Diverse Experiences of Latinas in Higher Education

By sharing the collective experiences of Latinas in Higher Education, this book provides a diverse range of empowering testimonios from Chingonas living on their own terms, who are defining professionalism for themselves.

Chingona means "badass" and is a term that has been reappropriated by Latinas as an expression of empowerment both inside and outside of education. This anthology is a collection of twelve voices, representative of the experiences of empowered Chingonas across various roles in higher education who identify as Latinas. This volume shares the knowledge of Chingona Latina women, including their thoughts around authenticity, identity, and the disruption of dominant cultural experiences within the institution. It also seeks to help other Latinas realize that they are not alone in their experiences with higher education. This book includes questions for reflection and writing prompts, allowing readers to consider their own lived experiences and envision change.

This collection will be important reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in education-related programs, including Higher Education Studies and Educational Leadership, as well as courses in Ethnic Studies, Chicana/o/x Studies, Latinx/a/o Studies and Women’s Studies. It also offers an invaluable learning opportunity for higher education professionals, leaders, and administrators, especially within student affairs.

Rocío D. Hernández serves as tenured Counseling Faculty at Ventura College, USA. She is a first-generation Chicana/Latina, scholar-practitioner, social justice advocate, and proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. Her research agenda focuses on the advocacy of Latinas in higher education, and she is passionate about addressing the inequities that Latinas experience as students and as educators.