Empowering Communities Through Education with Laura Gutierrez

On The Edge Of Equity

Laura Gutierrez, who is the first woman and person from UCC Southside neighborhood to lead the United Community Center, draws on early experiences while pushing forward initiatives like empowering thriving Hispanic communities through education opportunities as an equalizer regardless of zip code or birthplace status. She believes in servant leadership, and that it’s important for young generations to see women in leadership roles.

In this episode, Tammy and Laura discuss the importance of equity and valuing diversity in creating a better world. Laura shares her story about growing up with parents who worked hard to create a better life for their children, as well as the influence of Catholic school and UCC organizations on her journey. She further highlights how she works to provide opportunities for the 1,800 students that she is responsible for, emphasizing understanding each other’s cultures so that all can rise together.

Tune in to hear Laura describe what her journey had been like as a woman and woman of color leading an organization during challenging times, particularly calling out uncomfortable issues while also finding joy in seeing young people succeed everyday. Laura's goal is to provide children with an opportunity for success and equip them with knowledge so they can take care of future generations.

Episode Highlights

09:21 - Remember that you are not only representing the community, your parents, but the adults that are trying to set you through and so, for me, the connection and the community, it really was a, "It takes a village." If my mom didn't know something, or whether it was education, or where to find resources for us as children, she'd go and ask.

18:44 - It's been a journey of turns and twists, of challenges, of overcoming stereotypes. A) Because you're a woman. B) Because you have children. C) Because you're married. And I've had great bosses, a lot of them. The majority of my bosses have been men, all great.

25:45 - I think that's what it's about. It's reaching across the aisle and saying, "Okay, how do we figure this out as a community?" It would have been great for me to stay home in yoga pants, not have to shower maybe. But at the same time, it's like, "No." Sometimes you can't follow what everybody else is doing. Sometimes you're going to have to take that chance and that risk and say, "This is the best decision because it's going to move the community forward."

30:04 - When you look at funding for schools, there's one thing to have funding, and then qualified teachers, right? And so, if we're not looking at this from what is in the best interest of the child so that they can be successful, then you're always going to have disparities because a lot of decisions are made without the child being at the center.

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Connect with Laura Gutierrez

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