My journey as a Latina executive spans over two decades and has been marked by challenges, resilience, and profound personal growth. As with any story, there was a struggle—a dilemma between embracing my cultural heritage and conforming to the existing professional and corporate norms. It was a deep battle between proudly displaying my roots, risking potential biases, and incorporating seamlessly into the corporate landscape by toning down my cultural distinctiveness.
In this struggle, I initially chose to fit in, thinking I would do best by hiding my roots, downplaying my accent and even not voicing my opinion, attempting to mute the vibrant shades of my cultural heritage. However, as the pages of my professional career turned and I started to ascend the corporate ladder, a significant realization began to surface—concealing my cultural heritage was a huge and unsuccessful effort. Moreover, it was detrimental to my identity, my values, and my heritage and, ultimately, also exhausting for me.
I've learned five valuable lessons along the way, and I believe they can empower anyone to navigate the delicate balance of honoring their Latin heritage while succeeding in their professional corporate journey.
1. Celebrate Your Cultural Identity
Embracing my roots was not an obstacle to my success; I discovered it was a unique asset that significantly enriched my professional journey along with my authenticity. Celebrate the distinct aspects of your Latin culture—your traditions, your language, your history. This celebration not only empowers you but also educates others about the richness of Latin heritage. Share the flavors of your culture, the stories of your ancestors, and the beauty of your traditions. By celebrating who you are, you build your self-confidence, you value your authentic self and you contribute to a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
2. Value Your Multicultural Skills
Being multilingual and understanding multiple cultures is an incredible benefit in today's globalized world. Don't diminish the value of speaking Spanish or any other language. It's a skill that opens doors and bridges gaps, showcasing your ability to connect with a broader audience and add value to various parts of the organization. Being multilingual isn't just about words; it's about connecting with people on a deeper level. It provides a unique perspective that can connect different cultures within the workplace. It allows for effective communication and understanding; it builds bridges and makes everyone feel understood and included and able to contribute to the conversations with their whole identity.
3. Be A Cultural Ambassador In The Workplace
Use your unique position, especially if you are in a leadership role, to educate and foster understanding among your colleagues. Share your traditions, food, history, and celebrations. Being a cultural ambassador doesn't just enlighten others; it creates an inclusive environment where diversity is appreciated, cherished, and respected and helps create a workplace that values every individual's unique background and ethnicity. Participate in the creation or review of diversity policies, even if you are not part of the human resources function, ensuring they genuinely reflect and respect the diversity present in your organization.
4. Champion Belonging And Inclusion
Advocate for an inclusive workplace environment where everyone feels accepted for who they are. Your voice, representing an individual cultural perspective, can contribute to shaping policies that embrace inclusivity. By championing inclusion, you create a workplace where every person feels seen, heard and valued. Your advocacy for inclusion is not just for Latinx individuals—it's for every person from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities within the workplace. Work on addressing any biases. Ensure your interactions are making others feel appreciated and welcomed for who they truly are; provide them a safe space to be their best selves, and allow others to do the same.
5. Mentor And Support Others
Leverage your experience to mentor fellow Latinx individuals or anyone facing similar challenges. Be a guiding light, providing advice and support to help others embrace their heritage in their professional world. Offer mentorship programs or workshops or simply be available to listen and guide. Share your successes and challenges, and offer advice on how to navigate the corporate setting while staying true to one's heritage. Supporting others in embracing their identity fosters a sense of community and unity within the workplace. It keeps people engaged. Your mentorship and support extend beyond just individuals navigating their identities. It contributes to a culture of mutual support and growth within the workplace, creating a positive ripple effect across the organization.
Final Thoughts
I know my journey is not unique. For me, it has been a transformative exploration of identity and authenticity. It has taught me that embracing my cultural heritage, honoring my roots, and staying true to myself is not only personally fulfilling but also a powerful way to grow within an organization. Role modeling makes me feel my contributions extend to my team and organization: They are a model for others; they are a legacy.
By celebrating who we are and recognizing the unique perspectives that we each bring to the table, we contribute to a more inclusive, compassionate, happy and successful world for all.