Thriving In Intersectionality: A Conversation with Irene Valdés Wochinger

In this enlightening episode, Lola Adeyemo sits down with Irene Valdés Wochinger, Chief of Staff at the Gates Foundation's Communications Division. From her multicultural upbringing in Puerto Rico to her pivotal Fulbright research in Mexico and current leadership role, Valdés Wochinger shares how her diverse background has shaped her approach to social impact work and professional growth. Her journey from academia to international development offers valuable insights for professionals navigating multiple cultural identities in the workplace.

In this episode, listeners will learn:

• How to leverage multicultural experiences as strengths in professional settings, including turning cultural communication differences into opportunities for growth and understanding.
• The importance of aligning career choices with personal values and vision, focusing on impact rather than just titles or promotions.
• Why seeking mentors who can also serve as sponsors is crucial for career advancement, especially for professionals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strategies for maintaining cultural identity while adapting to new professional environments, including practical tips for workplace navigation.
• The significance of workplace culture fit and values alignment when making career decisions, particularly for immigrants and professionals with intersectional identities.

Thriving Through Intersectionality: A Conversation with Irene Valdés Wochinger

In this compelling episode of the Thriving in Intersectionality podcast, host Lola Adeyemo welcomes Irene Valdés Wochinger, a seasoned professional currently serving as Chief of Staff to the Communication Division's C-suite leader and executive team at the Gates Foundation. With a rich background spanning international development, education, and healthcare, Valdés Wochinger brings valuable insights from her diverse career journey. Her current role involves supporting the division's culture, strategic implementation, learning and impact, and overall governance effectiveness, while promoting communications-related collaborations across the foundation.

From Academic Pursuits to Social Impact

Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to parents of African and European descent, Valdés Wochinger's journey began in a multicultural household that shaped her worldview. Her career in international development was launched through a Fulbright Research Scholarship in Southern Mexico, where she worked with local governments, nonprofits, and healthcare institutions to address social inequities affecting Indigenous women's access to education and healthcare. This experience sparked a realization that her true calling lay beyond academic research – in translating research into actionable policies and direct community impact. Her subsequent path led her through various roles at organizations including Teach for America, Common Hope Foundation, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, before joining the Gates Foundation in 2022.

Navigating Cultural Complexities

Valdés Wochinger's story illuminates the nuanced experience of moving between cultures. From experiencing her first snow in Upstate New York to navigating workplace communication styles different from her Puerto Rican upbringing, she shares how these challenges became opportunities for growth. Her experience raising a son who identifies English as his first language, despite Spanish being the household language, offers a touching glimpse into the evolving nature of cultural identity across generations.

Career Advice for Diverse Professionals

Drawing from her rich experience, Valdés Wochinger emphasizes the importance of clear vision and strategic planning in career development. She advises professionals to focus on value creation rather than just titles, and to ensure alignment between personal values and workplace culture. Perhaps most importantly, she stresses the critical role of mentors who can also serve as sponsors, highlighting how collective support can propel career growth.

Heritage Through Food

The conversation concludes with a warm discussion about food and cultural connection, where Valdés Wochinger shares her love for arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), a traditional Puerto Rican dish that connects her to her roots and family traditions, emphasizing how cultural heritage continues to enrich her life and work. We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback.

Rate and review the episode on your favorite podcast platform or connect on Linkedin.

Connect with Lola Adeyemo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolaaadeyemopm/

Connect with Irene Valdés Wochinger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenevaldes/

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