Embracing My Roots: A Journey from Shy Student to Advocate for Latino/as
Collaborating with Edia for a recent podcast interview provided a profound opportunity to reflect on my personal and professional journey. During our conversation, I was asked, “What type of student were you, and how did you become a significant voice for Latino/as?” This question prompted me to revisit the pivotal moments that shaped my identity and mission.
Growing up in the vibrant border town of Laredo, Texas, I was a reserved, emergent bilingual Latina navigating the complexities of attending schools in both Mexico and the United States. This dual educational experience often left me feeling like an outsider in my own communities. At home, Spanish was the sole language, while English dominated the classroom. This linguistic divide fostered insecurities about fully embracing my bicultural identity. As I detailed in my article, “My Journey to Find My Voice: Finding Strength through Passion”, I often felt like I belonged to both worlds and neither at the same time.
The 1980s presented a societal narrative that suggested I had to choose between being Mexican or American, but not both. This message was reinforced by the labels assigned to me upon entering school, which compounded my sense of not belonging. My accent further intensified my reluctance to participate in conversations, leading me to avoid opportunities to share my thoughts and ideas.
Despite these challenges, a burning determination ignited within me. I channeled this inner fire into mastering English, becoming an avid reader, and excelling academically. This journey was not just about personal achievement; it was about proving that my cultural and linguistic background was an asset, not a limitation.
My transformative moment occurred in 2002 while working with families in colonias along the Rio Grande River. Witnessing the stark inequities faced by these communities, I realized that my unique perspective as an emergent bilingual could serve as a bridge to empower others. This experience was instrumental in helping me find my voice and passion for uplifting those who share similar backgrounds.
Now, as the owner and CEO of Soulful Evolution Co., I dedicate myself to empowering Latinos to be courageous, authentic, and proud. Through research, best practices, presentations, podcasts, and my website, I strive to educate and raise awareness about Latino communities. My goal is to serve as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that even the quietest voices can spark meaningful change.
Reflecting on my journey during the Edia podcast reinforced the importance of embracing one’s roots and transforming personal challenges into platforms for advocacy and empowerment. By sharing our stories, we not only honor our heritage but also pave the way for future generations to find strength through passion.