Suffolk University’s Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, Center for Career Equity and Success, Latinas in Law and the Association for Latino Professionals for America hosted
“Shaping our futures; Raising Latine voices and stories” Oct. 9, highlighting the professional experiences of Latine community leaders.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, panelists Maria Gonzalez, Julia Mejia, Annabel Rodriguez and Janice Gomez shared what their culture has meant to them in different stages of their lives.
For Mejia, a Boston city councilor, embracing and celebrating her background did not always come easy. Coming to Boston as a child, she did not want to embrace her Hispanic heritage, feeling forced to assimilate and fit in. Now, she embraces and takes pride in her Afro-Latina identity.
“I am here for the whole entire month understanding that this month gives us an opportunity to celebrate our roots but to really demonstrate the contributions of Afro-Latinas before us,” said Mejia.
Embracing cultural identity can mean many different things, as discussed by the panelists, impacted by both preconceived notions of others and their own self view.
“A lot of people like to see [my accent] as a detriment. To me, it rooted me in who I am, what I am and what I was about to become,” said Gonzalez, founder and principal of M&A Supplier Diversity Consultants.
All four panelists discussed their passion for uplifting others in both their professional and personal lives.
“I hope to break barriers and help the community of any minority community and say that I understand, I feel you, it’s a month that I get to embrace where my parents come from and where my family is from and I can say I’m not the only one,” said Gomez, a Suffolk senior studying global business and finance.
One way Mejia has used her position to encourage people is by providing opportunities based on their potential and not so much on their resumes and by showing others how to embrace who they really are.
“What I’ve been doing on the council has been really creating space for people to recognize that you don’t have to be super polished, you don’t have to have high degrees and pedigrees to be in a space,” said Mejia.
The panelists also discussed the importance of representation and empowering others, especially in fields where many people do not see themselves reflected often.
“Representation matters a lot for me and so I’ve always tried to position myself with groups and organizations where I will be out and about and the world can sort of see me and see who I am,” said Rodriguez, a criminal attorney at Verrill.
Gonzalez shared that in high school, a guidance counselor told her that she should only consider trying to be a secretary. A piece of advice she took to heart, but not to accept –- to challenge.
“We are not here just to do this. You cannot put us in just this little box,” said Gonzalez.
Each panelist shared how they have learned how to stand up for themselves in the face of racism and microaggressions in both their professional and personal lives. The four described how they have built self-confidence and strengthened their sense of self throughout different experiences and the importance of speaking up not only for your own sake, but for others as well.
“We have to call it out when we see it, even if we’re the only ones calling it out because people don’t know what they don’t know. Oftentimes my voice quivers when I even say these things in the chamber but I even let my colleagues know don’t try to tame me,” said Mejia.
Mejia described receiving an angry and racist voicemail after trying to pass a piece of legislation about safe sanctuary spaces in the city. After being told to remain silent, she remixed the voicemail, without changing his voice and instead played his message under photos of her mother to combat the hate in the hopes of making change.
“I took that moment and I flipped. Instead of calling him out, I called him in,” said Mejia.
Each at different points in their careers, the panelists advised students to persevere despite challenges they may face along the way, sharing their own battles they have faced to get to where they are.
“It’s okay to pivot. You have an idea of where you wanted to go and you think that path is going to be very straight and it’s not. Life is going to just throw you curveball after curveball,” said Rodriguez.
When faced with challenges, Gomez noted that being proud of who she is and her heritage have shaped how she views herself and the world around her, sharing a favorite quote of hers with fellow students.
“Vive su vida con un traje bien puesto,” said Gomez. The quote translates to “Live your life with a well fitted suit.”
For the panelists, they hoped the opportunity helps students see others with similar backgrounds achieving their dreams and feel confident and inspired to reach theirs as well.
“I love any opportunity I have to share my experiences with anyone. If my experiences can open doors or help you go over the hump, I’m here,” Gonzalez said.
