Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Loza.
Hi Jocelyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
In January 2018, I started Latina Professionals of Chattanooga (LPC) as a conversation among amigas (friends) which later grew to a larger conversation of 200 Latinas on a private Facebook group. After days of creating the online group, I saw the need for Latina professionals like myself and wondered what would it take for Latina women and girls to fully embrace our power in the South?
A few weeks later, I decided to host our first event which was held in March 2018, on Women’s Month. Over 70+ women, men, and community partners attended. After the success of this first event, we began hosting monthly events focused on the advancement of Latina women and debunking misconceptions about our Latino community.
Unfortunately, Covid hit and we canceled all of our in-person events. I knew that the stories of Latinas needed to still be heard so I ventured into the podcasting realm and that’s how our podcast called Amiga Circle was born. We publish monthly episodes and now are on Season 3.
During covid, I had doubts about continuing with Latina Professionals. After seeing the impact that LPC has done not only in our community but in the Chattanooga area and surrounding cities, I knew I couldn’t give up. In November 2021 the final puzzle was added and we became an official nonprofit organization registered in Tennessee.
With this nonprofit status, we are now able to seek those grants and sponsors to bring to life our programs. The future is bright for Latina Professionals of Chattanooga because together we can do so much more! And with the support of our amazing supporters and donors, we are writing our next chapter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In creating Latina Professionals of Chattanooga, I didn’t find any struggles however I did find many not supporting this idea. I truly wasn’t going to wait for others’ approval to start this organization knowing that it was something that was needed in our community.
As for personal struggles, it was tough relocating to a city that was not diverse or welcoming.
I’m originally from Chicago, born and raised. I never felt excluded because of my gender or race when I lived in Chicago. I relocated to Chattanooga in 2010 with my family (my husband and daughter) due to a job opportunity. After a few months of our relocation, we came across very ignorant people with racist comments.
I didn’t want to stay however I do believe in purpose and reason. For some reason, my family and I were meant to come to Chattanooga. A few years passed and racist and negative comments continued still time in the corporate environment.
This is why I created Latina Professionals so that Latina professionals like me don’t feel excluded and stuck in silos. We deserve to thrive and having a support group can help filter those talents and help the advancement in our career and education to better our communities and families.
As you know, we’re big fans of Latina Professionals of Chattanooga. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Founded in 2018, we’re a growing community of Latina women from Chattanooga and surrounding cities who come together to work, connect and thrive so that we don’t have to overcome obstacles in silos.
We partner with individuals and organizations whose work supports the advancement of Latina women and girls. We are a nonprofit organization providing Latinas the resources and community they need to thrive in their careers and education.
How do you define success?
I tend to view success incrementally. As someone who is invigorated by new, complex challenges, I never want to find myself in a situation where I feel as if there is nothing left to learn or achieve.
Also over the course of my life, I can help people in my community and see my daughters succeed, this counts as success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.latinaprochatt.com
- Instagram: @latinaprochatt
- Facebook: LatinaProfChatt
- Twitter: @LatinaProfChatt
Image Credits
Delve Studios – Emily Perez Long
