Cambia and University of Washington host panel discussion on the experiences and challenges of Latinx professionals in the workplace

September 30, 2024

Main image (L-R): Giselle Zapata-Garcia, Keelcy Perez Woolley, Alexandra Narvaez, Angelica Brookover and Magdalena Fonseca

The panel explored the experiences and challenges of Latinx professionals in the workplace. Angelica Brookover, co-chair of Cambia's Home of Latinxs and Allies Employee Resource Group (HOLA ERG) moderated the panel, featuring:

• Magdalena Fonseca, M.Ed., director of the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center at University of Washington's (UW) Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D),
• Alexandra Narvaez, JD, lead attorney at Legal Counsel for Youth and Children,
• Keelcy Perez Woolley, JD, immigration partner at Meta,
• Giselle Zapata-Garcia, equity & community engagement manager for public health in Seattle and King County.

Each panelist shared insights and advice on how to foster a culture of inclusion in the workplace and taking pride in their heritage.

"I owe it to my community, my family and my ancestors to represent who I am authentically in the work that I do on a day-to-day basis," said Fonseca. As Director of UW OMA&D, she hopes that by showing up authentically she will inspire students to do the same.

Narvaez invited attendees to think about their Latinx background as an asset in the workplace. "Being the only person of color in the room is daunting, but it is also an opportunity to bring a different perspective," said Narvaez. "My background allows me to think creatively. My background helps me push the envelope to do things a little bit differently and I think the world needs a lot more of that."

Cambia's HOLA ERG planned the event to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, which occurs every year from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. The event was hosted in collaboration with the UW's OMA&D) and Latinx Faculty and Staff Association.

Seattle-based dance group, Bailadores de Bronce kicked off the event with a performance of baile folklorico (Mexican folk dancing) while attendees enjoyed Columbian food. The program concluded with a presentation of $5,000 from the Cambia Health Foundation to Latinos Promoting Good Health. HOLA ERG members chose Latinos Promoting Good Health for the award to support their continuing work to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to live their healthiest life possible.

L-R: Nicole Contreras, HOLA member; Manny Morales, HOLA co-chair; Saavedra Gonzales, HOLA member; Angelica Brookover, HOLA co-chair and moderator; Elizabeth Hall, vice president of employee experience at Cambia; Giselle Zapata-Garcia, panelist; Silvia Kennedy, co-director of Latinos Promoting Good Health; Magdalena Fonseca, panelist; Keelcy Perez Woolley, panelist; and Alexandra Narvaez, panelist.