In The Community
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz is a towering figure in the literary canon of the Spanish-speaking world. Born in the mid-17th century, in colonial-era Mexico, she was a woman far ahead of her time, breaking barriers in areas like education, women's rights, and even expressions of sexuality. Today, her legacy is an inspiration for women, educators, and the queer community around the globe.
A Self-taught Scholar
Born in 1648, Juana Ramírez de Asbaje, later known as Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz after becoming a nun, was a child prodigy who taught herself to read and write. She developed a deep love for learning, despite women's education being frowned upon in her era. Sor Juana's craving for knowledge was insatiable; she allegedly begged her mother to allow her to disguise herself as a boy to attend the university, which was closed to women.
Her self-acquired education led her to become one of the most educated women of her time, a scholar of wide-ranging topics, including theology, philosophy, music, and natural science. In her convent enclosure, she compiled a vast library, making it a sanctuary of learning that defied the restrictive norms of the time.
Advocate for Women's Rights
Sor Juana was unyielding in her fight for women's rights, especially the right to education. Her most famous work, "Respuesta a Sor Filotea" (Reply to Sister Philotea), is a passionate defense of women's right to knowledge and education. She argued that women had the same natural rights as men to knowledge and learning, an idea that was revolutionary at the time.
In her writings, Sor Juana exposed the hypocrisy of the patriarchal society that chastised women for wanting to educate themselves while simultaneously blaming them for not being knowledgeable. Through her intellectual achievements and passionate advocacy, she became a trailblazer for women's rights and a pioneer of early feminist thought.
Queer Expression in Her Poetry
Sor Juana's poetry is not only celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and intellectual depth but also for its exploration of feminine sexuality. Many of her poems present strong homoerotic subtexts, offering a fresh perspective on female sexuality that contrasted starkly with the dominant narratives of her era.
While the term 'lesbian' did not exist in the 17th century, her love poetry often includes female muses and objects of desire. Poems like "Rosa Divina Que En Gentil Cultura," with its sensuous imagery and feminine symbols, later led critics and scholars to interpret them as expressions of queer identity.Divine rose, that in a gentle upbringing,
with your fragrant subtlety, are
the purple-tinted teacher of splendor,
and a snowy lesson for beauty.
Gesture of human architecture,
an example of vain kindness,
in which Nature decided to join
a joyful cradle and a sorrowful grave.
How arrogant you're in your splendor,
as you disdain the risk of dying,
and then, withered and hunched,
you give gloomy signs of your expiration,
with it, a well versed death, and foolish life,
you deceive by living and teach by dying!
The lesbian interpretation of her poetry remains contentious due to the historical and cultural distance. However, there's no denying that her vivid explorations of female love and desire are highly unusual for her time and she challenged traditional 17th-century norms. Whether Sor Juana identified as a lesbian or not, her verses resonate with many people in the LGBTQ+ community and have made her an important figure in queer literature.
A Lasting Legacy
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz left behind a legacy that resonates with people worldwide. She broke barriers at a time when women were actively discouraged from seeking education and knowledge. Her brave advocacy for women's rights marked her as a precursor of feminist thought. Moreover, her provocative poetry challenged the dominant heteronormative narratives of the time, making her a significant figure in queer literary studies.
To this day, she’s a powerful symbol of resistance against the subjugation of women and the denial of their rights to education and the expression of their sexuality. Her life and work continue to inspire and empower women, educators, and members of the LGBTQ+ community around the world, affirming that knowledge, courage, and authenticity are boundless, regardless of time and place.
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National Latina Day is a day of celebration and recognition dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of Latinas in U.S. society, from arts and culture to politics and business. On this day, the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and trailblazing spirit of Latina women are brought to the forefront, and communities unite to pay homage to their legacy. But who is the woman behind this movement? And why is she left in the shadows?
How did National Latina Day Start?
The roots of National Latina Day can be traced back to 2015 when Texas-based Dolores “Loli” Alvarez Castilla created a Facebook page to empower Latinas. Over time, as the Latina community expanded its influence in the U.S. and around the world, it became evident that there was a pressing need to have a day dedicated to the celebration and amplification of the myriad of achievements and stories of Latina women.
In an interview with blogger April Monterrosa, Castilla said her message about the day is simple, “It is time for us to stand up and be counted for all that we are and all of our accomplishments. It is time to change the mindset of people that we are just loud women with attitudes.”
As the designated day made the rounds, Latinas everywhere began to share their experiences, achievements, and pride as Latinas. National Latina Day was born, and it’s been celebrated every year on August 20 since then, with red as the official color of the day.
