Go check out her growing collections.

Thank you so much for listening. There will be a new episode every Tuesday, so after you listen feel free to take a screenshot to post on IG and tag @elevatinglacultura or send me a DM. You can also comment on our YouTube video if you’re watching online. I always like to hear from people and how they resonate with the stories I share. SO leave a review on apple podcasts so we can get more ears listening to these stories and we can continue elevating la cultura. Alright, enjoy the rest of the day/afternoon/evening whenever you’re listening, y nos vemos next week.

Dr. Mae Lynn Reyes-Rodríguez is a clinical psychologist and Associate Director of Inpatient Psychological Services at the UNC School of Medicine. Her professional goals are focused and straightforward: make mental health care fit women’s real lives by closing cultural, linguistic, and access gaps. A former NIMH postdoctoral fellow who adapted cognitive behavioral therapy for Latinas, she now brings that same precision to perinatal mental health as a co-investigator on the MomGenes study. She is committed to practical, evidence-based tools for all mothers while offering a deep, bilingual understanding of Latina and immigrant families. She hopes to expand bilingual screening and education, reduce stigma around postpartum depression, and train clinicians to deliver culturally relevant care across communities.

Please enjoy our conversation!

Website: https://momgenesfightppd.org/

What a wonderful and honest conversation that is sure to keep raising awareness for our community.

Thank you so much for listening. There will be one more episode next Tuesday as we close out season 12 and take a break for the holidays, so after you listen feel free to take a screenshot to post on IG and tag @elevatinglacultura or send me a DM. You can also comment on our YouTube video if you’re watching online. I always like to hear from people and how they resonate with the stories I share. SO leave a review on apple podcasts so we can get more ears listening to these stories and we can continue elevating la cultura. Alright, enjoy the rest of the day/afternoon/evening whenever you’re listening, y nos vemos next week.