La Doctora Chingona: Decolonizing and (Re)Envisioning the Latina Scholar
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Colleges and Universities
Presentation Format Requested
Roundtable (45 minutes)
Session Abstract
This roundtable seeks to expand the knowledge on Latina/Chicana identity in the context of the transgression of the word chingona, which has been traditionally used to suppress and oppress women of Mexican and Mexican-American decent, and by extension all Latina/Chicana women
Target Audience
Those interested in Latina studies, Latina identity development, graduate college recruiters, doctoral program professionals who are wanting to expand their knowledge surrounding current issues affecting the LatinX population.
This roundtable would also be beneficial for anyone who is interested in Latina leadership development, such as researchers and business leaders.
Anyone who identifies with the word “chingona” or the movement that is swiftly expanding and empowering them.
Learning Outcomes
Attendees will learn about the Chingona movement within the context of adult learning and development and will be able to apply this emerging research to connect, recruit, retain, and promote Latinas into the professoriate, as well as in their personal leadership development.
Session Description
In recent years, there has been resistance among the Latina/Chicana community against the traditional use of the word chingona. Instead of demanding the eradication of this traditionally pejorative term, they have reframed its meaning and have taken ownership of it. Similar to the ways in the LGBTQ community reclaimed and reframed the descriptor “queer, ”chingona has been reintroduced to the world in recent years in an altered, empowered, more modern state of being by the Latinas it was used to formerly suppress. In this reimagined definition, being referred to as a chingona is no longer an offense, but an honor instead bestowed upon those who are willing to work hard for the things they want out of life. Chingona defines someone who has experienced adversity and loss but stands tall in power despite it. Within the context of adult learning and development, I am interested in learning how Latina leaders identify themselves within the movement, if at all. In what ways does the reimagining of chingona identity motivate Latina leaders to achieve more despite the hardship brought on by institutional and systemic barriers?
Format & Technique
The topic of Latina/Chicana leadership has never been studied from this particular angle, so I am proposing a roundtable to help inform the trajectory of my research as I move forward. A discussion on the meaning of the word will lead the conversation, allowing the researcher/presenter and participants alike to better understand its general usage. I will present my proposed theoretical constructs and am seeking input from the adult education community on their applicability to my study. It is my hope to use this new-found knowledge to help inform and structure my dissertation topic moving forward.