#LPIncVoices: Rosamaria Cristello, LP XXXVI, LDI XXII, LnP I

Community Leadership Insights from Rosamaria Cristello, LP XXXVI, LDI XXII, LnP I – Founder and Executive Director, Latino Community Center

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Q: What has been your proudest moment as a civic leader?

A: Every time I see our community represented and brought up in key conversations. Having our Latine community be visible has been a key component in my journey so that our community is not only being taken into account when decisions are being made, but we are part of the table.

“Being a leader for me includes being honest and vulnerable. It also includes not shying away or being embarrassed about your upbringing because in order to change the world, we need to bring real world examples and issues to the table. In many cases, you may be the only person in that room that has the capability of doing so.“

— Rosamaria Cristello, LP XXXVI, LDI XXII, LnP I

Q: Why do you care deeply about the success of this region?

A: I believe this region has so much potential and opportunity to ensure we get it right when it comes to welcoming ALL families, and creating a region where ALL families can thrive. There is the will and I believe we have the leadership. I want to be part of this so that we can create a region where everyone is respected and accepted, has a clear opportunity to get great paying jobs to raise a family, and build a community where families thrive. I personally want to make sure that as our Latine community continues to grow, that this region is ready and able to accept them, integrate them, and can see the value of having a strong Latine community.

“What drives me to continue to run with this big responsibility that is Leadership is knowing that our community needs to be heard. Unfortunately, there are still many rooms and conversations where we are not.”

— Rosamaria Cristello, LP XXXVI, LDI XXII, LnP I

Q: Have you always been a leader or drawn to leadership roles? If no, what has changed? If yes, what has driven you to stay involved as a leader?

A: I have somehow always ended up in leadership roles; however the internal acceptance that I am a leader is a different story. Being in rooms like the ones I was in with both LP and LDI showed me that my voice mattered. I remember being intimidated at first. Then, the moment it clicked that I was not there for me… I was there to represent my community and that comes with big responsibility. What drives me to continue to run with this big responsibility that is leadership is knowing that our community needs to be heard. Unfortunately, there are still many rooms and conversations where we are not.

Q: What identities or lived experiences have shaped who you are as a leader? How do these influence your leadership goals and leadership style?

A: Being a Latina from Guatemala, the first to go to college, formerly undocumented, and now a mom – all of these are aspects of who I am that have shaped my leadership. I am acutely aware that when people see me, they may think I somehow have it all together – but part of my leadership approach is and has always been to be real. Being a Latina, a mom, and having leadership roles means that every day I feel like I am failing at something. But, I get up every morning knowing that I am here for a reason and that I will always do my best. I try to share that with others as much as possible. I want to demystify this idea that being a leader means you have to be perfect. You don’t.