Building Community Capital That Lasts Generations with Berto Aguayo, Attorney, Co-Founder, and Policy Co-Chair, Latino Leadership Council
Welcome to a brand new era of the Moneda Moves podcast.
In 2025, Latinos in the U.S. face palpable changes. From a Supreme Court ruling that enables federal agents to stop suspects based solely on their race, language, or job to immigration policies that create ripple effects on crime, public health, and the education of children from mixed-status families, the ground beneath us is shifting. That’s why Moneda Moves is evolving, to meet the moment.
We’re extending the definition of what capital looks like. On Moneda Moves, we’re not just talking about assets and cash anymore; we’re talking about capital in all its forms: financial, social, political, and cultural.
One of the topics I wanted to explore is how we use our organizing and politics to nurture, protect, and expand the collective power our communities have built. That’s why this week I sat down with nonprofit founder and organizer Berto Aguayo.
Berto Aguayo is an attorney at K&L Gates and the founder of Increase the Peace Chicago, a nonprofit that empowers youth with the tools and mentorship to become community leaders. From his transformation as a former gang member to an advocate, Berto has helped over 700 young people access employment and civic leadership training, fostering safer and more inclusive environments. He also cofounded the Annual Black and Brown Unity Car Parade, a public celebration of racial healing and pluralism uniting Black and Latino groups.
By speaking to Berto, I heard firsthand how Increase the Peace is using social and financial capital to strengthen the Latino community in Chicago. And it doesn’t stop there. He’s working alongside Black leaders to create a space where we can actually listen to each other and move in alignment.
In this week’s episode, we break down how Berto and his team are building power that lasts generations. Berto is determined to use his capital to protect Latinos in Chicago because he wants to be the person he needed when he joined a gang at thirteen. Now, he’s working on solutions to intercommunity violence and supporting people impacted by ICE raids and deportations. There’s so much to learn in this week’s episode and so many ways you can take action. Tune in to hear how Berto is using his social and financial capital.
Follow Berto on Instagram @berto_aguayo and on his LinkedIn.
Follow Increase The Peace Chicago on Instagram @itp_chicago and on their website.
Follow Moneda Moves on Instagram: @MonedaMoves
Follow your host Lyanne Alfaro on Instagram: @LyanneAlfaro
Main podcast theme song from Premium Beat. Our music is from Epidemic Sound.
