October 2024: Gabriela Baca is an associate in our Global Antitrust/Competition practice group in Washington, DC. She is co-chair of Alianza, the Firm's Hispanic/Latinx affinity network. Here's her story, including reflections on the 2024 National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month theme: "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together."
Growing up, broadcaster and journalist Jorge Ramos was a constant
I used to watch Jorge Ramos's Spanish newscast with my grandmother every evening. Through his interviews, he gave a voice to many Latinos across the United States during a critical period.
He is also a tough and clear interviewer and taught me the importance of direct communication, in any language. He's truly a 'Pioneer of Change' in my view.
The Hispanic-Latinx diaspora is extensive
Although Ramos is Mexican-American, he found ways to navigate multiple viewpoints and acknowledge the breadth of nationalities that the diaspora encompasses. Again, I think that as a lawyer, there is a lot to learn from that. Ultimately, some of the key aspects of lawyering come down to listening, understanding different perspectives, and asking the right questions.
This is a time of celebration for the Hispanic and Latinx community
Starting with September 16 – a national holiday in Mexico – and continuing through mid-October, this is a time for celebrating our heritage. To me, this means everything from playing traditional Mariachi music, attending Latino festivals in my neighborhood, and cooking traditional meals with family.
At the Firm, being in community with other Latino lawyers and business professionals through cafecitos, cenas (dinners), or other events that bring us together. Showcasing our heritage broadens perspectives and helps us better serve and connect with our clients.
Hispanic and Latinx lawyers are still very much a minority, but you are not alone
We represent 18% of the population in the US, but just over 5% of lawyers. As an associate, for me that meant navigating my own path in a career where few other people looked like me.
As co-chair of Alianza, that's a topic that we return to – how to find career champions that can help you navigate your own path. I think it's important to remember that though there may not be that many of us, we have so many allies to turn to, within and outside the Latinx community.
Your heritage can be your superpower
That's why the 'Pioneer' aspect of this year's theme deeply resonates with me. Not only is ‘pioneering’ one of the Firm's values, it's also a value I saw modelled growing up with my mother and grandmother.
As an immigrant, you encounter unique challenges
It also breeds resilience and strength. Growing up in Mexico and in the United States helped me cultivate cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity, and an interest for all things international. This all brings value to our work at White & Case.
It could start with small things, like being able to say a few words in another language to building connections with clients, other lawyers, judges, and this often turns into long-term relationships.
Facilitating personal interactions is an important part of Alianza's work
As part of our year-round activities, we have flagship programs, but we've also encouraged smaller in-person events. Local Alianza dinners or social events really facilitate those important, candid conversations.
We also see the value in having a virtual community, which allows our members to access partners or practice groups that they may not have in their own offices. Creating community within Alianza is one step through which we hope to recruit, retain, and help promote Alianza members.
You need a development roadmap
One of the Alianza initiatives that I am most proud of is our Pathways to Partnership series, which invites partners across the Firm to speak to associates about the partnership process. These candid conversations have become important because, as members of underrepresented communities, we may not know how to approach the various paths to leadership and we may not be comfortable raising these issues ourselves.
Find a connection with the people you work with
They might not look like you, but you can still find something in common, whether that's a passion for tennis, running, tequila or just a TV show. Often, that's the connection that can lead to someone becoming a sponsor for you – someone who advocates for you when you're not in the room. Someone who knows about your successes and helps you identify the right opportunities for you to grow.
