2008, a Year of Empowerment
 By Maria Ventura
While attending NHLI’s 2008 Executive Leadership Training and Mujer Award Conference in Orlando, Florida this past November, I reflected on the impact this organization has had in my life.
At the conference, attendees brought their energy as well as their commitment to NHLI’s core mission to develop Latinas as ethical world leaders. There were hundreds of attendees including sponsors, alumnae spanning more than 20 years, and leaders committed to improving conditions for Latinos in this country. Most importantly, there was synergy; we were all there to see each other succeed.
I had the distinct pleasure of being one of 22 Hispanic women selected from a nationwide recruitment to participate in NHLI’s Executive Training Program this past year. When I discovered I had been accepted to the program, I was ecstatic. But little did I know at the time what a deep personal and professional journey would await me.
Like many in these difficult economic times, I was confronted with uncertainty and the stress associated with being laid off. What was I going to do? Faced with a challenging job market, financial obligations, and my own internal struggle to remain positive.
One constant that remained, namely the unconditional support from the 2008 NHLI fellows. We were four months into the nine-month fellowship when I broke the news to them. I had been laid off. Just like any good sister, they immediately offered advice, key contacts, and most importantly emotional support. Through this tumultuous time in my life, I grew profoundly.
The training week at Harvard University taught us how to negotiate and successfully navigate corporate America. At the Center for Creative Leadership we examined our strengths as leaders and how we can best motivate others with similar or different strengths. There, I met with an executive coach to determine: what is needed in a job; what I wanted; and what I absolutely could not accept and settle for.
With this knowledge I was well equipped to say “no” to job offers that weren’t the right fit, which takes a strong sense of self when you are unemployed.
Life has gone full circle. I am now happily employed with State Farm Insurance®, a proud sponsor of NHLI. State Farm is committed to the advancement of all communities. Sponsors like State Farm make it financially possible for women like myself to participate in the institute.
I am one of 462 women who has graduated from the Institute. We all have our own success and struggle stories. Each has provided countless contributions to her respective community. As I reflect on this past year, it is truly amazing to see what we can achieve when we work together. NHLI has given me more than I can ever give back. The next time an hermana reaches out to me, I’ll be her champion as many others have been mine.
Maria Ventura is a Public Affairs Specialist for State Farm Insurance® and a proud graduate of the NHLI Class of 2008. |
