Breaking the Glass Ceiling: A Call for Hispanic Empowerment

For over two decades, I've dedicated myself to the healthcare industry, working tirelessly to improve the lives of those I serve. My commitment to excellence and passion for this field has never wavered.

Yet, despite my experience and unwavering dedication, I find myself staring at a glass ceiling that has become all too familiar, with a sign that reads, "No Hispanics Allowed."

We come from backgrounds where survival often means fleeing violence and gangs from other countries. Many of us have witnessed the heartbreaking toll of a world where safety is a luxury and dreams are stifled by fear.

We are the caregivers, the essential workers, the many voices that make our communities vibrant. Yet, despite our contributions, we often find ourselves marginalized, fighting against a system that has historically overlooked us.

I'm here to break through that glass ceiling, not just for myself, but for every Hispanics who has been told, implicitly or explicitly, that they don't belong.

This glass ceiling isn't just my struggle—it's a symptom of a larger problem that has persisted for far too long.

The financial disparity faced by our community in the U.S. is both staggering and quantifiable. Recent data shows the median household wealth for Hispanic/Latino families is roughly $36,000, compared to $188,000 for white households—a gap exceeding $150,000.

Additionally, fewer than 25% of Hispanic/Latino households have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, and those who do often contribute less than their non-Hispanic peers.

This wealth gap impacts approximately 62 million Hispanic & Latinos across the U.S., with significant long-term effects on economic stability and generational wealth. In fact, this disparity represents a potential loss of over $2 trillion in untapped financial potential within the Hispanic/Latino community.

We've seen moments of collective action for many communities. The African American community had its moment with the tragic death of George Floyd, sparking the Black Lives Matter movement, demanding justice and equality.

Women across the globe have found solidarity and strength through the Me Too movement, exposing the pervasive culture of harassment and discrimination.

We came together to support the Asian community during the pandemic when hatred and violence were on the rise.

And we stood with the LGBTQ+ community, affirming that love is love, despite the many voices that tried to silence that truth.

But when was the last time we saw a movement for the Hispanic community?

The last significant push we had was to ensure our farm workers received a livable wage and safe working conditions—basic human rights that are still being fought for today.

Where was the outcry when the former presidential administration vilified our community, insulted our culture, and abused our women seeking asylum, the same asylum countless others have sought without facing such cruelty?

The silence has been deafening.

The glass ceiling I've encountered is not just a barrier to my personal advancement—it's a reflection of a systemic issue that keeps Hispanics in the shadows, our contributions overlooked, our voices unheard.

They should see a world where their potential is recognized, their voices are valued, and their dreams are within reach.

We are a vibrant, hardworking community with dreams and aspirations like anyone else. Yet, too often, we are met with resistance, with systems that were never designed to include us, let alone elevate us.

I'm here to break through that glass ceiling, not just for myself, but for every Hispanic who has been told, implicitly or explicitly, that they don't belong.

As a direct descendant of Capitán Marcos Alonso de la Falcón, I come from a lineage that shaped history. Marcos played a key role in the colonization of New Spain, helping found the New Kingdom of León and the city of Monterrey, Mexico.

His legacy of leadership, landownership, and influence set the stage for future generations. This heritage inspires me to carry forward that same spirit of ambition and responsibility, destined to leave my own mark.

I want to ensure that the next generation doesn't have to fight the same battles I've faced. They should see a world where their potential is recognized, their voices are valued, and their dreams are within reach.

This isn't about blaming individuals—it's about challenging a system that has been designed to keep certain groups in their place. It's about recognizing that true progress means uplifting all marginalized communities, not just some.

The fight for equality and justice isn't over until everyone is free to achieve their full potential, regardless of their race, gender, sexuality, or background.

I stand in solidarity with the African American, Asian, LGBTQ+, and women's communities, acknowledging their struggles and victories. And I ask for the same support as we push for a moment of reckoning for the Hispanic community.

It's time to shatter this glass ceiling, to rewrite the narrative, and to create a world where "No Hispanics Allowed" is a relic of the past, replaced by a new message: "All Are Welcome."

The journey ahead won't be easy, but I'm committed to seeing it through. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Because when one of us breaks through, we all rise.