And Still, I Rise: Madres Poderosas in the Pursuit of Work-Life Justice Educational Leadership Roles

• In Event: Baila Conmigo: Mentoring Latinas as School Leaders

Abstract

This presentation reveals research findings from a dissertation that investigated ways Latina leaders in California navigate work-family conflict and incorporate work-life justice practices. The first purpose of this mixed-methods testimonio study was to describe Latina educational leaders' challenges caused by work-family conflict from an individual, cultural, and institutional lens. The second purpose was to document what ultimately led them to pursue careers as educational leaders and share work-life justice strategies, experiences, and support systems they currently employ from an individual, cultural, and institutional lens. There were two research questions in this study,

RQ 1: What individual, cultural, and institutional systems do Latina educational leaders identify in their testimonios as challenges that contribute to work-family conflict?
RQ 2: What individual, cultural, and institutional systems do Latina educational leaders identify in their testimonios as helpful in supporting work-family justice?

These testimonios from Latina leaders serve as evidence and recommendations for districts. The findings call for different measures, programs, and strategies to compensate for the social and historical disadvantages women leaders face and are subjected to in everyday life (Arriaga, Stanley, Lindsey, 2020).

Author

• Janet OSEGURA VALENCIA