Celebrating Women’s History Month with Director of Latino Community Outreach Gina Ponce
Gina Ponce
Story by Xitlally Velasco
Lozafina is celebrating Women’s History Month by sharing the stories of empowerment from women in our community. We’re kicking off our series with Director of Latino Community Outreach at El Camino Latino Center, Gina Ponce.
Ponce, born in New York, has a Puerto Rican background and has been in Omaha for more than 30 years serving the Latino community. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Human Resources and a Master of Arts in Communication from Bellevue University.
With an impressive list of experiences including serving as President of Women on a Mission for Change, Ponce has received the Ethical Leadership Award, Women of Color Leadership Award, Latina of the Year, and more.
Ponce took a moment to reflect on her journey and share her nuggets of wisdom.
“Empowering others has been a mission I have followed throughout my life. I have never felt threatened about teaching others,” said Ponce. “My knowledge is your knowledge if it will help you to grow and become the person you thrive to be. I feel empowered when I watch others grow into the roles they are meant to be.”
Success is built on overcoming challenges, and life often surprises us with unexpected moments along the way. Ponce prefers to view these hurdles like a glass that's half full.
“I've overcome many challenges, but they were never challenges to me; they were opportunities to grow and become the woman I am today,” she said. “To take what I have been given as gifts of life and share them with others to help them reach the empowerment level they want. That, to me, is enough of an acknowledgment.”
Empowerment means something different for everyone. For some, it may mean being in control; for others, it may be sharing pieces of wisdom.
“Empowerment means having the power and desire to allow others to come into your life and bringing them to a level they have never experienced,” said Ponce. “It’s watching someone grow just because you were there to provide them with the tools to do so without any hesitation.”
Ponce’s journey reminds us that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and empower others. As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, may her words encourage us all to embrace our unique paths and support one another along the way.
Your journey matters. Your voice deserves to be heard. Let’s build a movement of empowered women — one story at a time.
