How to Ask for a Raise as a Latina in Tech: Even When the Country’s a Mess
Navigating instability and polarization isn't new for us Latinas - especially for Latinas in tech who face compounded challenges. It's no secret that tech is a predominantly white, male-dominated industry, a fact that amplifies feelings and realities of being perpetually marginalized and excluded that fuel apprehension during pay and promotion conversations. Add political turmoil to the mix, especially with leadership that overtly and unashamedly uses their platform and influence to promote inequity, inequality, division, racism, and classism, to name a few - and the stakes get even higher.
However, if history has taught us anything, it's that cycles of resistance and resilience are part of our DNA. Living in fear diminishes our power and ancestral strength. Our communities have always found ways to rise, organize, and thrive, even in the most challenging times. You are not alone, and your voice matters. There are ways to reclaim your power and advocate for yourself, even in this environment.
Here are 7 things to keep in mind when thinking about salary increases and promotions during unstable times.
1. Understand the Workplace and the Political Climate
When navigating salary conversations, it’s essential to understand the structural inequities that shape your experiences. The tech industry’s history of exclusion is rooted in systemic racism and sexism, often manifesting as unconscious bias during hiring and promotions.
As a Latina and a woman in tech, you may face compounded barriers due to multiple intersecting identities, making it critical to recognize these challenges without internalizing them as personal shortcomings. Adding to these difficulties, the current political climate has exacerbated racial divides and emboldened discriminatory practices across industries, further complicating the professional landscape and amplifying the need for intentional advocacy and self-empowerment.
2. Ground Yourself in The Data
Preparation is your most powerful tool, and grounding yourself in data is key to a successful negotiation. Start by researching the salary range for your role on platforms like Blind and PayScale, factoring in your skills, experience, and the unique value you bring to your organization. Keep a running list of your accomplishments, especially those that highlight how you’ve made a measurable impact on the company’s bottom line. Whenever possible, tie your achievements to metrics, whether it’s increasing productivity, saving costs, or leading a successful project. Numbers speak louder than words and will help you present a compelling, data-driven case for your worth.
3. Build a Support Network That Has Your Back
In a culture where self-doubt can easily take hold, building an alliance network is essential. Connecting with other Latinas in tech who have navigated similar challenges can offer invaluable strength and solidarity through shared experiences. Beyond finding mentors, seek out sponsors, leaders who will not only guide you but also advocate for you in rooms where key decisions are made. A sponsor recognizes your potential and is willing to champion your growth, helping open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
4. Prepare for the Salary Raise Conversation
Approaching salary or promotion discussions requires strategic planning and preparation.
Start by rehearsing your pitch with a trusted mentor or friend who can offer feedback on your delivery and help refine your message for clarity and impact.
Anticipate potential pushback with common responses such as,
“Now is not the right time” or
“We don’t have the budget,”
and prepare counterpoints that emphasize your contributions and the market data you’ve gathered. Most importantly, stay grounded, keeping your emotions in check will help you remain calm and collected, which ultimately boosts your credibility and reinforces your confidence in the conversation.
5. Decolonize the Narrative
Challenge the internalized biases that suggest you should simply be grateful to have a seat at the table. Instead, embrace your right to be there and advocate for yourself unapologetically. Your presence and success are personal victories and acts of resistance that pave the way for future generations of Latinas. You have every right to ask for what you deserve and to boldly challenge the status quo.
6. Leverage Community Resources
Leverage community resources by connecting with networks like the Latina Advisory Lab where you can find mentorship, guidance, and a supportive space to navigate the challenges of being an ambitious Latina. Joining and actively engaging in community offers practical advice and emotional support, empowering you to grow, advocate for yourself, and thrive alongside others who share similar experiences.
7. Recognize the Broader Fight
Recognize that your decision to negotiate for what you deserve, regardless of the climate, is a revolution. it’s part of the larger fight to dismantle systems that perpetuate inequity and inequality. Every time you advocate for yourself, you’re also advocating for the broader Latina community by disrupting systems created to keep you down.
FAQs: How to Ask for a Raise as a Latina in Tech
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Ask what non-cash benefits are on the table, extra PTO, title change, leadership training, or a future raise commitment. Then start planning your exit strategy quietly.
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Coaching provides scripts, confidence, prep for pushback, and community support, especially for first-gen Latinas who’ve been taught to play small.
Ask Anyway. You Deserve More, Even Now.
Your needs don’t pause because the economy is shaky.
Your work doesn’t stop producing results just because your leadership is silent.
And your worth doesn’t disappear just because the headlines are scary.
Ask. Anyway.
Ask for the raise. Ask for the support. Ask for the respect.
And if they won’t give it? You’ll already have a plan to find someone who will.