F5 Latinx: Bringing One’s Authentic Self to Work

Unfortunately, Neri’s experience isn’t common. According to a report from the Center for Talent Innovation, Latinx professionals advance faster if they suppress their identity, with 76% of Latinos expending energy to suppress parts of their personas to fit in at work. The study found that those who downplay their identity are three times more likely to be promoted. 

What’s more, discrimination and micro-aggressions are widespread. Nearly a quarter of Latinx professionals across the U.S. do not feel their manager vocally supports their ideas in meetings, according to a Coqual report. And 21% say their colleagues regularly make negative comments about immigration or immigrants. “As diversity and inclusion has made its way into the political spectrum, immigrants are discussed in a very disrespectful way, which further discourages people from talking about their identity,” Neri says. 

Started in 2019, the F5 Latinx EIG is focused on creating a safe place for Latinx employees to share their experiences and discuss difficult topics. The EIG is made up of 230 F5 employees from around the globe who come together for monthly virtual discussions. The meetings are informal without an agenda. The idea is to create the opportunity for people to get to know each other and openly discuss whatever’s on their mind.

“When I realized a part of me was missing coming to work, it was an awakening,” says Neri. “I realized I needed to make my voice heard. And I wanted to create a forum where everyone else could voice their opinion and take pride in their background.”

Obed Francisco Colin, who co-chairs F5 Latinx with Neri, says he’s sometimes felt dismissed because of his accent. “Some people tend to be a bit more distant when they see you’re not a native speaker of English, and they don’t seem to really pay attention to what you’re saying because of your accent,” he says. “Luckily, I’ve never felt that at F5.”

A Senior Customer Success Manager, Colin joined the Latinx EIG because he wanted to better understand how other Latinx professionals navigate their careers and provide them with the skills and resources to help them thrive.  

In addition to monthly meetings, F5 Latinx offers events throughout the year, many of them centered around Hispanic Heritage Month. This year, the EIG is working with the nonprofit HITEC to offer a webinar about engineering a thoughtful career path and with Coqual to discuss workplace sponsorship. It is bringing in a modern health provider to discuss mental well-being and personal growth.  And it is hosting in-person celebrations in F5’s Seattle and Guadalajara offices. 

Participants say F5’s Latinx EIG has created a sense of belonging, while increasing their confidence to show up as their authentic selves.

Stephanie Otero, a Business Analyst at F5, says she’s often felt like an outsider in a predominately white, male tech industry. At times this has led to imposter syndrome, in which she’s doubted her skills and achievements and questioned whether she belongs.

Joining the Latinx EIG has helped to counteract these feelings. “On a personal level, being part of the Latinx EIG has given me a sense of community and support—a place to connect with others who share similar experiences and cultural backgrounds,” she says. “Professionally, the EIG has provided a range of career development workshops that have enriched my skills and knowledge. It's a network that fosters growth, encourages mentorship, and inspires me to advance in my career.”