Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a gathering organized by a friend for Latina women. Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations. I don’t have many close Latina friends—at least not in the sense of sharing deep, everyday connections that allow you to truly experience their culture, mindset, and even their food.

But to my surprise, I felt an instant connection. What struck me most was how much we had in common. These women faced the same struggles, shared similar habits, and had quirks I recognized in myself. Previously, I had unconsciously absorbed stereotypes from American media, which often depicts Latinas as outsiders, limited to roles like cooking or getting caught up in relationship drama. This gathering completely dismantled that narrow perspective.

Meeting these women made me feel less isolated. I could relate to the way Latinas are often boxed into stereotypes, much like I’ve experienced as an Arab woman. There was an unspoken understanding that allowed me to ask questions and share my own stories without hesitation. I knew they’d lived through similar experiences. And these women weren’t confined to any one field—they came from diverse backgrounds, including law, finance, and fashion. Their drive to uplift one another and connect with other women was nothing short of inspiring.

We live in a society that prides itself on being open yet can feel oddly closed off. We celebrate diversity on paper, but true integration is rare, even when people from different backgrounds live in the same city. We talk a lot about inclusion, but how often do we genuinely take the steps to make it real? Real inclusion means more than just words—it’s about opening yourself up to different experiences. Trying new foods, listening to unfamiliar music, engaging with people who see the world differently.

It’s actually quite simple when we make the effort. If we embrace the opportunity to connect, suddenly, there’s nothing strange about being Latina, Arab, or a woman. We’re all just women—living, learning, and growing together.