How Identity Has Influenced A Senior Consultant's Career At Deloitte
Jorge's diverse identity—first-generation college student, LGBT Latinx, and from a low-income background—presented significant challenges navigating the predominantly "straight white male" corporate sector, requiring Jorge to find "strength in that" and overcome numerous obstacles. This experience fuels Jorge's commitment to advocating for future generations from underrepresented backgrounds, evidenced by their work with a charter school, building Latinx community within their office, and promoting diversity in Deloitte's MBA recruitment.
Overcoming Challenges, Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Mentorship, First-generation College Student
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jorge Galan
Senior Consultant
Deloitte
University of Texas at Austin - 2013
University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business - MBA
Spanish & Other Languages, Fine Arts, Music
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Consulting
LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Jorge's awareness of his identity as a first-generation college student, LGBT Latinx, and person from a low-income background has been a strength, helping him understand his history and the perspectives of others.
2. He emphasizes the importance of community and finding strength in his identity to overcome obstacles and integrate into a corporate sector that he acknowledges is primarily straight, white, and male.
3. Jorge advocates for the next generation by working with a charter school, creating a Latinx community within his office, and promoting diversity in recruiting, demonstrating a sense of responsibility that comes with his privileged position.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a first-generation college student, LGBT, Latinx, and from a low-income background, how has that impacted how you navigate your career?
Being aware of your identity is a strength. It helps you understand your history and how others might perceive you. It also highlights the importance of having a community that reflects who you are.
For me, navigating the corporate sector, which has historically been dominated by straight white males, has been difficult. I knew it would be isolating, but living through it truly revealed the extent of that isolation.
It's challenging when very few people understand your background. For example, I grew up in a poor community with Mexican immigrant parents and had no idea how corporate life in America worked. I also didn't know how to integrate myself into that world.
Entering business school, many of my peers came from wealthy backgrounds. While they were buying property, I was focused on avoiding massive debt. These experiences and obstacles stemmed from my background and identity.
Because of this, I find strength in my identity. Understanding that I've overcome so many obstacles gives me inherent value. It's also my possibility to help the next generation reach similar heights.
I'm currently working with a charter school in Austin to strengthen the education system. I'm also starting a Latinx community for the Austin office to foster a sense of belonging. Next year, I'll be assisting the MBA recruitment team to increase diversity within the program.
I've learned that it's a significant privilege to be here, and with that comes great responsibility. I feel compelled to advocate for those from non-mainstream identities or those outside the dominant power structure. It's been tough, but it's possible, and I want to contribute to moving this forward.