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It’s a sad day for Latina leadership in San Mateo County. But I honestly don’t know if I’m more sad or mad. I feel both. I’m just trying to figure out which emotion is louder.
I’m sad that a Latina had to go through this, the public humiliation, the fall from grace, the spectacle of being stripped of power. I wasn’t a fan of her leadership approach, but she still represented nuestra comunidad. And that reflection lands on all of us, especially on Latina leaders who have fought tooth and nail to be taken seriously in spaces dominated by men. When a Latina (or any woman of color) reaches a leadership role, she carries more than just her name. She carries the hopes, pride and burdens of her entire community. That’s not fair, but it’s real.
And now, when people in San Mateo County talk about “Latina leadership,” this situation this escándalo, will be the point of reference. Never mind all the beautiful, bold,and bad-ass Latinas leading in nonprofits, local government and education across this county. I can name plenty.
But I’m also hella mad for two reasons.
First, that “Sheriff” Corpus played the pobrecita role and used her Latina-ness as a shield instead of a responsibility. You can’t pimp out our cultura for votes and then use it as an excuse to defend inappropriate behavior. Nuestra cultura, our history, our shared struggles; none of that protects anyone from accountability. That’s manipulation, not leadership.
Second, at our own community. Of all the Latino/a leaders who run local agencies, schools, nonprofits, small businesses and yes, those of us in positions of influence, including myself, ¿adónde estaban? Where were we?
We didn’t speak up publicly to check Ms. Corpus on this. Sure, we whispered in private meetings, sent texts and shared “chism,” but as a community, we were largely silent. Respeto to Supervisor Noelia Corzo for being one of the first to act on this as an elected official. And even to former Half Moon Bay Mayor Joaquín Jiménez for stepping up to defend Corpus. Whether we agreed with him or not, he spoke from conviction. But for the most part, those of us with power and influence said nothing. Silence is not solidarity. When one of our own crosses the line, staying quiet doesn’t protect our community’s image, it damages it. Accountability is love for the community, too.
Two truths can exist at once. Yes, I strongly believe that as a Latina woman in law enforcement, Ms. Corpus faced real barriers and real bias. And yes, she also abused her power and failed to uphold the ethics her position as sheriff demanded.
When leaders of color fall, the system doesn’t just punish the individual, it stains the collective. Now, our current and future Latina leaders in San Mateo County will have to work twice as hard to rebuild trust and redefine what our leadership looks like. My hope is that those of us Latino/as in leadership formal or informal, have an honest discussion about this. Not to gossip, not to tear anyone down, but to reflect on what it means to lead with integrity, humility and love for la comunidad.
I write this as a proud husband of a high-profile Latina leader and as a friend, confidant and colleague to countless bad-ass Latina leaders here in San Mateo County.
Alejandro Vilchez is a community facilitator, educator, and advocate for leadership grounded in culture, integrity, and social responsibility. He lives in San Mateo County with his wife, a public sector leader, and works with local organizations on youth development, violence prevention and community engagement.
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Will we ever know the full story, “the truth” of this disturbing, shameful political move –? Look at the history of SMC Sheriff Dept.–for years, how corrupt it was / is ! That was one reason I voted for Corpus– for CHANGE. As a woman, I hold my breath when a courageous leader like her steps into that good old boy corruption ring. History also shows how women have been unfairly scrutinized and unjustly removed when taking the lead in politics, corporations, and male- dominated arenas, especially when they start to CHANGE things.
It IS highly suspicious, sad, and outrageous that our supervisors and other politicians all lined up against Corpus—WHY ? Why did they override the existing democratic process of a recall– ?? The implications of that alone — ignoring our votes and the democratic process— what’s next?
Thank you for your courage to write this, as many of us have been speaking up, but it seems our local politicians prioritized rushing this “process” for their hidden agenda(s). Can there be more investigation, in whatever ways possible, to give us answers ?
What answers are you looking for? A retired judge conducted an investigation and concluded Corpus broke the law and was a terrible leader. A grand jury heard all of the evidence against her and came back saying she broke the law and was a terrible leader. Another retired judge heard all of the evidence, including Corpus’ defense and concluded she broke the law and was a terrible leader. The supervisors pushed it forward at higher speed because of the damage she was doing to the Sheriff’s Department. Or should I say the damage her boyfriend Aenlle was doing. As she had essentially turned over control of the department to him.
I voted for Corpus as well hoping it would start to clean up what had been corrupt leadership in the department. Unfortunately, what I voted for and what I got were two different things. She needed to go.
Don’t be sad or mad, the ex-sheriff is getting 90% of her pension and benefits for the remainder of her life. Seems like she won.