Voces Abriendo Caminos (voices forging paths): A qualitative study of the career development of notable Latinas

This study used qualitative methodology to investigate the career developme nt of 20 notable Latinas. The emergent theory proposed that Latina career d evelopment is influenced by sociopolitical, cultural, contextual, and perso nal variables. Results suggested that (a) career paths tended to be unplann ed and nonlinear; (b) background variables, socioeconomic status, and educa tional experiences influenced the participants' sense of self and career mo tivation; (c) family, culture, and cultural identity were influential; (d) relational support systems, particularly those that involved extended famil y, spouses, and mentors, were important; and (e) the participants' optimism , persistence, passion, and capacity for cognitive reframing helped them co pe with challenges and remain true to their values, beliefs, and sense of s elf.