Meet Lillian Morales-Laster

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lillian Morales-Laster a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lillian, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose has been a personal journey of self-discovery, reflection, and growth. Beyond my professional career, my community work has been instrumental in shaping my purpose. Here’s how I found mine, along with some tips that might help you on your journey:

1. Reflect on Your Passions and Interests: Early on, I realized I had a passion for fostering supportive environments and advocating for social change. Ask yourself what activities make you feel most alive and fulfilled. What issues or causes are you passionate about?

2. Identify Your Strengths: I realized that I was good at fostering inclusive environments and helping others reach their potential. This passion naturally led me to a career in human resources, where I could make a meaningful impact on the lives of employees and the overall success of organizations. Think about what you’re naturally good at and how you can use those strengths to make a positive impact.

3. Seek Out Experiences: My community work has been instrumental in shaping my purpose. Volunteering with organizations like Zora’s House and Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD) gave me deeper insights into the challenges faced by different communities and reinforced my commitment to advocacy, equity, and inclusion. Get involved in different activities and see what resonates with you.

4. Embrace Personal Growth: Leading the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA) has been transformative for me. Supporting Latina women in their careers has allowed me to grow personally and understand the importance of mentorship and supportive networks. Be open to new experiences and learning opportunities that challenge you and help you grow.

5. Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Everyone should have their own personal board of directors. Having a network of supportive friends, family, and mentors has been crucial for me. They’ve provided guidance, encouragement, and new perspectives and sometimes help me reset when I wasn’t on the right track. Build relationships with people who inspire and support you.

6. Stay Patient and Persistent: It took me a long time to find my passion. I spent several years volunteering and determining what spaces were truly meant for me. Finding your purpose can take time. It’s okay to explore different paths and make adjustments along the way. Stay patient and keep moving forward, even if the journey isn’t always straightforward.

For me, finding my purpose has been about blending my passions, strengths, and experiences to create positive change in both my professional career and community involvement. By reflecting on what truly matters to you, seeking out meaningful experiences, and staying open to growth, you can discover your purpose and make a lasting impact.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I have spent over twenty years in Human Resources. In my current role as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources Director at United Midwest Savings Bank, I have honed my skills in developing high-performing teams, fostering inclusive environments, and matching organizational needs with potential candidates. This has translated seamlessly into my work with the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA), which has profoundly shaped my purpose and personal growth. My HR background has equipped me with the knowledge and expertise to understand the unique challenges faced by our cohorts, develop effective training programs, and create a nurturing environment that encourages growth and success. This blend of HR expertise and community leadership has been crucial in driving ELLA’s mission forward and making a meaningful impact on the lives of Latina women.

As the Executive Director of ELLA, I have been dedicated to supporting Latina women in advancing their careers through professional development and mentoring. This role has not only allowed me to give back to the community but also to grow personally. Through this work, I have developed a greater appreciation for resilience, determination, and the power of mentorship. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the growth and success of the women we support, and it has inspired me to continue advocating for equity, and inclusion.

My board experiences with organizations like Zora’s House and Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD) have also been instrumental. At Zora’s House, I’ve seen the incredible power of community and solidarity among women of color. WELD has given me opportunities to engage in leadership development programs, networking events, and mentoring initiatives. These experiences have shown me the tangible impact of supporting and uplifting others, and they’ve reinforced my commitment to supporting and advocating for women.

My purpose is driven by a belief in the power of people and communities, and I’m committed to continuing this work in every aspect of my life. Whether it’s through my professional role, community involvement, or personal initiatives, my goal is to inspire and empower others, creating environments where everyone can thrive.

If you are interested in getting engaged with any of the organizations I mentioned above, I invite you to a few of our upcoming events.

Empower Latinas Leadership Academy Community Impact Project Presentations – September 19th – https://ellacolumbus.org/upcoming-events

Zora’s House 2.0 Grand Opening – Thursday, August 29, 2024 – https://zorashouse.kindful.com/e/grandopening

2025 Women WELDing the Way® Calendar Reception – Thursday, November 7, 2024 – https://www.weldusa.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1864876&group=

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, empathy, and strategic thinking.

Resilience has helped me navigate the inevitable challenges and setbacks along the way. It’s about staying committed and pushing forward, even when things get tough. For those early in their journey, building resilience means embracing challenges as learning opportunities and not being afraid to take risks.

Empathy has been crucial in understanding and supporting the diverse needs of individuals, whether in my HR role or community work. To develop empathy, actively listen to others’ stories and experiences, and strive to see the world from different perspectives. This can build stronger connections and foster a more inclusive environment.

Strategic thinking has allowed me to align my actions with long-term goals, both for myself and the organizations I work with. For those starting out, practice strategic thinking by setting clear goals, planning steps to achieve them, and being adaptable to changing circumstances. Seek mentors who can offer guidance and insights to help you refine this skill.

In addition to these qualities, I would advise anyone early in their journey to seek out mentors and build a strong support network. Mentors can provide invaluable advice, share their experiences, and offer new perspectives that can help you grow both personally and professionally. Networking with like-minded individuals can also open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Lastly, never stop learning. Continuously seek out new knowledge and experiences that can enhance your skills and broaden your horizons. Stay curious, ask questions, and be open to feedback. Personal and professional growth is an ongoing process, and a commitment to lifelong learning will serve you well throughout your journey.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely, I’m always looking to partner and collaborate with individuals and organizations that share a commitment to the professional development and advocacy of women. I’m particularly interested in working with community partners, businesses, and sponsors who are passionate about empowering underrepresented groups.

For the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA), we are actively seeking sponsors and community partners who can support our mission through funding and resources. These contributions are crucial for creating comprehensive support systems that help Latina women advance their careers and achieve their goals. By providing financial support and resources, partners enable us to offer impactful programs, mentorship opportunities, and educational workshops that make a tangible difference in the lives of the women we serve.

On a broader scale, I am also eager to collaborate with individuals and organizations committed to fostering inclusive work environments and promoting social change. This includes HR professionals who understand the importance of a diverse workforce, advocates for women’s rights who are dedicated to breaking down barriers, and community leaders who can offer valuable insights and expertise. These collaborations are essential for driving forward the initiatives that support professional growth and inclusivity.

If you are reading this and are interested in collaborating, I would love to connect with you. Your support and partnership can play a pivotal role in advancing our mission. You can reach out to me via LinkedIn or through the contact form on the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy website. Let’s work together to create meaningful change and support the growth and success of diverse communities.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

photo credit: Jennifer Murillo & Rae Holloway (Purple Star Photography)

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