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Our identity as Latinas or Afro-Latinx women, often neglected in the financial system and its symbols, is now being honored. We are witnessing the incorporation of one of the most iconic symbols of happiness, resilience, passion and dedication to her identity and work, Celia Cruz, into the very core of our economic system with the introduction Celia Cruz’s Quarter.
Let’s not forget that although we don’t see much money today and as an alternative do almost every little thing with electronic money, coins are a representation and a fundamental symbol of exchange in our economy. Every coin you come across has an intrinsic value and historical value that has immortalized many great names in history in a tangible and lasting way.
Representation is powerful, especially in areas we rarely imagine ourselves in. Having the Queen of Salsa on a coin means greater than just a tribute to her music. It is a statement recognizing the importance of Afro-Latinx, Hispanic heritage, and women’s leadership in the economic system, further advancing women’s entrepreneurship.
Here’s why this breakthrough moment matters for women entrepreneurs.
Your work has a greater impact than you may currently imagine
Cruz built a legacy in the music industry, elevating and transforming it in a way that set the tone for generations to come. Unfortunately, she left that world before fully realizing the broader impact she had outside of her industry. It’s a great reminder for us Black and Brown folks women entrepreneurs that our work often has far-reaching effects, much greater than we’d see in our lifetime.
This awareness is so crucial to your entrepreneurial journey that it’s even a part of my financial development framework as a BIPOC female entrepreneur. You own your voice (literally, like Cruz) and you spread your message. Even if you don’t see immediate impact or results, know that change is happening—structures change, and mindsets evolve.
How are you able to apply this today? Think about at least three generations after you. How are their lives changing or prepared for change in a job like yours? We are not at all times aware of this, but being aware of this fact opens up a spectrum of motivations and possibilities in your corporation that didn’t exist before.
Cultural identity is the strength of business
We all know Cruz for her iconic “¡Azúcar!” (Sugar!) and her love for “Cuba Bella” (Beautiful Cuba), because she never missed an opportunity to pay homage to her roots, culture and beliefs. I remember as a little girl watching Celia on TV with her vibrant wigs, stories to tell, her radiant smile and sometimes that broken English that sounded exactly like her: authentic. She was unmistakably herself, proudly embracing her identity.
Not many platforms and channels teach the importance of this power in business success, but she did, and it’s a crucial lesson for our paths as entrepreneurs—especially for BIPOC women. In a world where we have limited opportunities to see female leaders taking office and following in the footsteps of those that have succeeded, it’s easy to overlook the things that make us unique.
How are you able to apply this today? Write down at least five things that represent who you are and that you simply’d like to do more of in your corporation or brand. Then create scenarios where you could possibly start to incorporate them. It doesn’t have to be drastic; you may start with something that takes fewer steps to implement.
Double your talents to grow
We all have many talents, that goes without saying, but most of us have been at a crossroads between our gifts, our passions, and what we wish to double down on. However, deciding which one to pursue is crucial to entrepreneurship. In other words, as you’ve probably heard, doubling down on your gifts is the right path. Did you know that before she fully committed herself to music, Cruz considered becoming a teacher? She even enrolled in the National Teachers’ College in Havana. However, her passion for music ultimately won out, making her an icon.
While you might have many talents and interests, focusing on your gifts and what you are truly passionate about will ultimately yield the best results.
How are you able to apply this today? Realize what you do, what you are good at, what you are passionate about, what brought you business. Once you have a list, circle the things that you simply’re so talented at that you’re going to still be doing it six many years later and it’ll bring you business growth. Those are the ones to start with.
Sometimes we’re the only women in the room — and that is okay
It’s no secret that in many places we are the only people in the room. It can be scary at first; it could actually even stop some from coming back and continuing to participate in the conversation, but as scary as it could be to stand in the middle of a male-dominated industry, keep in mind that it could actually be an opportunity to lead, influence, and pave the way for others. Cruz was the only woman in Fania All Stars and one of the few to succeed in the male-dominated world of salsa. She was often alone in her field, and yet here we are, still learning from her legacy.
From her path, I have at all times learned that it is not about being in the room (it could start out that way), but about owning the space, making your voice heard, and leaving a legacy for others to follow. So next time you end up in this case, keep in mind that these moments define the changemakers.
How are you able to apply this today? Prepare your mind to take up space next time. Remember the last time you were alone in that space? Go back to your mind and experience that moment from the perspective of being alone and being okay with that. The mental test is as powerful as a real-life situation.