"Do not let the role you play or the circumstances that surround you lead you to forget the essence of your own existence." - Julia de Burgos

Hello, I'm Theresa Avila Bimbela, the principal force behind TAB Professional Services LLC. With a strong background in grant management, administration, and education, my mission is to empower others to live their fullest lives. Although my qualifications speak volumes, there are times when I've encountered limiting perceptions, a challenge that many Latinas in business also navigate. Interestingly enough, I'm actually of mixed Caucasian and Latina descent. This adds an ironic twist to the preconceived notions that I navigate, making it more of a commentary on appearance-based assumptions than anything else.

My Journey: Credentials That Should Speak for Themselves

I have a comprehensive professional background, marked by a master’s degree in Education from Chapman University and a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. My career has been as diverse as it has been fulfilling, with roles ranging from Grants Specialist and Nonprofit Subject Matter Expert to Preschool Director and Police Training Coordinator. Perhaps most notably, I accomplished much of this while also being a single mother—a feat that cannot be overstated. And yet, despite this robust portfolio and the hurdles I've cleared, I find myself perennially underestimated. The challenge is not just professional; it extends into my personal life, consistently forcing me to validate my worth in ways that should no longer be necessary.

"I do know one thing about me: I don't measure myself by others' expectations or let others define my worth." - Sonia Sotomayor

The Wage Gap: Latina Equal Pay Day 2023 Explained

This is not solely about me; it's a reflection of a broader issue affecting Latinas everywhere. According to a recent article on MSNBC, Latinas earn just 52 cents for every dollar made by white, non-Hispanic men. Gaylynn Burroughs, the director of workplace, equality and senior counsel for NWLC explained the grim reality behind these numbers, “[Latinas] would have to work until they’re 90 years old, which is beyond their life expectancy, to earn as much as a white, non-Hispanic male makes by the time he's 60…You really can’t catch up, because these are compounded losses.”

In my last full-time role, a stark example of this inequity was all too evident: I earned exactly half of what the director did, even though I shouldered most of the workload. The disparity was more than just financial; it was a fundamental devaluation of my skills and contributions. It begs the question that too many Latinas in professional settings find themselves grappling with: "Why is my work so frequently undervalued?"

"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'." - Soledad O'Brien

Practical Solutions for Working Latinas:

Assess Relationships: It’s crucial to evaluate the company you keep. Are the people around you fostering your growth or hindering it? A 2017 Harvard Business Review study shows that maintaining positive relationships can significantly impact career growth. Be prepared to sever ties with those who don’t contribute to your personal or professional advancement.
Pivot: Sometimes the path to success isn’t a straight line. According to a survey by QuickBooks, 65% of small business owners have pivoted their business model at least once. A crucial aspect of my professional journey has been my active pursuit of grants to fund the development of an innovative new app. I've engaged with tech companies and taken legal steps to protect my intellectual property. These initiatives are more than just projects; they are extensions of my skills and vision.
Know Your Worth: It's essential to recognize your unique value. Use this self-awareness to guide you in all interactions and decisions. A study by Payscale shows that women who negotiate salaries earn 7.4% more than those who don't.
Stand Firm: Once you've ascertained your worth, don’t waver. For this point, you may consider the statistic that 49% of women entrepreneurs have reported experiencing gender bias, according to a 2019 study by SCORE.
Celebrate Successes: One piece of advice that has resonated with me came from an online supervisor. She advised me to save all the emails from students who had thanked or praised me, as a repository to look back on during darker days. Create your own repository of positive feedback and milestones-and look back on everything you have accomplished with pride.
Seek Mentorship: A 2019 study by SCORE also shows that small business owners who have access to mentorship increase their chances of success by more than 50%.
Public Narrative: Develop your public narrative to share your vision and journey. Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with others and advancing your mission.
Lean on Community: Sometimes the best support and resources come from your own community. An American Express report shows that women-owned businesses have grown 21% from 2014 to 2019, and the growth rate doubles when focusing on women-of-color-owned businesses. Building relationships within these growing sectors can be both uplifting and beneficial.
Prioritize Self-Care: Amid the hustle and grind, never forget to take time for yourself. Whether it's a short break, a day off, or even a vacation, self-care is not just a luxury but a necessity for long-term success and well-being.

Conclusion

As Latina Equal Pay Day approaches, it's time for reflection, action, and above all, recognition of the value Latinas bring to the table. Let's turn our struggles into stepping stones for success, leaning on community, and implementing practical solutions.

#LatinaEqualPayDay2023

#KnowYourWorth

#BreakTheGlassCeiling

#ShatterStereotypes

#LatinaLeaders

#WomenInBusiness

#EmpowerHer

#EqualPayForEqualWork

Theresa Avila Bimbela, CEO and Owner, TAB Professional Services, LLC