Salary Negotiation Demands a Holistic Approach, Especially for Latinas in Tech
If you’re a professional Latina and you've ever Googled "how to negotiate salary," you know that most of the advice out there is generic,made for people who don’t look like us, think like us, or navigate the world like we do.
"Just ask for more."
"Know your worth."
"Come prepared with data."
Sis, if it were that easy, we’d all be out here making bank already.
This blog is for the Latina who’s tired of shrinking, tired of playing nice, and ready to negotiate for what she’s worth.
Most Salary Advice Wasn’t Made for Us
As a Latina in the business of helping Latinas specifically, let me be the first to tell you …
Effective salary negotiation is a whole ass process of unlearning and unconditioning, and relearning, unconditioning,not just a one-time chat.
It’s about mindset.
It’s about how you show up.
It’s about how you self-advocate without apologizing for existing.
And yes, it’s about how you handle the fact that bias, patriarchy, and white supremacy are all sitting at that negotiation table with you.
I’m going to tell you what NO ONE is telling you,and what you need to know:
Data Alone Won’t Get You Paid, Confidence Will
Sure, you should know the numbers,but let me tell you, data doesn’t close the deal if your voice shakes when you say your number. If you don’t believe you're worth it, neither will they.
Most negotiation coaches skip the part where we,Latinas,are taught to be "grateful" for whatever scraps we’re given. So yes, I’m going to teach you how to ask for that extra $20K, but I’m also going to help you unpack why your stomach is in knots when you do it.
You are not asking for a favor,you are demanding equity.
The “Just Ask” Strategy Ignores Our Culture
You know what I’m talking about,the "calladita te ves más bonita" conditioning runs DEEP.
We were raised to be humble, not cause trouble, and say thank you even when we’re undervalued. So when internet gurus Susan and Chad are telling you to "be assertive," it’s like, bruh, I’m already fighting centuries of colonial nonsense, thanks.
That’s why I teach strategies that honor our culture but still help you own and operate from a position of power. You don’t have to be aggressive to be firm. You can be you,and still win.
You can say "I'm excited to join, but compensation is a priority for me",and still be powerful.
Systemic Bias is Always in the Room, Negotiate Like You Know It
Latinas face DOUBLE the bias,gender and race. So when you ask for what you deserve, there’s a high chance someone will label you "difficult" or "ungrateful" or dare I say … “undeserving.”
And that’s why you need a strategy,not just courage.
I work with clients on how to respond when pushback comes,because it will,and how to negotiate without triggering every bias in the book (but still get that bag).
Every time you negotiate and self advocate, you’re breaking cycles for your family, your community, and the next Latina who walks into that room.
It’s Not Just Mental, Your Body Has to Be Ready to Advocate Too
Let’s get somatic for a sec,because when we negotiate, our bodies are in fight, flight, or freeze mode.
You can’t talk about "knowing your worth" if your throat is closing up during the conversation.
I coach my clients through nervous system regulation,breathwork, grounding, and prepping for high-pressure talks so that when they say "I’m looking for $150K," they say it calm, clear, and strong.
Because you can’t advocate for your worth if your body is stuck in survival mode.
Repeat after me: I deserve to be fairly paid,and I can say it without shrinking.
Salary Negotiation Isn’t One Moment , It’s a Career Strategy
If you think negotiation is a one-and-done, you’re missing the point.
This is about setting the tone for your entire career,from salary to promotions to leadership roles.
Your first negotiation impacts every future raise and title. And as a Latina, you’re building generational wealth,not just trying to afford rent.
So yes, we’re playing chess, not checkers.
Stop taking generic advice made for people who don't move through the world like you do.
✨ You need strategy.
✨ You need mindset work.
✨ You need cultural support.
✨ You need body readiness.
✨ You need a coach who gets it.
Because when you win, we all win. And I’m here for that.
FAQs: Holistic Salary Negotiation for Latinas
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A combination of strategy and self-trust. You need the market data and scripts but you also need the mindset to believe you’re worth it and the cultural awareness to navigate bias.
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Ground yourself. Breathe. Practice saying your number out loud. Have someone walk you through pushback scenarios so your body knows how to stay calm under pressure.
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Ask for clarity. Then trade up.
“Can you walk me through how that number was determined?”
Then negotiate other benefits — equity, PTO, title, bonuses, and growth opportunities.
You’re Not Asking For A Favor, You’re Building A Legacy.
And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Let’s build your holistic salary strategy, from mindset to numbers, from breathwork to receipts.