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In this week’s NextGen to Watch, we’re showcasing Georgina Gonzalez, a student at Cornell University who is double-majoring in communication and biometry and statistics. Gonzalez was raised in the Latino-dominated Sun Valley, California, by two Mexican immigrants who instilled a deep love and connection to her culture.
At Cornell, she leads a peer mentorship program in the Department of Communication. She is the vice president of professional development in the Association of Latino Professionals for American (ALPFA), where she helps maximize the professional opportunities for young Latinos. She is also part of the executive board for Collective X, a magazine that highlights queer and BIPOC fashion at Cornell. She’s been a worldwide sales finance intern at Apple for the past two summers, and previously interned at NBCUniversal Telemundo.
Who inspired you the most in your life growing up?
It’s nearly impossible to narrow down the list [of] inspirations when I feel as though it has taken a village to get me to where I am today. Undoubtedly, my mother’s tenacity and compassion has been a cornerstone of who I continuously strive to be. My father’s tireless work ethic has remained a prime example of why it is my duty to make the most of the new spaces I have the privilege to be in. My friends—who challenge me and unconditionally support me—have been a catalyst to the development of my confidence. The teachers throughout my youth who continue to guide with care and encouragement are the reason I value a connection to my community. The devoted mentors who believe in me and push me beyond my perceived limits have profoundly shaped my aspirations and achievements. Truly, the list can go on and on of individuals that have impacted my life.
What lesson did you learn early on that still serves you today?
When entering college, I was fixated on making sure my career path went exactly as planned and maintained linearity. It was definitely soon after that I realized it would be simply impossible to achieve that. When an entertainment business program that I dreamed of for years had rejected me, it felt like the world came crashing down. Now, I can look back and be at peace with that occurring because it led me exactly where I needed to be. Sometimes a deviation from your plan might seem confusing in the moment, but it can later be the greatest thing to ever happen to you.
What are some of the biggest challenges you see for Latino professionals early in their careers?
The lack of representation across almost all industries is bound to create sensations of imposter syndrome in early career Latinos. I, myself, continue to actively work against the imposter syndrome I face in new spaces. While these struggles I find to ebb and flow, it keeps me hopeful to think that years down the line, it won’t be as hard for a young Latina coming into the industry because I could be part of the representation that she needs to feel empowered.
How can Latino professionals better advocate for themselves?
Successful advocacy is comprised of individuals who feel confident and supported enough to vocalize their needs. I really believe that the best way to achieve that is to find or create a community that will uplift you in the hardest moments. Most importantly, that community’s level of connection should make your concerns feel validated. After all, we are stronger in numbers!
What behavior or personality traits do you attribute to your success?
My ability to communicate and connect with individuals has been essential to my success throughout the past few years. I have found that the relationships I garnered were maintained through genuine connections and intentioned communication. I really believe that in today’s volatile job culture, it is most important to be someone that leaves an imprint through uplifting conversations.
Which causes are you passionate about?
Coming from an underfunded community, I have been able to see how life-changing college has been for my friends and I. This has made me really passionate about encouraging students from communities like mine to attend college and maximize their opportunities. Although college is not the only route for everyone, I can only speak from my own experience. College has allowed me to sit at tables that I otherwise would have never gotten the chance to. This is definitely something that I am eternally grateful for.
What is one nonwork-related goal that you would like to achieve in the next five years?
Within the next five years, I hope to become proficient in French!
What is your theme song?
I would probably say “Pink + White” by Frank Ocean . . . or any Frank Ocean song, really.
Connect with Georgina Gonzalez on LinkedIn, and follow her on Instagram.