Why Celebrate Latina Day?
In an era where Latinas frequently grapple with cultural stereotypes, National Latina Day serves as a powerful counter-narrative. Instead of subscribing to broad-brushed notions, this day thrusts the spotlight on individual stories that epitomize grit, intelligence, and resilience, effectively shattering age-old stereotypes.
This celebration paves the way for the future. The young Latina generation, looking ahead, now finds itself surrounded by a diverse range of role models. Be it the groundbreaking work of scientists or the mesmerizing creations of artists, the horizons have expanded, allowing these young minds to dream beyond traditional confines and outdated cultural expectations.
At its heart, National Latina Day is also a celebration of culture. Latinas stand as the proud bearers of an intricate cultural tapestry. From the rhythmic cadences of the Caribbean to the deeply-rooted traditions of South America, they play a pivotal role in enriching the American and global cultural landscape.
Lastly, this day is synonymous with unity. It's an amalgamation of shared narratives, mutual respect, and a collective sense of pride. Latinas and the broader community converge in a spirited celebration, fostering an environment of community and collaboration.
Honor the Past and Celebrate the Future
National Latina Day is more than just a day; it's a movement. A movement that seeks to recognize the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. It’s a testament to the strength, beauty, and indomitable spirit of Latina women.
It’s with this in mind that we also note that celebrating each other also means lifting up those who paved the way and giving them their flowers and due credit. Latinas have too few well-known leaders and role models, and the historical erasure of Latina contributions is well documented. It continues to be up to us to ensure that those who paved the way know that their contributions won’t be forgotten.
Celebrate this day and the woman who started it all, and honor the stories not just of the countless Latinas who have paved the way, but also of the Latinas who are shaping our present today and undoubtedly creating a brighter future for tomorrow.
We continue our summer series, “Latinas Who Lead,” with a list of women who exemplify leadership and community advocacy in authentic and joyful ways. Since August 20 happens to also be National Latina Day, it’s even more reason to celebrate and highlight the achievements of these 5 trailblazing Latinas whose dedication continues to make waves across the U.S.
Genny Castillo
Image Credits: Genny Castillo
Genny Castillo is the Deputy Director of the Southern Economic Advancement Project (SEAP) and is known for her leadership in policy and community engagement. Since January 2024, Genny has led SEAP in its mission to support innovative policy research and bridge gaps across the South. Her role involves connecting communities with crucial resources and driving impactful local programming.
SEAP is dedicated to addressing pressing regional issues, with a focus on addressing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on Southern communities, ensuring all Southerners have access to basic needs like food, housing, and transportation. SEAP also advocates for policies that promote healthy living and access to quality care.
Genny’s career is defined by her dedication to public service and leadership. Before her current role, she served as the Regional Engagement Director for SEAP from 2019 to 2024 and was the COO of the BLUE Institute, which trains young people of color for leadership in electoral campaigns. Genny’s experience includes her impactful role as the Latinx Constituency Director for the Democratic Party of Georgia during the 2018 campaign cycle, and as Director of Caucus Services, she developed a highly successful state legislative caucus internship program.
This dynamic Latina has made empowering and elevating her community the center of her professional life, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.
Maria Urbina
Image Credits: Mari Urbina
Maria Urbina, Managing Director of Indivisible and of Nicaraguan descent, has made major strides in progressive politics. Her role at Indivisible, a movement born out of resistance to the Trump agenda, highlights her lifetime commitment to grassroots activism and political reform.
Indivisible is a grassroots movement made up of everyday people determined to reshape American democracy to be more inclusive. It started as the “Indivisible Guide,” a Google doc that explained how to resist Trump’s agenda in 2016. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide movement where members come together in their local communities to call representatives, go to rallies, etc. While small, their actions build up a lot of political power at the local level to move the needle. The overall goal is to build a democracy that reflects the interests of everyone, not just the interests of a powerful few.
Maria's career is marked by her strategic and impactful roles in politics. Before joining Indivisible, she was Vice President of Politics and Campaigns at Voto Latino, overseeing national campaigns and voter engagement. Her experience also includes seven years as a senior advisor to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D- NV) and various political engagement roles in Senate races and President Obama’s re-election campaign.
Her expertise in strategy, messaging, and policy, especially for Latinx, AAPI, and immigrant communities, earns her regular appearances on news channels like MSNBC and Univision, making her one of the few Latina faces we see on broadcast news But through sustained representation for Latinx voices, Maria’s example provides hope that more will follow in her footsteps.
