Eastern’s Women’s Center, Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), and Office of Career Services hosted "Latina Excellence,” an event celebrating the stories of two Latina professionals from Liberty Bank, on March 27 at the Betty Tipton Room. 

The event featured Fanita Borges and Marisol Rodriguez, who have carved paths of leadership, resilience, and identity in their fields. The conversation invited students to explore Latinidad (the cultural and social identity of Latin Americans), entrepreneurship, professional careers, and perseverance. 

Borges, a banking professional, shared early memories of how her absence of an accent led coworkers to mistake her as Italian or Greek, never Puerto Rican. “It taught me that people carry preconceived notions — not out of malice, but out of unfamiliarity,” Borges said. “We don’t all have to fit one image of what Latinidad looks like.” 

Rodriguez, Liberty Bank’s diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, emphasized how cultural identity is a strength rather than a barrier in professional settings.

“Your background gives you a lens that organizations can’t buy,” Rodriguez told students. “Whether it’s cultural fluency or community knowledge, your experiences make you an asset.” 

The conversation also explored how to build confidence, especially for those who feel hesitant. “I’m actually very shy,” admitted Rodriguez.  

“But I pushed myself, I volunteered and joined events. Volunteerism is one of the best networking tools — it builds your skills, and it gives us an opportunity to give back.” 

Rodriguez offered advice and shared an anecdote where one of her projects didn’t go as expected due to her silence. “I knew it wasn’t going well, but I didn’t speak up. I learned then: if it’s not going right, say something. Call it out yourself before someone else does and always offer a solution.” 

Borges explained that courage means showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable. Recalling a time she was asked to present before Liberty Bank’s Board of Directors, she said, “I thought my leg would detach from my body; I thought I was going to pass out. But I stood there and did it — and now I’ve done it three times.” 

Throughout the event, the speakers emphasized one critical truth: women often underestimate themselves. 

“Men will apply for a job even if they meet only a few of the qualifications,” Borges said. “Women often talk themselves out of applying unless they meet every single requirement. Don’t be afraid, because you’ll still have opportunities to learn the remaining skills on the job. You won’t know unless you try.”