1. 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

2. 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?

3. 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)

4. Interview Questions: Topics ▸Leadership philosophies ▸Background ▸Early pathways to leadership ▸Personal inspiration ▸Policy/public service interests ▸Barriers and opportunities ▸Guidance for emerging leaders

5. Leadership Philosophy Empowers shared “Empowers others based on a foundation which is not centered on one but shared. Ability to lift up many. Inspire collaboration change Inspire others to give their best ideas in order for collaboration and change to occur. we It is about the we rather than I.” Director of organization

6. Self-Identity

8. 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

9. Latina Pathways to Political Leadership in Massachusetts

10. 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

11. Conclusions ▸Rooted internal compass ▸Sustained by core values ▸Non-linear paths ▸Continuously evolving life experiences ▸Resilient ▸Able to turn barriers into opportunities

12. 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

13. 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