The Latino community — and Latinas, in particular — are among the most underrepresented groups in the United States.

In the words of Claudia Romo Edelman, “what we have is a gender crisis in the Hispanic community.” 

Those words spoke volumes during Day 2 of the Hispanic Leadership Summit last week.

As she delivered her remarks, Romo Edelman made sure to highlight that Latinas are the driving force behind America’s growth.

However, they are not often portrayed in such a way. Latinas are instead often portrayed with stereotypes and biases. 

“In this room, we have the power to make a difference,” said Romo Edelman. “Perception matters.” 

Romo Edelman underscored that Latinas should be perceived and portrayed in two ways — growth and progress.

To ensure that the current stereotypical and biased portrayals of Latinas are changed, Latinas have to be going to the places where these perceptions are created. 

“We need to take charge,” said Romo Edelman.

By nature, Latinas are creatives, designers, and connectors. Her call to action was for more Latinas to seek out jobs in communication and marketing, become script writers, journalists, photographers — professionals in industries where reception is created or funded.

“We need to get more grants, for authors to write books, we need to elevate our fashion designers,” Romo Edelman added.

When it comes to the facts surrounding Latinas, the approach should be clear.

“All of us need to know that Latinos are powerful and positive contributors to the country,” said Romo Edelman. 

Five years ago when the Hispanic Leadership Summit first launched, Romo Edelman made similar comments about the influence of the Latino community.

While numbers are improving in terms of representation, and while progress is being made, she notes that it’s not enough.

“Yes, let’s celebrate the progress, but we need to keep pushing through,” said Romo Edelman. 

She noted that now is the moment to press forward with a strategic plan to produce continuous progress and advocacy for more Latinos. 

“We need to accept nothing but for Latinos to be portrayed as progress and growth.” 

To do so, however, it takes unity and community. If done successful, it's benefits will reach far beyond the Latino community alone.

“It's also a win-win for corporations if Latinos are a business imperative,” said Romo Edelman. “When you portray us in a relevant, meaningful and respectful way, Latinos will become loyal consumers and will show up more when we see ourselves in your ads, in your internal communication.”

Latinas have a key role in shaping the mainstream perception of themselves, and the time to do so is now.