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*By Patricia Contreras Ulises Kukulas is one of those entrepreneurs who don’t just build businesses, but lasting relationships. An Argentine born in Buenos Aires to Athenian Greek parents, he has spent more than four decades living in Greece, dedicating his life to a form of tourism rooted in respect, closeness, and a deep human sensibility. He lived 23 years in Argentina, where he played soccer, worked at the Argentine and Uruguayan consulates, taught Spanish, and developed

When Pride Gives Way and Love Grows This note was written by Manuel Monroy, husband of Nelly María Duarte, as a testimony of what he learned, how he grew, and the impact of the Re-Engage (Renewal) course he recently completed at Covenant Church in The Woodlands. The course allowed us to gain and apply various tools and resources that have strengthened our marriage. Today, I would like to share some specific experiences that reflect that impact. The first has to do with the ac

How Mexican music brings hearts together and transforms lives around the world *By Patricia Contreras I met Christian and his talented Mariachi group at a very special Christmas concert organized to support the physical recovery of Kikín, another of the protagonists we have had the honor of featuring in WoodlandStories Magazine . That evening, as the audience became visibly emotional, Christian not only conducted the group but also stepped into the role of photographer, capt

It doesn't get you drunk; it makes you MAGICAL One of the most emblematic drinks in Mexico. Product of up to 30 varieties of Agave (Maguey), good even for medicine. Pre-Hispanic origin. The history of mezcal dates back more than 2,000 years. Although mezcal as we know it today did not exist, pre-Hispanic civilizations, such as the Zapotecs, already cooked the heads of the agave (called "piñas") in earthen ovens to obtain food and fermented must. The name "mezcal" comes from t

By Mercedes Fuster Director, Women with Values In The Woodlands, there is a community of women who deeply believe in the power of support, sisterhood, and personal and collective growth. Women with Values (Mujeres con Valor) is a group created for women who wish to strengthen themselves from within, connect with other women, and become agents of positive change in their lives, their families, and their community. What are Women with Values? Women with Values is a community of

My name is María Fernanda Rubio. I am Colombian, a Business Administrator with a specialization in Strategic Marketing from CESA, and I bring more than a decade of experience leading and developing brands and strategic accounts for multinational companies such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Juan Valdez, among others. Three years ago, I returned to The Woodlands after nearly three years living abroad in Indonesia. That homecoming marked more than a geographical return—it became a

María Claudia Caldas Expresidente LAMAH 2023/2024 Board Member LAMAH - Chair of Mentoring Program As a Board Member and Past President of the Latino Medical Association of Houston (LAMAH) for 2023–2024, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary power of mentorship to transform lives, careers, and communities. Our Mentorship Program is not simply an educational initiative—it is a bridge between generations of Latino physicians, students, and aspiring health professionals

By Patricia Contreras* In an exclusive conversation, strategist and visionary Ernesto Verdugo , creator of the concept of Recursive Artificial Intelligence , shares ideas that redefine what we understand about intelligence, consciousness, and technological evolution. His message is clear: AI is not just learning from humans… it is beginning to understand itself. Q: What differentiates Recursive Artificial Intelligence from traditional AI? Ernesto Verdugo: “Traditional AI foll

By Patricia Contreras* In the world of diplomacy, brilliant résumés abound, but few carry behind them such a deeply human story as that of Jesús Miguel Sanz Escorihuela (Madrid, 1963). Now the Consul General of Spain in Houston, he has traveled across half the globe in the name of his country. And yet, when you listen to him speak, it becomes clear that his greatest pride lies not only in the positions he has held, but in the people, memories, and roots that have accompanied

By WoodlandStories Magazine Juliana Lasses is not just a singer. “I’m a singer and I’m also the leader of the Rogers band,” says the Colombian artist who has turned her life into a musical journey across two continents. Her story is one of a woman who reinvents herself, who “traveled with a suitcase full of dreams” and found an unexpected stage for her music in Texas. From Colombia to the heart of Texas Born in Colombia, a country she says she “deeply loves,” Juliana disco

