IMPOSTER SYNDROME 2026
Identity & Belonging
A Panel Conversation at Heritage Headquarters
IMPOSTER SYNDROME 2026
Identity & Belonging
A Panel Conversation at Heritage Headquarters
About The Event
Latinos are one of the fastest-growing leadership demographics in the United States, yet a meaningful percentage of Latino professionals report feeling imposter syndrome, cultural identity pressure, and invisible barriers to advancement in corporate settings.
This conversation brings together respected leaders in Arizona to explore:
• Where imposter syndrome comes from (professionally and culturally)
• What it looks like at the leadership level
• How identity, language, and belonging influence confidence
• Why DEI has shifted nationally and what’s next
• Strategies to empower the next generation of Latino leaders
This panel shares real experiences, real career paths, and real stories that reflect the Latino leadership journey today.
You’ll walk away with actionable tools, expanded perspective, and a stronger sense of community connected to professionals leading at the highest level.
Who Should Attend
This session is designed for:
Corporate leaders & executives
ERG members and leadership
HR & DEI professionals
Public sector leaders
Rising Latino leaders
Community advocates
If your work intersects with leadership, culture, or the future of workplace belonging, this conversation is for you.
About The Event
Latinos are one of the fastest-growing leadership demographics in the United States, yet a meaningful percentage of Latino professionals report feeling imposter syndrome, cultural identity pressure, and invisible barriers to advancement in corporate settings.
This conversation brings together respected leaders in Arizona to explore:
• Where imposter syndrome comes from (professionally and culturally)
• What it looks like at the leadership level
• How identity, language, and belonging influence confidence
• Why DEI has shifted nationally and what’s next
• Strategies to empower the next generation of Latino leaders
This panel shares real experiences, real career paths, and real stories that reflect the Latino leadership journey today.
You’ll walk away with actionable tools, expanded perspective, and a stronger sense of community connected to professionals leading at the highest level.
Who Should Attend
This session is designed for:
Corporate leaders & executives
ERG members and ERG leadership
HR & DEI professionals
Public sector leaders
Rising Latino leaders
Community advocates
If your work intersects with leadership, culture, or the future of workplace belonging, this conversation is for you.
Our Panelists
Victor Hugo Rodríguez
PR Professional, Former Journalist
Victor Hugo Rodríguez is a passionate leader and storyteller, currently working as the Executive Director of Public Relations at Cartwright. A seasoned journalist and community advocate with over 18 years of experience in broadcast media. He previous worked as a News Correspondent for NBC-Telemundo, covering stories that impact the Hispanic community across Arizona and along the U.S.–Mexico border.
A former Dreamer, Victor’s work is deeply rooted in lived experience and service. In addition to his journalism career, he has held public affairs roles and remains actively engaged in mentoring students through Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
Liliana Soto
Press Secretary, Governor Katie Hobbs
Emmy-winning communications leader with more than a decade of experience in broadcast media, strategic communications, and public affairs. She has served as a chief communications liaison and trusted spokesperson to senior government leaders, developing bilingual strategies that navigate complex legislative and regulatory environments.
A former journalism faculty member at the University of Arizona and a graduate of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Liliana has earned nine Emmy Awards and is widely recognized for her leadership, media expertise, and commitment to community engagement.
Ivan Aragon
Mortgage Broker Owner, Co-Founder Latinx MBA Association
Ivan Aragon is a mortgage broker, entrepreneur, and community leader whose work bridges finance, education, and leadership development. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, his journey as a former DACA recipient continues to shape his commitment to access, preparation, and opportunity.
He is the owner and managing loan officer of Sensibly Home Loans, where he helps clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and strategy. Ivan holds degrees from Phoenix College and Arizona State University and earned his MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He is also an active nonprofit leader, serving with organizations such as ALPFA Phoenix and the Latinx MBA Association, where he supports the next generation of Latino professionals and entrepreneurs.
Octavio Pulido
Director of Communications, Arizona Senate Democrats
Octavio Pulido is an Emmy-winning journalist and communications leader with more than 14 years of experience across national and regional media. He has built a career delivering culturally resonant, high-impact storytelling that informs, empowers, and elevates diverse communities.
