Latina women in tech are breaking barriers and introducing innovative ideas that are not just transforming the digital landscape, but also reshaping the entire tech industry. These powerhouses are developing cutting-edge software and stepping into leadership roles at major tech firms. Their achievements highlight the crucial role of diversity in the tech world and why having different voices matters in the tech world. Through their dedication and grit, they're not just changing the industry—they're lighting the way for the next wave of Latina tech leaders.
Let's dive into how these six Latinas are changing the tech world and shaking things up:
1. Silvina Moschini
Silvina Moschini is a leading tech and finance industry figure renowned for her entrepreneurial ventures and contributions to the digital economy. She is the CEO of Unicoin Inc., a public company navigating the cryptocurrency market.
She leads the venture arm of the "Unicorn Hunters" team, identifying and supporting promising startups. This role positions her at the forefront of identifying startups with the potential to become unicorns (companies valued at over $1 billion).
Moschini's significant achievement was becoming the first Latin American woman to lead two companies to unicorn status in 2021: TransparentBusiness and SheWorks! Her expertise and insights make her a valuable commentator on the digital economy, financial innovation, and Web3 blockchain technology.
Moschini is a visionary leader who has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology and finance. Her achievements, coupled with her deep understanding of emerging trends, position her as a key influencer in the digital economy.
2. Adriana Gascoigne
Adriana Gascoigne is a passionate advocate for women in technology. Here's a deeper look at her journey and impact:
Gascoigne's own experiences as the only woman executive at a startup, facing discrimination firsthand, fueled her desire to address the gender gap in tech. This journey of overcoming challenges and turning them into opportunities is a testament to her resilience and determination, and it's a story that resonates with many aspiring women in tech.
Gascoigne founded Girls in Tech (GIT), a global non-profit organization. This organization, under her leadership, tackled gender inequality head-on by providing programs and resources that empower women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields and startups. The impact of GIT, with its global network, is a testament to Gascoigne's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the tech workforce.
At its peak, GIT was a global network with 57 chapters and over 80,000 members in 42 countries. They offer hundreds of events and programs tailored to local needs. Adriana's leadership at GIT improved diversity in the tech workforce, advocated for policy change, inspired women to pursue any career, and created impact-oriented courses to support women's careers.
Unfortunately, after 17 years, the organization had to close its doors this year due to fundraising issues. Adriana is taking an extended break and seeing where this new chapter leads her next.
3. Karla Monterroso
Karla Monterroso is a prominent advocate for social justice and equity, especially in tech. She served as CEO of Code2040, a nonprofit focused on increasing Black and Latinx representation in tech. Monterroso has been instrumental in fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, challenging systemic racism, and pushing for structural changes.
In 2022, she founded Brava Leaders, an organization dedicated to transforming leadership by centering people of color. Brava Leaders aims to create a more inclusive and equitable future by supporting leaders of color and dismantling oppressive systems.
Monterroso frequently addresses the intersections of race, power, and innovation as a sought-after speaker and thought leader. Her career is driven by a commitment to creating a more equitable world.
4. Laura Gomez
Laura Gomez, a visionary entrepreneur, is at the forefront of using technology to address diversity issues in the tech industry. As the founder and CEO of Atipica, she leverages AI to create more equitable hiring practices. Her commitment to social impact extends beyond her role at Atipica, as she also serves on several boards, including Delfina and Pluck. She co-founded Project Include, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in tech.
Gomez's passion for social justice is evident in her founding of Proyecto Sol, a project aimed at empowering individuals and communities. Additionally, she co-founded Cepanoa Health, where she serves as CEO, demonstrating her dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes.
Gomez's work has profoundly impacted the industry, inspiring others to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their endeavors. Her dedication to social change and innovative approach to problem-solving make her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates for equality.
5. Lucia Gallardo
Lucia Gallardo, a seasoned entrepreneur, and MIT Innovator under 35, is a visionary leader driving the convergence of sustainable development, technological innovation, and financial reimagination. As the Founder & CEO of Emerge, she leads an impact innovation lab focused on creating positive social and environmental change.
Beyond her work at Emerge, Gallardo's entrepreneurial journey has led her to co-found The Æternals, a platform that rewards impact-forward user loyalty for partner brands, and Dona un Libro, Cambia una Mente, a non-profit dedicated to children's education in Central America. Her diverse experiences, including diplomatic missions, early-stage innovation investment advocacy, and neurotechnology, have shaped her unique perspective and ability to bridge different fields.
Gallardo's commitment to driving positive impact extends beyond her entrepreneurial ventures. She actively contributes to organizations as a board member or strategic advisor, including Blerify, FinRamp, Rainforest Partnership, and WE Global Studio. Additionally, she regularly contributes to working groups at the World Economic Forum and the UNDP, focusing on topics such as stablecoins, DAOs, digital identity, and crypto's sustainability.
Her ability to blend technology, sustainability, and social responsibility positions her as a valuable asset to organizations seeking to embed impact objectives into their core competencies.
6. Rocio Van Nierop
Rocio Van Nierop, a passionate advocate for diversity in technology, co-founded and now leads Latinas in Tech, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of Latina women working in the tech industry. Her journey began with a lifelong love for technology, which she has committed to inspiring and empowering other Latinas to pursue careers in this field.
Growing up, Van Nierop's exceptional technical skills and innovative mindset propelled her to become a top creator and innovator in the tech industry. Her expertise and accomplishments, such as being recognized in publications like Hispanic Executive magazine, are a testament to her influence and the impact she has had in the tech industry.
In addition to her work with Latinas in Tech, Van Nierop is a prominent figure in the tech community. At the TNABC event in 2022, she joined Lucia Gallardo in discussing innovative approaches to protecting rainforests using complex NFTs.
These six Latina leaders are shaking things up in the tech world. They excel in their respective fields and actively work to create more opportunities for Latinos in tech. These leaders are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive tech industry by breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation.
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