National Latina Day, August 20th

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Today, on National Latina Day, I celebrate the resilience, achievements, and impact of Latinas everywhere. But most of all, I honor the strongest Latina I know my mother Sylvia Zamarripa Wisdom

Her story is one of grit, sacrifice, and unshakable faith. She grew up as part of a migrant family, working long days in the fields under the Texas sun. Her childhood home didn’t even have indoor plumbing, only an outhouse, and yet she dreamed of more. As a young girl, she was expected to uphold traditional roles: cooking, cleaning, and helping raise siblings. All while being told she wasn’t allowed to play outside, pursue sports, or even being educated. Many times hiding under the sheets with a flashlight completing her homework only after chores were done and everyone was asleep. She faced poverty, discrimination, and the weight of cultural expectations that told her to stay small. But instead of continuing those limits, she chose to break generational curses.

Through resilience and determination, she earned her associate degree and went on to build a 36-year career in banking. More importantly, she made sure I never inherited those same restrictions. She encouraged me to be whoever I wanted to be, despite gender roles or expectations. She never once told me no or discouraged me, she was the one who pushed me to keep reaching higher.

Because of her, I was able to fully embrace my femininity as a cheerleader, wearing makeup, and even pursue a career in cosmetology. I was crowned homecoming princess, but I was also free to break traditional gender roles, earning the title of United States Marine as part of the 1% who serve a male dominated field, playing sports my entire life, climbing trees, getting dirty, and simply being a kid. All of the little joys she never had the luxury of experiencing, she made sure I could.

Because of her, I also became part of the 1% of Latina women who earn a Doctorate degree. Every milestone, every achievement, is rooted in her sacrifice, her love, and her unwavering belief in me.

On this National Latina Day, I celebrate her, all my Tia’s and women like her, who rise above hardship, who refuse to be confined by outdated roles, and who pave the way for future generations to dream bigger. Here’s to the strong Latinas who turn pain into power and break barriers so their daughters never have to.

Feliz Día de la Latina! ✨💪🏽🇲🇽