ABSTRACT

By sharing the collective experiences of Latinas in Higher Education, this book provides a diverse range of empowering testimonios from Chingonas living on their own terms, who are defining professionalism for themselves.

Chingona means "badass" and is a term that has been reappropriated by Latinas as an expression of empowerment both inside and outside of education. This anthology is a collection of twelve voices, representative of the experiences of empowered Chingonas across various roles in higher education who identify as Latinas. This volume shares the knowledge of Chingona Latina women, including their thoughts around authenticity, identity, and the disruption of dominant cultural experiences within the institution. It also seeks to help other Latinas realize that they are not alone in their experiences with higher education. This book includes questions for reflection and writing prompts, allowing readers to consider their own lived experiences and envision change.

This collection will be important reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in education-related programs, including Higher Education Studies and Educational Leadership, as well as courses in Ethnic Studies, Chicana/o/x Studies, Latinx/a/o Studies and Women’s Studies. It also offers an invaluable learning opportunity for higher education professionals, leaders, and administrators, especially within student affairs.

chapter 1|4 pages

State of Affairs

chapter 2|7 pages

Introduction

Diverse Experiences of Latinas in Higher Education: Chingonas on Their Own Terms

chapter 3|10 pages

¡Adelante, Chingona!

Embracing Our Evolving Consciousness

chapter 4|9 pages

Big Hoop Energy

The First Latina PACRAO President

chapter 7|5 pages

Making Mole the Olla

Reflections on Education

chapter 8|10 pages

Through the Looking Glass

Latina Hypervisibility and Invisibility in Academia

chapter 9|10 pages

De Mis Raíses, He Sembrado

chapter 10|9 pages

ESL 2.0

Learning the Language of Senior Leadership

chapter 11|10 pages

Free “Labor”

Mothering and Working in Academic Spaces in Higher Education

chapter 12|10 pages

Being Straight and White Is “Right”

What I Learned as a Queer Latina in K-12 US Education and What I Fight to Dismantle in Higher Education

chapter 13|10 pages

Carving Bone and Space in Higher Education

A Shapeshifter's Testimonial of Disruption and Authenticity

chapter 14|2 pages

Concluding Thoughts

chapter |2 pages

Discussion Questions