There’s a lot of career advice on how women can get out there and pursue their goals. One thing that tends to fall flat is how hard it is for women to make their way through their careers. The advice can sound easy: “lean in,” “stand up and out,” mold yourself to fit what companies are looking for. Yet, if you pay attention to the conversations women are having about equity on the job, more women say that's not realistic. Conversations hold a light to the support and mentorship needed in success. There have also been talks about how there needs to be a chance for women to sit at the table to thrive in their careers.
A Milwaukee transplant has felt and seen that within her own career.
Sonia Saunders is the founder of the Mujeron Movement. The Mujeron Movement is one where Latinas of all professions get together and talk about the ups and downs of their careers. They also talk about life. It started in Tucson, Ariz., where Sonia lived at the time, and it now has a chapter here in Milwaukee.
Don’t skip over the word “mujeron.” “Mujeron” can mean a “bigger” or a “thicker” woman. Sonia encountered this word when she was trying to pursue a career in television.
In the media industry, thinner women often see more success. Sonia was encouraged to lose weight to make the cut. It increased her anxiety over her body image.
As Sonia describes in our conversation, she went on to reclaim the word. She utilizes it to be about women being in pursuit of their goals. Sonia says for her she felt pressure about her weight. For other women, Sonia says that pressure could come from not having a two-parent home and the negative connotations that surround that reality. She wants to support other Latinas when their industries say "no."
Here’s Sonia’s story about how she reclaimed the word and how the Mujeron Movement came to Milwaukee.
The Mujeron Movement has launched a podcast as well. Sonia talks to women about their businesses/careers and their goals. She also holds conversations about colorism in Latino households. Sonia talks with other Latinas about what they experience in their lives and how it affects them.
Check it out at mujeronmovement.com/podcast.