Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and Empower Latino Professionals with Self-Advocacy Strategies from Association Latinos

Next week kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month. Running from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 each year, this month celebrates the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. If you’re looking to celebrate the month with the many festivities and events held in Chicago, head over to Choose Chicago’s blog to see what’s happening. 

One way to celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage year-round is by supporting Association Latinos.  The organization aims to bring awareness to the association profession to the wider Latino community. It provides education and community, while advocating for representation and Latino leadership in associations. 

Panel on Self-Promotion and Self-Advocacy in Associations

Association Latinos recently held a panel discussion on “The Art and Science of Self-Promotion and Self-Advocacy” to help association professionals identify what is keeping you from acting in our own best interests to affect our growth and advancement in the industry.  

The Challenges of Self-Promotion

During our careers we become advocates of what our association represents. Amplifying our programs and benefits, the successes and impacts our organization has on the industry we service. In doing so we get buried in our work, forgetting that you are part of that success. We often feel that promoting our success is frowned upon or seen as braggadocious, whether due to modesty, self-doubt, or the culture in which we were raised. As a result, many opportunities may be missed because our accomplishments are not acknowledged throughout our careers. 

Understanding Cultural and Structural Barriers

The panel consisted of industry experts: Laura Caputo, J.D., of La Roca Consulting; Diana Dabdub, CAE, Director of Admissions & Recruitment Affairs at the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges; and Nabil El-Ghoroury, Ph.D., CAE, Psychologist and Principal at Executive Therapy & Consulting. 

The presentation began by addressing cultural aspects and structural inequalities that often hinder effective self-promotion. For example, Latinos ingrained humility and modesty can deter individuals from actively promoting their achievements. Similarly, pervasive gender biases in leadership roles contribute to disparities in recognition and advancement opportunities. Recognizing these barriers is the first step towards devising effective strategies. 

Leveraging Cultural Traits for Effective Self-Advocacy

To counteract these challenges, the speakers emphasized the importance of leveraging cultural traits positively. They encouraged individuals to embrace self-advocacy while maintaining humility, promoting a mindset that balances assertiveness with authenticity. Strategies included understanding the impact of names on resumes, navigating structural racism, and combating imposter syndrome—a phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds. 

Practical Tips for Self-Promotion

The presenters gave practical tips aimed at empowering individuals to promote themselves effectively. These strategies included daily self-assessment of tasks and achievements, using specific metrics to highlight successes, and seeking constructive feedback from colleagues. By quantifying and articulating accomplishments, individuals can substantiate their value proposition and enhance their visibility within organizational settings. 

• Building a supportive “squad” emerged as a pivotal strategy. By surrounding oneself with allies who uplift and advocate for each other, individuals can navigate self-promotion more comfortably. Challenging negative self-perceptions and reframing job requirements as aspirational rather than restrictive further empowers individuals to pursue opportunities boldly. 
  
  
• Networking is a cornerstone of effective self-promotion. If you are looking to be accepted on a committee, for example, reach out to board members or network with current members of the committee to help establish a relationship and create allies when you submit your application stating your case on why you should be accepted to the committee. Understanding both written and unwritten organizational rules and cultivating meaningful relationships with key decision-makers can significantly bolster career trajectories.  
  
  
• As attention spans dwindle amidst competing demands, maintaining visibility poses a considerable challenge. The speakers advocated for consistent messaging across platforms like LinkedIn, using hashtags, and engaging promptly with posts to optimize visibility and broaden professional networks. By positioning oneself as a subject matter expert through regular content sharing, individuals can cultivate a recognizable personal brand that resonates with their audience. 
  
  
• Utilizing professional resources, such as resume writers and career coaches, is another effective strategy. However, don’t just hire the first person on a search result, interviewing multiple professionals ensures finding the right fit to help articulate career narratives effectively.  
  
  
• Engaging in volunteer work is an especially important aspect in helping promote yourself while serving others and the industry. Getting acknowledged includes pursuing awards, and if chosen, highlighting those successes on social media. Not chosen? Don’t be afraid to try and try again! The panelist shared their own experiences on not being deterred when not being chosen the first time they applied- whether for an award, scholarship, or position on a committee or board.  
  
  
• Encourage your peers to pursue opportunities and share information about awards and deadlines within professional networks fosters a culture of collective support. By advocating for others’ achievements, individuals contribute to a reciprocal ecosystem where visibility and recognition are amplified for all. 

Embrace Self-Advocacy and Shout Your Success

Effective self-promotion requires a multifaceted approach that addresses cultural nuances, systemic barriers, and practical strategies. By embracing self-advocacy and fostering supportive networks, individuals can enhance their visibility and seize opportunities for career advancement. Go out there and be persistent, support others and SHOUT YOUR SUCCESS!  

Learn more about this session check out https://www.youtube.com/@associationlatinos9422