5 Realities of Being a Latina in Corporate America

Latinas are one of the fastest growing groups of women in the U.S. labor force.  According to a report from the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Initiative, the number of Latinas in the workforce is expected to grow by over 25% from 2019 to 2029, nine times the growth rate among white women. 

Latinas in the U.S. possess a number of abilities that translate into important business skills in this global economy. One such skill is the ability to navigate between cultures. "Biculturalism" allows Latinas to serve as "connecting points" to other countries as well as with the large and the growing Latino market. Another key ability is bilingualism. Spanish is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world. For Latinas in the U.S. who speak Spanish and English fluently, their bilingualism gives them an edge over other candidates. Additionally, Latinas value community. Helping and supporting others is imbedded in their culture. Given that biculturalism, bilingualism and people skills are key assets for corporations doing business in the U.S. and abroad, Latinas are uniquely positioned for leadership in Corporate America. 

Yet, while Latinas are a valuable talent pool for U.S. employers in a global economy, they still aren't represented on the executive level. While the number of female CEOs in the Fortune 500 hit a record in 2020, only three are of color, and none are Black or Latina.

Here are five realities of being Latina in corporate America:

Latinas face judgement from family if they put their careers ahead of family. Almost 70 percent of working Latinas surveyed in a 2018 study by People en Español feel pressured by cultural expectations rooted in their heritage to get married and start a family within a certain time period in their lives.  

Latina employees are paid less than every other race or gender in the United States. A study published by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) shows that the gender wage gap for Latinas is more than $ 1 million over their lifetimes. One contributing factor is that Latinas are overrepresented in low-wage jobs and are often financially penalized for their caregiving roles. Earning advanced degrees does little to close the wage gap. In fact, as Hispanic women increase their educational attainment, their pay gap with white men actually increases. The gap is largest for Latinas with a bachelor’s degree, who earn 37% less than white men on average! 

Latinas face barriers to promotion in male-dominated work environments. “I could deal with it, but I wasn’t thriving” says Maria Higuerey-O’Hollearn, a Latina MBA in describing her experience working for a male-dominated Fortune 500 tech company where she was the sole Latina on a team with 2 Hispanics and 126 employees. Maria continues, “I craved social encounters with my team that were more substantial than drinks and the shooting range.” Jane Yiset Lopez, agrees, “As Latinas working in male-dominated industries, we’re always going to run into the sexism. It makes it difficult to find sponsors and allies to help you navigate the organizational culture in order to get ahead.” 

Latinas believe they must sacrifice their culture and identity in order to succeed in Corporate America. A Harvard Business Review study found that 53% of Latinas say that executive presence at their company is defined as conforming to traditionally white male standards. The study also found that Latinos in general who put the energy into repressing aspects of their personas at work, including their cultural identity, are more likely to advance in their careers.

Despite the challenges they face, Latinas are optimistic about their futures and their careers. According to the People in Español study, today’s Latinas “are not conforming to cultural customs and gender roles as strictly as they once did, and they look to their Latino heritage to enhance their lives.” Fortune Magazine’s 2018 release of the 50 Most Powerful Latinas in Business is clear evidence that Latinas are breaking barriers. At the top of the 50 Most Powerful Latinas in Business list is Geisha Williams, President & CEO of PE&G, the first Latina to lead a Fortune 500 company. Williams is joined by another 15 Latina corporate executives. These women are shattering glass ceilings, opening doors and serving as role models for the next generation of Latina leaders.

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Ellie Nieves, JD, MBA, develops webinars, seminars, and coaching programs to help high achieving women show up, speak up, and step up in their careers. She is also the host of the Leadership Strategies for Women Podcast where she shares success tips to help women achieve more both personally and professionally. To learn more, go to: www.EllieNieves.com.