Raul Ceja, a seasoned marketing and communications professional and founder of Ceja Creative Studios, has built a career around storytelling as a tool for impact. With over eight years of experience in the nonprofit sector and personal branding, he shares how his creative journey began, the moments that shaped his voice, and why storytelling remains his north star for both grounding and growth.

Raul discusses the balance of doing purpose-driven work, his reflections on mindfulness and mental health, and the role of unconditional love in community building. He also highlights how his work in visual narratives, direct address documentary filmmaking, and brand strategy has helped amplify diverse voices and drive meaningful change across the Central Coast and Silicon Valley.

About Barrio Voices
Barrio Voices is both a podcast and a creative communications business, partnering with nonprofits, grassroots groups, and purpose-driven leaders. Through storytelling and strategy, we help share your story, grow your impact, and build lasting community connections.

Learn more at barriovoices.com

On this special episode of Varrio Voices, host Arturo "Velaz" Muñoz brings you stories straight from the heart of Hollister, CA, recorded on A Day Without Immigrants—a powerful demonstration highlighting the essential role of immigrants in our economy, culture, and communities.

📢 What is A Day Without Immigrants?
This movement calls on immigrants and allies to boycott work, school, and shopping for a day to showcase the vital contributions of immigrant labor in industries like agriculture, construction, hospitality, healthcare, and beyond. It's a statement against anti-immigrant policies, labor exploitation, and systemic inequalities—proving that without immigrants, the country simply doesn't function.

💬 In This Episode
We hear from local residents, community leaders, and workers who share their stories of resilience, sacrifice, and activism. Their voices remind us why immigrants are the backbone of our society and why collective action matters.

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and stand in solidarity.

On January 25th, Salinas' Digital Nest transformed into a powerful space of storytelling, poetry, and community as Brown Issues hosted an unforgettable Poetry Night. Voices from across the region gathered to share palabra, weaving together experiences of resilience, culture, and identity.

This episode brings you highlights from the event, where the power of spoken word connected us all. Featuring performances from Jose Cordon, Brown Issues' Kimberly Gudino, Velveth Legglew, Marco Osorio, Nathalie Guillen, and Varrio Voices' own Arturo "Velaz" Muñoz, this night was a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and unify.

🎧 Tune in as we revisit the moments that made this night special, celebrating the art of poetic storytelling and the community that continues to uplift and empower.

Let's put representation at the forefront, especially in leadership positions like college district trustee, city councilor, and county supervisor. We can draw inspiration from the three remarkable Latinas, Pamela Campos, Lisanna Dominguez, and Corina Herrera-Loera, who are paving the way for Latinas to hold influential roles.

Take action today by supporting these candidates through the links below.

Pamela Campos: https://pamela4sj.com/
Lisanna Dominguez: https://lisannadominguez.com/
Corina Herrera-Loera: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/corinaforsupervisor2024

To contact and support the podcast:
Email: velaz@varriovoices.com
Social Media Platforms: @varriovoices @velazporvida
Donate: https://bit.ly/vv-donate

Tune in to learn about California recognizing lowriding as a holiday.

Brenda Martinez Salcedo is a first-generation Xicana and the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at SOMOS Mayfair with a passion is to promote social justice and advocate for immigrant rights in the East San Jose community. Brenda was a part of the founding Dreamer Resource Center team at Sacramento State, and she was also the first Dream Center staff at Cañada College and Evergreen Valley College.

Learn how Brenda uses her role and passion to contribute to the resilience, perseverance, and advocacy within the community.

To contact and support the podcast:

Email: velaz@varriovoices.com

Social Media Platforms: @varriovoices @velazporvida

Donate: https://bit.ly/vv-donate

Vecinos Activos, an advocacy initiative from SOMOS Mayfair, have experience in housing policy within the city of San Jose. This month, they are counting down the days before the city council's vote on the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA). Learn from Javier, Olivia, and Mat, about the benefits of COPA and how you can get involved.

To learn more about COPA, go follow @SOMOSMayfair or visit SOMOSMayfair.org

To contact and support the podcast:

Email: velaz@varriovoices.com

Social Media Platforms: @varriovoices @velazporvida

Donate: https://bit.ly/vv-donate

South Bay Community Land Trust's mission is to take land and housing off the speculative market, making it permanently affordable for community benefit beyond housing. To tell us more, Varrio Voices is featuring Delma Hernandez, SBCLT Co-Organizing Director, and Liz Gonzalez, SBCLT Board President.

To learn more about SBCLT, go follow @SouthBayCLT or visit SouthBayCLT.org

To contact and support the podcast:
Email: velaz@varriovoices.com
Social Media Platforms: @varriovoices @velazporvida

Donate: https://bit.ly/vv-donate