Women in aquaculture and fisheries currently account for only 14% of the 59.5 million people engaged in the industry (FAO 2018). During the last decade, women and the diverse groups of minorities have become increasingly represented. However, both groups continue to face professional and personal challenges related to socialization, gender roles, stereotypes, and work-life balances within the industry. Furthermore, data is limited regarding women’s roles in aquaculture restraining the reality and real position of women various segments of the industry.
This presentation will represent the status of Latin American women in aquaculture and the journey that has led me to begin career as the new Aquaculture Professor who will assist with the development of an Aquaculture Program at a community college in Northern California. Both my parents came to the United States from Mexico with nothing but ambition for pursuing higher education. My father comes from a line of ranchers and worked hard for his education, while my mother was a dreamer who had four kids. My deep roots of hardworking individuals along with my passion for recreational fishing drove me to the field of fisheries and aquaculture. I chose this field because I found myself in tune with my roots. Although, I am headed in the direction of inspiring and teaching individuals, the farmer inside of me will always be there because it is in my “sangre”. As a Latina dipping her fins into the beginning of a career, I hope to inspire and encourage other young women and underrepresented individuals to keep pushing through and follow their dreams. Si, se puede! Aquaculture continues to grow and there is no doubt that the women and diverse minority groups will empower one another because with the right team, a fishbowl of opportunities is possible.