LATINAS SHARE STORIES OF SUCCESS, OBSTACLES

Symposium focuses on mentoring, helping young Latinas lead

The local mentoring organization MANA de San Diego held its annual Latina Success Symposium on Saturday with a focus on overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing identity and advancing leadership opportunities.

The event brought together influential Latina leaders and experts in San Diego for an online presentation, instead of an in-person conference.

MANA de San Diego is the local branch of the national organization, which aims to empower young Latinas through mentorships, education and advocacy.

According to a 2017 study by the Center for American Progress, Latinas make up more than 7 percent of the workforce in the United States but face structural barriers to entry and success in the labor market.

The study also found lower employment rates and that, on average, Latinas are paid nearly 50 percent less than White men and 31 percent less than White women for doing the same job.

MANA de San Diego seeks to change that by creating career success pathways for Latinas.

The livestreamed event allowed participants the opportunity to hear from Latina politicians, nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs.

Local leaders shared their stories of triumphs and failures in seeking leadership opportunities and holding office as Latina elected officials.

Escondido Deputy Mayor Consuelo Martinez said experiences with exclusion, racism and imposter syndrome compelled her to become an outspoken leader.

Martinez started as a community organizer in the North County city. She ran unsuccessfully for City Council against incumbent Ed Gallo in 2014, but four years later was elected to the council.

The road to leadership was not easy, but even now that she’s in office, Martinez explained there are still obstacles to overcome as a Latina. She often has to remind herself that she must push forward, because a younger generation is paying attention.

“At the end of the day when it seems like I’m not having the impact that I wish I was (having) because I’m in a space where I feel (it) wasn’t really created for people like me — at the end of the day people are watching,” Martinez said.

Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez-fletcher, Southwestern Community College Board President Nora Vargas and National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-solis spoke on the value of having mentors in colleagues and Latina leaders before them.

“Ordinary people like me, born on the harborside in a little port community, can do it, but we don’t do it alone,” Casillas Salas said. “We do it with the love and support of our hermanas (sisters).”

Keynote speaker Kim Guerra, who is an author and founder of Brown Badass Bonita, a movement and clothing line, said it falls on the new generation to pass on messages of inclusivity, empowerment and self-love.

“I want us to pass on messages that empower ... calladita te ves más bonita (you look prettier quiet) — that’s a lie,” Guerra said. “You are most beautiful when you stand up for yourself, when you speak up and when you’re glowing and you’re happy.”

That’s the message behind Brown Badass Bonita, which is rooted in celebrating Latina culture and exploring the complexities of sex and race.

Guerra, who identifies as a queer woman, spoke on breaking stereotypes and homophobic beliefs held by some in the Latino community, including her own family members. She said finally coming to terms with her identities helped her embrace herself and succeed.

Sotelo-solis encouraged young Latinas to become civically engaged by running for office or participating on city commissions and boards.

“We need your voice at the table,” National City’s mayor said.

andrea.lopezvillafana @sduniontribune.com