I didn’t engage in political discussions on social media this cycle. The older I get, the more I ask myself: Where will my voice and actions move the needle the most? As I shared in a post explaining the name change to Elevating Authenticity, my papi raised my sister and me to be powerful women. He always said, “Your voice is the strongest thing you have; never let anyone silence you.”
Over the years, I’ve seen the needle move, even through challenging times, because of this commitment to using my voice. Creating workshops, sitting on panels, hosting trainings, and working with organizations to provide those “ah-ha” moments—the education and tools for individuals to see where they, too, can impact society—has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. Our work is not only at the polls every four years; it’s in these daily, intentional actions.
As I think about how we all can harness our voices, I’m reminded that true change requires courage. It’s not always easy to speak out, especially when our views differ from those around us or when standing up for our values means challenging the status quo. But these moments of discomfort are often where growth and progress begin.
One question from my "Elevating My Authenticity" deck that resonates deeply with me—and I think will resonate with you—is: “How often do I make choices that reflect my true self, even when they are difficult or unpopular?” This question asks us to examine those pivotal moments and to consider how much we’re willing to step up when the stakes are high. Reflecting on it can give us the courage to make choices that honor our beliefs, no matter how challenging they may be.
Another powerful question I reflect on often is, “What practical actions can I take to ensure my identity, values, and authenticity are fully integrated into my daily life?” This grounding reminder helps us to look inward and think about how we can bring our values to life every day. When we find ways to align our actions with our deepest beliefs, each choice and interaction becomes an opportunity to use our voices powerfully—not just during election seasons, but consistently, as a lifelong commitment to our principles.
I encourage you to ask yourself these questions and explore what shifts you can make today to bring your values to life. Perhaps it’s speaking up at work, volunteering in your community, or simply having meaningful conversations with friends and family. Advocacy doesn’t begin and end at the ballot box; it’s woven through our daily choices, our actions, and our courage to stand by our values even when it’s tough.
Yet, it’s also essential to acknowledge that having the courage to speak up can sometimes be a privilege. For some, safety may not exist in certain spaces based on their identities or circumstances, and speaking out could come with real risks. If you are someone for whom speaking up isn’t safe, know that this is okay; your voice is still powerful, and there are other spaces where you can create impact and foster change without compromising your well-being. True advocacy includes knowing when to protect ourselves and finding places where our voices can be heard without fear.
One of the most important ways I’ve found to keep my voice strong is by being in community with others who support me. As a brown Latina woman, the daughter of immigrants, a first-generation college student from a low-income background, I know firsthand the challenges that come with pushing for change in spaces that may not always welcome our stories. But my commitment to advocacy and authenticity has led me to seek out spaces where my story is celebrated, where my work is encouraged, and where I can fully show up as myself.
In these spaces, I am not only seen but uplifted. They help me fill my own cup so that I can go back into the world with resilience, ready to speak up and push for change, even when it feels intimidating or uncertain. Knowing that I have a community standing with me gives me the strength to advocate for justice, equity, and authenticity, knowing that I’m not alone. It’s a reminder that none of us need to walk this path alone; being in community gives us the courage to stand by our values and carry our voices forward.
Moments of change bring a flood of emotions—grief, hope, exhaustion, and determination. Let’s honor those feelings, take a moment to breathe, and then come together to create authentic impact—one courageous step at a time. Let’s find the spaces that nourish us, the communities that lift us up, so that we can keep pushing for a world that aligns with our vision for justice, equity, and authenticity.
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