An exploration of a path to more Latina executives

Williams, Nicole Z. Research shows that, despite the population growth rate of Latino/Hispanic communities across the U.S., they remain largely under-represented in professional and leadership roles across the country (Cruz & Blancero, 2016, p. 500). This underrepresentation is compounded when intersected with the gender wage gap. A study conducted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research in October 2020, found that “based on the current rate of progress, Latinas will not reach equal pay with White non-Latino men for another two hundred years, or until 2220.” The study also cites that a major factor in the wage gap is that Latinas are largely over-represented in lower paying jobs. When compared to the trends for the United States and Wisconsin, Milwaukee’s Hispanic community has also shown similar trends of rapid population growth over the last few decades but also has a noted shortage of Latina representation outside of three areas: buildings and ground maintenance, food service and preparation services, and personal care services (Levine, 2016). The purpose of this study is to understand what the shared lived experiences of Latina Executives in the Greater Milwaukee Area are within their family life, the education system, and the workplace that contributed to a pathway to executive management. The shared experiences of the Latinas who participated in my study provided personal details and insights that will enable future Latinas to forge an easier pathway to an executive level position. This, however, requires Latina role models, proactive interactions with young Latinas starting in Fifth grade, more Latina/o teachers, more Latina/o college faculty and staff, paying more attention to the role of family influence, and for colleges and universities to really considering the significance of being an HSI institute and what it means for the Latino/Hispanic community.

Grantor dc:publisher

Alverno College

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Williams, Nicole Z.

• Hispanic Americans
• Education, Higher

Statement dc:rights

• These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/256

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:alverno.omeka.net:256