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How Identity Has Influenced A CEO At Latina Advocates' Career

Navigating a career with intersecting identities initially felt challenging, especially as a first-generation, queer Latina and daughter of immigrants, but Carol later realized it's "almost like a superpower" to bring unique experiences to the table and speak up for others who believe in the importance of their voice, reminding themself they "belong" and have the ability to succeed. Ultimately, Carol believes in trusting in one's own experience and what one has to offer, developing the ability to navigate different environments over time while staying true to themself and those who believe in the importance of having them there.

Intersectionality, First-Generation Professionals, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership, Self-Advocacy

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Carol Gonzalez

CEO

Latina Advocates

CSU Sacramento

​

Communications, Political Science, American Studies

Government & Public Sector

Consulting

HSI Grad, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student

Video Highlights

1. Embrace intersecting identities as a 'superpower,' bringing unique experiences that others may not see, and recognizing your voice is important and represents others who believe in you.

2. Trust in yourself, your experiences, and what you have to offer, understanding that your presence is important and you belong in the industry.

3. Develop the ability to navigate code-switching over time to feel like you fit in, recognizing that your presence is valuable and important.

Transcript

As someone who identifies with intersecting identities, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?

Having intersecting identities at first felt challenging. Whether it was being first-generation, queer Latina, or a daughter of immigrants, I think a lot of the time we're experiencing things for the first time. It's tough when you don't have folks you can rely on for input because they've also never had that opportunity.

My parents struggled with that. But as I grew older, I realized it's almost like a superpower to bring in experiences that other people might not see. I know being a young lobbyist at a table was a bit of a challenge, but I had to remind myself that I'm here for a reason and my voice is important.

When I don't speak up, I'm also not speaking up for others who believed in me and helped me get to where I am today. Keeping it going is really important. From day one, you're not someone being othered; you're there for a reason.

Trust yourself and your own experience and what you have to offer. When you don't, you lose out on who you are and also on the people who believed in why it's important to have you there. You belong and you have the ability to do it.

Code-switching is also a thing. You'll develop that over time, learning how to feel like you fit in, because you do and your presence in this industry is important.

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