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Latina leaders are breaking barriers and redefining leadership across industries. Their journeys are filled with lessons on authenticity, resilience, mentorship, and lifelong learning that can empower aspiring leaders at any stage of their careers. Drawing from the experiences of Latina executives that we’ve featured in Hispanic Executive, we’ve curated secrets to leadership success that will help Latinas rise with confidence, inspire others, and create lasting impact in their fields.
Embrace Authenticity and Your Identity
Latina leaders agree that success begins with being true to yourself and embracing your identity. Rather than conform to others’ expectations, they encourage bringing your whole self to work. “Be yourself and be genuine. Don’t be the person you think a lawyer ‘should’ be,” advises Alexandra Lugo, general counsel at AML RightSource.
Lugo and others emphasize authenticity—including cultural heritage—is an asset, not a limitation. By staying true to who you are, you build the confidence and unique perspective needed to lead effectively.
Embracing your genuine self can set you apart and propel your career forward.
Be Bold, Believe in Yourself, and Persevere
Nearly every Latina executive has faced obstacles or moments of self-doubt, and they overcame them with courage and hard work.
Bettina A. Deynes, global chief human resources officer at Carnival Corporation, remembers feeling like she didn’t belong early in her career as an immigrant. “Immigrants often suffer from imposter syndrome,” Deynes told Hispanic Executive in 2024. “We question whether we belong, and we need moments that remind us that when we dream big and work hard, we can achieve our goals.”
The lesson? Replace self-doubt with big dreams and a strong work ethic. Diane Gonzalez, vice president of technology at Amazon, distills her advice for aspiring leaders into three parts: “First, you need to believe in yourself because if you don’t, no one else will. … Second, you’ve got to tell people what you want. Third, never stop learning.”
Her experience turning around teams at Amazon taught her that confidence and clear ambition go together. You must have faith in your abilities and speak up about your goals. Perseverance through challenges will pave the way to success.
Lift Others as You Rise
A defining trait among these leaders is their commitment to mentorship and opening doors for others. They view leadership as not just personal achievement but also a platform to elevate their colleagues. By coaching and sponsoring talent, seasoned leaders ensure the next generation is ready to step up. Many also champion diversity and inclusion initiatives to create opportunities.
As a first-generation American, Lydia Ramirez built Five Star Bank’s first diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program to increase representation. “Every time I break a barrier or move these DEI initiatives forward, it opens another conversation about what could be,” says the executive vice president and chief operating officer. Each barrier she breaks also shows her children what is possible.
Beyond the corporate world, Latina leaders are empowering their broader communities. Lynette Montoya, president and CEO of the Latino Hotel Association, calls on Latinos to dream big in entrepreneurship. “I want to see Latinos build generational wealth and … make a better future for all of us,” Montoya says of her mission to educate and connect Latino hotel owners.
The message is clear: True success is measured by how many people you uplift along the way.
Never Stop Learning and Adapting
Finally, Latina executives stress the importance of continuous learning and growth. In fast-changing industries, staying curious and adaptable is crucial for long-term success. Gonzalez reminds leaders that “life is a long-term exercise in learning,” and one must be ready to evolve as technologies and conditions change.
They also learned invaluable lessons from navigating uncharted challenges. When the pandemic hit the cruise industry, Deynes leveraged the crisis as an opportunity to learn and innovate. “I had twenty years of experience … but the two years we spent addressing COVID provided a more significant education,” Deynes notes, underscoring that even seasoned leaders can gain new knowledge during tough times.
The takeaway for any aspiring leader is to remain a student of your industry and craft. Commit to constant development so you’re prepared to tackle today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.
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This article was written with the assistance of AI.
