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When I left my home town in South America for the U.S., I carried a few belongings but a multitude of restrictions—challenges that many immigrants know all too well. Here, the freedom I sought was often constrained by cultural barriers and strict immigration laws. Yet, amidst the countless constraints, I found a lifeline in local POC communities, which offered not just support, but a profound sense of belonging and empowerment.
Fast forward to a few months ago when I moved to Ithaca. Slowly but surely, connections within the POC community steered me toward a decade-long monthly networking event designed to forge and nurture community ties – First Fridays. Northstar House not only provided an ideal space for these gatherings but also thrived as a central hub, drawing in a diverse crowd that appreciated its commitment to fostering community connections.
I had attended a First Friday only once, and had already witnessed people supporting each other with advice and invaluable contacts. Immediately I knew I wanted to be involved. We organized a free headshot session for attendees and after some sweet conversations, here we are with a bunch of gorgeous photos showcasing beautiful people.
I like to challenge these norms with my work. Setting new standards for what professional looks like. More than visibility—it's about taking control of how we are perceived in all spaces and asserting that our cultural expressions are inherently valuable and utterly professional.
The initiative of providing professional headshots, business advice and consultations for our community is deeply personal to me. As someone who has navigated the complexities of being an immigrant and a person of color in various parts of the U.S., I understand the significance of representation. It's empowering to see ourselves as we truly are—confident, professional, and proud. Each headshot in this article is a declaration: We are here, and we define what professionalism looks like.
In today's society, minorities often face significant challenges, frequently exacerbated by limited resources. The support of our communities is crucial, providing a foundation of strength and solidarity. Historically, people of color have faced systemic barriers that isolate and minimize our cultural expressions—consider how afro hairstyles and latin aesthetics have been deemed inappropriate in many professional settings. These biases aren't just relics of the past; they continue to affect us today.
By coming together, we do more than just share advice and resources; we build a reservoir of collective strength that helps us confront and overcome these barriers. Events like First Fridays in Ithaca are crucibles where this power is forged. Here, we not only network but reaffirm our identity and worth against a backdrop of cultural biases that too often seek to diminish it.
Through this project, and countless others like it, we continue to break down the walls that have historically segregated us from the mainstream narrative. Our collective efforts in events like these are vital steps towards a more inclusive and equitable future, where the next generation of POC professionals can see themselves represented and know that they, too, belong.
This isn’t just my story. It’s ours, and as we continue to write it, I invite you to reflect on how you can contribute to fostering inclusivity and representation in your own communities. What will your role be in this ongoing narrative of empowerment?
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