Inspiring Latinas in STEM
By Gloria Romano-Barrera
Making a lasting impact on the future of STEM, Latinas continue to find opportunities where they can excel and break the glass ceiling for the next generation of Latina leaders. Meet Gina Cano, Senior Director, Dell Services Organization; Alejandra Budar, Data Scientist, LinkedIn; Amber Perez, Member of Technical Staff, The Aerospace Corporation; Elaine Montilla, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Pearson's US School Assessment division, Founder, 5xminority; and Melissa Wright, Software Developer Lead, Excelity.
“This ties in well to my team’s other focus areas which is amplifying our existing Services portfolio with sustainability capabilities/benefits as well as looking at where do we have opportunities to add these capabilities as a Service.”
For Cano, her Latino roots are deep and without a doubt have absolutely shaped who she is. She believes her work ethic and belief there is always a way to get things done comes from my Latino side.
“For me what I saw growing up with my father and mother there was always a way,” she shares. “No matter how difficult things may have been there was always a way. So, because of this in everything I do I look at it from this perspective…. it is never a NO it is always a just not right now.”
Throughout her 18 years at Dell, she has held several leadership roles with Dell Technologies Services, and is an established leader with exceptional interpersonal skills. Through her hands-on approach, she builds high-performing teams via a culture of collaboration, innovation and development.
Cano shares that her beginnings at Dell started when a good friend and former peer mentioned there was a job fair happening and since she was unemployed, she decided to go.
“Lesson here, keeping your network up to date is key,” she shares. “This was gosh hard to believe almost 20 years ago. Along the way, I have a few various roles, nearly all in a leadership capacity, which led me to my current role focused on Strategic Business Development for ESG/Sustainability Services. While I do not have a formal background in ESG/Sustainability I embraced my Latino roots to find a way.
One of the biggest obstacles Cano continues to push to overcome is access to opportunities. “Being in a male-dominated industry I have not always been the first one thought of for advancement possibilities,” she shares. “How I have been able to overcome this was by investing in myself by hiring myself an executive coach to help me “get out of my own way”. This has not been easy or something that happened overnight but something I continue to work on and evolve.”
A believer in needing different perspectives in decision-making, diversity is a no-brainer for her.
“One size does not fit all so we cannot assume one gender or race will have all the answers,” she shares. “The work I am doing, I literally get to help make the world a better place for future generations. By leading efforts to recover e-waste and prevent this from ending up in landfills, polluting our precious water sources or just ending up in the wrong hands this impacts so many.”
Cano’s professional staple she believes has been key to her success is being “Unapologetically Authentically Me.” Harnessing her voice and using it and not apologizing for her innovative ideas, approach and being a disruptor has helped her stand out.
“Change is hard and change is scary, but this is what is necessary for true transformation to happen,” she says. “Because I am authentically me and not pretending to be something I am not this gives people a sense of trust and comfort because they know I am and will always be transparent. Sometimes it can bite me and the result me not always be positive, but I take those as lessons learned and move forward. My grandma would always say, Adelante vamos, so that is what I do.”
Alejandra Budar, Data Scientist, LinkedIn
Elaine Montilla, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Pearson’s US School Assessment Division, Founder, 5Xminority
Gina Cano Senior Director, Dell Services Organization
“Growing up in Beeville, a small town in South Texas, technology was not at the forefront of conversations, nor was it something actively talked about, but it was always something I was fascinated with,” shares Gina Cano, Senior Director, Dell Services Organization, of what drove her to pursue a career in STEM. “I would have to say my Senior Year in High School I took my first computer class and had the opportunity to “chat online” with another school and I thought THIS IS AMAZING! I want to learn and know more! I would say this was the starting point in my journey into Technology.” As the company’s senior director, Cano has the opportunity to wear a few hats. Her primary focus is to ensure Dell reaches its 1:1 goal which is “By 2030, for every metric ton of our product a customer buys, one metric ton will be reused or recycled.” This is a massive undertaking, and my team gets to work across Dell to set the strategy and initiatives we need to in order modernize and transform not only our internal operations but also externally for our customers, partners and communities,” she shares.
“My first job out after college was working at the on-site health center of a prominent tech company. I was pre-med at the time, aspiring to become a Physician’s Assistant so I accepted a position as a sort of clinical assistant. The clinic was modern and had automated several procedures, making the healthcare experience for its patients-hassle free. It was there that I saw the potential that tech had to revolutionize antiquated industries like healthcare which were in need of being disrupted for the better,” shares Alejandra Budar, data scientist at LinkedIn. “Little did I know that would be the spark my curiosity in the tech world.”