Octavio currently serves as Director of Communications for the Arizona Senate Democrats. Previously, he reached millions of viewers as a network news anchor for Noticias Telemundo, leading coverage on major political, public health, and social justice stories across the U.S. and Latin America. His work includes national Emmy-winning election coverage in 2024, he has moderated national conversations, served as a trusted spokesperson, and remains deeply committed to mentoring emerging journalists and strengthening community-centered communication.
Moderator:
Joshua Molina
Co-Founder & CMO, Palabra Media
Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Palabra Media, where he leads strategy, storytelling, and performance-driven growth for brands seeking to connect with multicultural audiences. With more than 15 years of experience, Joshua has helped organizations scale through content, data-driven marketing, and modern digital infrastructure.
Throughout his career, he has led global marketing teams across high-growth startups and enterprise technology companies, driving significant increases in traffic, leads, and revenue across industries including AI, financial services, cybersecurity, SaaS, and developer platforms.
Event Host and Executive Chair:
Angel Sopeña
Co-Founder & CEO, Palabra Media
Angel Sopeña is the Co-Founder and CEO of Palabra Media, with over 10 years of experience working with local, national, and international brands across the health, beauty, retail, and service industries. He has played a key role in building and scaling marketing systems that have supported the growth of businesses ranging from early-stage companies to multi-million-dollar organizations, with a strong focus on search visibility and long-term brand performance.
As a Latino leader, Angel is committed to creating spaces where conversations around leadership, impostor syndrome, and community support can happen openly and constructively. He believes sustainable growth is achieved when leaders acknowledge shared challenges, build strong systems, and support one another intentionally.
Our Panelists
Victor Hugo Rodríguez
PR professional, former journalist
Victor Hugo Rodríguez is a passionate leader and storyteller, currently working as the Executive Director of Public Relations at Cartwright. A seasoned journalist and community advocate with over 18 years of experience in broadcast media. He previous worked as a News Correspondent for NBC-Telemundo, covering stories that impact the Hispanic community across Arizona and along the U.S.–Mexico border.
A former Dreamer, Victor’s work is deeply rooted in lived experience and service. In addition to his journalism career, he has held public affairs roles and remains actively engaged in mentoring students through Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
Liliana Soto
Press Secretary, Governor Katie Hobbs
Emmy-winning communications leader with more than a decade of experience in broadcast media, strategic communications, and public affairs. She has served as a chief communications liaison and trusted spokesperson to senior government leaders, developing bilingual strategies that navigate complex legislative and regulatory environments.
A former journalism faculty member at the University of Arizona and a graduate of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Liliana has earned nine Emmy Awards and is widely recognized for her leadership, media expertise, and commitment to community engagement.
Ivan Aragon
Mortgage Broker Owner,
Co-Founder Latinx MBA Association
Ivan Aragon is a mortgage broker, entrepreneur, and community leader whose work bridges finance, education, and leadership development. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, his journey as a former DACA recipient continues to shape his commitment to access, preparation, and opportunity.
He is the owner and managing loan officer of Sensibly Home Loans, where he helps clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and strategy. Ivan holds degrees from Phoenix College and Arizona State University and earned his MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He is also an active nonprofit leader, serving with organizations such as ALPFA Phoenix and the Latinx MBA Association, where he supports the next generation of Latino professionals and entrepreneurs.
Octavio Pulido
Director of Communications,
Arizona Senate Democrats
Octavio Pulido is an Emmy-winning journalist and communications leader with more than 14 years of experience across national and regional media. He has built a career delivering culturally resonant, high-impact storytelling that informs, empowers, and elevates diverse communities.
Octavio currently serves as Director of Communications for the Arizona Senate Democrats. Previously, he reached millions of viewers as a network news anchor for Noticias Telemundo, leading coverage on major political, public health, and social justice stories across the U.S. and Latin America. His work includes national Emmy-winning election coverage in 2024, he has moderated national conversations, served as a trusted spokesperson, and remains deeply committed to mentoring emerging journalists and strengthening community-centered communication.
