Professionalism & Authenticity - Yesenia Miranda

On ¿Quién Tú Eres? podcast, we explore the conflict we often face between "professionalism" & being our authentic selves. We would love to feature everyone in our community on their own episode. That said, we publish one episode a week...so we created a story submission option for people to self-publish & share their experiences with the world. 

Tell me about a time when you repressed parts of your authentic self?

Yesenia Miranda - I saw a TikTok that asked "am I introverted or just a POC in PWIs." PWIs are predominantly white institution and that was such an awakening because I have been in predominantly white spaces for the past couple of decades and that realization felt as if a weight was lifted. I would say work is the place where I most repress my authentic self - I am a woman of color in a technical function so 90% of the time I am the only woman in the room. The company I work for is based in Minnesota so 99% of the time I am the only person of color in the room. I find myself looking at others to mimic social cues as I sit through stories of ice fishing and golf to know when I am supposed to laugh or nod or whatever the appropriate response is to these white male dominated activities is.

When do you feel the most comfortable being your authentic self?

Yesenia Miranda - In my hometown where I am not trying to prove I belong to a particular socioeconomic class or among the tech bros.

What would give you the confidence to be your authentic self, regardless the environment?

Yesenia Miranda - More leadership that look like me, honestly being around more people that look like me leadership or not.

Have a story to share? Let us know here for an opportunity to be featured in the podcast!