Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Claudia ESTEVA on the power of representation

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we’re celebrating the Latino/a/x trailblazers who are reshaping the landscape of the American workforce.

We’re excited to spotlight Claudia Esteva, Senior Manager of Customer Success at Basta. As the daughter of Dominican immigrants, Claudia shares how her cultural heritage and family values have influenced her success in the professional world.

“Embracing heritage, Empowering Futures” by Claudia EstEvA

Reflection 

My Dominican heritage isn't just a part of who I am—it's the very core of my identity and the foundation of my success. When I was 7, my family took a leap of faith and moved to The Bronx. We started out living with my aunt, eventually getting our own apartment just one floor above hers. Looking back, I realize how crucial that tight-knit community was in keeping us grounded.

Our neighborhood was a beautiful mosaic of cultures—Dominicans, other Hispanics, Black families, and immigrants from all over. It was like a little slice of the world, right there in The Bronx. The familiar scents of Dominican cuisine wafting through the hallways, the rapid-fire Spanish conversations on the street corners—all of it reminded us daily of where we came from and the strength we carried within us.

I'll never forget my first U.S. teacher. She was Puerto Rican, and I felt such an immediate connection that I started calling her "Tía" (aunt). Having her there, speaking my language and understanding my culture, made the transition so much smoother. It's amazing how such seemingly small things can have such a huge impact.

My elementary school years were spent in ESL classes, where I met my best friends—also Dominican. It's been over 20 years, and they're still a huge part of my life. Those friendships, forged in the shared experience of learning a new language and navigating a new culture, have been an enduring source of support and understanding.

Education: The Bridge to Opportunity

High school was a game-changer for me. I attended Marble Hill School for International Studies, known for its support of immigrant students. It was here that I was introduced to opportunities that would shape my future. Portfolio presentations helped build my interview skills, sports teams fueled my love for competition and sportsmanship, and programs like Minds Matter opened doors I never knew existed.

Minds Matter, a college prep program for low-income, high-achieving students, was particularly transformative. It provided access to mentors, tutors, and free opportunities that expanded my horizons and showed me what was possible. These experiences ultimately led me to the prestigious Posse Foundation scholarship, which covered my tuition to attend Middlebury College.

I won't sugarcoat it—college was tough. Being away from home, from the familiar faces and voices that had surrounded me for so long, was a challenge I wasn't prepared for in my freshman year. If it weren't for Posse and the peers I had in my NYC cohort, I'm not sure I would have made it to graduation. It was a stark reminder of the importance of community and representation.

Professional Life: Leveraging My Heritage 

As I entered the professional world, I quickly realized that my Dominican heritage and Spanish-speaking abilities were incredible assets.Often, I've found myself as one of the few Spanish speakers on staff, which has allowed me to be a voice for those who might otherwise feel unheard.

Because I was surrounded with support from my family and involved mentors, it feels natural for me to pay it forward. Being able to give back has become a sort of superpower, helping me thrive in any role I take on. It's why I've gravitated towards positions where I can serve local schools and students from immigrant backgrounds, particularly in The Bronx and Queens.

Now, in my role in Customer Success at Basta, I partner with nonprofit organizations and serve thousands of Hispanic/Latinx and other historically underserved populations across New York and the nation. My goal is to encourage access to game-changing online career prep services, opening doors for others just as doors were opened for me.

Looking Forward: Championing Representation and Growth 

While we've made strides, there's still work to be done. I recently attended the Posse Foundation Alumni conference, where we celebrated the ways Posse is changing the face of leadership. But we were also confronted with the persistently low rates of Hispanic, Black, and female staff in competitive roles and companies. This is why our presence and perseverance matter so much.

To young Hispanic students starting their careers, my advice is this: start networking early and involve your parents or guardians whenever possible. It's easy to get comfortable with what we have, especially when our parents, adapting to a new country, might shelter us from the unknown. But two crucial lessons I've learned in the States are that closed mouths don't get fed, and you don't achieve great things alone.

Step out of our comfort zones and learn from individuals and companies who can help us grow. Organizations like Minds Matter NYC, The Posse Foundation, Basta, The Knowledge House, and Latinos in Tech are doing incredible work in this area. It's never too late to invest in yourself.

As for me, I'm committed to pushing the envelope for Hispanic representation by working with and volunteering for organizations that move the needle for our community through helping students access life-changing opportunities like educational programs, scholarships, and quality jobs that will impact their lives for years to come.

My journey—from that little girl who moved to The Bronx at age 7 to the professional I am today—is a testament to the strength of our community, the power of education, and the importance of giving back. Hispanic Heritage Month may be ending, but our heritage shapes both our present and future everyday. It’s not just something to be honored for a month. Together we can continue to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Basta’s mission is to close the employment gap for first-generation students of color and change the face of workforce leadership.

Learn more about Basta and our work.