Unfortunately, many organizations have a diversity problem, especially when it comes to diversity in leadership. It’s important for these organizations to own these problems so they can make appropriate changes. I’m fortunate to work in an organization that recognizes this problem and actively works to change it.
A few years ago, I was ready to leave my school and district. It even got to the point where I questioned remaining in education altogether. I was tired and didn’t know why. I didn’t necessarily feel good about where I stood in the organization. It wasn’t until years later that I realized I wasn’t able to see a place for me in the district. I continued to be one of the only Latinos in the room, even in a city with such a large Latino population. Unknowingly, this took a toll on me. An individual can only last so long feeling like an outsider.
This completely changed after I met one of YES Prep’s Latino/a leaders. I feel as though this leader took me under their wing and started to look out for me and my future. This leader would greet me with a hug and a smile at every interaction. I could also expect a random check-in from time to time. As one of the highest ranking Latino/as in the district, it meant a lot for such time to be invested in me
I’ve realized this support left an impact on me for a few reasons:
- This leader made it seem like my path was less impossible. Although continuing to move up in leadership within any organization can be challenging, it can seem even more so when there’s nobody else that looks like you in leadership positions above you.
- I felt there was somebody in upper levels of leadership who could look out for me. When thinking about whether or not I’d be able to grow in the organization, it was important for me to know I had a shot.
- I knew this leader would be there to guide me in my career. This relationship wasn’t just about providing me with information, but about providing me with specific support in my development.
- I feel like it’s not impossible for me to continue developing and growing here. Seeing this leader in a position of leadership and having their support made me feel like I could get there one day.
It made a difference for me to see a Latino/a in leadership. At the same time, it may not have been enough for this leader to be there. The mentorship, guidance, and friendship I have received has helped me see that there could be a place for me in the organization. Without knowing personally knowing this leader, it’s easy to wave them off as the exception to the rule. This thinking would have made it easy for me to dismiss my own opportunities. In getting to know this leader, I saw a bit of myself in them and knew that I could ascend the leadership ladder as well.
Having this leader pave the way for me and others like me has strengthened my resolve to continue moving forward. I am committed to being a guide for Latino employees that come my way. In knowing how powerful it can be to have somebody take in interest in you, I want to replicate that experience for as many people as possible.
(I purposefully left this individual’s name out of this post for two reasons: First, I wanted to emphasize the importance of the role diverse leaders can play in the development and support of others., without focusing on this specific individual. Second, this leader wanted the takeaway from this post to be around the impact leaders can have on the people around them and not their specific involvement in this process.)
