Between Two Worlds, Building My Own Path
By: Anabel Martinez
I didn’t grow up with a roadmap to success.
As a first-generation Mexican American professional and the eldest daughter, I was navigating two worlds without a clear translation between them, often feeling like they were working against each other.
At home, the expectation was simple: work hard, keep your head down, and take care of your responsibilities. In the professional world, the rules weren’t obvious, and no one was explaining them. I had to figure that out on my own. Work ethic wasn’t just a value; it was the foundation I relied on when I didn’t have clarity.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Hispanic college enrollment among 18 to 24-year-olds increased from 16% in 1980 to 22% in 2000, reflecting the growing number of Latino students entering higher education during the early 2000s. More recently, Excelencia in Education reported that 51% of Latino college students identify as first-generation students.
I started pursuing an AA because I needed a starting point. Education was important. What I was going to study wasn't really a concern at that point. Eventually that turned into a BA in Management and then an MBA, all while working full-time and raising four kids. I finished each step because I was raised to keep going, even when the path became bumpy.
I joke with my kids that the three oldest each have a degree because I was either pregnant or had just had them when I earned mine. The youngest got the PMP certification. Thereafter I pursued my CAE, and AAiP certifications.
A lot of my early decisions were made without a clear end goal. I moved forward because I believed it would matter. Research from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that first-generation college students are more likely to work while enrolled, attend part-time, and balance family responsibilities alongside their education. Looking back, I can see how much that shaped my own path. It was not linear, and many times I felt like I started at the finish line and worked backwards, trying to understand systems I had never been taught to navigate. I kept moving forward, even when I wasn’t completely sure I was making the “right” move.
Education as a Choice
Education was never a given for me; it was an intentional decision.
When I chose to pursue my MBA, it wasn’t part of a long-term plan. I just knew it could open doors I didn’t yet have access to, and I could see myself and my value in that room. What I didn’t fully understand at the time was how to connect those decisions to something bigger.
Research on first-generation students has consistently pointed to gaps in mentorship, social capital, and institutional knowledge as barriers to persistence and advancement. There were moments when it felt like I was doing everything I was supposed to do and still not seeing the results I expected, the positions or the promotions. That’s when I realized it wasn’t just about putting in the work. It was about being intentional with my effort and learning to put myself out there. In a world where I was told to blend in, I had to learn to claim the space.
From Working Hard to Being Intentional
For a long time, my approach was simple: work hard, say yes, and figure it out as I go. Nomas échale ganas.
It got me far, but it also kept me in a cycle of doing without really advancing. I had to shift how I was thinking and get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Instead of chasing the next opportunity, I started asking better questions. How does this move me forward? What skills am I actually building? How am I helping my community? Where do I want to have influence, and what do I actually enjoy doing?
The shift changed everything.
How That Shows Up in My Leadership
Today, that background shapes how I lead, and how I think about people, systems, and long-term impact.
I don’t assume others know how to navigate these environments, so I focus on creating clarity, understanding, and how to move forward.
I also think a lot about access. Not just who is in the room, but who understands how to participate, contribute, and lead. I notice and acknowledge the people that are too shy or uncomfortable to engage.
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me
In our world, we talk a lot about professional development, but not enough about how to navigate it.
Not everyone starts with the same information, access or guidance on what steps to take, which can make things feel harder to break into or move up.
If I could offer anything it would be this:
You don’t need to have everything figured out to move forward. But you do need to start being intentional about your decisions. Pay attention to what actually builds momentum and sparks the fire.
Take the time to understand how the system works, even if you must learn it on your own. And don’t confuse being busy with making progress.
Building My Own Blueprint
What I’ve built came from taking risks and continuing to move forward, even when a detour presents itself. The path hasn't been perfect, but it became a roadmap that my children can learn from.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: you don’t have to wait for someone to show you. You can figure it out. You can build your own way forward, even if the path is a zigzag.