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Latina Pathways to Political Leadership in Massachusetts Elizabeth Cardona Research Fellow. Pathways to Political Leadership for Women of Color. A Research Partnership between the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy and Women’s Pipeline for Change. Research Context.
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Latina Pathways to Political Leadership in Massachusetts Elizabeth CardonaResearch Fellow Pathways to Political Leadership for Women of Color A Research Partnership between the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy and Women’s Pipeline for Change
Research Context • Women’s Pipeline for Change: Participatory Action Research Fellowship for Women of Color Leaders • My research journey • Research question: • What are the leadership pathways for Latinas in political roles in Massachusetts?
Interviewees • 8 women of color • 6 Puerto Rican, 1 Dominican, 1 Bi-racial (Puerto Rican/African-American) • Background • Raised in PR, NY, or MA • Large and small families • Low- to middle-income • Profession • Elected office (4) • Appointed (2) • Organizational directors (2)
Interview Questions: Topics • Leadership philosophies • Background • Early pathways to leadership • Personal inspiration • Policy/public service interests • Barriers and opportunities • Guidance for emerging leaders
Leadership Philosophy “Empowersothers based on a foundation which is not centered on one butshared. Ability to lift up many. Inspireothers to give their best ideas in order forcollaboration andchangeto occur. It is about thewerather than I.” Director of organization
Self-Identity values choices appearance work IDENTITY hobbies friends traditions habits beliefs objects interests ethnicity family
intense commitment unrelenting enthusiasm PASSION genuine emotion strong conviction
Vision “the ability to motivate others to accomplish goals…The way it works is that the vision is also shared by others. As leaders we understand and recognize that it takes others to get goals done.” Elected official
Support and Opportunities Opportunities: Informal and Formal Employment On-the-ground training Skills-based training Experience Education Professional development Support Types Family Leadership networks Mentors Colleagues Friends
Conclusions • Rooted internal compass • Sustained by core values • Non-linear paths • Continuously evolving life experiences • Resilient • Able to turn barriers into opportunities
From Challenge to Opportunity “It does not matter who we are. We will sometimes be judged by the color of our skin….Now, I look at these experiences as an advantage and I work harder …by turning these moments into opportunity I gain something positive…That basic skill has helped me take on challenging situations based on my intelligence, skills as a (problem solver)… These key strategies have helped me become an effective leader.” Director
Recommendations • Additional research on Latina self-identity and leadership needed • Political leadership development programs should: • be innovative • seek strategies which cultivate and sustain Latina leaders • include mentoring/spaces for self-reflection • Pipeline for Latina leaders is nonlinear • political leadership can be cultivated at any age or stage