Welcome to episode 125 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!
George Torres, also known as Urban Jibaro, shares his journey as a digital pioneer in the Latino community, from launching Sofrito for Your Soul in 1997 to creating Siembra Connect, a platform dedicated to amplifying creators of color—especially Latinos—across the digital landscape.
In this episode, George reflects on his early work building online spaces long before social media existed, including websites that offered cultural content, email access, and event information for the Latino community. He opens up about growing up between New York and Puerto Rico, the cultural richness of living in diverse communities, and how those experiences shaped his commitment to community-building and storytelling.
George takes us through his evolution as a creator, from founding one of the earliest Latino digital hubs to his ongoing work in environmental justice and community empowerment in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. He shares his passion for sustainable digital spaces, uplifting creators of color, and creating platforms where community, culture, and connection come first.
With Love, Heidy
Connect with Urban Jibaro:
Website
Get George’s Book: https://stan.store/siembraconnect/p/reclaiming-your-creativity-after-burnout-workbook
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