The term "Adobe ceiling" has been adopted by Latinas to describe the unique challenges they face in breaking through barriers and reaching leadership positions. Just as black women have the term "concrete ceiling" to represent the invisible barriers they encounter, Latinas have chosen "adobe ceiling" as a metaphor for the additional forces that suppress racial and ethnic minority female leaders.
The concept of the adobe ceiling draws inspiration from the characteristics of adobe, a traditional building material made of clay, sand, and other organic materials. Adobe is known for its density and muddiness, which creates formidable barriers. In the context of leadership, the adobe ceiling symbolizes the complex and opaque challenges that Latinas must navigate in their pursuit of attaining leadership roles.
Unlike a glass ceiling, which implies transparency and the ability to see what lies beyond, the adobe ceiling is characterized by its murkiness. Latinas often find it difficult to discern the path to leadership, to have a clear view of what lies ahead, and to gauge the distance they still need to travel. The adobe ceiling represents the obstacles and systemic biases that Latinas encounter, such as limited access to opportunities, stereotyping, bias, discrimination, and cultural expectations.
Latinas face a range of unique challenges related to their intersectional identity, encompassing both race and gender. They often experience a combination of racial and gender bias, making it even more challenging for them to overcome the adobe ceiling. The adobe ceiling metaphor highlights the resilience, determination, and perseverance required for Latinas to break through these barriers and achieve leadership positions in various fields, including business, politics, academia, and beyond.
By recognizing and discussing the adobe ceiling, Latinas aim to raise awareness about the specific obstacles they face and advocate for equitable opportunities for leadership. Breaking the adobe ceiling involves challenging societal norms, dismantling systemic barriers, and fostering inclusivity and representation. It requires concerted efforts from individuals, organizations, and society as a whole to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to create an environment where Latinas can thrive and reach their full potential.
Breaking the adobe ceiling for Latinas entails acknowledging and addressing the multifaceted challenges they encounter, empowering them to overcome adversity, and creating inclusive spaces where their leadership talents can flourish. It represents a collective pursuit of equality and a commitment to building a more diverse and equitable society.
El Puente Institute has developed a Masterclass Series "Empowering Latino Leaders: Unleashing our Cultural Drivers for Success" meticulously curated to explore and celebrate the unique leadership styles and cultural values shaping the Latino community’s success. The Masterclass Series comprises five captivating workshops that delve into various aspects of Latino leadership, providing insights, inspiration, and practical strategies to enhance leadership abilities in the current and future dynamic landscapes.
The Masterclass Series will be held virtually on Wednesdays, beginning on July 26th through August 23rd, from 12:00 am to 1:00 pm (Central Time.) To secure your spot and those of your team members, please register at https://steep-shadow-490.myflodesk.com/
Join us! #latinoleaders #ElPuenteLife #learning #leadership Patricia Conde-Brooks Alejandra Rodríguez Mielke, PhD Dr. Patty Delgado will facilitate and engage us in this important conversations!
Resources: Alicea, I. P. (2003). Move over, glass ceiling; this one’s adobe. Education Digest, 68(8), 56–60.
