Meet Charene Herrera

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Charene Herrera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Charene below.

Charene, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience was forged in survival. I was born to a mother who struggled with severe drug addiction, and my earliest memories include physical and emotional abuse, chaos, and watching my mom use drugs right in front of me. When I was seven, her abusive boyfriend threw her out of a second-story window. That moment shifted everything, my uncle stepped in and moved us in with him, but my mom’s addiction continued.

Eventually, we moved out on our own, and things got even worse. She was using so heavily that one day she simply forgot I existed. I was seven years old, living alone in an apartment, cooking for myself and getting myself to school. My second-grade teacher, Miss Ross, noticed something was wrong—especially on picture day when I showed up unbathed and wearing the same clothes. She called the authorities, and I was placed in foster care.

They eventually found my grandmother, who took me in. She wasn’t what the system considered an ideal guardian at the time… just a single grandmother, but she was everything I needed. They did remove me again for a short time, but ultimately, I ended up back with her, and she raised me.

My grandma is where I got my strength. She never sugarcoated my story or hid the truth—she laid it out for me to see clearly. She believed that facing it would help me choose a different path. And I did. I chose not to become a product of that cycle. I chose to build something better, because I knew I had a choice.

My resilience comes from being in the fire and realizing I didn’t have to burn.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’ve been in radio for nearly 18 years—it’s where I found my voice, quite literally. Over the years, I’ve expanded into the broader world of media, with a strong focus now on podcasting. I host, produce, and consult on podcasts, helping others bring their stories to life, while also editing and managing the technical side behind the scenes.

What I love most is using podcasting as a tool to build real connections—especially when it comes to tourism and economic development. I’ve seen firsthand how sharing authentic, local stories can drive curiosity, travel, and community growth.

Beyond that, I’m deeply rooted in my community. I MC a wide range of local events, from fundraisers to festivals, and I love being on stage helping bring people together. Whether it’s behind a mic or in front of a crowd, my goal is always the same: to connect, uplift, and create something meaningful.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Hard Work.
It might sound cliché, but hard work is the foundation of everything I’ve built. In today’s world, there’s often a search for shortcuts or quick success—but the truth is, you have to put in the work. Show up early. Stay late. Do the things no one else wants to do. That said, I’ve also learned the value of balance. You can work extremely hard and still set healthy boundaries. Work-life balance isn’t the opposite of hustle—it’s what keeps you from burning out so you can keep going.

2. Accountability.
Taking responsibility! Even when it’s not all your fault—is a powerful tool. There will always be reasons why something didn’t work out, and sometimes those reasons are beyond your control. But owning your part and using that to grow is what separates people who stay stuck from those who rise. I’ve found that being accountable helps you move forward with clarity, not excuses.

3. Adaptability.
The media world has changed drastically over the last decade, and I’ve had to evolve with it—shifting from traditional radio into podcasting, digital media, and community engagement. Being willing to learn new things, pivot when needed, and stay open to change has kept me relevant and passionate about what I do.

Advice?
If you’re early in your journey: work hard and smart, take ownership of everything you can, and don’t be afraid to evolve. Keep your integrity intact, and stay curious.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely. I’m always open to connecting with anyone who’s involved in podcasting or even just curious about getting started. Whether you’re a creator, editor, producer, or a business looking to explore how podcasting can elevate your brand or message, I’d love to collaborate. I’m especially passionate about helping others understand the power of this ever-growing medium and finding creative ways to make it more solid, sustainable, and inclusive for all. Let’s build something meaningful together.

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