In The Community
They have control over the military
Photo by Matias Luge on UnsplashDictators often secure their grip by controlling the military and then they use armed forces to maintain power instead of protecting the people. However, history shows that military loyalty isn’t guaranteed forever. Eventually, motivations and goals stop aligning, and the tides start turning.
They have sturdy propaganda machines
Photo by Sinitta Leunen on UnsplashFrom controlling the media to spreading fake news, dictatorships thrive on propaganda. They paint themselves as the saviors and anyone opposing them as enemies. Yet, the rise of the internet and social media means the truth can still seep through the cracks. The more people are exposed to the truth and unbiased information, the less effective propaganda will be.
They practice political repression
Photo by Shalom de León on UnsplashDictatorships are notorious for silencing dissent through arrests and more extreme measures like torture and even death. Despite this, movements like those in Venezuela and Cuba demonstrate that the human spirit can’t be easily crushed. Despite losses, the people are willing to sacrifice to achieve freedom. If not for themselves, then for their neighbors or the next generation.
They often have foreign support
Photo by Christine Roy on UnsplashSome dictatorships survive thanks to foreign aid and alliances. For example, some Latin American dictators received support from powerful countries. But international pressure can also be a game-changer, as seen with the global stance against apartheid in South Africa.
They manipulate the culture
Photo by Liza Summer
Dictatorships often exploit nationalistic sentiments and cultural narratives to legitimize their rule. They rewrite history and manipulate symbols to get the people on their side to support their own suffering. Still, grassroots cultural movements and the preservation of true historical narratives keep hope alive.
They rely on fear and intimidation
Photo by Khaled Ali on UnsplashFear is a dictator's best friend. People are often too scared to rise against the regime, but bravery is contagious. The courage of a few can inspire many and mobilize the entire country (sometimes even the entire world), leading to mass movements like the ones seen in Nicaragua and Guatemala.
They cause division among the opposition
Photo by Marta Nogueira
Dictators often exploit divisions within opposition groups to maintain power. However, as seen in many Latin American countries, unity among opposition forces can lead to powerful coalitions capable of challenging dictators. A common goal and common desire to do what it takes to obtain freedom can lead to powerful coalitions capable of challenging dictators and lead to change.
They create a perception of invincibility
Photo by Pixabay
Dictators often seem invincible, convincing people that resistance won’t accomplish anything. But history has shown that no dictatorship is unbreakable and they all eventually do topple. From Argentina’s military junta to the fall of Fujimori in Peru, historical precedent tells us that dictatorships can and do fall.
So, while dictatorships are indeed difficult to topple, they’re not invincible. The power of the people, the resilience of the human spirit, and the relentless pursuit of justice can and will lead to brighter, freer days. History’s on the side of people who stand against tyranny!
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You overthink every little thing
Photo by Daniele La Rosa Messina on UnsplashEver replay a conversation in your head a million times, picking apart every word you said? Overthinking is a hallmark of anxiety. It’s not just a habit; it’s your mind trying to prepare for every possible outcome, even if they’re highly unlikely. This can lead to a cycle of constant worry, making it hard to enjoy the present moment. Next time you catch yourself spiraling, try grounding techniques like focusing on your breath or naming five things you can see around you.
You check your phone constantly, almost compulsively
Photo by darlene on UnsplashIf you find yourself checking your phone every few minutes, even when there are no notifications, it might be more than just boredom. This behavior often stems from anxiety-driven thoughts about missing something important or needing constant reassurance. The dopamine hit from seeing a new message or like can briefly soothe anxious feelings, but it’s a temporary fix. Setting specific times to check your phone and keeping it out of reach during meals or before bed can help break this cycle.
You procrastinate like a pro, even when you know you shouldn’t
Photo by Pixabay
Do you put off tasks until the last minute, even when you know it’s causing you stress? Procrastination isn’t just laziness; it’s a way to avoid anxiety-inducing activities. The task might seem overwhelming or you might fear failure, so delaying it feels safer. But this can lead to a vicious cycle of increased anxiety as deadlines loom. Try breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and reward yourself for completing each one. This can make the task feel less daunting and reduce procrastination.
Your nights are restless
Photo by Marcus Aurelius
Tossing and turning, counting sheep until the wee hours? Anxiety often shows up as insomnia. Racing thoughts about the day’s events or worries about tomorrow can keep you wide awake. A good pre-sleep routine can help calm your mind. Try turning off screens an hour before bed, practicing deep breathing exercises, or writing down your thoughts in a journal to clear your mind. Creating a peaceful sleep environment can also make a big difference.
You feel overwhelmed by small tasks or decisions
Photo by David Garrison
Does the thought of doing the dishes or replying to emails feel like climbing Mount Everest? Anxiety can make even the simplest tasks seem incredibly daunting. This happens because your brain is already overloaded with worry, making it hard to focus on routine activities. Creating a to-do list and prioritizing tasks can help. Sometimes, just getting started is the hardest part. Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces can make them seem less overwhelming.
You tend to avoid social situations
Photo by cottonbro studio
Canceling plans or avoiding social gatherings because you feel nervous or uncomfortable is a classic sign of anxiety. It’s not that you don’t want to hang out; it’s that your anxiety is making it difficult. Social anxiety can make you overly self-conscious and worried about being judged. Exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations, can help reduce anxiety over time. Start with small, less intimidating gatherings and work your way up.
You get muscle tension and aches
Photo by Kindel Media
Ever notice your shoulders are practically glued to your ears? Anxiety often manifests physically, leading to muscle tension, headaches, or even jaw pain from clenching. This is your body’s fight-or-flight response in action, preparing you to respond to a perceived threat. Regular exercise, stretching, and mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation can help release this built-up tension and reduce anxiety’s physical grip on your body.
You’re irritable
Photo by Liza Summer
Feeling like everyone and everything is getting on your nerves? Anxiety can make you more irritable and prone to snapping at the slightest provocation. This happens because your nervous system is on high alert, making it harder to manage stress and frustration. Identifying your triggers and practicing stress-management techniques can help. Taking regular breaks, practicing deep breathing, and engaging in activities you enjoy can also make a big difference.
Remember, it’s okay to feel anxious sometimes. It’s your body’s way of telling you to slow down and take care of yourself. Next time you catch yourself doing one of these things, give yourself a little grace and take a deep breath. You’ve got this!
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
- 5 Latine LGBTQ+ Game Changers ›
- 5 Latina Activists Disrupting the Political Status Quo ›
- Nathalie Molina Niño on Why Latinas Belong in Boardrooms—and How to Get There - Luz Media ›
