Leadership in Community with Vivian Huelgo 

At Esperanza United, we know no single organization or person is going to end gender-based violence alone – it will take communities, working together. That’s why Latina leadership and community-based solutions are two of our organizational values. 

To advance this strengths-based approach, Esperanza United President and CEO Vivian Huelgo, J.D. is interviewing leaders across the fields of gender-based violence prevention and Latin@ empowerment and beyond. Read on to learn leadership lessons, celebrate the people doing the work, and share in our gratitude for our vibrant community. 

In this edition, commemorating the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, Vivian speaks with Gloria Perez, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota (WFM) and Secretary of Esperanza United’s Board of Directors. Pues, vamos: 

Vivian Huelgo: Hi Gloria, great to talk with you! Let’s dive right in – I want to know, what does Latina leadership mean to you? 

Gloria Perez: Latina leadership is at the core of how I move through the world. For me, it is about tapping into my purpose and my values. It is a manifestation of how I’ve been encouraged to make the word a better place. In my leadership as a Latina, I think about the values of C.A.R.E. which stands for:  

• Community: As a Latina, my community is at the core of who I am and therefore, who I am accountable to. I feel a sense of responsibility to my brothers and sisters to be my best self 

• Authenticity: We are unique individuals, and we shine when we lead with our unique characteristics, gifts and quirks 

• Resilience: Life happens and we cannot be deterred from our purpose when things don’t go as planned. We have to roll with the punches and not take what happens personally. What we can control is how we respond to a situation 

• Empathy: Having compassion for others and ourselves is key to fuel our creative problem-solving and our ability to see and support others…Plus, it’s good to remember that no one is perfect! 

Vivian Huelgo: I love an acronym, thanks for sharing. Can you also share how do you mentor or support the next generation of Latina leaders? 

Gloria Perez: Relationships are at the core of my leadership and mentoring is a part of leadership. It is about paying forward the investment that people have made in me. Mentorship means sharing my experiences, as requested, and actively making myself available to the next generation of Latinas and seeking to understand the circumstances they are navigating today.   

Vivian Huelgo: How do you stay innovative and motivated in your work?  

Gloria Perez: In my experience, innovation occurs when I have the bandwidth to dream and imagine possibilities. I am a planner and lead with intentionality, so I have to reserve time for listening, reflecting, dreaming, and just being. I am motivated to engage across difference and learn new ideas and perspectives. Whether interacting with people different from me or by reading about the unique experiences of others, I am intrigued by how our culture and life experiences shape us, so I seek out people with the different lived experiences by generation and other identities.  

Vivian Huelgo: That’s so smart. I appreciate how you’re always learning. Tell me, what is a lesson you learned recently that surprised you?  

Gloria Perez: As Latinas, we are accustomed to putting others first, which often means giving up our power. I have recently been surprised at the way I have given away my power and I think it happens when I doubt my value. I need to trust my gut and value the wisdom and insight I bring. 

Vivian Huelgo: In addition to trusting ourselves, gratitude is also so important: Tell me about something you are grateful for? (it can be anything!) 

Gloria Perez: I am a believer in the saying “Gratitude determines your altitude!” I feel it is important to reflect on our blessings, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given in life. I have benefited from good healthcare, I have had the opportunity to travel, move away from home to go to college, have experiences across difference, and ultimately come into my own voice and identity. I have grown to appreciate my unique gifts and live in alignment with my purpose.