Éxito (Success)

Abstract

This chapter explores how éxito (success) is defined and achieved collectively in certain Latinx communities through the pursuit of ideals such as buena gente (good people). Buena gente are those who put the needs of their communities first. As a concept, buena gente extends Bordas’s 10 Principles of Latino Leadership, which include personalismo, consciencia, destino. Unfortunately the concept of buena gente and its contribution to Latinx notions of éxito are not recognized within mainstream US society. And when it is recognized, it contradicts dominant values of individualism that inform so many aspects and institutions of society, including formal education.