The Power of Community: How Latino Networks Propel Career Advancement

Posted by: Maryanne Piña

In the corporate world, career advancement often hinges not just on talent and hard work but on relationships—who you know, how you engage, and whether you have advocates in your corner. For Latino professionals, building meaningful relationships is a foundational part of their heritage. Family gatherings, wide circles of friends, and the desire to connect with the people around them are embedded in the Latino culture, otherwise known as personalismo. Harnessing the power of personalismo offers a culturally authentic approach to building professional relationships that can open doors and elevate careers.

Personalismo goes beyond surface-level networking, reflecting a genuine interest in others, a commitment to trust-building, and an emphasis on mutual support. In Latino communities, relationships aren’t just transactional—they’re transformational. When applied strategically in corporate settings, personalismo becomes a professional superpower. Whether forming trusted connections with mentors, collaborating authentically across teams, or leading with empathy, Latino professionals who embrace this value stand out as leaders who bring empathy and hard results to the workplace

And the numbers back it up: around 80% of all jobs are filled through networking, not traditional job applications. A Harvard Business Review study also found that sponsorship—an advanced form of network-based advocacy—can make protégés 23% more likely to advance in their careers. Building strong internal and external networks becomes even more critical for Latino professionals navigating organizations where they may be underrepresented.

The Latino Career Assessment™ (LCA™) reveals that cultural values like personalismo are often underutilized in professional settings—not because they lack relevance, but because many Latino professionals are navigating spaces where these values aren’t yet fully recognized as assets. By reframing personalismo as a strength rather than something to hide, Latino professionals can reshape their career narratives and position themselves as influential connectors and change agents within their organizations.

Latino networks—whether through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), professional associations, or informal mentorship circles—are natural extensions of this cultural script. These communities provide more than camaraderie; they are platforms for knowledge-sharing, sponsorship, and visibility. In fact, research has shown that employees who feel a strong sense of community at work have a 56% increase in job performance.

For HR leaders looking to unlock their Latino talent, recognizing the value of personalismo is key to creating more inclusive, empowering career development pathways. It requires more than representation; it means cultivating environments where culturally aligned leadership styles are acknowledged and encouraged.

The power of community in Latino culture is not a liability—it’s a legacy. One that, when harnessed, can transform the corporate ladder into a communal bridge.

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Learn how our LCA™ Career Workshops help Latino professionals identify their strengths, navigate cultural scripts like personalismo, and advance with authenticity. Join a growing network of leaders who are reshaping what success looks like in corporate America, together.