Budar shares that her journey at LinkedIn began after being contacted by a recruiter through the app. LinkedIn had just created a rotational program for data science and the recruiter wanted to know if she would be interested in applying.
Following multiple interviews, she was notified she had been accepted. For Budar, it took a lot of studying, interview practice and pep talks to land the job.
As a rotating data scientist at LinkedIn, her responsibilities have varied, but she analyzes data (from user engagement to Google analytics data) to provide recommendations to stakeholders based on the outcomes of her analyses. The data analyses are conducted using a variety of tools ranging from advanced statistics to machine learning. In her role, she is making an impact by ensuring that the changes the company implements are not harmful to users, particularly marginalized communities.
“It’s nice to be able to have a seat at the table and make sure that our community is taken into consideration,” she shares. “Diversity at the workplace is complicated in general, but particularly in a space like engineering where numbers are very low. These spaces often involve heavy cultural switching, imposter syndrome, and a lack of support that can lead to high attrition. Overall, I believe that diversity in the workplace has to come from within the community—holding the door open for those that come after us—only then does it become sustainable.”
Budar’s greatest accomplishment while at LinkedIn has been connecting with fellow HOLA members from the Hispanic resource group to motivate them to make a transition into a technical role, show them that there are fellow first-gen Latinos in R&D, and hear their worries about our products to try and amplify their voice.
“The best part about my job is to get to show others that data scientists come from various backgrounds, speak Spanglish, and that we’re here to take up space,” she shares. “One of the challenges I had to face to get to where I am is having to learn from mistakes and rely on intuition because I did not have a mentor nor did I know anyone in my community that worked in tech. Trailblazing alone has been quite challenging but has also helped me learn new skills that were missing, while also reinforcing the ones I already had.”
Amber Perez, Member of Technical Staff, The Aerospace Corporation
“I had always been fascinated with space but felt I wasn’t talented enough in math and science to pursue it as a career,” shares Amber Perez, Member of Technical Staff, The Aerospace Corporation. “It wasn’t until a moment of self-reflection, when I was already a semester into college, that I realized I might be holding myself back. I asked myself what I would do if I knew I couldn’t fail. I knew immediately that I would be an aerospace engineer.”
Perez recounts how she once committed to giving her dream a chance, even if it meant making baby steps in that direction. She switched schools and started studying engineering a semester later. Two years later, she was restoring aircraft at The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum when she was contacted by a recruiter at IBM. She got the job and three years after; she was in Los Angeles working in the space industry.
“It’s crazy to look back and think that such a tiny moment had such a huge impact on my life,” she shares. “I was raised by incredibly strong Latinas. My mom, my sister, my aunts, etc. They were always the head of their households, and their strength is instilled in me. They taught me to chase down my dreams, to follow what makes me happy, and to always remember not just to help myself, but others too.”
A Parts, Materials, and Processes engineer in an electronic component’s lab, Perez aids in the qualification and failure analysis of electronic components. By verifying the reliability of parts, they can confirm those parts can withstand a specified mission objective. By performing failure analysis investigations, they can understand exactly what conditions led to a failure and get an answer for their customers on how to avoid one in the future.
“I work on qualifying electronic space parts” she shares. “These parts can be very small, like capacitors or transistors, but they are the building blocks of space systems. Failures on such parts in orbit can have catastrophic effects on space missions. Being that our customers range from defense to civil and commercial, the application of our analysis findings can have real-world impacts.”
The Aerospace Corporation is the only federally funded research and development center dedicated to the entire space enterprise. Their expertise spans everything from satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems to space policy.
“It’s exciting to be in a place with such a wealth of knowledge and I can truly say that I learn something new every single day,” she shares.
Perez has been recognized for spearheading a cross-functional team that successfully devised a method for deconstructing electronic assemblies containing highly toxic metals. The effort added a new capability to their lab’s repertoire, allowing them to take on projects they would previously have had to turn away.
A member of Poderistas, an online group built to celebrate Latina culture and harness the power of community, collaborating with the Aerospace Corporation’s Women's Committee, and as the secretary for the California branch of The Aerospace Women’s Committee (AWC), Perez keeps creating networking and learning opportunities.
