ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors use an intersectional lens guided by the concepts of sitios y lenguas (spaces and languages) (Pérez, 1991) to discuss both triumphs and challenges they share as tenured faculty and chairs of ethnic studies departments at public institutions in California. The authors utilize first-person narratives to underscore their journeys as women who identify as Chicana and first-generation faculty who are relatively young in the academy. Their narratives are rooted in Chicana feminist testimonial practices. Based on their collective experiences, they offer practical and policy implications including the importance of reaching out to Chicana chairs and establishing a “Chicana mastermind” (claiming a space); creating confianza (trust) and academic comadrazgo (academic kin); and sharing and mentorship. Finally the authors conclude with practical and policy implications at the institutional and individual levels to support Chicanas and other women of color who are interested in leadership roles.
