Pura Inspiración

For those who missed it, our recent Hispanic Heritage Month #CommsJobs Hangout was all about connection, inspiration, and the power of our stories.

We had a fantastic group of communicators who shared their unique journeys, challenges, and insights. Here’s a quick recap of the best moments, so you can catch up on the conversation:

Who We Are and Where We Come From

We started by introducing ourselves, and trust me, each story was more inspiring than the next.

Vanessa Gonzales has spent over 20 years in Silicon Valley, often as the only Latina in the room. She’s the first woman in her family to get a degree, and she’s now leading the charge by founding the Silicon Valley chapter of the Hispanic PR Association (HPRA) .

Carmen Boon, M.A. , originally from Venezuela, moved to the U.S. on a Fulbright Association scholarship. She’s the VP of Public Affairs in NYC and has navigated everything from crisis communications during Hurricane Sandy to leading nonprofit efforts for hunger relief in the city.

Then there’s Gabriel Galdamez , whose parents are Nicaraguan and Honduran immigrants. He shared his experience growing up between two cultures and how he’s carved a path in internal communications by blending his marketing skills with his passion for helping people connect.

Who Inspires Us

When I asked the group about their role models, the answers hit close to home for all of us.

Vanessa mentioned César Chávez and Dolores Huerta, two icons who’ve always been sources of strength for her — especially when she’s had to speak up in intimidating spaces. Carmen gave a shout-out to Maria Hinojosa, whose show Latino USA in NPR was not only a way to improve her English when she first arrived in the U.S., but also a source of pride and connection to her roots.

Gabriel shared a powerful story about meeting a Latina biologist who confidently declared she was living her dream job. That moment shifted his mindset and showed him that you could be successful while being your full, authentic self.

The Future of Communications for Latinos y Latinas

We couldn’t talk about being Latino/a communicators without looking ahead. What excites us about the future? There’s a lot!

Vanessa pointed out something important: our community’s purchasing power is huge — $3.2 trillion. Companies can’t afford to overlook us anymore. And it’s not just about money. The pandemic and social movements like those following George Floyd’s death have shown companies that they need diverse voices at the table.

Carmen spoke about the rise of entrepreneurial ventures and nonprofit organizations led by Latinos. There’s so much creativity and innovation coming from our community, and it’s exciting to see us break into new spaces.

Gabriel focused on the opportunity to mentor the next generation. He’s excited to help new communicators navigate the corporate world while encouraging them to bring their authentic selves to the table — because that’s where real change happens.

Our Advice for Fellow Latino/a Communicators

As we wrapped up, we talked about advice for Latino/a communicators looking to leave their mark. Here’s what we shared:

- Stay open: Carmen’s big takeaway was to stay open to different experiences. Whether it’s corporate communications, nonprofits, or media, there’s so much to learn from every sector.

- Be yourself: Gabriel’s advice was all about authenticity. Don’t compare your journey to others. Bring your full self to the table and know that your voice matters.

- Find a sponsor: Vanessa emphasized the importance of finding a sponsor — someone in your organization who can advocate for you when you’re not in the room. It doesn’t have to be a Latino or Latina, just someone who sees your value and is willing to help you grow.

The Power of Community

In the end, everything boiled down to one thing: community. We’re all here because we’ve built connections, supported each other, and lifted one another up.

If there’s one takeaway from the session, it’s this: Build your community, stay connected, and don’t be afraid to lean on each other.

That’s how we move forward.

If you want to watch the recording, click here.