In this week’s NextGen to Watch, we’re spotlighting Fatima Escalante, a crisis and resilience consultant for cyber and strategic risk at Deloitte. Her career journey has taken her from her roots in San Salvador, El Salvador, all the way to Washington DC. Escalante also currently attends Georgetown University, earning her master’s degree in international security studies.
Who inspired you the most in your life growing up?
Mis padres. My parents have been my inspiration and heroes throughout my life. Both my mom and dad, Blanca and Orlando, are the definition of perseverance, resilience, unconditional love, and support.
They are from a town in El Salvador called Ilobasco—a place full of life and miniature pottery. During their childhood, they endured the Salvadoran Civil War in the 1980s, alongside millions of Salvadorans throughout the country. From an early age, they learned how to overcome adversity and foster opportunities for a better life.
In 2006, my parents did one of the most selfless acts and moved to the United States. Taking their two kids, myself and my younger brother Ricardo, was probably one of the hardest decisions they’ve ever made. However, they were both raised by groups of strong women who were determined to create a better life for them. Their selfless act changed our lives forever. My brother and I have benefited from personal and professional opportunities that would have never existed if my parents had not made that brave decision.
I admire my parents for so many reasons—they have taught me how to push forward, how to overcome the impossible. Whenever I am entering situations that intimidate me or make me doubt myself, I remind myself that I am not only achieving my dreams, but my parents’ dreams, supported by a generation of strong, luchadora women that came before me.
I do it all for them.
How can Latino professionals better advocate for themselves?
In our culture, we are often told to not take up too much space by not calling attention to ourselves or being too prideful. In my opinion, this mentality often holds us back. If we allow ourselves to remain small, we fail to take ownership of our accomplishments.
One of the best ways to advocate for yourself is to put yourself out there! Reach out to that connection. Sign up for that program. Go to that networking event. Say yes to leading that project. Put yourself in the room that you know will challenge you.
Throughout my career, I’ve realized that no one will advocate for me better than myself. Your career (and life, really) is your responsibility. You are behind the wheel!
What behavior or personality traits do you attribute to your success?
I am the kind of person that is 100 percent in or not at all. Being committed to anything I do is crucial for me to not only succeed, but also to enjoy the process along the way.
We all go through hardships and challenges in life, but being able to push through obstacles and remain devoted to why I started is what has helped me grow to where I am today.
What lesson did you learn early in your career that still serves you today?
You must be comfortable with failing. Naturally, we find it difficult to put ourselves in situations where we feel like we will not meet expectations or succeed right away. Younger me would have avoided any situation that would expose me to feeling inadequate. Today, I thrive in uncomfortable situations, because I know it’s where I will grow the most.
What is a part of your daily routine that you look forward to everyday?
I love going on morning walks! They help me clear my head and set the tone for the day. Sometimes, it is easy to get caught up in the flow of things and neglect opportunities to recharge your batteries. For me, walking gives me that space to take care of myself before the day gets hectic.
What are some of the biggest challenges you see for Latino professionals early in their careers?
One of the biggest challenges young Latino professionals encounter when starting their careers is not having other Latino mentors to seek support and guidance from. Community is engrained in our culture. When we struggle to find or create our own community in the professional world, it can feel stressful. Being a part of peer groups or having access to mentorship from other Latinos that you admire is crucial to our future careers and overall success.
Which causes are you passionate about?
I am passionate about volunteering and giving back to underserved communities. From a young age, my parents emphasized the value of helping others and supporting those in need to me and my brother. We volunteered at several food banks and helped package meal kits at our church. Now that I live across the country, I continue to volunteer at local food assistance centers whenever possible.
What podcast or lifehack can you not live without?
Last year, I discovered a podcast called Dementes by Diego Barrazas. Barrazas hosts Latinos across all industries and highlights their career path and personal lives. What I love about his work is his ability to spotlight each individual and their unique background, while making them so relatable. His interviews are jampacked with advice and encouragement for all of us Latinos out there.
—
Check out Escalante on LinkedIn
