Brenda has as diverse of a career as she does an identity, and both are equally in the spotlight.
In her latest television appearance, the Univision television show Nuestra Belleza Latina, she opened conversations of the lack of representation of Afro-Latinos and intersectionality in a community that often shies away from these topics.
Brenda’s mix of identities was often met with, “you are not enough.” Not Latina enough, not Black enough, not American enough. Brenda has strived to create her seat at the table while avoiding tokenization.
The former University of Missouri student body vice president reflects on stepping up, speaking out and the power of using a young voice to make a difference. She shares lessons learned from student-led protests ignited by systemic racism that captured national headlines.
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Blurring the Lines: My Afro-Latinx Experience as a Dynamic Conversation in Intersectionality
A first generation American who has always identified as a proud Black and Latina woman, Brenda’s mix of identities was often met with, “you are not enough.” Not Latina enough, not Black enough, not American enough. Her bicultural upbringing in both Mexico City and South Georgia solidified the importance of an unwavering self-love and pride in her identity. A cultural shift in the taboo conversation of race in the Latinx community has sparked an uptick of Afro-Latinos embracing their Blackness and a greater understanding of the Afro-Latinx experience in the Black community. Brenda reflects on the importance of acknowledging how intersection of identities affects our stake in the conversation and shapes the way we experience the world.
Lessons in Leadership
Her vocal leadership during student-led protests ignited by systemic racism at the University of Missouri led her to become a notable presence in the national spotlight. Brenda is known speaking up about often taboo topics that affect communities of color in arenas from higher education to popular culture. Brenda shares lessons in stepping up, speaking out and the power of using a young voice to make a difference.
Brenda is bilingual and may be booked in English or Spanish.
