Hola, My name is Ana Lucia Fonseca, and in this piece, I open my heart to tell who I am and what drives me.

Introducing myself through this narrative, I aim to unfold the layers of my identity, beliefs, and passions that drive me. My journey is not just a tale of academic and career milestones; it's a deeply personal mission rooted in the experiences that shaped me from my early days in Mexico amidst the adversities of the Narco wars to my role as an advocate for equity and inclusion. Joining ARCS was a pivotal step in this journey, aligning with my commitment to fostering environments where diversity is recognized, celebrated, and part of the solution to our world's current challenges. As an equity and inclusion professional, my work is more than a job; it is a calling to dismantle systemic barriers and create spaces where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive. This piece is an invitation to understand the why behind what I do and why I've dedicated my life to this cause.

Unleashing Genius: A Journey Beyond Barriers

In the heart of Mexico, my story begins. Not merely a narrative of personal achievement but a beacon for those striving to transcend their circumstances. My journey – from a child in a beautiful town ruled by patriarchy and beauty to an advocate for equity and inclusion – is a testament to the indomitable spirit that seeks not just to dream but to actualize those dreams against all odds. I left my hometown when I was 18; I was the first in my family to attend college, and my father did not talk to me for a year because it was a dishonor to have a daughter leave the house for reasons other than marriage, on top of that, I decided to study social psychology, an election that was less than popular. I learned that sometimes disappointing the people you love is unavoidable; however, disappointing my heart was unbearable. This decision at 18 shaped who I am and the rest of my life. I will be forever grateful to my 18-year-old self.

Worlds with Purpose

My path has been one of convergence – where social psychology meets forest engineering, where the love for our planet intertwines with the quest for human understanding. This unique blend has allowed me to explore the delicate balance between people and nature, highlighting the importance of sustainable development and the well-being of communities. My first real job after college was at the Mexican Forestry Commission and the International Fund of Agriculture Development, implementing rural development programs for indigenous communities. These experiences reinforced my belief in the power of culturally relevant programming and community empowerment. A discovery that changed the trajectory of my life once again. While working on this project, I met my former M.S. Advisors in Forest Engineering, who brought me to OSU to study Forest Engineering.  While in my M.S., I focused my studies on understanding how women innovate to overcome extreme poverty through their relationship with their natural surroundings. In a way, I was seeking that spark that transforms adversity into magic. That opens the path for economic equity which means equity in many other areas.

Empowering Voices through Education

The drive towards economic equity for women continued through my career in Extension and, underpinned by intersectional feminism and critical race theories, shaped my Ph.D. journey. In the academic meld of theory and lived experiences, it was here that the complex dynamics of oppression and empowerment became clear. My research illuminated the financial empowerment of Latinas, showcasing it as a beacon of agency, dignity, and societal contribution beyond mere economic gain. My research also sheds light on the various ways of knowing that women use to find their path. These ways of knowing include intuitive, spiritual, and relational knowledge.

Advocacy in Action

At the core of my mission is advocacy for women's economic equity. Through research and advocacy, I aim to dismantle the systemic barriers to financial independence and empowerment for women. By amplifying the voices and stories of Latina entrepreneurs, I strive to showcase the resilience and innovation born out of adversity.

A Call to Collective Action

This story is more than a personal narrative; it's an invitation to understand the power of breaking barriers. It's about how my journey resonates with the broader struggle for equity and inclusion, mirroring the potential within all undervalued communities. Together, we can create a world where diversity is recognized and celebrated as a source of strength and innovation. Let this be a call to action, to unleash the genius that lies in breaking barriers for oneself and the world.