It is through our identities, cultures, and experiences that we understand the true essence of who we are. Our stories and dreams are often dictated by the spaces we occupy. Navigating these intersectional and multilayer identities in a workplace can often become a delicate task.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor not just individual achievements but the rich tapestry of experiences that come from being part of multiple worlds—balancing heritage, gender, and ambition in environments that may not always understand the full depth of who we are.
Meet Margarita Gutiérrez, a proud alumna of MIT Professional Education’s No Code AI and Machine Learning Program. She is the Procurement Head at Ragasa and leads sourcing for chemicals, packaging, logistics, marketing, and HR while managing MRO and CAPEX investments.
Leading a dynamic team of elder millennials, millennials, and Gen Z’ers, she approaches each day with the goal of learning and growing alongside her diverse workforce. Through her leadership and commitment, she embodies the strength that Hispanic women bring to the corporate world, rooted in culture yet focused on creating a future filled with possibility.
Wearing Many Hats: A Latina, A Leader, and a Force for Change
Margarita’s path has been profoundly influenced by her experiences as both a Latina and a woman, navigating industries where diversity in gender and culture is often lacking.
“I’ve been a minority since early in my career… Several times, I’ve been the only female and Latino team member sitting at the table.”
This experience of being a minority in the workplace wasn’t just a hurdle—it became a source of strength. Margarita learned the value of diverse perspectives, and this diversity fueled her innovative thinking. She leans on her heritage to get a unique lens through which she approaches problems, enabling her to bring fresh solutions to the table. She believes that Latina women have extraordinary strength and resilience.
“Our dedication to caring for our families, supporting our neighborhoods, and building enduring networks reflects our unwavering strength and profound impact on the world around us,” she explains.
This cultural foundation has not only shaped her values but has also driven her to excel in every aspect of her career.
Making learning an unending journey because we are all constant “work in progress”
Margarita strongly advocates the power of continuous learning. Despite having over 25 years of experience, she is humble and understands that there is always more to learn. For her, constant upskilling is one of the key components of her success.
“Being humble enough to understand that our profile is ‘work in progress’ is important, regardless of the experience we have; there are always new things to learn or a new approach to try.”
Margarita’s Advice to Young Hispanics in America
Margarita emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s roots. She understands how easy it is to feel overwhelmed, especially when you are a young Hispanic in America. She advises them to draw strength and pride from one’s cultural heritage.
“I believe in building my future one step at a time by envisioning where I want to be and taking daily actions toward that vision…I am proud of my origins, drawing strength from my background to propel me forward.”
Margarita’s story highlights the power of proudly embracing one’s identity, in all its uniqueness and diversities. We at Great Learning are incredibly proud and happy to have been a part of her success journey.
Find out more about our No Code AI and Machine Learning Program.
