Written by Gabriela Chavez-Lopez
March 26, 2023
So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead as James 2:17 reminds us, so too is empathy. Empathy by itself, if it does not result in compassionate action, falls short of the promise of real transformative change. And isn’t this what we all desire as true change agents and leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion?
Empathy is only the beginning. In the last three years, as we collectively struggled our way through a trauma-invoking pandemic, empathy was critical. But empathy was not—and is not—enough. Empathy was, in retrospect, a transitional feeling necessary to respond to a changing world and new norm, and as we move forward, we need to transition that emotion, that deep feeling into compassionate action.
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted a lot of challenges in our society—like the prioritization of profit over people, police brutality, and gun violence, widespread misogyny and racism, and the impact of all this stress and trauma on our youth – our students. These inequities were not new; they also have not gone away. Now, though, we need healing, and we need to take action.
During the pandemic, I was rooted in empathy. In my role as executive director of Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley, I listened to women in the community talk about their pain and frustration. They wanted to leave the places that undervalued them, that didn’t meet their needs as both parents and professionals. As a single mother and leader, myself, I heard them, I understood them, and I reflected on what my role would be in changing these dynamics – these working conditions for women – even for myself. So, I started to dream and imagine a workplace where working moms, women, and the new generation workforce could, and would thrive.
The thing about empathy is, in essence – it is a feeling, and it’s a feeling that can emotionally drain us and cause us to feel stuck unless we channel that energy into action. I took what I’d heard, felt and chose change. As Simon Sinak clearly defines “Leadership is not about being in charge, it's about taking care of those in your charge.” At Latina Coalition, a community-based nonprofit, we offer flexible work schedules, fully paid parental leave, generous benefits, collective decision-making, and competitive wages—and in doing so reject the oppressive, colonialist structures and practices that have not served our changing workforce, our organizations, and/or our society at-large. And empathy was the key and starting point in getting us here.
I think that’s what great leaders do: turn empathy into action and progress. For me, the purpose of leadership is to provide a clear vision for the future and collectively come up with a blueprint to move this vision forward. If I’m not doing things differently, then why am I here? Why does representation matter if I just perpetuate the same injustices? Empathy helps me see what’s wrong and not working, but action moves us forward. We have an opportunity, as leaders, to create something new. We’re not in crisis mode anymore. We should be thinking about sustainability and how to thrive, not just survive—for ourselves and those we lead.
Gabriela Chavez-Lopez '09 is passionate about uplifting and championing voices around challenging issues in our community — particularly those that disproportionately impact Latinas & people of color. She leads as the Executive Director of the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley - and is a proud product of their flagship Latina leadership pipeline. As a “tri-sector athlete” she is experienced in effective & productive engagement in all three sectors: nonprofit, private, and government. She's an expert at facilitating win/win partnerships and executing on any collaboration with an abundance mindset!