Women in Leadership: The Power of Saying Yes
As Univision’s first CONTIGO Women Empowerment Forum concludes, I’ve been reflecting on the path that brought me here. My journey has been shaped by resilience, self-belief and the women who opened doors when I needed them most.
I am a first-generation college student and the daughter of immigrant parents. Education was always a core value in our home, but my path forward wasn’t clear or predictable. Instead, I faced a series of choices where I had to trust my instincts, lean into courage and learn to say yes to myself and to the opportunities that came my way.
Before entering higher education, I began my career in K–12, where working with young learners showed me the profound impact education can have early in life. Today, in my leadership role at Western Governors University, I support adult learners who are pursuing their goals later in life, often while balancing careers, families and other responsibilities. That’s why the flexibility that WGU provides is essential. Our mission is grounded in the belief that education should be a bridge to opportunity, not a barrier.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have had mentors who saw my potential even when I was still discovering it myself. One of those mentors was Jeannie Pupa Walker, the first Latina school board member in Metro Nashville. Jeannie went above and beyond what was required, helping me grow both professionally and personally. Her belief in me changed how I see and support others.
That experience shaped my leadership philosophy. I believe leadership is not about proving yourself, but about being yourself. I learned to lead without seeking permission or external validation. When I showed up authentically, without a powerful network or prestigious title, I still found doors opening. Now I try to lead in that same spirit, looking at people for who they are, not just where they’ve been.
For many women, the greatest resistance doesn’t come from others; it comes from within. I’ve sat in rooms where I questioned whether I belonged because of my age, gender, or background. Over time, I realized that self-doubt is often the loudest barrier. My advice to other women is to stop internalizing other people’s limitations. Your power comes from your values, your competence, and your voice.
A turning point for me came when my mother transitioned to the next life. Her sacrifice for work taught me an important lesson. Leadership must include balance. Results are important, but so is well-being. That’s why I encourage my team to rest before they reach a breaking point. Sustainability matters at work and at home.
At WGU, we extend that same philosophy to our students. Our model acknowledges their experience and meets them where they are. I’ve met countless WGU students who weren’t sure they could take the next step. Today, they are leaders in their fields because they were empowered to say yes to themselves.
While attending CONTIGO with my colleagues, Dr. Linda Garza Battles and Martiza E.M. Mercado, it was so refreshing to see so many Latina entrepreneurs, business coaches, and education advisors reinforcing the power of saying yes to the attendees. These efforts create access, but they also create community. WGU and Univision are truly building spaces where women can grow, mentor each other, and lead with confidence.
To the women who are still finding their voices: You do not need permission to lead. Focus less on proving yourself and more on being yourself. Say yes to growth, yes to challenge, and yes to the knowledge that you are ready.
CONTIGO’s Women Empowerment Forum reminded us to celebrate how far we’ve come. Now it’s time to keep breaking the barriers that remain and to remind each other that our power has always been within reach.
