"Do not let the role you play or the circumstances that surround you lead you to forget the essence of your own existence." - Julia de Burgos
Hello, I'm Theresa Avila Bimbela, the principal force behind TAB Professional Services LLC. With a strong background in grant management, administration, and education, my mission is to empower others to live their fullest lives. Although my qualifications speak volumes, there are times when I've encountered limiting perceptions, a challenge that many Latinas in business also navigate. Interestingly enough, I'm actually of mixed Caucasian and Latina descent. This adds an ironic twist to the preconceived notions that I navigate, making it more of a commentary on appearance-based assumptions than anything else.
I have a comprehensive professional background, marked by a master’s degree in Education from Chapman University and a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. My career has been as diverse as it has been fulfilling, with roles ranging from Grants Specialist and Nonprofit Subject Matter Expert to Preschool Director and Police Training Coordinator. Perhaps most notably, I accomplished much of this while also being a single mother—a feat that cannot be overstated. And yet, despite this robust portfolio and the hurdles I've cleared, I find myself perennially underestimated. The challenge is not just professional; it extends into my personal life, consistently forcing me to validate my worth in ways that should no longer be necessary.
"I do know one thing about me: I don't measure myself by others' expectations or let others define my worth." - Sonia Sotomayor
The Wage Gap: Latina Equal Pay Day 2023 Explained
This is not solely about me; it's a reflection of a broader issue affecting Latinas everywhere. According to a recent article on MSNBC, Latinas earn just 52 cents for every dollar made by white, non-Hispanic men. Gaylynn Burroughs, the director of workplace, equality and senior counsel for NWLC explained the grim reality behind these numbers, “[Latinas] would have to work until they’re 90 years old, which is beyond their life expectancy, to earn as much as a white, non-Hispanic male makes by the time he's 60…You really can’t catch up, because these are compounded losses.”
In my last full-time role, a stark example of this inequity was all too evident: I earned exactly half of what the director did, even though I shouldered most of the workload. The disparity was more than just financial; it was a fundamental devaluation of my skills and contributions. It begs the question that too many Latinas in professional settings find themselves grappling with: "Why is my work so frequently undervalued?"
"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'." - Soledad O'Brien
As Latina Equal Pay Day approaches, it's time for reflection, action, and above all, recognition of the value Latinas bring to the table. Let's turn our struggles into stepping stones for success, leaning on community, and implementing practical solutions.
#LatinaEqualPayDay2023
#KnowYourWorth
#BreakTheGlassCeiling
#ShatterStereotypes
#LatinaLeaders
#WomenInBusiness
#EmpowerHer
#EqualPayForEqualWork
Theresa Avila Bimbela, CEO and Owner, TAB Professional Services, LLC
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