by Brenda Herrera DeLeon, VP of Social Impact + Inclusion
As a first-generation Latina, I’ve overcome many obstacles growing up and when I entered the workforce things didn’t get any easier for me. I’m a Latina shaped by familismo, so my familia and community are an instrumental part of my identity. And it’s incredibly important for me to use my voice to help raise awareness on the inequalities that my community faces.
On December 8th Latina Equal Pay Day, I joined a group of powerful Latinas at the HispanicPro Uplift Latina Forum for lively panel discussion on this symbolic day for the community. We also shared resources and tips to help Latinas and their allies shape their Personal Brand.
Why is Latina Equal Pay Day so important?
Latina Equal Pay Day acknowledges the pay gap that Latinas face in this county. Latinas who work full-time and year-round, earn .57 cents for every dollar paid to a white man. EqualPayToday.org, 2022. With over 30 MM Latinas in the U.S. we have the power in numbers. In fact, recent data shows that Latinas drive the economy growth, influencing a large portion of the $1.9 trillion dollars in Hispanic buying power. Latinas are one of the most important investing forces in the country, but our power doesn’t always match our worth. It’s critical for all women to understand how to further elevate their worth and a great way to do it is by shaping their Personal Brand.
What is Personal Brand?
Personal Brand is what folks say about you when you’re not in the room. The reputation that perceives you in the workplace. It’s important to build your personal brand to ensure that your hard and smart work does not go unnoticed. It’s just not about how hard you work or how talented you are, you can be doing the best work but if no one knows about it or understand the value you can bring to the table, you’ll be overlooked. Therefore, becoming intentional about your brand is critical for career growth. It also helps differentiate yourself in a competitive work environment. You need to show others why they would hire you and not someone else with the same experience or skills.
What’s the main takeaway?
We all have a unique story to tell and if you don’t take the time to shape it, someone else will. Determine your passion and what you aspire to be and intersect that with your skills and experience to begin shaping your story, your Personal Brand. We have never been more connected but as a globalized nation it’s now even harder to stand out. And even when you already have your foot in the door or have been in the business for a while, it’s critical to continue to evolve your personal brand to ensure that it stays relevant. Just like we counsel brands to evolve to stay relevant, leaders in the space need to showcase their growth and how their keeping up with the times.
About Brenda Herrera DeLeon
DeLeon is part of a cross-office practice of Social Impact and Inclusion specialists who develop and execute holistic creative campaigns that authentically engage with U.S. Profoundly Diverse Market and Transcultural communities. DeLeon and her team employ deep-seated cultural understanding to ensure a brand and its communities are best served with a cultural gap that is bridged, not divided.
Her purpose is to help raise awareness around social issues that marginalized communities face by producing culturally relevant and accessible resources as well as creative ideas that are not only inclusive but impactful.