Growing up Latino

I’m a proud second-generation Latino. My childhood was a mix of dancing salsa in the kitchen during family gatherings while my mom served up fresh homemade tamales. But like many second-generation Latinos, I had to balance that life with growing up in an almost all-white Catholic elementary school in New Jersey. You see, growing up Latino, you quickly learn there are some things about us that make us unique. Family is so important, and it’s part of the expectation that elders are respected, and that family is close. Our culture is one of affection, openness, and welcomeness. A kiss on the cheek and a big warm hug are the standard greetings. 

Photo of my wife Phoenix, our son Amias, and my mom and dad at the Jersey Shore 

It turns out that our cultural tendencies lean towards a more collective society, which means we value traits such as loyalty, collaboration, and strong networks. But in corporate settings, these traits can be viewed negatively as conflict avoidance, indirectness, overly humble, and reluctance to lead. 

I learned this when I was nominated to attend the SMU Cox Business School’s rising Latino Leadership Program, which helps give Latinos the awareness and skills needed to advance into the C Suite of corporations. During the week-long session, I finally saw on paper some of the issues I had struggled with. Humility and hierarchical structures, which are common in Latino households, actually create perceptions of weakness or lack of leadership potential at work. What does this mean? For hierarchy, It means a Latino is more willing to accept decisions made by their bosses. As a more individualistic society, the United States has a strong belief in questioning authority, and in turn, their boss. The good news is that these areas can be improved for Latinos with awareness. 

Let me give you an example. 

Part of my reason for launching The Omar Project was to overcome the challenge of humility. I had been taught to work hard, and speaking highly of oneself was looked down upon because it was seen as bragging. In corporate settings, if no one knows what you’re doing, it’s hard to be properly recognized. However, having a stigma that self-marketing is a dirty word was a challenge I had to overcome. It’s the reason I decided to name my site in such a personal way. By getting personal, I’m able to share my experiences as a Latino professional, and hopefully I’ll encourage others to do the same. 

Despite the many challenges that come with being Latino in corporate America, there are tremendous opportunities that exist. Most Latinos grow up in bilingual households, balancing American culture with Latino culture. This balance makes Latinos great at cultural integration, and great diplomats in the corporate world, which is more global than ever.  

Are you a Latino in corporate America? What are some of the struggles you’ve faced? Tell me in the comments below or tweet @theomarproject on Twitter.