Gary Acosta is an entrepreneur, public policy advocate, investor, and thought leader passionate about advancing prosperity for Latinos and other underserved communities.
Every now and then a public comment goes viral that reveals just how deeply people misunderstand diversity programs — and how quickly nuance disappears. This week, Pharrell Williams sparked conversation by suggesting that some Black and Latino professionals get opportunities they “don’t deserve.” I recorded this episode because statements like that ignore how competitive admissions and hiring actually work, and they erase the reality that our communities have always had to be both talented and lucky just to get in the room.
Every once in a while, you can feel something shifting. Over the last few months, I’ve sensed a momentum building in our community—one that feels different from 2000 and different from 2020. This time, it isn’t coming from outside forces or corporate gestures. It’s coming from us. Latinos are frustrated, galvanized, and more unified than I’ve seen in years, and I believe we’re on the edge of a defining moment. In this episode of The Latino Brand, I break down why this matters and what it means for anyone who wants to shape—not just witness—the next chapter for our community.
Capitalism rewards hard work, innovation, and ambition—but when success depends more on political connections than merit, we lose the very foundation that built this country. Crony capitalism erodes trust, fuels corruption, and concentrates power in the hands of a few. In this episode, I talk about why unchecked cronyism threatens the American Dream and how trust and fairness are essential to preserving it.
There’s been a lot of talk lately about socialism, communism, and democratic socialism—especially in New York City. I recorded something this week because I think we’re losing the ability to talk about these ideas with nuance. We throw labels around to scare or silence people, and it keeps us from having real conversations about affordability, ownership, and what it takes to build a society where people can live with dignity. If you have a moment, I’d appreciate you taking a look and letting me know what you think.
Lately, I’ve been hearing from a lot of people who are frustrated — with work, with the economy, with the state of the world. I get it. I’ve felt that too. But here’s something I’ve always believed: there is nothing more powerful than taking that energy and turning it into success. In this week’s episode of The Latino Brand, I talk about why building wealth isn’t just about money — it’s about agency, dignity, and control…
Jewish summer camps have helped preserve culture, build identity, and create lifelong networks for generations. In this episode, I talk about how Latinos can adapt this model to strengthen our own community and invest in our young people.
In this episode, I look back at 2008, when President Obama had the votes to pass immigration reform but chose to spend his political capital on healthcare instead. That decision, I argue, reshaped the political landscape and may have cost Democrats the trust of many Latino voters. Neither party has prioritized Latino interests, but we still hold the power to shape the future. Do you think Democrats missed their moment—or was it a necessary trade-off?
In this episode, I reflect on how politics can divide us and why unity among Latinos matters now more than ever. Regardless of where we stand politically, our shared values—family, faith, and community—must take priority over partisan lines. When injustice threatens our humanity, we must stand together as Latinos, Americans, and human beings.
Wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about freedom. For many Latino families, wealth means the ability to choose work that fulfills us rather than work we do just to survive. In this episode, I explore how wealth can create opportunities for the next generation to pursue their dreams without sacrificing dignity or passion. Because for Latinos, the goal isn’t to stop working—it’s to work with purpose.
Latino entrepreneurship is more than a choice—it’s often a matter of survival. From necessity-driven innovation to the strength of family-run businesses and the resilience of a boxer’s mindset, Latinos have entrepreneurship in their DNA. With Latinos nearly twice as likely as the general population to start a business, and Latina women leading as the fastest-growing business segment in the U.S., it’s clear our community is redefining grit, growth, and opportunity.