“Currently I am a part of a lab team where more than 50 percent of our staff is female including our lab manager,” she shares. “I’ve had experiences of working in places where at times I was the only female in the lab. In those roles, it was tough for me to speak up and I often felt out of place. Now I feel the other side of the spectrum where I walk into the lab and feel like I belong. This is unfortunately not a common experience for many people in the industry, but one I hope becomes more common as we invest in diversity measures. The space industry needs a strong, vibrant workforce to continue to move forward, and my company, The Aerospace Corporation, and 30 other space companies launched an initiative called Space Workforce 2030 that aims to increase diversity in the industry. One of these efforts is the National Space Intern Program, which is still accepting registration for 2024. It is a great opportunity for future engineers to connect with dozens of space companies and find their perfect career match. If you ever feel like the odd one out in a room, whether it be as the only woman or person of color, etc. remember that those rooms need you. Diversity drives innovation. You are doing pioneering work.”
“My drive to pursue a career in technology was sparked during my college days,” shares Elaine Montilla, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Pearson's US School Assessment division and Founder, 5xminority. “A particularly inspiring computer networking class taught by a Latina ignited my passion for technology and its potential to drive change. Her name is Professor Largo, and I was able to see myself in her and realized that if she could succeed in this field, so could I.” Montilla shares that Professor Largo’s presence as a Latina in technology not only served as a powerful role model but also shattered the stereotypes.
“I had internalized about who can be a tech leader, she shares. “This realization propelled me to not only pursue a career in technology but also strive to become a leader who could inspire others. It instilled in me a strong desire to challenge the status quo and pave the way for more diverse representation in the tech industry.”
As CTO, Montilla’s responsibilities include overseeing product development, implementing innovative tech strategies, and ensuring the company’s technology aligns with both educational needs and business goals. In her role, she contributes to the overall School Assessment short and long-term strategy, creates and governs the single unified product technology workflow, and provides leadership over the alignment and fulfillment of product roadmaps, architecture, and UX. Additionally, she leads the design, build, and deployment of technology products and technology services, in line with contract delivery and financial expectations while partnering closely with the School Assessment leadership team.
Dominican-born, Montilla is also the visionary founder of 5xminority, Inc. Her mission transcends her professional accomplishments, championing the empowerment and amplification of women and underrepresented minorities within the tech landscape and beyond. Today she believes her Latina roots have instilled in her a strong work ethic, a deep respect for family and community, and an unwavering belief in the power of education. For Montilla, these values have been pivotal in shaping her approach to leadership, emphasizing empathy, inclusivity, and a strong sense of responsibility toward society
“They are reflected in my leadership style, collaborative spirit, and commitment to giving back,” she shares. “I strive to use my platform 5xminority to uplift my community and pave the way for future generations of Latinas in STEM.”
For Montilla, embarking on a journey in the STEM field as a Latina presented its unique set of challenges. From encountering unconscious biases to confronting a noticeable lack of representation, there were many times she felt underestimated because of her accent, the way she looked, or her age. However, these obstacles only strengthened her resolve. She learned the importance of perseverance, leaning heavily on a robust network of mentors and peers who provided invaluable support and guidance.
“Self-advocacy became a crucial tool, as I worked to build confidence in my abilities and make my voice heard while remaining authentic to my Latinx and LGBTQ+ identities,” she shares. “Rather than being disheartened by these challenges, I used them as motivation to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment within the industry. My experiences underscored the significance of creating pathways for those who follow, ensuring that the obstacles I faced become stepping stones for the next generation of Latina professionals in STEM. I no longer see my differences as disadvantages, I now see them as superpowers.”
Montilla shares her strong belief that diversity in the workplace “is not just a goal, it's a necessity for driving innovation and reflecting the diverse society we serve.”
“In my view, it's essential to create an environment where a variety of perspectives are not only welcomed but actively sought,” she shares. “This diversity of thought leads to more creative solutions and a more inclusive product offering, which is particularly important in the field of education technology. I believe that technology and education have the power to transform lives (it definitely transformed mine). This belief drives my commitment to not only excel in my role but also to use my position to advocate for change and innovation in the tech and education sectors. By integrating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into everything we do, we can create products and services that truly cater to a global audience. This approach is not just good for business; it's a moral imperative. In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to not only pursue their dreams in STEM but to do so with a mindset of inclusivity and social responsibility, understanding that their contributions can have a profound impact on the world.”
Melissa Wright, Software Developer Lead, Excelity
Melissa Wright, a Software Developer Lead at Excelity, an organization dedicated to supporting critical missions for the Department of Defense, recalls the moment when a friend sought advice on improving the visibility of his website in Google search results. Intrigued, she delved into the realm of technical documentation, applying her newfound knowledge directly to the website. To her surprise, she found joy in seeing tangible results.
