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HISPANIC NETWORK MAGAZINE www.hnmagazine.com
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
T
he C-suite. The term used to define the highest level of executives at a company. Its a group that determines the direction of a business, makes final decisions and rep- resents the organization to the public. It can also be seen as the most powerful people at an institution, or in the world. While the Latino community is the larg- est ethnic group in the U.S., only four per- cent are in the C-suite, leaving Latinas highly underrepresented. All of this matters because being in a posi- tion of leadership, with influence and power, is a unique corporate position for most Latinas, and Kelly Navarro knows this.
Changing the look of the C-Suite
Kelly Navarro doesn't look like the execu- tive of 50 years ago, or even 20 years. She is a irst-generation immigrant that has overcome obstacles and life experiences that many will never experience. However, her story does not exist in isolation but instead has weaved its way into her most recent role as Chief of People. From waitressing, cleaning homes and liv- ing in homelessness, Navarro always knew she had to work hard. She took on odd jobs, having multiple at the same time, and raised a child with no family around. But through her journey she developed skills that help her in her profession today. Skills other executives may lack or be unaware that they dont have. For example, Navarro pursued higher education even though it wasnt an immedi- ate win for her and her child. Schooling can be discouraging when youre trying to make enough money to survive. There was no higher ed lineage or family legacy she was walking into at a university, no family money to rely on. Juggling a world of work, school, parenting and simply surviving is a humbling experience. But it built perseverance and bred compassion in her, she says, and gave her the ability to see someones story as relevant to their work situation.
Not an easy road
Despite the struggle she experienced, she knows that to participate in the C-suite, she needed to have tough skin and be prepared
ALINA PERRY-SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
Know Your Superpower:
The Road to the C-Suite
By Angela Baldwin
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