Being Latina means embracing every part of who you are. 👠💄 Jenny Ortega is a powerful example of how our identity is not defined by anyone else but ourselves. She shows us that being “Latina enough” is about being proud of our roots, our culture, and our unique journeys. Whether you speak perfect Spanish, Spanglish, or are just learning, whether you grew up surrounded by our traditions or are discovering them now—your Latina identity is valid and worth celebrating. Be proud. Represent. Because every way you show up as Latina is more than enough. 💪 #LatinaProfessionals #JennyOrtega #BeYourself
This hits! I never feel truly Latina enough because I don’t speak Spanish and don’t “look” Mexican because I am half white, half Mexican. That doesn’t change the experiences I’ve had as the daughter of a Mexican immigrant. 25 years ago when I should have been learning Spanish, Spanish was seen as a target on my dad's back, not as a necessity. I used to have a lot of animosity for him not teaching me. Then I saw firsthand the xenophobia and racism that my dad has encountered in the rural Midwest. It’s still a part of who I am and a part of my story, because my dad, my culture, and his story are also a part of my story.
1000% just had this convo with my “no sabo” kids. Being Latino is in the heart not the language.
This hits home. So often I didnt feel “Latina enough” because growing up (and even today), many will say “well you don’t ‘look’ Latina.” There is no “look” to any ethnicity. We are all beautiful and unique individuals and I am Latina enough.
Her face when she hears "you're latina enough" 🫶🏼🥹. I remember trying to hide this part of me when I moved here as a teenager. It was not something to be proud of. All I knew was I need to become invisible since I can't reaaally hide it all. Thankfully, that's not who I am anymore, and most importantly, my kids won't have to live like that either.
thank you for sharing❤️ im the interviewer 🥹
For much of my career, I chose to hide my ethnicity due to the many challenges I faced growing up. When I finally embraced and shared it, I often encountered surprised reactions like, "Really? But you look so white." Rather than retreat, I leaned into my identity, which has become a powerful advantage in my industry. This journey has deepened my empathy for others who still grapple with similar struggles. It took time, but I am proud of who I am and how I can now leverage my background as a strength to help others advance their careers, especially in the face of pervasive and destructive stereotypes.
Our channel did this! Thanks for sharing!
Love this! Both of my parents immigrated from Ecuador and did teach me to speak Spanish; However, being born and raised in California, I have what they call a "gringa" accent. 😆 Many times I have been asked, "Why do you have a gringa accent?" I usually say, "Remember if someone has an accent, it means they speak more than one language". #latinaenough