The Latino Student Organization (LASO) proudly promotes and supports Harvard Business School’s Latino students and works alongside the Latino Alumni Association (HBSLAA). Representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and Latino heritage, LASO members spearhead initiatives related to MBA Admissions, alumni engagement, career development, and more to advocate for and empower the Latino community on campus and beyond.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked LASO members to share what being Latino at HBS means to them.
Being Hispanic/Latino means you always carry a strong sense of pride and purpose.
Growing up as a first-generation low-income Mexican American near the US-Mexico border is my source of pride and purpose. I was raised by hard-working migrant parents who left their home country in search of their American Dream. From them, I learned the value of perseverance and dedication. My father instilled in me an unwavering work ethic, and my mother taught me to be unapologetic in my quest to achieve excellence.
They also taught me to approach adversity with confidence and to treat ambiguity as a puzzle worthy of solving. I learned the power of these values as I navigated my early education in the US where, instead of being celebrated for being bilingual, I was often dismissed and judged because of my native tongue. Experiences like these gave me a strong sense of commitment to seek the change I want to see in the world and to never forget where I came from, as it will always be my source of strength.
Being Hispanic/Latino is carrying with me the stories, values, sacrifices, and dreams of those who came before me and shaped my journey. It means having a deep sense of self and responsibility to pave the way for those that will come after me—to always pay it forward.
I think this is our superpower. Our ability to be a source of pride to others, to know we represent not just ourselves, but a greater community— our village. Recognizing that we are walking on the shoulders of giants who are rooting for our success, because it is their success too. I believe this is a powerful mindset, one of empathy and humbleness.
These values influence my individual leadership philosophy, a concept often discussed here at HBS. Mine is rooted in my Mexican American heritage, where pride and purpose are inseparable.