5 Super Annoying Things Latinas Face at Work

Latina woman talking on her cellphone

With 10 years of work experience under my belt, I have had some really great jobs. I’ve also had some really bad ones. The bad ones share one thing in common: the absurd expectations that my colleagues and supervisors had of me as a Latina. If you are a Latina in the workplace, chances are you have experienced some of these things too.


1.Becoming the Unofficial Translator

Being a translator is a difficult job that requires the ability to move in and out of more than one language with skill. For those of us who don’t have the job title of translator, just because we can translate English and Spanish doesn’t mean that we should have to. Here are just a few reasons why a Latina might not want to be your translator:

  • It’s not actually a part of her job description.
  • She doesn’t have the extra time.
  • A bilingual program makes everything twice as long for everyone.
  • There’s an app for that.
  • She might not even speak Spanish!

Plus, if you aren’t offering to pay her extra, you shouldn’t even ask.

gif of two women with text that reads "I'm bilingual, I speak bitch too!"

2.Getting Confused for the Other Latina in the Office

We don’t even look alike! Take the time to learn our names. And I shouldn’t even have to say that you should learn to pronounce them correctly.

3.Being Greeted with Kisses on the Cheek from Non-Latino Male Colleagues

If we aren’t family or besties, a handshake is what I expect at work. Creep!

gif - animated illustration of a woman spraying herself with an aerosol can that says "no"

4.Becoming the Token for Diversity

I once had a manager who wanted to publish his work under my name (alongside my picture) to make it more relatable to a “diverse” audience. He wanted me to hand over my identity for him to use as he pleased. I refused. I began writing and publishing my own articles for the organization as a result.

5.Keeping a Different Personality at Work

I guarantee that only the smallest handful of my colleagues know that I can rap Cardi B’s hits. Even a smaller amount have seen me do it. The majority wouldn’t be able to imagine me being so “improper” or “unprofessional.” Don’t be fooled.

gif of woman, Cardi B, turning and posing

How many of these can you relate to? Share in the comments.

Yuri Vega wearing a red sleeveless top looks at the camera. She has long blonder hair and is standing in front of a white brick wall

When Yuri Vega and Rommel Vega launched their footwear brand Holo Footwear two years ago, they had no idea where their journey would take them. Latina footwear ownership is almost non-existent and where it does exist, the products are often fashion shoes. Yuri and her partner decided to take on the extremely male-dominated sneaker market instead.

Not only did they choose to enter a very competitive market, but they took it a step further (pun intended) by deciding to make their products sustainable so that people don't have to choose between style, comfort, or mother Earth.

The path Yuri has taken is nothing short of inspiring and we hope she inspires other Latinas to walk in her shoes, literally.

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