This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the team of formidable women who make LPPI’s work possible. In the roundtable below, several women on staff reflect on the adversities they overcame and the empowerment they found in their journeys to LPPI.

Q: How has your identity as a woman of color impacted your academic and professional journey? How does that carry through into the work you do today?

Belem Lamas: Being Latina shaped my higher education experience in profound ways. In many of my classes, I was one of only a few Latinas and often felt out of place at first, especially in spaces where others seemed to have more access or generational experience with higher education. Serving as Executive Director of Latinas Guiding Latinas de UCLA helped me find community and purpose, and that empowerment helped drive my continued commitment to centering culturally rooted barriers and expanding opportunity for others.

Silvia R. González: Growing up in a working-class neighborhood has influenced every academic decision I’ve made. I saw education as a tool for learning how to address the issues that were negatively impacting my community, from climate change to wage theft.

Lorena Roberts: My identity as a woman of color has shaped my academic and professional journey by giving me a deeper awareness of systemic barriers, while also strengthening my resilience and sense of purpose. It has driven me to seek spaces like LPPI where my voice and lived experiences are valued, and to advocate for those same experiences for others. Today, that perspective carries into my work through a commitment to centering community, amplifying underrepresented voices, and pushing for meaningful, inclusive change.

Mariah Bonilla: While in college, I had to navigate spaces where I sometimes felt I didn’t belong, which pushed me to find communities where I felt seen in my experiences. I carry this through my work to uplift the experiences of our communities, and through my mentorship with students, creating spaces where they can be themselves and develop their skills.

Q: What does it mean to you to work with a team full of powerful women at LPPI?

Belen Flores: Working alongside the powerful mujeres at LPPI who lead with integrity and compassion has shown me that creating change for our beloved communities doesn’t have to come at the expense of our own needs or humanity, but rather requires it in order to create sustainable movements with lasting impact. Their power comes from their willingness to meet others where they are at, share expertise, collaborate, and create better outcomes for our communities.

Julia Silver: I am privileged to be surrounded by women who bring such intelligence, intention, creativity, and compassion to our work. Their leadership pushes me to think bigger, speak up, and stay motivated to make change.

Lila Burgos: This is a dream scenario. Latinas remain underrepresented in positions of power and influence, and in applied research, so to be a part of a Latina-led team paving the way in this field is a major responsibility. My hope is that through demonstrating servant leadership, accountability, and shared values, we can set a precedent for Latina leadership in this field for others to come.

Lamas: In today’s unprecedented political landscape, it feels deeply affirming to work alongside women who not only understand the weight of the moment but have lived through and led in challenging times before. There is a shared empathy and resilience on our team that allows us to support one another while continuing to move the work forward. That sense of collective care and purpose makes even the toughest moments feel possible.

Q: What advice would you give to your younger self on navigating systems that were not created with women of color in mind?

Rosario Majano: Discomfort in new and challenging spaces is momentary and no one can take away from you what you stand to learn and gain from being in this space – so STAND YOUR GROUND.

Silver: I don’t identify as being a woman of color, but this is my advice for women at large: Don’t mistake discomfort for lack of belonging. Most systems were not created for us, but our leadership is essential to improving them. Trust your gut, stay grounded in what really matters to you, and be loud. 

Burgos: You will face extremely difficult setbacks and tough political situations! The support systems that peers, friends, colleagues, family, and mentors offer make the difference in being able to navigate this work. To remain strong, centered, and unshakeable in your self-worth, rely on this support and be wary of internalizing erroneous messages from systems that were never meant for you.

Amada Armenta: Your perspective is valuable and unique – you belong here.Gabriella Carmona: I would tell my younger self not to give in to imposter syndrome; you belong in those spaces. The perspective you bring is valuable and important, and those places are better when your voice and experiences are part of them.