We had the good fortune of connecting with Alejandra Quiroz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alejandra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started thinking about starting a podcast during the fall of 2019. I was finishing my thesis, and I felt I wasn’t doing much for my community other than sharing information about Central Americans on my personal Instagram. At the moment, I was clueless about how even to start, but I knew I wanted to focus on Central Americans around the world and their experiences. That’s how the name came up – Central American Voices! During the following months, I went to youtube school to learn how to start a podcast and build a website. As a film major student at that time, I knew about audio editing but nothing about website design! Huge learning months before March 1, 2020. I opened social media platforms and started posting about the release day, March 1 – even when, until then, I haven’t recorded any episodes or submitted to Apple and Spotify podcasts, I knew that giving myself a timeline was going to push me to make sure everything was ready to go by March 1! after we launch, COVID came into our lives, and sometimes I joke about – The pandemic podcast! Because during the lockdown, I had more time to practice and record and fall in love with podcasting and finding my audience! Two years and a half later, we are growing and aiming for bigger opportunities for Central Americans!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Nowadays, we are finally having conversations about how the Latinx community is not a monolith. We came from different backgrounds, experiences, and even languages. While the Central American community grows within the United States, I believe Central American Podcast is a place where people can not only listen to Central Americans in different fields but also about similar traditions and experiences. I am proud that the podcast can be not only a resource but also a community bridge; over the two years, we have raised funds for Central Americans back in the region that suffered from two category four hurricanes and now starting a community funded educational funds to provide scholarship for Central Americans in the US. It makes me proud and excited for the podcast’s future to continue serving and inspiring the community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am an outdoor lover, and my favorite spots in the city are around my love for searching for those perfect sunset views and city lights! My fav sunrise hike is the Hollywood sign! Every time I do it, I fall more in love with the views from up there. I live around the Harbor area, and I’ll be lying if I don’t say you’ll see me around Palos Verdes almost every day of the week, hiking or just parking my car and eating with stunning views! I enjoy walking around Redondo Beach Pier and going Kayaking in Marina del Rey.

If one of my friends is visiting LA, I’ll probably start with the Hollywood sign hike and then go to eat angry chichz – because after a long hike, who doesn’t like a fried chicken sandwich?! Maybe stop for some ice cream at wanderlust (Ube Ice Cream for LIFE) – Of course, visit tourist places, and you can’t have someone visiting LA without taking them to In n Out! LA is full of life, and I know I won’t even be able to explore the whole city in my lifetime.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Central American Diaspora! Before starting the podcast, I searched for platforms that understood my identity, experiences, and culture! I found so many that they are not only my inspiration but huge supporters and key elements of the podcast’s growth. Central American Art & Beauty, Central American Disruption, Central American News, to name a few! and of course, all my listeners! No matter the bumps we have encountered, they have been here supporting me and the podcast mission.

Website: www.centralamericanvoices.com

Instagram: centamvoicespodcast / aalquiroz

Twitter: centamvoicespod

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJrKk4bCVp6ae1XCkK-9YwA

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.