Primera Pero No La Última: Exploring Cultural Impact in the Early Career Development of First-Generation, Latina College Graduates

The purpose of this research is to better understand the early career development of second-generation, millennial Latinas and the impact of ethnicity, race, and social class on their early professional lives. Latinos are by no means a monolithic group. However, shared experiences and language enable me to categorize them as one population for this study. I focus on individuals whose families originate from socioeconomic disadvantaged origins with few human and financial capital resources in the U.S. This study explores how the college experience differs among those who attended a highly selective, historically white university with a small, Latino population in comparison to those Latinas who attended a Hispanic-serving institution where the presence of Latino-identified students is high. The goal of this research is to acquire a deeper understanding of how shared elements of Latino identity present unique strengths and/or barriers for young, Latina professionals. Latinas are one of the fastest growing populations entering college and the United States workforce. Therefore, understanding the nuances of the culture and its potential effects on young Latina professionals’ growth and social mobility is critical to strengthening the recruitment and retention of Latinas in 21st century corporate America.