Posted 04/29/22
Proposed by Lenovo
Dr. Maricela Becerra, College Professor and Lenovo Innovator
As I reflect on my experiences as a Latina, first-generation immigrant and mother in academia, it’s hard not to focus on the many obstacles I’ve encountered along the way. For a while, I didn’t tell anyone that I had a child because I didn’t want them to judge me. And when I finally did, a professor in my PhD program told me not to even think about having more kids if I wanted to finish my education. Unfortunately, this was not the only difficulty I had to face – when I shared my PhD project with a professor, I was told that I was “too ambitious” and that I had need more realistic goals.
The reality is that things like this happen often. One of the things they often don’t tell you about “breaking the glass ceiling” is that you’ll spend the rest of your career battling debris. However, it is important to recognize the barriers we face as we continue to break down prejudices and create more equitable and supportive spaces.
“One of the things they often don’t tell you about ‘breaking the glass ceiling’ is that you’ll spend the rest of your career battling debris.”
women empower women
One thing that drove me to share my story on social media is precisely the women in my life who have supported my journey. I was lucky to have Latin teachers who inspired me to become one myself. I also had the chance to meet working mothers who showed me that it is possible to have a good work-life balance. I am now able to empower women because other women have taken the time to empower me.
Despite this representation in my life, I have come to realize that this is not the norm. Less than 1% of Latinas earn a doctorate, and these women hold less than 3% of tenure-track positions in the United States. The numbers tell me that there is still a lot of work to do. Through my online presence and the wide reach of technology, I hope I can inspire more Latinas who want to follow a similar path.
Socializing women in higher education
When I decided to create a platform to empower other Latina women, it was important that I recognize my own power. The problem with others constantly doubting you is that you start to believe them. The first time my own femtor (a mentor) referred one of her students to me for advice, I doubted my abilities to help. I remember meeting the student and referring her to one of my colleagues – I said, “I have a friend who can help me! “. I have proudly used, and continue to use, the incredible network of empowered women I have met along the way. Because there’s one other thing they don’t tell you about breaking the glass ceiling: you don’t have to do it alone.
“Because there’s another thing they don’t tell you about breaking the glass ceiling: you don’t have to do it alone.”
The reality is that we can and should lean on those around us to lend a hand. This is the approach I’ve taken to grow my social media platform and create new initiatives over the years. My Network and I are a group of Academic Homegirls who use the power of community and connection to help each other.
I remember wanting to start a scholarship fund for student mothers, so I reached out to the small businesses I met online and raised funds with the support of my community. When I came across other scholarship funds I wanted to support, I developed a brand to empower Latinas in higher education that also helps with these efforts. And I have technology to thank for the many resources and connections I’ve been able to make.
Technology helps us create the spaces that are often denied to us – for ourselves and for others. It allows anyone, anywhere to access educational materials, network, and build the confidence needed to succeed in a career in education.
I felt empowered to take all the space I could. I hope to inspire other women while rewriting society’s definition of what a Latina mother and teacher looks like.
To be part of my ongoing journey as a femtor and #LenovoInnovator, follow me on Instagram (@academicmami). Together we can #BreakTheBias.
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About Lenovo
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