My Nana, the matriarch of our family was strong, unbelievably smart and instilled an immense amount of pride in me. Even though she didn't specifically say, "Mujeres con La Falda Bien Puesta" (women with their skirts well positioned), she sure taught me how to be an Orgullosa woman by just watching how she conducted her day (cooking, cleaning, taking care of business!) and how she interacted with everyone. She wore the crown and I wanted to be like her.
I was talking with mi amiga Ruby earlier about my Papa teaching me at a very young age that I have a voice and never be scared to use it. He taught me about my mixed ethnicities. He taught me about being a second generation American. At 7 years old, I can vividly remember him starting to teach me that when I turned 18 and was able to vote that I would need to vote or I would lose my voice. I had no idea what he meant until I became a teenager and actually expressed my plans for life after high school to my counselor. That was just my first step in exercising my independence.
I credit my grandparents for teaching me these things and sharing their stories - life lessons that we sometimes overlook, I didn't know what it meant to be American until I had to stand up for what I believed in. My whispers became shouts. I prepared to use words as weapons - I have always fought the good fight. Especially when other people can not. Thanks to my beautiful grandparents, it is in my blood.
One of the most important times I decided to flex my newfound voice was when we were going through contract negotiations at work in 1999. Our contract was up and when we weren't going anywhere in negotiations, my Union decided that we had to take action and that meant staging a walk-out during a Santana concert. I was so nervous, I had a career in management in my future and didn't know what to do. I decided my beliefs were important and if I did this, I could be inspiring to my children and my coworkers. About a week after that action, our contract was signed, sealed and delivered. I can not tell you how empowered I felt.
I took that power and have always used it to preach to family and friends that they can do anything they want in life. I count on my community of blogger amigas to inspire, motivate and support me with any idea big or small. These women know they can always count on me for words of encouragement.
We women need to build up our communities so no one can take us down - not even each other. There is power in numbers! Together - with our diversity and individuality - we share limitless potential.
Disclosure: This compensated post is written in partnership with Orgullosa.com and Niche Mommy Network & Conference. All thoughts are my own. Labels: Challenging, Community, Confident, Independent, Inspiring, Latina, Orgullosa, Proud, Strong, The Niche Mommy Network
