Meet Dr. Mary Margaret Carrillo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Mary Margaret Carrillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Mary Margaret, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Latina Voices Institute empowers Latinas through education, culture, and community engagement. We provide learning opportunities, foster leadership, and create spaces, like the Latina Voices Forum, where Latinas and allies gather to celebrate culture, leadership, and authentic stories. Our work is about more than individual success; it’s about building pathways for Latinas to access higher education, develop leadership skills, and make meaningful community contributions. We are always part of something bigger- neighbors, schools, faith-based groups, creative arts programs- and our impact ripples outward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m honored to share more about what has shaped me and my work.

What truly sets me apart is my commitment to creating spaces where Latinas can share their authentic stories and thrive. As a Latina leader with 20 + years of experience in K-12, higher education, nonprofit, and military communities, I bring that knowledge and experience into every space I am in. As a non-traditional student, mother, grandmother, and first-generation Latina scholar, my path has been anything but linear. After earning my Doctor of Liberal Studies from SMU in culture, education, and narratives, I realized there was a gap, a need, for a community that truly reflected Latinas’ lived experiences in higher education and leadership. That realization inspired me to found the Latina Voices Institute, where we empower Latinas through education, culture, and community engagement.

I’m most proud of building a platform where Latinas and allies can gather, celebrate culture, develop leadership, and support one another. Our programs, like the Latina Voices Forum, aren’t just about individual success, they’re about creating pathways for Latinas to access higher education, grow as leaders, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Getting here wasn’t easy. There were definitely challenges like returning to school as a mother, being a former military spouse, launching new initiatives, and often being the only Latina in the room. Risk-taking has been central to my journey, but I’ve always trusted myself to reach out, ask questions, and build connections. Every leap I took was guided by intentionality and a belief that I wasn’t alone. Community and collaboration are at the heart of my success.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to check in with myself regularly, to ask, “Is this where I choose to spend my energy?” Instead of seeking a perfect work-life balance, I focus on being present and responsive to what matters most in each moment. I know that I have the resources I need, and when I don’t, I trust myself to seek support and keep learning.

What I want the world to know about me and Latina Voices Institute is this: Our stories matter. Every struggle and every triumph is a catalyst for change. We are always part of something bigger- our neighborhoods, schools, faith-based groups, creative arts programs- and our impact ripples outward. My greatest joy comes from creating community, whether at a Latina Voices Forum or around the family table making enchiladas. These connections are the fabric of life and why I do this work.

To anyone on their own journey: Keep pushing forward, keep sharing your story, and keep lifting others as you climb. Our voices are powerful, and together, we can create lasting change.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome & Local Flavor
We’d kick things off with some authentic Texas barbecue at Hurtado BBQ-because nothing says “Welcome to Texas” like brisket and all the fixings. Afterward, we’d browse the shelves at Whose Books, a fantastic local bookstore that celebrates diverse voices and community stories and grab ice cream in Bishop Arts.

Day 2: Downtown Dallas Adventures
We’d spend the morning exploring the Dallas Farmers Market, sampling fresh produce and artisan treats and definitely stop at the Aquas Chicas DFW booth. In the evening, we’d head to the AT&T Discovery District for a Movie on the lawn- there’s something magical about watching a film under the stars in the heart of downtown. Just went recently to see Wicked and it was great!

Day 3: Sports & Entertainment
Depending on the season, we’d catch a Dallas Cowboys game or a Texas Rangers game- there’s nothing like the energy of live sports in Texas! We would start at Texas Live, where you can grab a drink, enjoy live music, and soak in the excitement.

Day 4: Fort Worth Day Trip
We’d take a day trip to Fort Worth, starting with brunch at Esperanza’s and then a stroll through the historic Stockyards to watch the cattle drive and soak up the Western heritage. If there’s a performance at Bass Hall, we’d make sure to catch a show- there’s always something spectacular on stage.

Day 5: Art, Culture & Community
We’d visit the Latino Cultural Center then enjoy a relaxed dinner at a Gonzalez Restaurant or Xaman. If the timing is right, we’d attend a Latina Voices Forum or a community arts event to connect with local leaders and creatives.

Day 6: Nature & Festivals
If it’s the right time of year, we’d drive out to Ennis for the Bluebonnet Festival and take in the stunning wildflower fields. Otherwise, we’d spend the day at a nearby park or botanical garden, enjoying the Texas sunshine.

Day 7: Family, Food & Reflection
On our final day, we’d gather friends and family for a homemade meal-maybe an enchilada-making night, sharing stories and laughter around the table.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas-Dallas, Arlington and San Antonio chapters

Website: https://latinavoicesinstitute.com/

Instagram: @LatinaVoicesInstitute

Linkedin: Dr. Mary Margaret Carrillo and Latina Voices Institute

Facebook: Latina Voices Institute

Image Credits
@thesocialchica for my brand photo shoot