The Role of Mentorship in Embracing and Elevating Hermanas

• In Event: “La Baila” Mentoring Frameworks for Advancing Latinas as School Leaders

Abstract

This study explored the significance that mentors have in the development of Latina leadership skills and ascension into school leadership positions. Five women of color participated in testimonios. The participants ranged from first-year principals to current superintendents. Testimonios were used to better understand and explore the experiences of Latina educators in their quest to lead schools and/or districts. To gain a better understanding of the role that deficit thinking and bias play in limiting informal and formal mentorship for Latina educators, this research was informed by Latina(o) critical race theory (Solorzano& Bernal, 2001). The following are testimonios of these women’s experiences in their ascension to their current leadership positions as Latinas.

The contents of this chapter were inspired by my own personal journey and by other women of color who hold or have held leadership positions. My educational and personal experiences have made me mindful of the inequities and injustices that exist in the world. I learned along the way that I had the obligation to fight to correct them. I made a conscious effort to bring about change through the system that had the biggest impact on my life: the educational system. Early in my career as an educator, I learned to be patient and silent so that I could gain the credibility and respect of those in positions of power. I became aware of the politics in education and how to develop relationships with diverse colleagues. At times, I felt like a chameleon adapting to every new environment. Eventually, with the support of my mentors, my passion, dedication, and contributions led me to be in a position where I can influence policy and challenge injustice without being labeled a radical Chicana.

I have built a network of hermana colleagues who have the same motivation and passion that I do. This network is critical to me because we support each other in our journeys as educational leaders and embrace others to join us.

Author

• Blanca Baltazar-Sabbah, Cabrillo College