LATINAS OF LEGACY: FROM GAPS TO GAINS WITH “GANAS”

While I often find myself navigating boards rooms and media screens as somewhat of a “business evangelist” sharing numbers to drive an inclusive bottom line, this foreword feels more personal than yet another business case.

THAT IS WHY when the editors of Latino Leaders asked me to write this foreword, my mind went in many directions. Should I focus, yet again, on the many gaps we have yet to fill as Latinas still earning $0.57 to the dollar versus our male-white counterparts. Or highlight the fact that less than 2% of public boards seats have one of us represented and less than 1% of executive ranks have a Latina leading. Or that while we, Latina-owned small businesses are the fastest-growing segment of the business community in the United States reporting a growth of more than 87% since 2007, according to the National Women's Business Council, yet get less than 2% of venture capital and angel funding. While embarrassing, these gaps represent the incredible gains we have yet to realize; just imagine what unlocking the full power of Latinas could return for all!

And today, we honor the 100 Latinas listed here because they embody something much bigger than numbers and stats, they are a testament to what’s possible and the gains and ganas that makes us a force for impact and growth in all aspects of society and business. They are more than a title, they are daughters, sisters, mothers, and spouses who have dared to beat the odds to demonstrate that more than a “representation checkbox,” we are what society and businesses need to stay relevant, and competitive. So, as you read each name and reflect on what they do, I invite you to dig deeper and honor them as women of legacy. A legacy that uniquely represents our Hispanic spirit of progress and honors the tenacity and wisdom of our abuelas and ancestors. So today, I honor the women listed here because each of them inspires us all to be more and do more, while never ever forgetting where we come from. And as one of those women listed, I honor and elevate my late mother and grandmother, Diva and Maria Ignacia, who each were trailblazers in their fields and today give me the ganas to do what I do today.

“THEY EMBODY SOMETHING MUCH BIGGER THAN NUMBERS AND STATS, THEY ARE A TESTAMENT OF WHAT’S POSSIBLE AND THE GAINS AND GANAS THAT MAKES US A FORCE FOR IMPACT AND GROWTH”

May these numbers and stories motivate us to keep pushing and pulling each other up further... faster! Because at the growth rate we represent in population size, buying power, and workforce growth, there is no other way for every board room and our nation to achieve its full potential without the power we, Latinas, represent. Sigamos adelante, con ganas!