How Identity Has Influenced A Business Consultant And Online Educator's Career At Bianca Lager Inc.
Bianca Lager, a Hispanic woman and first-generation college student, initially internalized negative messages about their identity, believing "there are some things in the world that are for you and there are some things in the world that are not for you." However, this fueled a determination to overcome limitations, transforming what was once a source of hardship into a "superpower," proving "I've done amazing things" and ultimately rejecting others' biases as "their problem and not [their] own."
Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Motivation, Confidence, Inspiring
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Bianca Lager
Business Consultant & Online Educator
Bianca Lager Inc.
University of California, Santa Barbara
Pepperdine University - MBA
History, Art History
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Bianca's journey from overcoming a limiting belief system due to her identity as a Hispanic woman and first-generation college student to leveraging her background as a strength.
2. Bianca's emphasis on using challenges as fuel to achieve socioeconomic mobility and overcome imposter syndrome.
3. Bianca's call for more representation of Hispanic women and first-generation college students in successful careers as a source of inspiration and encouragement for others.
Transcript
As an Hispanic woman and first-generation college student, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
I didn't think much about my identity when I was younger, other than accepting that I wasn't part of the desired identity group. I grew up in an area with strong white supremacist ideas. My gender and racial ethnicity were often discussed derogatorily, so much so that I thought it was normal.
I didn't see it as wrong or different, just as being "one of those people" spoken poorly about. Growing up surrounded by that messaging, I inherently knew there were things in the world for me and things not for me. This led to a limiting belief system.
However, I was determined to do my best regardless of my circumstances. Knowing my parents struggled financially and didn't attend college, my answer to being spoken about derogatorily was to use it as fuel. I aimed to enter a new socioeconomic status where my gender and racial identity might not be as significant an issue.
College was the key that helped me move forward. In recent years, I've re-examined my limiting belief system and transformed it into something that makes me stronger and stand out.
Now, I see my identity as a superpower. It's remarkable when anyone with an identity they've struggled with, who has been told they aren't good enough or nasty things based on their background, can overcome that.
I absolutely had to work harder and prove myself more. Even now, when I enter a room, I might be the only Hispanic woman or the only woman. I didn't grow up with parents who were college alumni or donors; my background lacks privilege.
I still experience imposter syndrome sometimes. But frankly, at this point, those are their problems, not mine. Those limiting belief systems don't apply to me. I wish there was more access for people to see a Hispanic woman like me, a first-generation college student, achieving things.
I've done amazing things and live in a great house with a pool. But honestly, none of that matters as much as being proud of myself, my heritage, and who I am. If someone else has an issue with it, I know now that it's their problem, not mine. That's how I see it now.