The stage was set, the auditorium was filled, and there was electricity in the air at the Today’s Inspired Latina, first ever Young LatinaTalks, a Tedx-style event featuring 12 young ladies, ages 16- 30. For the participants, it was exciting enough to have the opportunity to share their story on a public stage in front of hundreds of people. But on that night, one speaker would also take home a $500 scholarship!
I listened to these beautiful young ladies and mused that they were just as cool and collected as the Today’s Inspired Latina women, several years their senior, who took the same stage at their own event just months before. I couldn’t help but be impressed with the wisdom they had already acquired at such a young age. Every one of them added their own special touch to the work of art they collectively produced that night, sharing their own unique style and flavor with the audience. However, I could tell by listening that there were several, universal themes that were permeating the lives and minds of these young Latinas. Themes like…
INCLUSION
Several of the speakers marveled at the absence of Latinas in many professional areas, especially the ones they were interested in entering. Maria Clara Ospina who is an aspiring actress, found that only 2.9 percent of actors are Latina. In medicine, Giselle Gonzalez revealed even lower numbers and says she hopes to join the 1.8 percent of Latinas that are now practicing physicians. Erica Franco taught us that while 20 percent of our population is Hispanic, only four percent of the teachers are. These ladies gave us awareness to the disproportionality of Latinas in professional positions and that role models and mentorship would aid aspirational Latinas in reaching their dreams. I am proud that my nonprofit, Fig Factor Foundation, provides this very important leadership for Latinas who dream of more.
SELF LOVE AND CARE
In the era of social media here anyone can be mocked or bullied not only in the classroom but across the internet, these young ladies have discovered that the secret to resilience lies in the management of their self-love and care. Evelyn Lozano taught us that self-compassion involves treating yourself like your best friend, a task that must be done mindfully. Andrea Vallejo spoke candidly about her bout with “burnout” as she sped along the fast track of her academic career. She said remembering her “why” helps her stay focused and balanced. Jahayra Argueta also succumbed to societal pressure to succeed, until she realized it was more important to “live your own kind of beautiful.” How wise these women are to discover the secret to personal success at such a young age. We simply cannot be our best if we do not love and care for ourselves.
THE PURSUIT OF DREAMS
My heart was bursting when several Latinas spoke of the dreams they have and how they plan on pursuing them, even when things get difficult. Alondra Guevara taught us that dreams come with consequences and sacrifices and Gina Pardino spoke of thinking outside the box to get around your barriers and grow with life. As Daniella Limon says, we can’t be afraid to dream or take “no” for an answer; perseverance is critical. We learned that sometimes it’s the fear of being ourselves that contributes to the fear of success that holds us back. But, says Scarlett Mangana Singh, with courage we can overcome. Samantha Ante reminded us that “a star shines wherever it is,” and sometimes a move is necessary to reach your highest potential.
While every young lady did a stupendous job, the judges had to pick a winner of the big scholarship, and that speaker was Arianna Urrutia. Courageously taking the stage while pregnant with her first child, she told the story of her father, a substance abuser who she lost as a teenager when he overdosed. Through the trauma, she found a way to keep going, to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, and to recognize that life is filled with traumas that we must learn to face to survive.
I loved the way Today’s Inspired Latina gave a voice and platform to these wonderful young ladies and the way their messages will give hope and inspiration to all Latinas of the world. I know their futures are bright and they will go on to make the world an even better place than they have already!
Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz is the CEO of JJR Marketing (www.jjrmarketing.com) and Fig Factor Media LLC international book publishing company (www.figfactormedia.com), founder of The Fig Factor Foundation (www.thefigfactor.org), creator of Today’s Inspired Latina book series and international movement (http://www.todayslatina.com), author of thirteen books (www.jackiecamacho.com), international speaker, and pilot. Jacqueline speaks to hundreds of audiences about marketing, servant leadership, finding your passion, and achieving success in business. She has addressed the United States Army, BP International, United Airlines, Allstate, and Farmers Insurance among other corporations to share her inspiration.
If you or an organization you know needs as speaker, please get in touch with us at http://www.jackiecamacho.com/contact.