Harnessing the power of diversity:
Empowering Latina Leadership Mariana Salazar
Important social transformations have called for an increase in the diversity of the workforce. If we find ourselves immersed in an increasingly globalized and competitive economy, it is only logical that organizations demand greater flexibility in their structures. We know with some certainty, and contrary to what was foreseen years ago, that the participation of employees with interpersonal skills and cultural similarity between the service provider and the client is of special importance. Similarly, the arguments in favor of gender diversity in the workplace are strengthened every day and has led to the increasingly widespread recognition of a greater participation of women in the labor market. Research by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility show that Latinas represent less than 1% of executives in the United States, yet they control 86% of the decision-making in Latin households which makes up the fastest-growing sector of consumer goods. Latinas are changing their conventional roles as they increasingly become the primary source of household income - thereby changing the face of the dynamic of Hispanic households with traditional male-dominated families - allowing them to take on roles as a taker of main or joint decisions. Today, the social importance of Latinas in fields of politics, business and academia has demonstrated the relevancy of education, bilingualism and cultural dynamic. Despite the call for Latinas in the workplace, we continue to be underrepresented in positions of power and continue to face challenges in the workplace. Latinas are often scrutinized under a microscope and are bombarded by micro-aggressions and tormented with stereotyping comments referencing to assumption of criminal status and myth of meritocracy. Many struggle to find their voice having been born with two challenges, being female and Latina.
A profile on Latina Leadership Culturally based leadership: From being raised in extensive communities, Latinas help foster a sense of community rooted in collective growth. Our leadership style reflects the social, family-oriented, and celebratory nature of our community. This offers a lot of potential when it comes to achieving commitments, either with the objectives of the organization or in a particular project. The power of biculturalism: Bicultural Latinas move easily between the two cultures, driving cross-cultural affinity by sharing their cultural roots with friends, family, and coworkers. They master Spanish and English and utilize these assets to exponentially expand the market, driving diversity while also appealing to consumers close to Hispanic culture, capable of acquiring products outside their traditional comfort zones. Horizontal leadership: Latina leadership is inclusive and transformational, encouraging participation and teamwork in a safe environment. Increasing the scope of participation tends to create and strengthen group identities. We bring diverse communities together, and in today’s multicultural and global community, this indispensable ability is a special contribution of our culture. Empathetic Leadership: Our experience with raising a family while acclimating to a new environment helps us take into account the “human” side of people and generate high levels of empathy. Latin culture is welcoming and understanding. For many, we live under the pretense “Give so much, even when you have so little”.
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