How Identity Has Influenced a Chief of Strategic Communications at California High-Speed Rail's Career
Melissa's Latina identity deeply influences her career, notably in advocating for "folks in the Hispanic and Latino community" to have their voices heard, leading to the hiring of four bilingual staff and Spanish translations of materials. This commitment to inclusive communication, combined with serving as a role model for other Latinos/Latinas in the industry, demonstrates the impact of representation in leadership.
Communication, Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Public Service, Bilingualism
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Melissa Figueroa
Chief of Strategic Communications
California High-Speed Rail Authority
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
none
Creative Writing, Journalism
Government & Public Sector
Communication and Marketing
Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Melissa advocates for diverse voices, particularly within the Hispanic and Latino community, ensuring their perspectives are considered in projects and communications.
2. She highlights the importance of bilingual communication in reaching diverse communities, leading to the hiring of bilingual staff and translation of materials.
3. Melissa emphasizes the significance of representation, noting the impact of having a Latina in a leadership role on inspiring future professionals.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as Latina, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
For me, especially on this project and throughout my career, it's important to ensure that folks in the Hispanic and Latino community have their voices heard, particularly in the state of California. I always come to the table with that frame of mind.
When I joined this organization, I noted that we did not have any certified bilingual communication staff. Considering the magnitude of this project, and especially since we are under construction in an area of the state that is predominantly Spanish-speaking, I felt we were doing a disservice to the people of California by not approaching the topics at hand in a language they are comfortable with.
Since that point, we have hired four certified bilingual Spanish speakers. We also translate our work, videos, press releases, and fact sheets into Spanish. It's important to me for those communities to feel heard and for us to communicate with them in ways that are meaningful to them.
We don't want them to distrust the government in any way, so we aim to avoid anything that might lead to that. I've heard from some of my staff, who are also Latina women and Latino men in this organization and industry, how much it means to them to see someone like them in a leadership role.
I didn't fully grasp the significance of this until fairly recently. To me, I am who I am, and I bring my perspectives to the table regardless. However, I realize how important it is for others coming up behind me to see someone like myself in this role and succeeding. It provides them inspiration for their future and what they can achieve in their careers.