Leading Authentically As A Latina Doesn't Mean I'll Throw You A Chancla

Lead authentically. Embrace imperfection. Be your full self at work. Show your cultura.

We are constantly bombarded by these well-meaning messages from content creators and topic experts about leadership, but what the f*ck does this mean? Leading authentically as a systemically overlooked líder can mean something completely different based on your location, how you were raised, how you self-identify, and even where your ancestors are from. You might be surprised to read this, but not all Latine or Hispanic identifying folks eat fried foods, dance salsa, and throw chanclas at their kids.

Like all forms of systemic oppression, the problem is with the stereotypes we uphold for marginalized folks and how we deem them unworthy of occupying spaces of influence and power.

With a resurgence of Latine representation in media with movies like Encanto, Coco, In the Heights, and the West Side Story remake our collective stories are highlighted for the world to see, but like all stories, the characters in these movies are unable to represent the realities of the 33 different countries that make up Latin America and the Caribbean. It was not a surprise when one of my TikTok videos, Microagressions I Experienced As A Latina in NonProfits, went viral on the platform. In this video with over 97k likes, I share the story of a white employee asking me to empty the trash while I was wearing a suit for an interview. Would I experience the same racism if I was wearing hoop earrings, wavy hair, and a full-blown plena outfit? Yes. Being in this skin, with these features, and having a fat body had everything to do with this woman immediately seeing me as "the help" or "cleaning lady" and nothing beyond that.

And what is wrong with working in the service industry? Nothing. Like all forms of systemic oppression, the problem is with the stereotypes we uphold for marginalized folks and how we deem them unworthy of occupying spaces of influence and power. This part, the one about living your purpose and using your power is what leading authentically means. You lead authentically when you honor your story, work from your strengths, amplify marginalized voices, and use your power and privilege to help others thrive.

Honoring your family and your traditions doesn't mean that there's one way to be worthy of checking that box that asks "Do You Identify As Hispanic Or Latino"?

For many Latine líderes, and especially those who are 1st generation corporate or non-profit professionals and entrepreneurs, leading authentically goes beyond what we wear or eat during lunch break. Leading authentically for our gente starts with redefining our latinidad to assimilating. And if like me you feel like you are ni de aquí,?ni de allá, the road to self-discovery can be very difficult. So, if you are struggling to embrace all that makes you YOU, here are 3 consejos you can adapt to your leadership development.

Consejos to help you lead authentically while honoring your cultura

Break up with the stereotypes. Especially around your latinindad.

I am not talking about full systems and nationwide change of the stereotypes around the Latine and Hispanic culture. Break up with your stereotypes and misconceptions about what it means to be part of our communities. Our ancestors didn't overcome colonization and almost the erasure of our belief systems for you to listen to Elvis Crespo on repeat when you want to listen to Linkin Park. What are you doing mija? Yes, this is a real story inspired by my life.

I'm also not here to tell you never to code-switch. You can unpack that with your therapist.

There is no right way to be Boricua, Dominicana, Peruana, Mejicana, nor any other Latin American or Caribbean person. Honoring your family and your traditions doesn't mean that there's one way to be worthy of checking that box that asks "Do You Identify As Hispanic Or Latino"? You don't have to be calladita to be mas bonita nor dress in full native regalia to be valuable in making your voice heard. And if this is the way you want to show up in the world, then do it. The first step in dismantling your assimilation of any culture is to give yourself permission of acknowledging all parts of yourself.

The corporate ladder is a myth used by white supremacy culture to keep marginalized communities focused on competing with each other.

I'm also not here to tell you never to code-switch. You can unpack that with your therapist. Your survival is more important than my beliefs on liberation. But you can't create an inclusive and equity-focused environment when you are constantly trying to be someone that you are not, even when that is showing up as the poster child for Latinas.

So the next time you are told to eat picante, but you know that a sleepless night of acid reflux is not worth it, remember that access to health care in the United States sucks and most insurance companies don't cover over the counter medications. I'm telling you, 35 is hitting me hard this year.

Redefine what it means to be a líder.

A líder is someone who inspires others to take action, fosters collaboration, sets a vision, and coaches people to achieve a mission. Even though a líder can manage people or teams, it doesn't mean that being a boss or entrepreneur is equal to being a líder. The corporate ladder is a myth used by white supremacy culture to keep marginalized communities focused on competing with each other. There isn't a one-way just copy and paste approach to achieving personal, professional, and financial growth.

When was the last time you said: mierda ahora todo el mundo is a DEI consultant?

Consider this. What if you got out of the ladder, where only one person has the privilege of securing a role or opportunity? By maximizing your strengths, getting clear on your purpose, and bringing your gente for the ride you can create a journey that allows you to make an impact while enjoying your life. A "worthy" resume doesn't always mean a salary that reflects the impact of your work. Nor does managing a large team or the latest social media feature.

Success is personal, and when you know what success means to you then you can create a plan to achieve your goals and set your intentions.

Check your bias. The internal work is forever.

When was the last time you said: mierda ahora todo el mundo is a DEI consultant? Experiencing racism, sexism, ableism, machismo, and all forms of discrimination is not equivalent to being an expert on those topics. Just like we all have privilege, we all thrive in some way or another on keeping the status quo aka white supremacy culture. Oppression is so embedded in our cultura, including Latin American and Caribbean culture, that it's not easy to discern when we are upholding those beliefs. Having a Brown or Black body is not enough. We have to decide and work intentionally to be anti-racist.

From Anti-Blackness, to colonialism, and microaggressions how can we expect to work in an equitable environment when we can't even have those conversations with ourselves or our families during the holidays? Equity as a verb is about everyone having the resources and tools they need to thrive. You can only lead authentically when you are removing obstacles for yourself, internally and externally, and for those around you.

So now the next time you feel like you are not Latine or Hispanic enough, remember that you are paying tribute to the past generations when you are being YOU. Even if that means singing Bad Bunny while eating arepas in an hamaca. Because at the end of the day, the heart wants what it wants, and mine wants un pastelillo de carne ahora mismo.

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Paulette Pi?ero is a leadership coach, strategy consultant, and CEO of LEAD Media LLC, a leadership development firm that removes barriers for systemically overlooked líderes so they can turn their purpose into impact. Connect with Paulette on LinkedIn or access more líder development content on her TikTok @latina_leadershipcoach.