Moderator:
Joshua Molina
Co-Founder & CMO, Palabra Media
Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Palabra Media, where he leads strategy, storytelling, and performance-driven growth for brands seeking to connect with multicultural audiences. With more than 15 years of experience, Joshua has helped organizations scale through content, data-driven marketing, and modern digital infrastructure.
Throughout his career, he has led global marketing teams across high-growth startups and enterprise technology companies, driving significant increases in traffic, leads, and revenue across industries including AI, financial services, cybersecurity, SaaS, and developer platforms.
Angel Sopeña
Co-Founder & CEO, Palabra Media
Angel Sopeña is the Co-Founder and CEO of Palabra Media, with over 10 years of experience working with local, national, and international brands across the health, beauty, retail, and service industries. He has played a key role in building and scaling marketing systems that have supported the growth of businesses ranging from early-stage companies to multi-million-dollar organizations, with a strong focus on search visibility and long-term brand performance.
As a Latino leader, Angel is committed to creating spaces where conversations around leadership, impostor syndrome, and community support can happen openly and constructively. He believes sustainable growth is achieved when leaders acknowledge shared challenges, build strong systems, and support one another intentionally.
Important Event Information
Location: Heritage Headquarters at 515 E Grant St suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tuesday January 27, 2026
5:30–7:30 PM
Important Event Information
Heritage Headquarters at 515 E Grant St suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
5:30–7:30 PM
Event Details
Location: Heritage Headquarters, 515 E Grant St suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 5:30PM–7:30PM
5:30–6:30PM: Networking & Refreshments
6:30–7:15PM: Panel & Q&A
7:15 and beyond: Mix & Connect
Event Details
Location: Heritage Headquarters, 515 E Grant St suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 5:30PM–7:30PM
5:30–6:00PM: Networking & Refreshments
6:00–7:00PM: Panel & Q&A
7:00–7:30PM: Mix & Connect
What we will cover
Latinos are driving economic growth, but representation at the executive level still lags.
At the same time, DEI has entered a new era: expectations are higher, budgets have shifted, and the conversation is changing.
Today, the work is less about slogans and more about equipping emerging leaders with the confidence and tools to step into roles where they can make impact.
This event is part of a broader series designed to elevate Latino leadership and visibility in Arizona, create access to decision-makers, and strengthen collaboration across communities.
What we will cover
Latinos are driving economic growth, but representation at the executive level still lags.
At the same time, DEI has entered a new era: expectations are higher, budgets have shifted, and the conversation is changing.
Today, the work is less about slogans and more about equipping emerging leaders with the confidence and tools to step into roles where they can make impact.
This event is part of a broader series designed to elevate Latino leadership and visibility in Arizona, create access to decision-makers, and strengthen collaboration across communities.
Partners
Presented By
Corporate partnerships are available to organizations looking to support Latino leadership and connect with Arizona’s business community.
To discuss partnership opportunities, email: [email protected]
Palabra Media
Strategy-first multicultural marketing agency based in Phoenix, focused on elevating Latino leadership and community narratives.
Heritage Headquarters
Arizona’s home for Latino innovation, business, storytelling, and community leadership.
Partners
Corporate partnerships are available to organizations looking to support Latino leadership and connect with Arizona’s business community.
To discuss partnership opportunities, email: [email protected]
Presented By
Palabra Media
Strategy-first multicultural marketing agency based in Phoenix, focused on elevating Latino leadership and community narratives.
Heritage Headquarters
Arizona’s home for Latino innovation, business, storytelling, and community leadership.
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Ticketing & Registration
🎟 Free RSVP (limited seating).
Seats are first come, first served.
Please register early to guarantee entry.
Ticketing & Registration
🎟 Free RSVP (limited seating).
Seats are first come, first served.
Please register early to guarantee entry.
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Copyright 2026 | Palabra Media | Terms & Conditions
Copyright 2026 | Palabra Media | Terms & Conditions