Leadership in Community with Vivian Huelgo and Maria Pabon

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, Vivian speaks with María Pabón, Ph.D.Vice Chair of Esperanza United’s Board of Directors, and Chief People Officer at Project for Pride in Living. Pues, vamos: 

Vivian Huelgo: Hi Maria, great to talk with you! One of our organizational values is Latina Leadership, what does (Latina) leadership mean to you? 

María Pabón:  It means embracing the unique strengths that come from the intersections of my culture, identity, and gender—and bringing those perspectives into spaces where we are often underrepresented. It means being a proud role model who shows the next generation that we are not monolithic. And it means paying it forward by investing in young Latinas, just as someone once invested in me.    

Vivian Huelgo: Can you also share how do you mentor or support the next generation of Latina leaders? 

María Pabón: I take the time to understand where each young Latina is on her journey. I see myself as someone who can open doors—and step aside so the next generation can create their own path. I am unapologetically Puerto Rican, and when I mentor young Latinas, I draw on the pride and beauty of who we are. We are so much more than the pain and struggles we’ve endured; we are resilience, brilliance, and possibility.   

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

María Pabón: I keep our ‘why’ at the center of everything we do. The work at PPL is challenging, but when we are grounded in purpose and vocation, we can move forward together as a community. I make it a priority to understand the unique strengths of each team member and how those strengths and values complement one another. I also lead with values like inclusion and cultural humility—because when we learn and grow together, we show up as our most authentic selves and lead with integrity. 

Vivian Huelgo:  Tell me, what is a lesson you learned recently that surprised you?  

María Pabón: A lesson that stays with me happened a few years ago. It reminded me that someone is always watching and learning as they shape their own leadership journey – even when we don’t know about it. When I first joined PPL, I brought along my graduate school degree certificate—something I had displayed in my previous role in higher education. At PPL, I didn’t plan to hang it; it was just packed with my boxes. When our maintenance staff came to help hang pictures, I told him not to hang either of my degrees because ‘they’re not necessary here.’ The next day, I walked into my office and saw them on the wall. When I asked why, he said, ‘We need to see more of us making it! There are leaders among us, and it’s important that you show them we all can make it.’ That moment changed my perspective. Until this day, those certificates remain on my wall—not as a personal achievement, but as a responsibility. They remind me that representation matters and that I hold myself accountable to lead in a way that inspires others. 

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

María Pabón: I am deeply grateful—especially in challenging times. I’m grateful for my children and my partner, who keep me grounded and remind me to savor the small wonders of everyday life. I’m grateful for community, because with community, the weight of the work and the world feels lighter. And I’m grateful for the role I hold, knowing I have the opportunity to make a difference and live my purpose: leaving every space and place better than I found it. 

More About María C. Pabón Gautier 

Ph.D.Vice Chair | Chief People Officer, Project for Pride in Living   

Dr. María C. Pabón Gautier is the Chief People Officer at Project for Pride in Living in Minneapolis, MN. In this role, she leads race equity strategies and programming, human resources, talent development, administration/operations, and the career readiness division. María holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico. With over 20 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to training, coaching, teaching, and conducting research to develop evidence-informed practices.   

Her extensive experience spans nonprofit organizations, higher education, for-profit sectors, K-12 education, and government agencies, all with a focus on supporting underserved and marginalized communities. Her work uses an interdisciplinary and diverse approach, with a commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in various settings.   

Prior to her current role, María served as the Vice President of Equity and Inclusion at St. Olaf College. Throughout her career, she has been guided by principles of community engagement, the philosophy of “by us for us,” and a foundation in research, measurement, and evaluation.   

She is particularly focused on race equity and strengths-based approaches, ensuring that communities of color are at the center of development and decision-making processes. Her work aims to foster inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive and contribute meaningfully.