Meet Dr. Monica Chavez, a passionate founder, podcaster, and speaker who specializes in community-building and participative leadership. With her extensive background in research-informed leadership development, Dr. Chavez is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to foster collaboration and drive meaningful change. In this blog post, we'll dive into her innovative approaches to leadership, explore the importance of community in achieving collective goals, and discover how her insights can inspire you to enhance your own leadership journey.
1. What inspired your passion for community-building and career development, especially for women and the global majority?
My passion for community-building and career development stems from a deep recognition of the power of representation and the importance of collective progress. Since moving abroad 20 years ago, I have seen talented women and individuals from the global majority being consistently underrepresented and undervalued. When I began working with organizations like Microsoft and the British Council, I witnessed firsthand how inclusive workplaces can transform the trajectories of individuals and teams. That’s what fueled my commitment to creating spaces where everyone has a seat at the table—not out of charity, but because diverse voices lead to stronger, more innovative outcomes.
2. Craft, Champion, Connect. Could you share how each of these steps can help women shatter the glass ceiling in their careers?
Absolutely! The Craft, Champion, Connect framework is all about giving Latinx, Black, Brown & Asian women the tools and support they need to lead with confidence. I love research, so this is key in my framework, I won’t give you outdated advice or what is trendy, I’ll give you what works according to science and what in my consulting and coaching experience I’ve seen works for others.
At its core, the framework is about power. I think a lot of women feel uncomfortable with that word as we’ve been taught to be ‘good’. I tell them to be a ‘bad girl’ and step into their power, get visible to be seen, and accept their rightful place in the world as a powerful force.
Craft- is about intentionally shaping your narrative and honing your skills. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about crafting a personal brand that reflects your unique purpose. You can’t be someone else so invest in finding out your unique values and skills.
Champion- focuses on advocating for yourself and others. Women often excel at advocating for others but hesitate to champion their successes. It’s about embracing your achievements and lifting others as you rise. This is where I come in with my expertise in community-building to build and harness your power as a leader.
Connect is rooted in the power of networking and community. Building meaningful connections isn’t just about advancing your career; it’s about creating a collective impact and influencing change within your industry. I give you the tools to do this when you work with me.
Together, these steps create a cycle of empowerment and visibility that helps women not just break, but shatter the glass ceiling.
3. In a world where imposter syndrome is often discussed, you firmly state that it's the glass ceiling that holds many women back. How do you recommend women navigate and break through these invisible barriers?
Impostor syndrome can be a convenient narrative, but in my experience and what more and more research points out, it’s often not the real issue. What holds many women back are external systemic barriers like biased leadership pipelines, unequal opportunities, and entrenched stereotypes. The key to navigating these barriers is to reframe the problem—recognize that it’s not your internal self-doubt that’s limiting you, but rather external biases. If we repeatedly hear, see, and sense that we don’t belong in powerful positions or as successful entrepeneur, at some point, this hidden message is internalised- hence the impostor syndrome.
Women can break through by identifying these barriers and labeling them, building a strong support network, and investing in self-advocacy. This means challenging biases in subtle and strategic ways, creating your own opportunities, and persistently pursuing growth despite setbacks.
4. As a mother and global citizen, you understand the delicate balance between personal and professional life. What strategies have you found effective in managing both while advancing your career?
I’m glad you used the world ‘managing’ rather than ‘balancing’. I like to think about the personal and professional lives as integration, rather than ‘balance’. Can you really find ‘balance’ when launching a business or planning a family holiday? I need to go all in.
I’ve learned that it’s all about intentionality and self-compassion. I prioritize setting boundaries and learning to say “no” to tasks that don’t align with my goals or values. I also believe in the power of rituals—small, meaningful actions that ground me, like morning reflections or weekly planning sessions.
Another key is to embrace the concept of seasons in life. There are seasons for intense work and seasons for rest or family focus. Allowing myself to be present in each season, without guilt, has made all the difference.
5. You've impacted over 5,000 students and trained 100+ leaders across six countries. What common challenges have you seen women face in their professional journeys, and how does your coaching help them overcome these?
One of the most common challenges I’ve seen is the struggle with visibility—women often do the work but shy away from seeking recognition for it. Additionally, they face systemic biases and a lack of clear pathways to leadership. My coaching focuses on helping women build the confidence to advocate for themselves, find clarity in their goals, and strategically position themselves in their industries.
I work to provide actionable frameworks for overcoming these barriers and connect them with a community that can help them rise.
6. For female entrepreneurs and expats trying to establish themselves in new markets, what role does building a strong community play in their success, and how can they start crafting one?
For female entrepreneurs and expats, community is everything but also knowledge and the confidence to move forward regardless of external barriers. To build a strong community, start by identifying your core values and mission, and connect with people who resonate with that. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn, local meetups, or online groups to find like-minded individuals. The secret, and I think most people get it wrong, is to show up from a position of giving rather than taking. Asking How can I help? is your compass, but also, be strategic and levarage relationships to achieve your goals.
7. As someone with international experience, what advice would you give to female digital nomads seeking to grow professionally while navigating different cultures and industries?
My biggest advice is to embrace adaptability and approach each culture with a learning mindset. Be curious and open to different ways of thinking, working, and leading. At the same time, stay grounded in your core values—they are your compass as you navigate new and unfamiliar terrains.Don’t forget who you are and where you came from!
It’s also essential to build a portable community—mentors, collaborators, and allies who support your growth wherever you are in the world. Lastly, invest in skills that transcend borders, like digital literacy, cross-cultural communication, and emotional intelligence.
8. Breaking career barriers often requires courage and innovation. Can you share a moment in your own career where you had to step out of your comfort zone to advance?
One pivotal moment was when I faced the decision to leave a stable role to launch my own platform, Represented. It was daunting to step away from the safety net of a traditional career, but I knew I had to follow my calling to create spaces for Latinx, Black, Brown and Asian professionals to thrive. It took a lot of courage to take that leap, but every milestone since then has affirmed that innovation happens at the edge of comfort.
9. What role do you believe universities and global institutions should play in helping women, especially those from the global majority, build sustainable and inclusive careers?
Universities and global institutions have the responsibility to cultivate inclusive learning environments and create direct pathways to leadership opportunities. This means rethinking curricula to include diverse perspectives, offering mentorship and sponsorship programs, and prioritizing inclusive leadership training for staff.
I think it is a pivotal moment for universities as Generation Z is the entrepreneurial generation that is breaking with traditional molds. I teach a course on professional development skills in a Business School and we often talk about how having a degree is no longer enough. Sure, having a degree is a great asset and it still pays off in terms of higher income, but this generation wants more and is willing to take the risk to launch their business much more than my millennial peers or Gen X. So this is a great opportunity for universities and global institutions to nurture and develop entrepreneurs.
10. For women looking to lead transformative change in their industries, what first steps should they take to develop a mindset of success and initiate collective action for inclusivity?
The first step is to develop a clear sense of purpose. Ask yourself, “What change do I want to create, and why does it matter?” Once you’re clear on that, focus on building a growth mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for learning. Finally, surround yourself with a community of change makers who share your vision and are willing to collaborate on collective action.
Transformative change starts with one person, but it flourishes with a community. Stay committed to your mission, stay open to growth, and never underestimate the impact of your voice.
Connect with Dr Monica Chavez:
Links: www.represented.site
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