Latinos must focus on leadership development

By D.T.

Columbus, GA – The aspirations of Latin people in building a better life include various sectors of life such as education, employment, security, or housing, to name a few. Each of these sectors brings its own challenges and complications that must be overcome with security, resilience and the everlasting objective of enjoying a dignified life in mind.

Thanks to Latino heritage family values, collaboration and accompaniment are deeply cultivated within the individuals belonging to it, so much so that said values have been considered behavioral stereotypes typical of Latinos.

Despite the bad connotation stereotypes may carry at times, there is a certain portion of truth in this specific stereotype; when it is not taken to a mocking and ridiculous extreme as is often done in the media, which elucidates one of the main keys to success and overcoming adversity.

The Latin American life experience entails a firm attachment to the family and an evident orientation towards cooperation and collectivism that overshadows individualistic behavior.

This is clearly noticeable when observing the dynamics of the private sphere; within the family, as well as in the public; in the community. Thanks to these value systems, which provide invaluable networks of support and trust, Latin Americans manage to face the setbacks of their minority status with resilience.

Bearing this in mind, it is imperative to question where these support networks are woven in Columbus and which resources are or will be available amongst said networks, since the city has a notable and significant Latino presence.

The main point of focus resides on the ability to integrate into the community and the determination or sharpness to concentrate and focus on the vision of your life project or work objectives. For the benefit of these purposes, the Latino community must know that their work will be welcomed and appreciated.

“We are not united enough to make the impact that we seek to make … it is necessary to address the needs of Hispanic businesses and for them to have the necessary resources and information, that the government is aware of their needs, and that the necessary money is available to be used in those needs,” said Jose Quiñones from Impulse Leadership, who is an entrepreneur, author and veteran based in Columbus.

He calls his business “his passion,” and he helps people by educating them in that mindset and ensures that Latino leadership is well represented and diversified.

Following that same line, he also has programs such as Don’t Sink The Ship Team Development, where he helps teach teams to be more cohesive, discover and resolve what harms them and what benefits them, and finally make people aware and consequently react to their own mental webs to unleash their potential.

Additionally, there is the MONEY program, which focuses on the development of soft skills related to personal finances, credit, personal and collaborative development, and critical and/or creative thinking.

Since resilience and perseverance are forces that come from within, increasing self-belief becomes essential to overcome adversity and to execute a specific vision, especially amongst minorities, who face various obstacles. In addition, leadership development extends to the public sphere in the same way, especially when integrating into the community, since much of integration requires social dexterity.

Despite the existence of social, educational, entrepreneurship, and even food programs and associations, the Latin community still needs greater visibility in these areas, since there is a deep gap in communication and reach.

It is true that much of this gap is because of language barriers. However, associations such as International Friendship Ministries, Columbus Technical College or Goodwill provide English learning services in a wide range of accessibility.

Finally, according to Mr. Quiñones' experience, it is worth mentioning that he works extensively with the Latin community, “…The biggest challenge I encounter as a mentor comes when teaching apprentices to trust others, to delegate responsibilities, to let go of work as a force that controls and absorbs your life through mutual trust and cooperation.”

Thus, the community must seek to integrate into the city's society, exercise its citizenship, participate in the community, learn to trust and, above all, make use of the resources at its disposal, created with its needs and shortcomings in mind.