I felt proud of myself after writing my post on Sheryl Sandberg,  Women Making It To the Top. She is  a strong and successful woman. So I
decided to go back to the website, Women 2.0, and see what other inspirational  stories I could dig up. Instead, I  stumbled upon an article that berates Sheryl and calls her an aberration.  

As a Latina woman, it didn't surprise me that the writer felt  that there must be something wrong with Sheryl if she encourages women to work 24/7 and essentially hire nannies if they decide to have children and a career.  Most Latina women are raised to believe that their purpose in life is to serve their husbands, have children, and maintain the household. 
If they add a career, it's their fault that they want to have a career and therefore no mercy is given upon them if they complain about having three jobs:  their children, maintaining
the household, and their 9 to 5 job.  Of course, that same disapproval is not bestowed upon men.  It's assumed that their wives are taking care of things.  

Obviously this writer didn't get point #2:  make your partner a real partner.  You choose your husband just like you choose what you are going to wear today.  If you want a career and a family then you need to choose a husband that understands this.  That's precisely why I married my husband.  He has children from his previous marriage and he is a devoted father. 
He cooks for them Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays when they come over.  I try to cook in between if  I feel like it and you know what, it is okay.  He does the laundry.   I scrub the toilets.  He vacuums. I mop.  I think women are doing a better job of giving their sons equal
responsibilities to their daughters because men can't rely on their mothers, girlfriends, or wives to cater to them.  By the way, when I hit it rich, I will be hiring a housekeeper.

 My last point:  if I  truly loved my job, it's not a job and I would work 24/7.  I like to write.  I wake up in the morning writing, I try to fit it in during my lunch breaks at my day job,  and I write at night.  My husband  understands this but this is what I do to make him feel included. 
My husband is a huge sports fan, so while he's watching tv, I am diligently typing away on my laptop next him.  We feel like we're together but still enjoying our own hobbies. Balance is key and a real man will understand that.  If not, choose another one:) 

My first post on Women Making It To the Top  really inspired me but it also brought up mixed feelings.  Sheryl  tells women to sit at the table and raise their hands, but what if you are the
only Latina woman in the room?  More reason for you to raise your hand, but only  if you want to.  I can not tell you how many "how to" business books I've read  and they all encourage you to say something in the boardroom:  anything in fact  just so that people start to recognize you.  I say raise your hand only if you  really really have something to say.

Now what  happens if you are an introvert like me?  I like to observe people while they talk and analyze what they are aying.  I want their ideas to permeate my brain who then puts it all together in one cohesive way for me to personally  understand.  I don't care to raise my hand when Jane Doe is saying exactly what  I may be thinking anyway.  I've never let my Latina identity necessarily hold me back from speaking up in the boardroom, but being an introvert is another story  because it's often mistaken for being shy.  A new book just came out titled,  "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan  Cain.  If you are an introvert:  read it.   

Getting invited to sit on a board is a major accomplishment and/or sitting in on meetings.  The "little people" normally aren't invited to meetings.  Be proud of the fact that you are moving up the ladder if that's what you want.  Showing up to meetings is integral because you were chosen to be on that board.  Only say what you mean to say and not what you think other people may expect from you and you will get the respect you deserve. 

Out of 109 heads of states, 9 are women.  Women represent 13% of Parliaments world-wide, 15-16% of top corporate positions, and 20% in the non-profit sector.  Listen to Sheryl Sandberg, the driving force behind Facebook, as she encourages women to make the above numbers 50%.

She talks about three main points women should always keep in mind when it comes to their car
    1.  Sit at the table and claim your seat. 
    2.  Make your partner a real partner.
    3.  Don't leave before you leave. 

Take 15 minutes to view this video to hear what she has to say about these three points. 

I came across this video on a friend's facebook page and I want to share it with everyone because someone once told me:  only take advice from someone who has what you want.  It's difficult in our society to pursue our creative dreams, but it's not impossible.  Tyler talks about his experience and that the main ingredient to success is...FOCUS.  Enjoy!