Navigating a Three-Decade Career in Technology: Strength, Struggles, and Passion

Nearly 30 years in technology—writing that down stops me in my tracks. When I first started this journey, there was no internet, smart phones, or artificial intelligence that we know so well today. I didn’t have a grand plan, a roadmap, or a mentor who looked like me. When an opportunity arose to pursue a tech career, I was drawn to the endless possibilities that technology presented and to the profound impact it had on shaping lives. My journey, however, has not been without struggle, sacrifice, and moments of deep self-reflection.

The Influence of My Father: Strength in Simplicity

The foundation of my resilience was laid by my father, a man with a ninth-grade education who raised three children with wisdom beyond the pages of any textbook. He instilled in me the belief that education is not just about degrees—it’s about knowledge, grit, and the relentless pursuit of something better. He taught me that life is long, with 365 days in a year, and no single day should ever define my worth or my journey.

Watching him work tirelessly to provide for our family and ensure that we had the opportunities he never experienced was the ultimate lesson in perseverance. He didn’t have easy access to higher education, but he understood its power, and he made sure I did, too. His sacrifices fueled my drive to push beyond barriers, never take an opportunity for granted, and carve out a space in an industry where people like me—an Afro-Latina woman—were often overlooked.

Navigating a Career Path With Few Roadmaps

When I entered the tech world, I was frequently the only woman, the only Black person, or the only Latina in the room. At times, it was isolating. I had to fight for my voice to be heard, to prove my worth over and over again in ways my peers never had to. There were days of frustration and exhaustion, moments when I questioned whether this field was meant for me.

But then I remembered: there are 365 days in a year, and today is just one. A difficult day does not define a career. An obstacle does not dictate a destination. With that mindset, I continued to push forward.

Culture as an Inner Source of Strength

My Afro-Latina heritage has been both a source of pride and a driving force in my career. The rhythm of my culture, the resilience of my ancestors, the lessons passed down from my Puerto Rican mother, and the unwavering strength of my father have all shaped me into the leader I am today.

In a field that often undervalues diversity, I have used my heritage as a superpower. My perspective is different, my experiences are unique, and that has allowed me to see solutions others might overlook. I have leaned on my community, my family, and the stories of those who came before me to remind myself that I belong here.

Mentorship and Advocacy: Lighting the Fire for the Next Generation

If I have learned anything in my 30-year career, it is that success means nothing if I don’t turn around and help others find their way. That is why I dedicate myself to advocating for girls in technology, for young Black and Latina technologists, and for anyone who has ever been told they don’t belong in this space.

In my various board, council, and advisory roles, I work to create opportunities for those coming up behind me. Mentoring Black and brown students, guiding them into careers where they can thrive. The opportunities focusing on girls have allowed me to inspire them to dream big in STEM.

Seeing these young women and men break barriers, take up space, and refuse to be silent—this is what inspires me. This is why I continue to push forward.

Looking Ahead: Honoring the Past, Building the Future

As I reflect on the path I’ve walked, I carry my father’s lessons, my culture’s resilience, and my own experiences as a guiding light. The struggles, the setbacks, the moments of doubt—they were all just part of the 365-day cycle that makes up a year, a life, a legacy.

Today, I stand in my truth. I lead, mentor, advocate, and create spaces where others can follow. Because the journey isn’t just about me—it’s about every young girl, every aspiring technologist, every dreamer who dares to defy the odds.

And that, more than any title or accolade, is my greatest achievement.