If you ask me, it's only a matter of time before Latinas rule the world. At present, we're the fastest growing demographic in the United States and we're pretty much the driving force behind this country's purchasing power. Not to mention, many Latinas speak two of the top three most spoken languages in the world–a skill that will no doubt come in handy when we finally take over. But that's not all we bring to the table. Latinas–especially American Latinas–are primed to absolutely crush it in their personal and professional lives, thanks to these six uniquely Latina traits.
Our entrepreneurial spirit
Hello, we’ve been running startups since we were en el campo. From salons to bodegas to full on restaurants, many of the women in our community own and run their own businesses. Also, given our unique perspective from the hyphen that stands between Latin America and the U.S., we’re able to spot new business opportunities that’ll appeal to both Latino and mainstream markets, making us primed to take over the business world.
Our ride or die alliance with our community
Many Latinos live in cultural enclaves, where neighbors are considered family and doñas are heralded as unofficial community representatives. It’s in these enclaves that we learn that it takes teamwork to make the dream work. Vecinos will babysit for working mothers, and working families will invite unemployed friends over for a warm meal. And even when we move out of the community, we take with us the lessons we’ve learned with us, often times in the hopes of giving back some day.
Our boss lady attitudes
Let’s be honest: mami and abuelita ruled the roost, and chances are you do too. That’s because Latinas are becoming more educated, more technologically savvy, and financially independent than ever before. Plus, according to Nielsen, 86 percent of Latinas are at the helm of purchasing decisions in households, meaning we pretty much dictate what sort of lifestyle our family will have. If you ask me, that sounds like some pretty boss stuff.
We do it all
We may not have cracked the code for having it all, but I’ll be damned if we don’t at least try to do it all. Latinas multitask like nobody’s business, balancing careers, family, rich social lives, and welcoming and cozy homes. It’s not always easy, but we do it. Besides, life would be so boring if we didn’t have at least seven million things on our plate. We only operate on one setting, and that’s muy busy.
Our connection to family
For better or for worse, family will always come first for Latinos. At times this can be annoying, like when your mother forces you to invite your gossipy cousin Fulana to your wedding. But other times, our families are a blessing. That’s because they’re loyal. So long as mami and papi are your parents, they will support you and your wacky dreams. Your siblings will fight with you, but they’ll be your teammates when the going gets tough. Your cousins (even Fulana) will come get you from the airport at 3 a.m. It’s with that loyalty in mind that we are driven to be the best versions of ourselves at work and at home. We want to make our families proud just as much as they want us to succeed, and we’re better people for it.
Our unwavering confidence
Latinas ooze confidence, but can you blame us? I just explained how we’re multitasking boss ladies who run businesses, families and entire communities, without so much as breaking a sweat. If that’s not reason enough to be confident, I don’t know what is.
