Growing Up Bicultural: My Personal Journey

Welcome!

This week's article is a deeply personal one. It's my origin story. It's the foundation of who I am, what's shaped me and how it's led to who I am today and why I do what I do. This is not only an invitation to get to know me a little better but also an invitation for you to consider your own origin story and ripple effect it has in your own life.

Roots and Resilience

I am the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. My parents met and married in the 70’s in Los Angeles, California and then moved to West Chicago, Illinois where I was born. My mother and my father, a former professional soccer player, had saved enough money to open a sports store, so the plan was to return to Mexico to begin a new chapter of their lives there. My mom and I traveled ahead while my father decided to make a pitstop in Tucson to visit family. Our journey took an unexpected turn when my father was killed in Manzanilla, Mexico in an automobile accident.

This event not only left my mother a young widow but also set us on a path back to the United States, seeking opportunities that were unattainable in Mexico. Our return to the U.S. was marked by both challenges and opportunities.

My mother's courage to cross the border in search of a better life for us, despite the barriers of language and documentation, demonstrates her resilience and hope for a better future. This decision, driven by my mother's warrior spirit, marked the beginning of my life between two worlds. For me, this experience laid the groundwork for my lifelong navigation between two cultures, constantly questioning, "Where do I belong?

Early Life: Between Two Cultures

Growing up, I experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating a bicultural identity. My stepfather, an American man who entered my life before I could form memories of my biological father, became "Papi" to me. He shaped my world in ways I could never quantify, standing by me through life's milestones, embodying the role of a father in every sense except blood. He is Dad AND I still feel deeply attached to the spirit of my birth father and my connection to Mexico remained a constant, ethereal presence in my life.

All in all, I had a great childhood. I am the eldest of four siblings. My adolescence and early adulthood were marked by efforts to reconcile these cultural identities. My life was a blend of Los Bukis and Fleetwood Mac, Spanish whispers and English conversations—a vivid illustration of living in two worlds.

I grew up with my American family and my Mexican family, both of whom I love dearly.

Student Life: Finding My Voice

Before there were ERG's, there were student led Latino organizations. Under the guidance of our advisor, the late and iconic Jane Barbosa, I began to understand the importance of advocacy, community, and the strength found in our shared stories. With that community organization I traveled to the NCLR conference (now UnidosUS), engaged in protests and wrote for a bilingual newspaper, El Conquistador.? Jane gave me to a love for culture, advocacy and justice.

Having other first gen Latino friends also played a significant part. There were so many unspoken nuances that were understood within our circle. I didn’t have to be embarrassed about who I was or what I did or didn’t know. In many ways, we were just trying to do better than our parents. This period was pivotal in accepting and embracing my Latina identity but it also taught me that our backgrounds and experiences aren't just personal narratives but powerful tools for change.

Professional Journey: Breaking Barriers

Entering the corporate world at 19, I quickly assimilated and tried to show up as "professional" as I could. The challenges of navigating a predominantly white space, finding my voice, and overcoming imposter syndrome were real and daunting. Lucky for me, I had Nick Black in my corner. Nick Black was an ally who nominated me for a Latina Leadership program. This would be another major turning point in my professional and personal life. That program was Mujeres de HACE and it equipped me with the tools, knowledge, and network I needed to succeed. This experience was transformative, showing me the power of representation and the importance of cultural awareness in leadership.

Our diverse experiences and perspectives are our greatest assets. They equip us to be unique and powerful leaders.

Empowerment Through Coaching

Inspired by the mentors and allies who supported me, I realized the impact that culturally relevant coaching and leadership development could have. My experiences as a bicultural professional, grappling with issues of identity, representation, and systemic barriers in the workplace, fueled my desire to support others facing similar challenges. Today, my mission as a Leadership Coach & Hypnotherapist, is to empower first-gen, bicultural professionals to navigate these complexities with confidence, embrace their unique identities, and lead with authenticity. If you're navigating the complexities of a bicultural identity, remember, you don't have to do it alone.

What's your origin story?

As we each navigate our unique experiences, the power of our origin stories serves as a compass, guiding us toward our true north. Now, I turn the spotlight onto you: What is your origin story? How has it shaped the person you are today and the path you're forging ahead? I encourage you to ponder these questions, share your reflections, and embrace the remarkable impact your own story has on the world around you.

Con ánimo y fortaleza,

Ruby

Ruby Garcia is a Leadership Coach & Certified Hypnotherapist for First Gen Latina Professionals, Leaders and Entrepreneurs. She is on a mission to empower Latinas to show up as the most powerful, bravest, and authentic version of themselves. She teaches her clients the power of self-leadership and mastery. 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 .