A Seat at the Table
My career began in accounting, but I eventually transitioned into management roles. It became evident that to continue climbing the career ladder, I needed to further my education. So, I pursued a Master's degree in Non-Profit Leadership to enhance my career prospects. However, my perspective shifted when my children asked about my graduation plans. They wanted to see me walk the stage as they silently observed my late-night and weekend studying. Their pride and desire to witness my graduation became a powerful motivator.
Judy Treviño in Elementary School.
Judy Treviño and her mom, Petra Trevino at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Judy Treviño with her kids Rachel Hernandez and Matthew Hernandez when Judy graduated.
Upon completion of my Master's degree, I found myself presenting financial and strategic planning reports in boardrooms where pivotal decisions were made. These rooms held the power to shape organizations' direction and future, and there were no Latinas in these seats. It became clear that I needed to progress from being a presenter to actively participating in these influential settings, offering guidance and insights from a diverse perspective. Thus, I decided to pursue a Doctoral degree with the ultimate aspiration of securing a seat at the table in a corporate boardroom. My goal is to secure a seat at the table in a corporate boardroom, with the aspiration of one day sitting on the Walt Disney board and providing a diverse perspective.
Numerous challenges marked my educational journey as I balanced my roles as a career professional, a mother, a wife, and a caregiver for my mother. Effective time management became paramount as I navigated these various responsibilities alongside my studies.
Thanks to funding mechanisms targeting minority and low-income students, I gained access to higher education. However, it was support from the Latinx community and allies that empowered me to complete my bachelor’s degree and pursue further education. By the time I transferred to my third undergraduate institution, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in environmental science but lacked confidence in my ability to complete my degree. Still grappling with uncertainty, I found an ally in my academic advisor – a fellow Latina specializing in ecology. Her empathy and shared background fostered an instant connection. Beyond academic advising, she assumed the role of my research advisor, and this evolved into a mentor-mentee relationship that persists to this day.
As I embarked on my doctoral program, I focused on Latinas serving on boards of large publicly traded companies in the United States. My research unveiled a stark reality: out of 367 board members listed on the Dow Jones, only seven were Latinas. Although the presence of females on these boards is 36 percent, 88 were White, and 28 were African American. These findings intensified my resolve to address the underrepresentation of Latinas in boardrooms, as I firmly believe that our unique perspectives can enrich corporate decision-making.
In December 2023, I will proudly graduate with my Doctoral degree. However, the true highlight of this milestone is that my daughter and son will also be graduating with their Bachelor's in December. As a family, we have overcome challenges and achieved our educational goals. Armed with my research and my family's unwavering support, I'm determined to work towards increasing the number of Latinas serving on boards.
By Judy Treviño
The University of the Incarnate Word
My journey began against a backdrop of humble beginnings. My father suffered a stroke when I was seven years old, and my mother, originally from Mexico, worked as a housekeeper to make ends meet. She cared for her four children and took on the responsibility of several nieces and nephews. Witnessing their struggles to make ends meet ignited my determination to find a better path. My father had an 8th-grade education, and my mother had no formal education, yet she always encouraged me to attend college. I decided to pursue higher education to break the cycle of financial hardship.
In our culture, women are expected to prioritize families and husbands above all else. However, I firmly believe one can remain true to their cultural values while achieving success.