The State Of Latina Wealth in America with Dr. Marlene Orozco

2026-01-26

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In this data-packed episode of Yo Quiero Dinero, Jannese sits down with Dr. Marlene Orozco, founder of Stratified Insights and lead researcher behind one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on Latina wealth in America. Together, they break down the receipts real numbers, real stories, and real systems that explain why Latinas continue to earn less, save less, and carry more financial responsibility, despite being one of the fastest-growing economic forces in the country.This conversation goes beyond hot takes...

In this data-packed episode of Yo Quiero Dinero, Jannese sits down with Dr. Marlene Orozco, founder of Stratified Insights and lead researcher behind one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on Latina wealth in America. Together, they break down the receipts real numbers, real stories, and real systems that explain why Latinas continue to earn less, save less, and carry more financial responsibility, despite being one of the fastest-growing economic forces in the country.

This conversation goes beyond hot takes and dives into the structural barriers, cultural expectations, and systemic inequities shaping Latina wealth today from entrepreneurship and homeownership to caregiving, education, and retirement. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working twice as hard for half the reward… this episode will make you feel seen and fired up.

What We Get Into

00:00 Why this Latina wealth data matters

01:10 Meet Dr. Marlene Orozco

04:25 First-gen roots & entrepreneurship

09:30 Necessity vs opportunity businesses

12:50 The Latina wealth paradox

17:45 The 27% pay gap explained

23:50 Entrepreneurship as a wealth strategy

29:55 Homeownership & credit barriers

34:10 Retirement & investment gaps

37:45 Financial first responders

47:40 The motherhood penalty

56:20 Hope, policy & what’s next

Key Takeaways

Latinas are not behind because of bad choices — the system is working exactly as designed.
Education and entrepreneurship do increase earning potential, but they are not enough without access to capital and policy support.
Caregiving, cultural expectations, and family responsibility significantly limit Latinas’ ability to save and invest.
Homeownership remains a primary wealth strategy, but affordability, credit access, and insurance risks threaten long-term stability.
Real change requires structural solutions, not just individual financial literacy.

Resources Mentioned