Elevating Latina Professionals: Embracing Mentorship, Coaching, and Sponsorship

My first mentor was Patty. I was 18 and working as a customer service rep for GE Capital. She was my team lead and I think she was impressed by my hard work, drive, and ambition. As a first gen Latina, I had no idea how to navigate the corporate world. I was just grateful to work a desk job in a high rise after seeing my mom work in factories while growing up and excited to wear my new JC Penny polyester suits to work. Patty showed me the ropes so I could excel in my role and when she left the company to pursue another advantageous opportunity, I followed behind her. We would work together at 3 different companies and unfortunately, after marriage, kids, and a divorce, we lost touch but I'll never forget the impact that she made in my life. While Patty was instrumental in my career development, she was also a friend, confidant, and a big sister to me. She took the time to get to know me, my story, and my aspirations. An important piece I think we often miss to keep it "professional". I didn't have the language for it then but in addition to being a mentor, she was also an ally and career sponsor. January is National Mentoring Month and yes, I want you to get mentored and be mentored but I also want you to consider the roles of coaches and sponsors and the impact it can have on your career!

Understanding Mentorship, Coaching, and Sponsorship

1. Mentors offer guidance and wisdom, sharing their insights and experiences to help us navigate our career paths.
2. Coaches, like myself as a Leadership Coach and Certified Hypnotherapist, focus on developing specific skills and achieving personal and professional goals.
3. Sponsors are advocates in professional environments, opening doors and advocating for our capabilities.

The Importance of These Relationships

According to research by the Center for Talent Innovation, professionals with sponsors are 23% more likely to advance in their careers. LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company highlight that women, particularly women of color, often receive less managerial support and fewer opportunities to interact with senior leaders, underscoring the need for such relationships. The 2021 report noted that for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 86 women of color were promoted, indicating a disparity that could be partly attributed to a lack of sponsorship. Another study by the Center for Talent Innovation (CTI) indicates that people of color who have sponsors are 23% more likely to advance in their career than those without sponsors.

How to Find Mentors, Sponsors, and Coaches

1. Identify Potential Mentors and Sponsors: Look within your network, industry events, and professional organizations. LinkedIn can be a great resource to connect with potential mentors and sponsors in your field.
2. Join Professional Groups and Networks: Organizations like the Hispanic for Career Enhancement Alliance, National Latina Business Women Association, Latinas in Tech, Prospanica or the Association of Latino Professionals For America offer networking opportunities and resources to connect with mentors and sponsors.
3. Attend Workshops and Seminars: These can be excellent places to meet coaches and mentors who are eager to share their expertise.
4. Leverage Social Media and Online Platforms: Platforms like LinkedIn, and even specific Facebook groups can be valuable for finding mentors and coaches who share your professional interests.

Building a Successful Mentor-Mentee Relationship

1. Be Clear About Your Goals: Understand what you want from the mentorship.
2. Communicate Openly and Regularly: Establish a communication rhythm that works for both parties.
3. Set Boundaries and Expectations: Clearly define the scope of the relationship.
4. Be Receptive to Feedback: A mentor’s insights are valuable for your growth.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

It is important to note that while mentors are crucial, we are over-mentored and undersponsored as Latinas and women of color. The lack of sponsorship is a significant barrier to career progression for many Latinas, highlighting the need for more targeted efforts in this area. As my friend and Author of The Latino Leadership Playbook, Refugio A. Atilano says, "Sponsorship is the holy grail of career relationships". To be successful, we need to leverage all three.

Here's to a year of growth, learning, and empowerment. Feliz National Mentoring Month!

Con Animo

Ruby Garcia

P.S. I was featured in the Washington Post last year in an article series by my friend, mentor, and sponsor Russ Finkelstein about mentorship. Russ is wise, funny, and incredibly brilliant. Make sure to give him a follow. You can read the article here .

Ruby Garcia is a Leadership Coach for First Gen Latina Professionals and Certified Hypnotherapist. She is on a mission to empower Latinas to show up as the most powerful, bravest, and authentic version of themselves. Through her work, Ruby helps her clients overcome limiting beliefs, dismantle disempowering narratives, and break free from societal, cultural and gender norms so they can use their power to transform their lives, their organizations and their communities at large. To schedule a call with Ruby for individual or organizational needs, go here .