In Houston, Texas, Woodland Stories Magazine keeps creating spaces to connect with inspiring Hispanics who reinvent themselves and share their stories. This time our spotlight is on Valeria Charrabe, a Venezuelan who gracefully balances her life as a mom, entrepreneur, and content creator. From the very start of the interview, Valeria expresses gratitude: “Thank you, Paty, for opening this space and for sharing the stories of people like me—those of us who live entrepreneurs

When WoodlandStories Magazine was born, we had a very clear vision: to tell the stories of Hispanics in The Woodlands, in Houston, and beyond. Stories of men and women who came to this country to start businesses, fight for opportunities, move forward, create companies, generate jobs, and contribute to the economy that today positions us as the fifth largest in the world. We wanted to reveal the faces and the people behind every business, every project, every act of resilien

By Patricia Contreras In Houston—a vibrant and diverse city—Laura Murillo has become one of the most influential and admired leaders within the Hispanic community. As President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Laura has not only forged her own path through hard work and passion, but has also opened doors for thousands of people who, like her, dream of a better future. “Nothing is achieved alone,” Laura says with her characteristic warmth. Behind every succ

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” (Proverbs 14:1) This verse has not only been a guiding motto, but the very heart of the life and ministry of Margarita Houston—a Colombian woman who, from The Woodlands, Texas, has spent more than three decades transforming lives through teaching, discipleship, and a deep love for the Word of God. From Bogotá to the World: A Calling to Serve Born in Bogotá, Colombia, into a family of f

Fernanda Pina Salinas, Diego Pina Salinas, and Matías Abraham Sánchez Villalobos share something powerful in common: a deep, burning passion for soccer. Their stories are not just about talent, but about discipline, family sacrifice, and an unshakable belief that dreams—when pursued with heart and soul—know no borders. Fernanda: “I learned that success isn’t about being seen, but about never giving up” Born on the island of São Miguel in Portugal, Fernanda Pina Salinas has tu

En el corazón de The Woodlands, un grupo de empresarios decidió apostar por un sueño: llevar la auténtica cocina del norte de México a Estados Unidos, con un concepto moderno y vibrante. Así nació Monarca Modern Mexican Cocina, un restaurante que desde diciembre de 2023 ha conquistado a locales y visitantes con su esencia de carne a las brasas, hospitalidad de reyes y un ambiente que fusiona tradición y modernidad. Una experiencia que honra a los monarcas… y a las monarcas

By Patricia Contreras Dr. Juan Carlos Rozo: A Heart That Beats to the Rhythm of Service and Family In a world where medicine sometimes seems to have forgotten its essence, Dr. Juan Carlos Rozo reminds us that being a physician is an act of love, compassion, and social responsibility. A renowned cardiologist born in Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Rozo is currently the Medical Director of Cardiology at Houston Methodist Creekside Comprehensive Care Center in The Woodlands, Texas—an inno

Soy el médico Oscar Tarragó. Nunca pensé que el “cáncer” estaría asociado conmigo. Soy un hombre de 64 años, saludable y activo, sin antecedentes de cáncer de próstata en mi familia. Hago deportes seguido y vivo con poco estrés. Yo sabía que los hombres Afroamericanos tienen un mayor riesgo, pero nunca pensé que me pasaría a mí. Mi última prueba de PSA salió elevada, confirmada por una segunda prueba. Hace un año estaba normal. ¿Qué pasó? Una prueba elevada de PSA no signif

*El 56% de estudiantes de la generación Z están buscando a Dios más que hace cinco años. * Se prepara para ser Pastor de una iglesia cristiana. Hoy les compartimos la historia de Arnold Arriaga, un joven guatemalteco que con su música y su fe está despertando corazones y llevando esperanza a muchas personas, especialmente a otros jóvenes. Arnold es ingeniero de profesión, pero desde muy pequeño la música ha sido su gran pasión y su herramienta para inspirar y unir comunida

*La música es “una linda trampa para atraer a los jóvenes y ofrecerles un camino de esperanza, alejándolos de la violencia y la desesperanza.” *Su proyecto busca enseñar valores como la humildad, la solidaridad y el compromiso. “Aunque haya que emigrar, se pueden hacer las cosas con el alma” — así lo vive y transmite Álvaro Castillo, un talento latinoamericano nacido en Valledupar, Colombia, cuya historia es un ejemplo de pasión, trabajo y esperanza para miles de migrantes