Read to Thrive: ‘My Beloved World’

This is part of a series offering top insights from interesting reads to help you up-level in work and life.

It was a bit disheartening to find myself challenged to find a more recent book in the realm of leadership that was written by a Hispanic American in honor of the start of Hispanic American Heritage Month.

I looked long and hard reaching out to thousands of women in leadership and ultimately landed on a book I read a decade ago—one I personally love.  I fondly remember dreaming alongside my cousin when we were in pursuit of our careers.  She aspired to follow in Sotomayor’s footsteps, and to some extent so did I.  My cousin went off to become an exceptionally successful attorney in the male-dominated and brutal insurance industry. Here I am, multiplying what I’ve learned in 25 years of tech leadership so that others can accelerate their own dreams. 

Sotomayor remains the first and only Latina Supreme Court Justice in the United States. Her memoir, “A Beloved World,” is a journey through her remarkable life, from her childhood in the Bronx, to her ascent to one of the highest judicial positions in the country. Sotomayor was a major role model for girls like me and part of the reason why I originally thought I would become an attorney.  

Sotomayor's narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Growing up in a Puerto Rican family in a disadvantaged neighborhood, she faced numerous challenges and obstacles. However, she refused to let her circumstances define her future. Instead, she pursued education relentlessly, ultimately graduating from Princeton University and Yale Law School.

Throughout the book, Sotomayor shares her experiences of navigating a male-dominated world, including the legal profession. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women in tech who encounter similar challenges in their careers. She demonstrates that—despite the odds—resilience, hard work, and an unshakable belief in oneself can lead to groundbreaking achievements.

KEY THEMES

• Resilience and Determination: Sotomayor's life story underscores the theme of resilience. Growing up in challenging circumstances, she faced economic hardships and health issues. However, her determination to overcome adversity, excel academically, and pursue her dreams remained unwavering. This theme resonates with women in tech, reminding them that resilience can lead to success in a male-dominated industry.

• Breaking Barriers: Sotomayor's journey from the Bronx to becoming the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in the U.S. exemplifies the theme of breaking barriers. Her achievements shattered stereotypes and glass ceilings, inspiring women in tech to challenge preconceived notions and strive for leadership roles in technology.

• Educational Empowerment: Education plays a central role in Sotomayor's life and her narrative. The importance of education as a tool for empowerment and transformation is a recurring theme. This emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and skill development for women in tech who aspire to advance in their careers.

QUOTES THAT INSPIRED

• "In every position that I have been in, there have always been naysayers who don't believe I'm qualified or who don’t believe I can do the work. And I feel a special responsibility to prove them wrong."

• "You can't do it unless you believe you can."

HOW TO APPLY TO LIFE, WORK & SELF

• Belief in Self: Sotomayor's quote, "You can't do it unless you believe you can," underscores the importance of self-belief. Women in tech should cultivate self-confidence, acknowledge their capabilities, and trust in their ability to excel in a male-dominated industry.

• Resilience as a Strength: Sotomayor's resilience in the face of adversity serves as a powerful example. Women in tech should view challenges as opportunities for growth and understand that resilience is a valuable asset in their professional journey.

Sonia Sotomayor's memoir, "My Beloved World," imparts these themes and takeaways, offering inspiration and guidance to women in tech pursuing their aspirations in a competitive and male-dominated field.