Ella creyó que podía, asÍ que lo hizo: Affirming Latina Leader Identity Development through Written Testimonios

• In Event: Employing Testimonio Methodologies: Challenges and Opportunities Towards Emancipatory Scholarship

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore how undergraduate 12 Latina women develop their leader identity within leadership courses and student organizations. Testimonio as a methodology was chosen in order to honor the tradition of storytelling in the Latinx culture and to also provide participants with a platform to share their stories. The data collection process included a written testimonio and a follow-up interview (Reyes & Rodríguez, 2012). In writing their testimonios prior to their interviews, these women discovered aspects of their journey that have been painful, rewarding, and challenging. Maritza believes that this methodological approach opened an opportunity to engage in deeper and more reflective interviews.

Author

• Maritza Torres, University of Central Florida