We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elaine Utin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elaine, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
For me, being the only one of my ethnic origin in a room is very familiar. At first, it was daunting—it was hard to feel out of place so often, unsure if others would understand who I am or what I’m saying. Growing up in the South, in rural, predominantly white areas, and being Peruvian American, showing up with all the unique cultural nuances of that experience has not always been for the faint of heart.
Navigating these spaces has taught me how essential it is to see myself as an asset—as a strength—and to operate from that place. So many messages and stereotypes in media, society, and sometimes even schools tell us that parts of our identity—the things we can’t change about ourselves—carry negative connotations, which can easily translate into self-doubt. But throughout my journey, learning from mentors and seeing incredible leaders in action—many of whom have faced significant challenges and barriers—has reinforced the importance of trusting, embracing, and valuing yourself to show up as your fullest, most authentic self.
Of course, that doesn’t mean everyone’s going to understand or embrace it. There will be times when conflict or challenge arises simply because of who you are and what you represent. But that shouldn’t cause us to diminish our humanity or change how we treat ourselves. At this stage in my life, I am eager to be the most human version of myself and to allow myself the grace to fail. One of the challenges of being “the only one” in the room is the pressure to be perfect, to represent a certain image. But by allowing myself to be open to failure, I’m also allowing myself and others to be more human.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At LatinxEd, we’re all about advancing Latine leadership and expanding participation in higher education across North Carolina. What excites me most about this work is that it’s leadership development at its core, creating culturally inclusive spaces where Latine advocates can grow as leaders while pursuing their educational journeys. We design learning environments that not only honor our unique identities but also empower our comunidad to drive real change.
A critical part of our mission is creating systemic change, which is both the most challenging and the most essential part of our work. We know that education systems shape our lives, but they’re rarely shaped by us. That’s why our call to action is all about transforming these systems to reflect the needs and strengths of our communities—to make education truly equitable and inclusive.
One of the best ways to connect with this movement is by following us on social media at @latinxeducation and staying updated on all that we’re doing. And I want to extend a special invitation to our annual Latine Education Summit, where you’ll experience this work firsthand. It’s a space where Latine leaders, educators, and allies gather to share strategies, connect, and inspire one another toward collective action.
Our impact continues to grow, and we’re proud to have reached over 50 counties in North Carolina, with thousands of Latine students, educators, and advocates joining us in workshops, summits, and leadership programs. Together, we’re building a future where every Latine voice in education is heard, every story is valued, and dreams are truly within reach. Join us on this journey and help us turn dreams into action!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey are conscious leadership, relationship building, and hope.
First, conscious leadership has been a key framework for me, shaping how I view both life and leadership. At its core, conscious leadership is the belief that everyone has power and choice in any situation—and it’s up to us to decide how we use it. This realization was transformative for me. It opened my eyes to how I was making choices, allowing me to think critically about how I was showing up in the world. It’s so easy to feel like life is happening to you, but when you reclaim your power and examine how you’re moving through situations, you develop a deep self-awareness that makes conscious decision-making possible. For me, it’s meant stepping out of feeling swept up by circumstances and, instead, choosing to act with intention.
The second skill is relationship building. This has been a lifelong practice for me and is something that brings me great joy. Building meaningful relationships has been crucial in my journey, especially as a coach, where I’m often invited into people’s struggles and challenges. It’s a privilege to learn from others and hear their stories. Listening has been a skill I’ve honed along the way—it’s deepened my relationships and shaped how I lead. Relationship building isn’t just about connecting with others; it’s about truly hearing them, and that’s been a gift in my life.
Finally, hope. For me, hope isn’t just optimism—it’s a disciplined commitment to joy and change. Working with communities that have been overlooked or underserved can be heartbreaking, especially as we face the real systemic barriers to social mobility. Maintaining hope has been vital in my career, and it’s something I cultivate through regular reflection and practicing gratitude. This approach keeps me anchored in the possibility of change, even when the journey is challenging.
My advice for others who want to develop these qualities is to surround yourself with people who are also committed to growth. Seek out people who challenge you, who push you to think critically and act boldly. The people in my life have encouraged me to go deeper, to question assumptions, and to stand firm in my values. Being around people who inspire you in this way is invaluable—it’s the foundation of my own leadership and the village that sustains me.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, we are absolutely looking to partner and collaborate with those who share our commitment to advancing Latine leadership and participation in higher education. At LatinxEd, we believe that meaningful change happens through strong, authentic partnerships. We’re especially interested in connecting with educators, community organizations, and institutions dedicated to expanding access to culturally inclusive resources and creating pathways for Latine students and leaders in North Carolina.
In addition to partnerships, we’re also looking for supporters, sponsors, and donors who believe in our mission and want to invest in a future shaped by Latine voices. Financial supporters play a vital role in making our work possible, from providing scholarships and resources to supporting our leadership programs. Together, with every contribution, we’re building a community and creating a lasting impact.
If you’re passionate about educational equity and see an opportunity to work together, we’d love to hear from you. You can connect with us through our website or reach out via our social media channels. Join us as we build a more inclusive and equitable education system that uplifts every member of our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.latinxed.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxeducation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latinxeducation
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/20484047
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/latinxeducation
Image Credits
All images should be credited to LatinxEd/AV Creatives
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
