How to Embrace Your Authentic Latina Self at Work

¿Have you ever asked yourself when you can truly be yourself at work? Amiga, I see you behind that desk, code-switching like a pro, carefully monitoring every gesture, wondering if today’s the day you can finally let your guard down.

I remember those days—wearing nothing but black blazers, taming my animated hand gestures, and practicing my “professional voice” in the mirror—you know, the one without any hint of our beautiful accent. Sound familiar?

Recently, I had an inspiring conversation with Sophia Zarate, founder of Corporate Pero Latinos, on my podcast. Her story about navigating her Latina identity in a Big Four accounting firm really resonated with me. From the pressure to assimilate to celebrating her authentic self, Sophia’s journey reminded me of the power—and strategy—behind embracing who we are at work.

Here’s how you can navigate this path, step by step.

1. Show Off Your Talents

Listen up, chica: showing up 100% as your true self on day one might not always work in every setting. And you know what? That's okay! Think of it like making abuela's arroz con pollo—start with the essentials before adding your sazón.

When you're new to a company or role, focus first on establishing your credibility through your work. Show them what you're capable of. Let your performance speak louder than your personality—for now.


Here’s how to lay the groundwork:

☑️ Crush those performance goals like your mom is watching your every move.

☑️ Read the company culture the way you devour travel blogs before a trip.

☑️ Build genuine relationships with colleagues (yes, even Brad from accounting).

☑️ Document your wins because modesty won’t get you that promotion.

Once you've built this foundation, you can start introducing more elements of your authentic self. Maybe it's dropping some Spanglish with other Latino colleagues, sharing stories about your family traditions, or finally letting that vibrant personality shine through in meetings.

2. Find Your Tribe

Escúchame: navigating the workplace as a Latina doesn’t mean you have to go at it alone. Finding your gente —your people who truly get you, who smile knowingly at you Country Crock container and get excited when they find other Latinas in the office—can transform your personal and professional journey.

Having a community of like-minded individuals offers more than just camaraderie. It’s a lifeline that provides shared experiences (there’s comfort in knowing others face the same challenges), professional growth, and cultural pride.

Start by exploring spaces that foster connection and representation:

1️⃣ Latina Professional Organizations: National organizations like ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America), Prospanica, and HACE (Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement) offer networking events, career resources, and mentorship programs designed for Latino professionals.

2️⃣ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Many companies have ERGs specifically for Latino employees. These groups create a sense of belonging and provide opportunities to celebrate your culture while contributing to organizational goals.

3️⃣ Cultural Communities: Platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup, and Discord often host niche groups tailored to Latinas in various industries. Look for hashtags like #LatinaExcellence or #LatinasInTech to find virtual communities.

Once you’ve identified spaces to meet your people, focus on creating meaningful relationships by being open and curious, offering value to them, and showing up consistently.

3. Gradual Integration

Authenticity isn't an all-or-nothing game. You can strategically choose which parts of yourself to share and when. Start small—bring your famous alfajores to the office potluck (watch how quickly they disappear), share stories about your cultural background during team events, or mentor younger Latinas in your organization.

You'll know it's time to be more openly yourself when:

✅ Your work performance is consistently on fire

✅ You have solid relationships across the organization 

✅ You feel confident in your role and your value to the organization

✅ You have supporters and allies who have your back

Here's the best part: when you show up as your authentic self, you're not just living your truth—you’re paving the way for other Latinas. You become the role model you wished you had when you were starting out.

Your identity isn't a liability—it's your superpower. Your unique perspective, your cultural background, and your ability to navigate multiple worlds are assets in today's diverse workplace.

Final Thoughts

The goal isn't to hide who you are but to strategically reveal your authentic self in a way that enhances rather than hinders your professional growth. At the end of the day, the most powerful thing you can be is yourself—strategically and authentically.

No te rindas. Keep pushing. Keep growing. 

¡Latinas Ahead—siempre!

Catch the full conversation with Sophia Zarate here.