Making It Here

We’re pulling back the curtain on Epicenter-NYC, introducing the team, sharing how we approach community journalism, and reflecting on what it means to serve our neighbors. We also say goodbye to Adriana Proaño, a founding team member who’s been at the heart of this work.

Plus, a big update: we&rsqu...

On July 4th, the Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, and with it, sweeping changes to food assistance programs that support millions of Americans. Advocates say it includes the largest cuts to SNAP in U.S. history. But this isn’t just about food budgets. Many warn of deeper ripple effects: on children’s health, educational outcomes, and the long-term stability of vulnerable households.

To understand how these change...

In today’s global spice trade, farmers often have little control, and consumers end up with bland, aging products on their shelves. The process is opaque, dominated by large companies and layers of middlemen. The team behind Burlap & Barrel is working to change that. From wild cumin gathered in Afghanistan to cinnamon bark in Vietnam, their business is built on direct partnerships with farmers, fair pricing, and resp...

Voter turnout in New York City’s mayoral primary was significantly higher than it was four years ago, but the mood on the ground wasn’t one of excitement. It was frustration.

Over the past week, I’ve talked to voters across four boroughs along with Mariana Navarrete Villegas and Amanda DeJesus from the Epicenter team. What we heard again and again was this: people are fed up… with rising rents, poor city se...

A new House bill would require many Medicaid recipients to log 80 hours of work each month or risk losing coverage. Supporters say it promotes self-sufficiency, but critics warn the paperwork alone could drop thousands from the rolls. Experts say that even expansion states like New York, where about one in three residents depends on Medicaid, could see enrollment slip.

To help unpack it all, I spoke to Sarah Miller. Sarah is an ass...

Whitney and Samantha Dobladillo, the duo behind Peruvian Sisters, launched their storytelling platform in 2020 to connect with others navigating the complexities of being Peruvian American. Growing up in mostly white schools on Long Island, they often felt out of place, especially when classmates stared at their home-pack...

After losing her job during the pandemic, Talisa Almonte turned to art, launching Almonte Studio and building a business rooted in bold colors and personal meaning. In today's episode she talks about honoring her Dominican roots, navigating small business challenges, and growing her brand.

Almonte Studio

Follow on Instagram and TikTok at @almontestudio.

Shop her art products&nbs...

For many of us, photography is reserved for milestones, but what if a portrait could help you reconnect with who you are right now? That’s the idea behind Layra Marz Photography, founded by Brooklyn-based photographer Layra Marte. Her work, which lives somewhere between boudoir and fine art, is about helping people, especially women and femmes of color...

In this episode, we explore the early days of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy and what his unique background, American-born, Peruvian-based, and multilingual, might mean for the future of the Catholic Church. Host Ambar Castillo speaks with Dr. Hosffman Ospino and Dr. Andrew Chesnut about identity, immigration, and how Pope Leo is already reshaping the conversation around faith and belonging.

See omnystu...

Erika Dox-Martinez spent over two decades in corporate accounting before founding Blissful Vida, a financial wellness company focused on helping Latinas and communities of color reshape how they think about money, success, and self-worth. In this episode, she shares her personal journey out of debt, the mindset shifts that changed her life, and how she’s helpi...

This week we step inside The Perseverance Project, a powerful theater production created by Outside/In, an acting program for New Yorkers navigating recovery. Run by Suzy PetchEam through the Stella Adler Studio’s Arts Justice Division, the program offers more than just performance training, it’s a space for healing, self-expression, and second chan...

Ofrenda Yoga Studio is one of the only BIPOC-owned studios in Harlem. Today, founder Jazmin Tejada shares how she built a welcoming, bilingual space in East Harlem where neighbors can show up exactly as they are, with music, movement, and community at the center.

From salsa to savasana: the yoga studio offering local vibes in East Harlem

Ofrenda Yoga Studio

Email: info@ofrendayogastudio.com

Follow on Instagram at @ofrendayogastudio

...

Millions of families depend on WIC, but confusing rules and checkout struggles make it hard to use. In this episode, we meet Dani Lopez, founder of Lulo, a free app helping New York families navigate WIC more easily. She shares how her own childhood experiences inspired the platform and why designing with families, not just

For years, the traditional career path has followed a familiar blueprint — get the degree, land the job, climb the ladder. But for many women, especially women of color, that path can feel limiting, exhausting, or simply misaligned with their values.

Candles have become a staple of self-care culture — especially in recent years as more people look for ways to slow down and decompress. For many, lighting a candle isn’t just about ambiance—it’s a daily ritual, a moment to reset, reflect, and create a sense of comfort at home. That was definitely true for Aminta Freeman, the founder of Moodie Vibes—a candle company she launched out of her Staten Islan...

In a world of mass-produced, trend-chasing accessories, it can be hard to find pieces that truly resonate — pieces that honor both tradition and craftsmanship while minimizing environmental impact. Enter Dominican-born jewelry designer, Nashira Arnó. Nashira’s career began in the corporate fashion world, collaborating with industry giants like Macy’s and Oscar de la Renta. 

In her late 20s, frustrated with products that failed to treat her hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation, Priscilla Jiminian turned to the cherished skincare traditions of her Dominican roots. 

Turning 40 is a milestone, but for many women, it's also a moment of transition—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Between navigating career pivots, caring for both aging parents and growing children, and adjusting to changes in their own bodies, women in this stage of life are often left searching for guidance and community. That’s where Redefining Wellness: Fit Over 40 comes in.

Online harassment doesn’t always stay online—sometimes it turns into real-life danger. It might begin with rude comments, but it can quickly escalate into doxing, threats, or targeted campaigns that threaten someone’s home, workplace, or even physical safety. For marginalized communities, this kind of harassment can be especially relentless, adding more layers of risk to what’s already a vulnerable situation...