This LeadUP! Conversation features Dr. Juana Bordas, president of Mestiza Leadership International and author of newly updated The Power of Latino Leadership (listen or watch here). Bordas shares how her immigrant experience shaped her leadership. She talks about her journey in getting an education, marching to integrate the University of Florida, and seeing changes in civil rights. Bordas describes her work with women and starting women’s centers and leadership programs. Her book is filled with stories and experiences, showcasing the influence and impact of Latino leadership. Host, Dr. Kathryn Bingham, emphasized The Power of Latino Leadership is not simply for Latino readers. The book offers broader audiences opportunities to learn leadership from the unique cultural diversity of the Latino community.

Highlighting the chapter on intergenerational leadership, Bordas speaks to the importance of working with the coming generations. She emphasizes that young people are changemakers and digital activists with a broad spectrum of beliefs, including intersectionality. Bordas also believes that people need to recreate the fabric of community by telling stories and working together with common vision of the future. The conversation includes leadership development and conciencia, which means “consciousness” in Spanish. Bordas talks about personal experiences with marginalization and exclusion as a Latina growing up, and how she overcame these obstacles to become a leader herself, learning to value her own gifts and strengths. During the interview, Bingham and Bordas discuss the need for more inclusive leadership development programs that are accessible to everyone.

Juana Bordas shares how the future of companies and organizations will be dependent on women, people of color, and the younger generation. Latinos are a $1.8 trillion market and will be the economic engine that drives this century, making up 78% of new entries in the labor market in the next 10 years. Latinos also have an entrepreneurial spirit and are responsible for starting 80% of small businesses in the last decade. Juana emphasizes that this is not just an inclusion journey, but an invitation for everyone to join in the celebration of life and communal work. Lastly, she shares her leadership strategy of enjoying the process and creating communal memories, including music and dancing.

The Power of Latino Leadership is available on Amazon.

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