This Year, Let's Redefine What Being "Presente" Looks Like

When I was in high school, I belonged to a church group. Whenever we wanted to drum up excitement and enthusiasm, the leader would yell “Jornadista!” to which we responded “¡Presente!”. It was a fun way to claim our belonging to this group and it was, in this context, that I learned the meaning of this common Latinx term. If you're not familiar with it, when someone yells "¡Presente!" in a Latinx or Hispanic cultural context, it generally means "present" or "here". It's a way of acknowledging one's presence and participation, often used in a group setting like a meeting, rally, or roll call. It's also a powerful expression of solidarity and readiness to contribute or take action.

It is through the power of our collective presence that I urge all of us to be even more engaged with one another, and the broader community, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month but every day. Here are just a few ways to do that:

Take Up More Space

I’ll start by recognizing this can be scary for some people. I know when I started my career, I wanted to be invisible so I flew under the radar. I was afraid of being asked my opinion, saying something that others might consider uninformed, or appearing as if I didn’t belong. Yet, we're invited into rooms and asked to join important conversations because of the skills and expertise we bring. If we don’t lean in to ask questions, share our perspectives, or challenge others to think differently, we miss out on valuable opportunities to provide our unique insights and showcase our special brand of magic.

Take up more space. Step into the spotlight.

Practical steps you can start taking today:

• Come prepared with questions you will ask at the next meeting you attend
• Motivate yourself to support or challenge an idea held by a peer
• Set up a one-on-one with a senior leader to share an idea you’re really excited about

Use Your Voice

If you know me, you know I’m passionate about helping others “own their narrative”. This means mastering self-advocacy and self-promotion. So, what does that entail? First, it means becoming skilled at speaking up for yourself and articulating what you need and want. Second, it involves regularly reminding others of your contributions, achievements, and successes. Why is this so important? Because the Latinx community is currently lagging behind our peers.

A recent report by Lean In Latinas, The State of Latinas in Corporate America, revealed that our community faces the lowest representation at every level, from entry to C-suite. Additionally, Latinas experience the widest pay gap, leading to an estimated $1.2 million in lost lifetime earnings. Describing this situation as “sad” barely scratches the surface of the impact to Latinas, their families, and the broader community.

We deserve higher salaries, senior positions, and greater representation at every level within our companies. We have the skills, the drive, and the experience to back it up. Change will come when we effectively use our voices to advocate for ourselves. We’re already doing the work and demonstrating our abilities. What we need to do more is ensure that those in positions of power and influence recognize our contributions and achievements. Let’s make sure our efforts are noticed and valued. ¡Échale ganas!

Practical steps you can start taking today:

• Update your LinkedIn profile with your latest achievements, special recognitions, and unique perspectives
• Collaborate with your manager to develop a personalized plan for achieving your next career milestone
• Create and maintain a brag sheet to track your accomplishments and leverage it during your annual review and in conversations with senior leaders

Show Up for Each Other

This factor is crucial, and honestly, I don’t see enough of us embracing this. We need to be passionate about lifting each other up and amplifying each other’s voices. If you notice a Latinx professional struggling at work, offer to coach them. If you hear misinformation about another Latinx employee’s qualifications, correct it on the spot. And if you see a Latinx individual thriving, give them a shout-out, celebrate their achievements, and let the world know how amazing they are.

Earlier this year, I launched a LinkedIn Live series called Latinas: Front & Center. My purpose for creating this space is to spotlight the incredible stories of Latina trailblazers and inspire the next generation of leaders. I take this responsibility seriously and am committed to showcasing the remarkable Latinas I meet.

What message do you want to share with the world about our community? How do you plan to use your platform to amplify that message? Choose your focus and take action. Because, trust me, remaining silent and watching from the sidelines won't get us there.

Here are some ways you can start showing up for other Latinx individuals:

• Celebrate a Latinx professional’s achievements and successes at work
• Elevate the voices of Latinas advocating for closing the pay gap by sharing related posts on social media
• If you’re offered an opportunity that doesn’t suit you, refer another qualified Latinx professional who can take it on

We are a vibrant comunidad with so much to offer. We work hard, inspire others, and bring resilience to every space we occupy. As you celebrate Hispanic + Latinx Heritage Month, think about how you can be more vocal, impactful, and present for yourself and for others. I LOVE our comunidad and I want each and every one of us to win.

Latinas and Latinos? PRESENTE!