Sarah Audelo
Image Credits: Sarah Audelo
Sarah Audelo’s career reflects her unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and social justice. As the former Executive Director of the Alliance for Youth Action, Sarah led the nation’s largest youth grassroots organizing network, focusing on building political power among young people across the United States.
The Alliance for Youth Action is renowned for its work in empowering young people, particularly those from marginalized communities, to take on leadership roles, promoting involvement in political processes and advocacy, and addressing economic justice, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and more.
Sarah’s career includes serving as Hillary Clinton’s Millennial Vote Director in the 2016 election and working with organizations like Advocates for Youth and Generation Progress. After graduating from Georgetown University, she began her career as a special education teacher with Teach for America in the Rio Grande Valley.
Currently, Sarah is the Deputy Advocacy Director at the Open Society Foundations, where she supports global efforts for justice, democratic governance, and human rights. This makes Sarah one of the few Latinas in a decision-making position in the philanthropy world. To put that into perspective, according to the 2022 Diversity Among Philanthropic Professionals Report, only an estimated 6.6% of Latinos hold board positions in philanthropy, compared to 52.8% of white people in those positions.
Her work at Open Society Foundations continues to advance bold, democratic solutions to critical challenges, especially in marginalized communities that are historically underinvested in by philanthropy. To that point, a 2022 survey titled “Financial Challenges of Nonprofits Serving People of Color,” found that nonprofits serving or led by people of color face greater financial struggles due to lower funding from donations and grants.
“Our study pushes the field to acknowledge that the nonprofit sector is not race-neutral and understanding the racial/ethnic barriers at the institutional level is key to addressing the issues of under-resourced POC nonprofits. The structural barriers make it necessary for interventions at the institutional level because it is harder for individual nonprofits or leaders to overcome resource challenges,” stated authors Mirae Kim and Bo Li.
Yadira Sanchez
Image Credits: Yadira Sanchez
Yadira Sanchez is a prominent Mexican advocate for Latinx civic empowerment, serving as the Executive Director and co-founder of Poder Latinx. This organization is dedicated to building Latinx political power through innovative strategies and community engagement. They do this by getting people involved in voting, educating them about important issues, and developing young leaders who can drive real change in their communities. They started as a small team in Florida, but they now have a presence in states like Arizona, California, Georgia, Texas, and Washington.
The Poder Latinx mission is to build a country where the Latino community is represented and their voices are heard, so they help Latinos become informed advocates for justice and democracy. This way, no matter what challenges they face, the community can stand strong and protected.
Yadira’s previous role as Development Director for Mi Familia Vota involved raising over 20 million dollars for the organization and expanding their partnerships to boost civic participation. Her leadership includes experience serving on the boards of nonprofits like Dialogue on Diversity, dedicated to social and political advancement; Family Values @ Work Action, dedicated to building political power among marginalized voters; and Western Resource Advocates, dedicated to fighting the climate crisis.
Yadira’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was recognized as a 2021 American Express Ngen Fellow and a 40 under 40 honoree by the American Association of Political Consultants. Yadira’s only getting started. She has many more years ahead of her for her leadership to continue to shape the future of Latinx civic engagement and political power.
Tory Gavito
Image Credits: Tory Gavito
Victoria "Tory" Gavito is a trailblazer in political strategy and advocacy, known for her role as President of Way to Win. This national hub for donors uses a data-informed approach to political funding, aiming to advance transformative policies to build lasting structural power for marginalized communities.
Way to Win’s work is focused on strengthening political infrastructure by investing in grassroots organizations at the state level, promoting policies that drive social and economic equity, and shaping public discourse to support progressive causes. Their mission is to disrupt conventional politics by connecting funders and organizers, addressing systemic issues, and leveraging a broad network for meaningful change in ways that are creative, efficient, and ultimately, transformative.
As if building an entirely new funding organization wasn’t enough, Tory’s career also includes founding the Texas Future Project and the Texas Future Project Research Center, where she led the development of strategies to put Texas on a pathway to becoming a battleground state and thus, competitive for Democrats to be able to win local, state, and federal elections there. Her background as an attorney advocating for workers’ rights and her inspiration from her grandmother, an immigrant from Mexico, underscores her dedication to movement-building and explains what fuels her fire - reasons that many Latinas can relate to.
Did you miss an installment of the Latinas Who Lead series? Make sure to catch up and find even more inspiring Latinas:
5 Latina Activists Disrupting the Political Status Quo
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