Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Department
Leadership and Innovation
First Advisor
Martin Martinez, Ed.D.
First Committee Member
Anne Zeman, Ed.D.
Second Committee Member
Mika Domingo, Esq.
Abstract
This dissertation explored the lived experiences of Latina leaders as they navigated how cultural expectations influenced work–life balance in the post-pandemic era. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped workplace dynamics, blurring boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal life. For Latinas, these challenges were compounded by cultural expectations that shaped their roles both at home and in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to understand how Latina leaders managed the dual pressures of balancing career demands with cultural and familial obligations. Using Testimonio as the methodological framework, this study captured the voices and narratives of Latina leaders across industries, offering an authentic understanding of their experiences. Testimonio provided a platform for personal stories, creating rich, qualitative insight into the intersection of culture, leadership, and work–life balance.
The research addressed three critical questions: How did Latina leaders perceive and manage work–life balance? What cultural factors influenced their leadership? How did the post-pandemic landscape alter these dynamics? Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this dissertation highlighted the strategies Latina leaders employed to navigate these pressures, contributing to broader conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The findings may inform organizational practices that support Latina leaders’ well-being and advancement while fostering inclusive, culturally responsive workplaces.
Pages
142
Recommended Citation
Excinia, Teresa (2026). Empowering Equity: Latinas in Leadership – Navigating Work-Life Balance in the Post-Pandemic Era. University of the Pacific, Dissertation. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/4335
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Included in
Chicana/o Studies Commons, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commons, Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Feminist Philosophy Commons, Latina/o Studies Commons, Leadership Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Women's Studies Commons
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