If you would have told me a few years ago that I’d be sharing my story as a Latina Founder on a Univision panel in the heart of Manhattan, I probably would have laughed and said, “Me? With Univision? In New York City? No Way!” Yet, here we are… still on cloud nine, full of excitement and overjoyed with gratitude. After a whirlwind trip that was equal parts business, culture, and of course, delicious food… I’m still in awe of everything that happened.
As the Founder of Healthy Rican, my mission is all about making cultural healthy eating fun, flavorful, and accessible for everyone, especially for my fellow Latinas who want to honor our roots without sacrificing our health and wellbeing. This trip was a beautiful reminder of why I started this journey, and I can’t wait to share every spicy, cheesy, heartfelt moment with you.
Sharing My Story: The Univision Panel
The invitation came out of the blue but felt like destiny. Univision, one of the most influential voices in the Latin community, wanted me to join a panel of inspiring women to talk about my journey as a Latina Founder. Cue the nerves, and the happy dances in my kitchen.
Arriving in Manhattan, the city’s energy hit me like a double espresso. There’s something about NYC that makes you feel like anything is possible. The morning of the panel, I found myself pacing backstage, rehearsing my story in my head, thinking about all the women who’d inspired me along the way… my mother, my abuela, and the countless Latinas who break barriers every day.
The event was held in a sleek, modern space in Time Square, buzzing with journalists, creators, and entrepreneurs. When I finally took my seat on stage, mic in hand, I looked out and saw a crowd filled with beautiful women. Some nervous, some excited, all hungry for connection. I spoke from the heart about why I created Healthy Rican: to bring the flavors of our culture without sacrificing our health, to prove that you don’t have to choose between wellness and sabor.
I talked about growing up in a family where food was love, but also about my own health journey. How I learned to read labels, experiment with spices, and create recipes that honored my heritage without guilt. The audience nodded along, some even wiping away tears (okay, maybe I got a little misty, too). Afterward, women came up to hug me, thank me, and share their own stories. It was a reminder that our voices matter, and that representation isn’t just a buzzword… it’s a lifeline.
Exploring Manhattan: Sights, Sounds, and Slices
Of course, no trip to NYC is complete without a little adventure. I carved out time between events to soak up the city’s magic, and let me tell you, my taste buds were ready.
First stop: bagels. There’s something almost spiritual about biting into a fresh New York bagel, still warm from the oven, with that perfect balance of chew and fluff. (Yes, I ate the whole thing. No, I don’t regret it. Life is about balance, right?) I love that in a city so big, you can find little moments of joy in something as simple as breakfast.
Wandering through Times Square, I allowed myself to people-watch and daydream. The city’s diversity is its superpower, every block is a mashup of languages, flavors, and stories. I found myself inspired, not just as a business owner, but as a Latina who sees her culture celebrated everywhere: salsa music drifting from a bodega, murals of Boricua icons, and restaurant windows promising “Comida Casera.”
And then came the pizza. I mean, how could I not? There’s nothing like grabbing a slice from a corner joint, folding it in half, and letting that cheesy, saucy magic transport you. I firmly believe that enjoying the local food is part of the full NYC experience. Besides, it gave me plenty of steps to walk off later!
The Chopped Cheese Challenge: Collaborating with Elena and Chef Billy Jack
One of the highlights of my trip was teaming up with two amazing content creators for a little culinary adventure: the Chopped Cheese Challenge. If you haven’t had chopped cheese, it’s a true NYC classic. A savory sandwich born in Harlem, somewhere between a cheeseburger and a Philly cheesesteak, but with its own swagger.
This challenge was all about celebrating culture, creativity, and community. I teamed up with Elena @madewithsazon, a food blogger known for her Latin recipes and classic takes on NYC favorites, and Chef Billy Jack @the_billyjack_experience, who brings Puerto Rican & Dominican flair to everything he touches. We set out to create three versions of chopped cheese, each with our own twist.
Elena’s Classic Chopped Cheese:
Elena went old-school, recreating the iconic bodega chopped cheese. Picture ground beef, melted cheese, and all the fixings, piled high on a hero roll. Her recipe is pure comfort, and you can find it in all its glory on her blog. Watching her work was like seeing a love letter to New York, simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Find this classic recipe here: madewithsazon.com
Chef Billy Jack’s Jibarito Taino Chopped Cheese:
Chef Billy Jack took us on a flavor journey, transforming the sandwich into a Jiibarito Taino Chopped Cheese with Dominican flair. Instead of bread, he used crispy, golden plantains as the “bun,” layering in seasoned beef, cheese, and a punchy chimichurri sofrito sauce. The first bite was a revelation, crunchy, savory, and full of Caribbean soul. It was a beautiful reminder of how food evolves, blending traditions and creating something new. Find the recipe here.
My Healthy Rican Low-Carb Chopped Cheese:
You know I had to put my own spin on it! My version was all about keeping things light without losing the sabor. Instead of bread or plantains, I wrapped my chopped cheese in crisp, fresh lettuce leaves. Think of it as a handheld salad that still packs all the juicy, cheesy goodness. I seasoned the beef with my own Healthy Rican Adobo and Sazón, added tomatoes and onions, and a dollop of mayo-ketchup. The verdict? Even the skeptics loved it! It’s proof that you can honor tradition and still make choices that feel good for your body. Check out the full recipe below!
Behind the scenes, we laughed, swapped stories, and maybe made a little mess in the kitchen. Collaborating with Elena and Chef Billy Jack was such a joy. It reminds me that food is about connection, not perfection. We filmed our creations, snapped photos, and shared tips for making each version at home. Follow on all socials for the full recipes and videos!
Reflections: Representation, Community, and Chasing Dreams
As I packed my bags to head home, I found myself reflecting on everything I’d experienced. Being a Latina Founder isn’t always easy. There are days when imposter syndrome creeps in, when the hustle feels endless, when you wonder if your story matters. But this trip was a reminder that every step, every recipe, every conversation is part of something bigger.
Representation matters. Seeing Latinas on stage, in the kitchen, and in the boardroom sends a powerful message: we belong. We have stories worth telling, flavors worth sharing, and dreams worth chasing. The community I found in NYC, whether on a panel, in a pizzeria, or around a kitchen table, reminded me that we rise by lifting each other.
I came home with a heart full of gratitude, a notebook full of new ideas, and a renewed commitment to making Healthy Rican a place where everyone feels seen, nourished, and inspired.
Join the Healthy Rican Journey
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for being part of my story. Whether you’re here for the recipes, the inspiration, or just a little sazón in your inbox, I’m so grateful for you.
Ready to try your own chopped cheese adventure?
Check out my version of “Low-Carb Chopped Cheese” below, and the full recipes from Elena and Chef Billy Jack, on all social media.
Don’t forget to tag @healthyrican so I can see your creations! Let’s keep celebrating our culture, our health, and our abundance, one delicious bite at a time.
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