Professionalism & Authenticity - Cynthia Ramos

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?

Cynthia - Early on in my career, especially when I started working corporate. I look white even though I’m 100% Puerto Rican. So I always tried to prove my latinaness to my fellow minority Coworkers while trying to assimilate and climb that corporate ladder. As I got into my 30s I felt the need to be more authentic and show all sides of who I really am. Only to be told by my boss I was a “spicy Latina” fml

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

Cynthia - As cliche as it sounds, I feel like it’s now at 40 that I feel like my most authentic self. I guess I’ve gotten to a point where I really don’t GAF and being anything other than authentic just doesn’t feel in my soul. I will no longer allow myself to make myself uncomfortable so other can be ok. I say what I need to say in the nicest way possible or not. But I’m not here to play small anymore.

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

Cynthia - Always being true to myself drives me to be my authentic self regardless the environment. I’m hella spiritual, healed my past traumas and I realized I’m not for everybody and that’s ok. My vibe attracts my tribe.

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