Redefining Professionalism: Culture, Identity & the Undocumented Experience

For many of us who have been undocumented immigrants or come from immigrant backgrounds, the idea of professionalism in the workplace has often felt like a code we weren’t given access to. We were told to work hard, but not too loudly. To blend in, but to still stand out in the right way. To succeed, but to never forget we were guests in a system not built for us.

But what if professionalism wasn’t about erasing parts of who we are, but rather embracing them?

The Cultural Expectations of Professionalism

Traditional ideas of workplace professionalism have been shaped by dominant cultures that often don’t reflect the diversity of the workforce. We’ve been taught that “proper” communication means avoiding accents, that leadership looks a certain way, and that success requires distancing ourselves from where we come from.

For someone undocumented or formerly undocumented, the pressure is even greater. There’s a constant tension between wanting to show up authentically and fearing that doing so could make us seem less professional or even put us at risk.

But the truth is, professionalism is about competence, integrity, and impact—not about how well we conform.

How Being Undocumented Shaped My Professionalism

Coming from an undocumented immigrant background meant navigating systems that weren’t designed for me. It meant translating legal documents for my family at a young age, learning how to advocate for myself in spaces where I was never meant to belong, and developing an unmatched resilience that now serves me in my career.

My undocumented experience gave me skills that no degree could:

✅ Resourcefulness – Finding solutions where none seemed to exist.✅ Resilience – Facing obstacles head-on and refusing to quit.✅ Adaptability – Learning to thrive in ever-changing environments.

Speaking Up & Advocating for Ourselves

For a long time, many of us were taught to keep our heads down and be grateful for any opportunity. But being professional does not mean staying silent—it means knowing our worth and advocating for ourselves and others.

💬 Speaking up in meetings – Our ideas matter, and we deserve a seat at the table.💰 Negotiating for fair pay – Being undocumented or from an immigrant background doesn’t mean accepting less than we deserve.🤝 Advocating for diversity and inclusion – The workplace should reflect the diversity of the world we live in, and we can push for that change.📢 Sharing our immigrant stories – Our experiences bring value, and the more we speak up, the more we create space for others.

Bringing Culture & Identity to the Workplace

Now, as a professional, I bring my Latina culture with me in everything I do. It’s in the way I build community, the way I support others, and the way I challenge outdated norms.

Redefining professionalism means embracing who we are—accents, backgrounds, and all—while proving that success doesn’t come from assimilation but from authenticity.

For those who have ever felt like they had to leave part of themselves behind to succeed, know this: your story is your strength. Your identity is your advantage. Your experience makes you powerful.

Let’s continue to show up as we are, speak up for what we deserve, and redefine what it means to be professional.

How has your culture or background shaped your professional journey? Let’s discuss. ⬇️

#Professionalism #UndocumentedAndUnstoppable #CulturalIdentity #DiversityInTheWorkplace #SpeakUp #KnowYourWorth #LatinaLeadership #ImmigrantSuccess #CareerGrowth #WomenInBusiness