Episode 14 - Unafraid to Speak Truth with Christy Martinez Garcia

I have the great fortune and blessing of getting to meet and work with some really remarkable women.  These people are brave, bold, smart, compassionate, empathetic fueled by their passion to do their part to improve and grow their communities into all they are capable of being. Christy Martinez Garcia is the perfect example of this, and it was such a privilege to get to sit down with her and participate in this real, authentic rich conversation.

Christy is known as a leader in the Hispanic Community, but sees herself as a leader in the whole community, a community she hopes to see become one inclusive, collaborative community and has a heart and passion to be part of that journey. 

She is not afraid to speak truth in spaces that don’t want to be made to feel uncomfortable, but understands the importance of doing so with respect without compromising the message. 

She gives much of the credit to her being on this journey to those who have mentored her and created spaces at the table for her to be heard, and how important it is to model for our children and younger generations, and not just give lip service. 

We talk about the importance of women not apologizing for their knowledge, insight, and value, and not giving resources away freely while others are being compensated for, and sometimes stealing others, similar contributions. We talk about the challenge of balancing family and career aspirations as we strive to be the change we want to see in the world.

We talk about women needing to bring others along with them, and inviting them to the tables they have been included at instead of being possessive of that space and not being willing to share it. 

We talk about how collaboration moves the needle so much farther than competition or being threatened by others' success ever will, how there’s so much power in one journey shared by many with a common goal.

We talk about how diversity is so much more than different ethnicities, but also different faiths, ages, sexual and gender identities, and belief systems; how diversity is not just having one token woman, black woman, brown woman, gay man, at your table to meet a quota.

We talk about the importance of supportive relationships and people in your life that are with you and for you every step of the way.

We talk about the importance of boundaries, choosing your battles and where you will expend your energy and not expend your energy, and knowing when it’s time to pass the baton and step away.

Maybe most importantly, we talk about the importance of getting away from the noise and quieting the voices, including our own, so we can clear and rest our mind and soul, to give space to rest and refill so we have the energy and clarity to keep doing the things we are passionate about. Christy has found that space in nature, in the early morning hours in her backyard and garden, and how that time fills her up and fuels her for the day.  

Christy talks about how all she does and all that drives her comes first and foremost from her faith, and how this outdoor space in her backyard oasis allows her to tap into that daily.

This is such an important conversation for our time so I passionately hope you’ll take the time to listen this week to my conversation with Christy Martinez Garcia.