Discover leadership insights from Dr. Mayra Olivares-Urueta, former state president of TACHE. Learn how passion, resilience, and authenticity shape impactful leadership.
Today, I’m sharing leadership insights from one of my favorite voices in higher education—my good friend, business partner, and colleague, Dr. Mayra Olivares-Urueta.
Mayra has been a guiding force in Texas higher education leadership, serving as state president of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE)—a role spanning three years as president-elect, president, and past president.
This leadership model allows continuity, mentorship, and long-term impact—something I reflected on as I wrapped up my term as regional president for TACHE Gulf Coast. Watching our annual professional development day come together so beautifully reminded me of the power of higher education organizations in fostering community and leadership.
And at the state level, Mayra led at an extraordinary scale—coordinating a statewide virtual conference in the middle of a pandemic and serving as a mentor to incoming leaders.
She continues to inspire me, and I encourage you to follow her work and engage with her on LinkedIn.
🔗 Follow Dr. Mayra Olivares-Urueta on LinkedIn
What It Means to Lead: Mayra’s Perspective
Mayra:
Looking back on my leadership journey, I’m grateful for the opportunities to lead and for the trust placed in me.
Leadership is a privilege—a chance to leave a mark on an organization, an industry, or even a small corner of the world. But leadership is also a commitment and a responsibility.
Leading volunteer-run organizations like TACHE is even more challenging. Balancing leadership with full-time work, family, and personal commitments is a choice—one made from the heart.
What Does Leadership Look Like?
Leadership is:
✔ Knowing your mission and values—and living by them.
✔ Creating leadership opportunities for others—especially young professionals.
✔ Mentoring meaningfully—pairing emerging leaders with experienced colleagues.
✔ Listening beyond the loudest voices—engaging introverted leaders and ensuring everyone is heard.
✔ Trusting your team—letting go, allowing others to lead, and offering support when challenges arise.
✔ Caring deeply—about your team’s well-being, their families, and their personal lives.
Leadership is love.
But leadership is also lonely at times. It requires sacrifice, including time away from family, rest, and friendships. Self-care is critical—a leader who is burnt out cannot serve others well.
For me, leadership has always been about creating a better world for my daughters and for my community.
🔗 Related Read: Why Emotional Intelligence Is a Leadership Superpower
How Mayra Became a Statewide Leader
Michelle: Mayra, leading a statewide organization sounds intimidating! How did you make that leap?
Mayra: It was intimidating at first! Choosing to run for president-elect of TACHE wasn’t an easy decision. But my heart told me it was time.
In 2017, DACA was rescinded, leaving the Latine, undocumented, and DACAmented communities in deep uncertainty. I needed an outlet to channel my energy into meaningful work, and TACHE became that space.
I started locally, joining the Tarrant County College (TCC) chapter in 2017. That experience gave me the confidence to step up at the state level.
Of course, I didn’t do it alone. Colleagues encouraged me to run. We all doubt ourselves at times—but having a support system can make all the difference.
🔗 Related Read: The Importance of Sponsorship in Leadership
The Power of Having a Crew
Michelle: That’s such a huge lesson. As Mario Castillo, chancellor of Lone Star College, said in a keynote at our TACHE regional summit—
“You have to make sure you have a crew.”
Having a strong support system is life-changing.
Mayra, let’s talk about your “why.” What made you take the leap to run for president-elect?
Mayra: By 2019, the Latine, undocumented, and DACAmented communities were still struggling. When I was nominated for TACHE president-elect, I knew it was time.
I ran because:
– I wanted to engage more Latine higher education colleagues across Texas.
– I wanted to strengthen TACHE as a voice for education equity.
– I knew Texas lacks unions—so TACHE plays a critical role in community-building.
I also wanted to keep regions engaged—some areas were strong (like the Gulf Coast), while others needed institutional support to re-engage employees.
🔗 Related Read: The Power of Employee Resource Groups in Higher Ed
The Most Important Leadership Lesson: Less Can Be More
Michelle: What’s the biggest lesson you learned about yourself through this journey?
Mayra: That sometimes, doing less is the best strategy.
Many organizations try to do too much at once. But during the pandemic, we were all stretched thin. Instead of overwhelming my team with a long to-do list, I focused on one critical goal: sustainability.
We shifted our focus from quantity to quality:
– Fewer, more impactful events (virtual cafecitos, book clubs, and meaningful pláticas).
– Stronger state board cohesion, which remains a foundation today.
And we survived the pandemic stronger than ever.
Final Thoughts: Leadership Is Hard Work and Heart Work
Michelle: Mayra, you truly embody the idea that leadership is both hard work and heart work.
To my readers, I hope this conversation inspires you to:
1. Reflect on your impact.
2. Prioritize wellness and sustainability.
3. Build stronger, more engaged teams.
Follow Dr. Mayra Olivares-Urueta and keep leading with love. 💙