“Sharing my discoveries with friends and family, two of my brothers, who happen to be computer programmers, and a fellow coworker, another programmer all agreed about the potential,” she shares of her interest in technology. “They encouraged me to recognize the value in this skill, suggesting it could be a valuable opportunity. Following their advice, I embarked on a journey into the technology sector that ultimately led me to becoming the software developer I am today. It sparked from a friend's question, fueling my journey to passion and success.”
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n her current role, Wright leads a software development team, where her focus is on understanding user needs and translating them into actionable tasks for the software development teams she collaborates with diverse software development teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment with Software Agile principles for efficient software development workflows. She also leads planning meetings by presenting well-decomposed user stories to facilitate accurate estimation and resource allocation. Adapting to evolving project requirements, she maintains a deep understanding of their goals and actively engages in grooming sessions to refine and prioritize user stories in line with business objectives. She fosters open communication with development, design, and testing teams, aiming for a shared understanding of feature expectations. Additionally, she emphasizes consistent ticketing across a software application to streamline the development process, ultimately contributing to the success of the project.
Landing her job as a software developer at Excelity through a combination of networking and staying in contact with colleagues, Wright had initially worked for a small company with a positive culture that emphasized "investing in your own knowledge." When that company was bought out by a larger one, she observed a stagnation in workforce growth due to the inflexibility of the larger organization. During this time, I kept in touch with colleagues, particularly technical females who were involved in a mission aligned with one she had been part of before. Their dedication and the exciting mission motivated her to apply when she heard about the opportunity. Recognizing the potential for growth and alignment with her values, she knew, she wanted to be part of it, ultimately leading to her current role.
“I have been able to accomplish a lot on the technical front with software application, but I think of everything I’ve done, I’m most proud of building and fostering a team environment that allow my team members to bring their best to work every day,” she shares. “I’ve recently taken on a more strategic role, but for the better part of the 18 months, I was able to transform a team into one of, if not the, highest performing team on the program and I had always heard about this, but now in my new role that I’ve been interacting with other small teams that I have grown to appreciate just how valuable it is to build a high performing team. I’ve been struggling to have this same effect across the various teams and I’m also welcoming that challenge and excited to see all the teams turn into high-performing team. Little by little, I’m seeing them take form and it’s truly exciting.
As a woman in technology, she actively seeks out opportunities to connect with and support other women in the field. Participating in networking events, conferences, and groups dedicated to promoting diversity has been a key aspect of her journey.
Growing up in a low-income, first-generation American household, accessing a computer was a challenge limited to public libraries. Despite her passion for computers, she pursued a business education. Not having a degree in software, she faced obstacles but overcame them by building her own technical portfolio as a freelance web developer alongside my main job. Initially working for free, I built a client base and gained valuable experience, leveraging it to apply for developer jobs valuing practical skills.
In the tech field, being self-taught is less common, and I faced numerous rejections and my own fears of inadequacy, imposter syndrome and fear of more rejections. Despite the fear and setbacks, she persisted, continuously applying, and not giving up.
“The encouragement from my brothers played a pivotal role, urging me to persevere,” she shares. “Motivated by the desire to prove to myself that I could succeed, I kept pushing forward, ultimately finding success in a field where determination and resilience were my greatest assets.”
For Wright, the best part of her job is a combination of fulfilling the mission she and her team supports for the Department of Defense and the invaluable flexibility that comes with working from home. Wright has also volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters for over a decade. Her commitment extends to supporting the Latino community. She has tailored mentorship programs for Latina youth, including Little Sister, conducting resume reviews, and offering mentorship. He has led initiatives focused on higher education access and career guidance. Additionally, she has collaborated with a non-profit called VetsinTech, where she supported transitioning military veterans and their spouses.
“In this role, I always made it a priority to ensure that Latina individuals felt welcome in the tech space,” she shares. “This work fulfills my dedication to empowering individuals within the Latino community, reflecting my commitment to positive change on both individual and community levels. As I reflect on my journey and experiences, one aspect that has consistently guided me is the belief in the power of perseverance and continuous learning. Throughout my career, I've embraced challenges as opportunities for growth, constantly seeking to expand my skills and contribute meaningfully to both my professional field and the communities I'm passionate about. The intersections of my diverse background, commitment to mentorship, and dedication to fostering inclusivity have been the driving forces behind my journey. I am not only enthusiastic about the possibilities within STEM but also dedicated to inspiring others to navigate their unique paths with resilience and authenticity. Together, let's continue building a future where diversity and innovation thrive in harmony.”
LATINAStyle Vol. 30, No. 1, 2024