At the Intersection of Humility and Courage: Standing Together in Purpose and Power
Over the last several months, I have found myself pulled to learn more about the story of my Mexican family’s immigration to America. Armed with my grandmother’s birth certificate and my great grandparent’s wedding photo from the late 1800s, I embarked on a journey of discovery to bring Eduviges Ayón Landa and Pedro Landa’s story to light.
One late-night search brought me a precious piece of information: a ship’s manifest listing my family on their way to Los Angeles to join Pedro Landa. On April 28, 1912, my great-grandmother, Eduviges, sailed on the Benito Juárez from Ensenada to Los Angeles with seven of her children. Maria, my grandmother, was just 15 at the time, and Pedro, the youngest, was only 4.
I imagine Eduviges—a proud, somewhat stern woman—leading her family to a new country. I picture my grandmother Maria, soon to be “Mary” in the United States, scanning the horizon for the promised land, giggling with her sister Teresa, just 12 at the time. I see a matriarch filled with courage and resolve that served as the backbone of the family. To this day, I place her image on my Día de los Muertos altar each year, inspired by her strength.
Stories of Courage and Resolve
Most Latinos have a story that traverses the border. These stories of courage and resolve knit us together, shaping the cultural context of our relationship with this country and with each other.
Previously, I’ve written that true humility requires deep self-awareness and confidence. From that clarity, we find courage—the ability to face fear with resolve and purpose. Our ancestors modeled this balance of humility and courage, and today’s Latino leaders continue to carry it forward.
Humility + Courage: A Leadership Legacy
In Latino communities, humility (humildad) is not about shrinking or self-diminishing. It is about grounding ourselves in service, community, and respect. Courage (valor) is not about fearlessness, but about stepping forward despite fear—rooted in purpose and guided by conviction.
Scholars and leaders remind us that humility and courage are deeply connected:
Juana Bordas describes Latino leadership as “strength through humility that fuels the courage to lead change.”
The Latino Leadership Institute reminds us that courageous leadership means “leading with purpose, not ego; building for generations, not headlines.”
Dolores Huerta modeled humility and courage when she stood before farmworkers, acknowledging their suffering while declaring, “Sí, se puede.” It took vulnerability to name injustice so openly, but also great courage to galvanize others into action.
And César Chávez embodied humble leadership rooted in service. He lived simply, often fasting to draw attention to the plight of farmworkers, and once said: “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community.” His humility and courage were inseparable, guiding him to lift others while risking everything for justice.
José Andrés, chef and humanitarian, offers a modern example. Through World Central Kitchen, he has shown humility by meeting communities in disaster zones with the simple, human act of a hot meal. His courage lies in showing up where others hesitate—in war zones, after earthquakes, and amid hurricanes—always guided by the belief that dignity begins with nourishment.
Humility grounds us. Courage propels us. Together, they form the backbone of Latino leadership and resilience.
Standing Together in Purpose and Power
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us honor the intersection of humility and courage in our families, our communities, and our leaders. Our ancestors carried both qualities across borders and into new lives. Today, we carry them forward as we face the challenges of leadership, community, and belonging.
Humility reminds us to serve and respect. Courage calls us to act with resolve and purpose. Together, they empower us to stand—not alone, but side by side—with the strength to transform communities and build a better future for all.
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About Anna & Executive Horizons
Anna Alvarez Boyd, is the founder of Executive Horizons LLC, a consulting and leadership coaching business. Anna brings over 30 years of experience as a trusted senior leader to her clients. Her coaching starts with the belief that every individual is talented, creative, and whole. She supports clients to deeper self-discovery, through a unique, tailored approach for each person that includes skill building, reflective practices and leadership development.
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