Josie Hernandez, ED of Casting Society, on the Oscars, Onboarding and Professionalizing an Association, and Imposter Syndrome

How do you lead a volunteer-run organization into its next phase of growth without losing its identity and heart? And how can associations support members who are often behind the scenes but shape what the world sees?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with returning guest Josie Hernandez, Executive Director of Casting Society (CSA) and President of Association Latinos. Josie discusses:

• How Casting Society represents global casting professionals working in film, TV, theater, reality, commercials, and new media.
• The Society’s advocacy that led to a new Academy Award category for casting, debuting at the 2026 Oscars, a monumental achievement for the profession.
• How Josie led CSA’s transition from a volunteer-run structure to professional management through her firm, Bostrom.
• The business processes, governance practices, and SOPs that helped Casting Society grow revenue, membership, and influence.
• How CSA supports its diverse membership through its Training and Education Program , delivered by Casting Society Cares, which helps casting assistants advance their careers.
• The unique Artios Awards, held simultaneously in three cities, Los Angeles, New York, and London, to honor excellence in casting across media.
• Association Latinos’ signature event, Conexiones, a one-day summit designed around cultural leadership and lived experience, taking place October 10 in Chicago.
• How Association Latinos has grown organically, yet intentionally, with a volunteer base that now helps lead programming and strategy.

References:

• CSA Website
• Artios Awards Events
• Association Latinos Website
• Conexiones Event
• Josie Hernandez on episode 59 of Associations Thrive
• Josie Hernandez on episode 109 of Associations Thrive