Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Gutierrez.
Laura, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I personally feel my journey had more opportunities than struggles but it also required for me to take advantage and work extremely hard to get where I am now. I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago-Total WhiteSox Fan! Growing up in a single parent household for most of my youth in the McKinley Park neighborhood, there were struggles with finances, gangs etc but with a strong family unit (being the youngest with three older siblings) we managed to build strong family values and always created opportunities to complete high school and college. Ever since high school, I was highly involved and that has been reflected in my work ethic now as an adult. It’s funny how I my work ethic as a high schooler hasn’t changed- I’m always running around to meetings and working out. I always say to grow, you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and I believe all my situations tend to lead me to all good things. I currently support all organizations that have meaningful missions to support underserved populations. My work within a Chicago community foundation has been so informational about the work being done around the city and that efforts are being made to make Chicago even more wonderful. We do have much more ways to go but it important to recognize all the good.
Now being a new home-owner in the west suburb Berwyn, I would like to continue supporting efforts around the city and in my own neighborhood. I take pride in helping lift up others and create opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think there are always going to be struggles in order to grow. Personally, with environment and identity are the most struggles I feel I have encountered. This includes attending college at a Big Ten University. It was a great experience overall with all the relationships made and job skills learned that helped create the person I am. One thing I struggled with is identity and being a 3rd generation Mexican-American. I am not fluent in Spanish and so I feel like sometimes there is a disconnect. Especially on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus as a young Latina that doesn’t have much roots in Mexico or even visit regularly made me feel like I wasn’t representing my culture enough. I still get random individuals comments as an adult “that’s silly you do not speak Spanish” but it wasn’t my own decision growing up in an English speaking household and I am just not confident in speaking Spanish. Also, I would say as a Latina attending a Big Ten university and mainly being the only woman of color in classrooms sometimes, it was important of me to embrace who i am as an individual and not put me in a “box”. I can say that there is something more mental about being confident in who you are and not letting other opinions get you down. I know that this doesn’t define me and I am more proud of my culture and my family’s Mexican and American cultures and traditions.
Please tell us about your business.
I am fortunate to work for a strong mission driven community foundation and support work important that focuses on a city I love after work. I believe volunteering your talents and help building up organizations serving underserved clients is so important. I currently am a board member focused on development for a newly established non-profit. We focus on serving all homeless menstruating individuals experiencing their periods with dignity and education to help spread period positivity. We are proud to just have received our 501c3 status this year and so excited for all the possibilities to expand and help more individuals.
In addition, the Oak Park river Forest Food Pantry is another organization serving a very important concern, eliminating hunger. Food is so important for all households to come together and share a meal. Our client choice food pantry model creates the ability to be nimble to clients’ needs and help eliminate food waste all in one.
Lastly, I serve as president of an Associate Board for a domestic violence advocacy center called Sarah’s Inn. They’re work for a 24-hour crisis line and their amazing teen violence and healthy relationships programming in schools starting at 6th grade help truly break the cycle of domestic violence.
I am super proud to give my time to these organizations because I care truly about youth, woman and individuals getting their basic human needs met. I believe my passion and commitment to helping others and community and understand many aspects of my organizations; I can fully have a well-rounded knowledge to help better serve needs and fill those gaps.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
I would say find your voice and use it! Always remember your input matters and you can be respectful while voicing your passions or ideas to others. It also is important to love yourself- never let someone think you are holding them back and never let someone hold you back. There is a want and need for your voice. Start talking. Also, It wouldn’t be me with a philanthropic plug- start your philanthropy at any age and start volunteering to find what you are most interested in; money is not the only way to be philanthropic or give back to your community. It is smart for your career and your mental well-being to give back. Your passions will take you far.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-n-gutierrez
- Instagram: www.instagram/iamwarla
Image Credit:
https://lawrenceandargyle.com/ – @kdvll
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