Our professional lives don’t operate in a vacuum. Our goals, determinations and how we work as a team are largely influenced by who raised us, and where. It’s no coincidence that being able to freely express ourselves in the workplace affects our ability to make a true impact.
In our recent #LatinoCareerChat, Latino leaders in business gathered on Twitter to share the relationship between their heritage and the corporate world. Participants recalled moments and mentors setting the stage for their careers, all while uplifting the voices of their peers and members of their communities.
See some of the highlights participants shared throughout the chat.
We asked: What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
#HispanicHeritageMonth means the opportunity to recognize our contributions, both past and present, to our communities. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come, and how much further we need to go! #LatinoCareerChat #lifeatatt https://t.co/yY9565dHl7
— Louie Lewis (@loo_lewis) September 22, 2020
It’s a reminder of culture, history & community. It also allows me to expand my knowledge and celebrate my community. What about you? #LatinoCareerChat #LifeAtATT #atiyati #hacemos https://t.co/g7Q33mOnul
— Celeste Carrasco (@CELESTECARRASC0) September 22, 2020
We asked: How has your family influenced your career decisions?
My values & work ethic was shaped by the strong role models in Mi Familia. My father made sure education & the color of my skin would never be an obstacle for success. My family’s sacrifices drive my motivation to do good work every day #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinoCareerChat https://t.co/DSPD43AqPK
— Rick Gomez (@RickTweetTweet) September 22, 2020
As a first-gen everything — high school graduate, college grad, etc – my familia always stressed the importance of education, hard work, passion and commitment. It shows up in everything I do #LatinoCareerChat https://t.co/RxvFy0bWNM
— LupitaSanchezCornejo (@LupitaSCornejo) September 22, 2020
We asked: What are some ways you ensure you are authentic at work?
I’m transparent and know it’s ok to be vulnerable. We are all imperfect human beings and by that we tend to inspire others around us to be themselves and lead with humility. #LatinoCareerChat https://t.co/0WSO2Pcf6m
— Ivan Lacayo (@TheIvanLacayo) September 22, 2020
2 be #BOLD #SpeakUp. Being quiet does not leave room to #influence or #lead. We are natural #leaders. Own Your POWER #LatinoCareerChat #LifeAtATT @poweronheelsf @ivettemayo https://t.co/OztZMIVmty
— Ivette Mayo (@ivettemayo) September 22, 2020
We asked: How does your heritage play a role in your career?
Huge role. Early on, I found my first “tribe” through our Hispanic/Latino ERG @HACEMOSatATT. I instantly felt at home w/coworkers that looked like my home family. Those early days in the ERG helped mold me into the leader I am today. Forever grateful. #LatinoCareerChat https://t.co/5rhp3VlV1g
— Rick J Wilson (@RickWilsonHRPro) September 22, 2020
My heritage of family, connection, loyalty, duty, honor and persistence is a rich legacy that I’m proud to showcase in the body of work that makes up my career. #LatinoCareerChat #HispanicHeritageMonth #ATiyATi https://t.co/BYOwwKGPQk
— Rachel C Ybarra | Be the Leader We Need to See (@rc_ybarra) September 22, 2020
We asked: If you could start over, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Never have regrets. The path is the path- with all its detours. You are exactly where you need to be. Focus on the present, only take from the past what can help you, be greatful every day and ALWAYS keep moving forward. “Pa’lante. Pa tras no para hechar vuelo” #Latinocareerchat https://t.co/eHQyD2rar6
— futureofwomen (@FutureofWomen) September 22, 2020
Advice for self if I had to start over – Everything happens for a reason. Good or Bad things happen for some reason or another. Mentor once said – “minimize the missed opportunities..” #Latinocareerchat https://t.co/RZ8aJjVkCv
— JD Salinas III (@jdsalinas3) September 22, 2020
We asked: As a Latino, have you felt the need to be “extra”? If so, why?
The need to be more/extra is always in the back of my mind. As an immigrant, as a woman, and as a Latina. I always feel the need to over-prepare. I’m aware of my privilege but also of my responsibility representing my community in powerful rooms. #LatinoCareerChat https://t.co/vHb4laUe3O
— BeatrizAcevedo (@Bea_latina) September 22, 2020
If striving to do your best is considered “extra,” then heck yea! I’ll own that extra like a pair of Red Bottom heels on the catwalk! With a free dash of extra sazon! (Flavor) #HispanicHeritageMonth #Latinocareerchat #ImsoExtra https://t.co/uCr0h4nWnD
— Anna L Garcia (@ac3881) September 22, 2020
We asked: Is there a career decision you wish you would have made sooner?
I should have invested in actively seeking mentors early on, rather than waiting to be “picked” by a mentor. Your mentor network is so important–start early and nurture those relationships! #LatinoCareerChat #LifeAtATT https://t.co/QOZJIGaa79
— Terri Nikole Baca (@terrinikolebaca) September 22, 2020
I would have spoken up more! In meetings, during my reviews, etc., instead of working hard and “keeping my head down.” ¡No más!/No more! #Latinocareerchat https://t.co/cBoqsLOnGN
— Patricia Mota (@PatriciaMota77) September 22, 2020
Want to learn more and join the conversation? Visit the #LatinoCareerChat feed on Twitter to see the whole story and say hello. Interested in learning more about how Latinos are succeeding at AT&T? Visit the link below to see how everyone is part of our story:
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