Motivation to Speak
Are you excited to speak at the Women in Tech Global Conference and what motivated you to join our community of 150,000 women in tech, minorities, and allies?
I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Women in Tech Global Conference this year. I’ve navigated the intersection of policy and technology for the last twenty years—and as a woman, it has often been a road traveled alone. That’s why this community is so meaningful to me. We need spaces where women, especially women of diverse backgrounds, can find solidarity, inspiration, and collective power. Being part of a global network like this—one that uplifts women’s voices —feels both energizing and essential. We’ve seen what a tech ecosystem, largely built, designed, and led by male leaders looks like. We need more spaces like this one to empower the next iteration of technology created and led by women!
Background and Inspiration
Share with us about your background, your journey in tech, and what inspired you to develop your career in this direction?
My family and I immigrated to the United States from Colombia when I was young, in search of better opportunities and a brighter future. Like many immigrant families, we faced challenges—navigating a new culture, learning a new language, and trying to find our place in a California that wasn’t always welcoming. These early experiences taught me resilience and opened my eyes to the inequities and structural barriers that keep too many people on the margins.
That awareness—and a deep curiosity about how systems work—led me to public policy. But it wasn’t long before I realized that technology was becoming the new gatekeeper to power and access. I wanted to be part of reshaping that, to ensure technology could serve everyone, not just the privileged few. That conviction has guided my journey—across government, philanthropy, and now in civic tech—to build more inclusive and people-centered digital systems.
Why is the topic “Rethink AI: Utilizing the Civic Space to Create AI For All” important to you?
AI is quickly becoming a defining force, and yet so much of its development is being driven by commercial interests, not public values. I believe we need to reclaim the civic space as a place for innovation—where communities, governments, and public institutions can collaboratively shape how AI is used in ways that are ethical, equitable, and human-centered.
“AI for all” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a challenge to the status quo. It’s about building systems that work for the many, not the few. And it’s about making sure that the voices of women and underrepresented communities are not just included—but centered—in the decisions we make about our technological future.
Who would you advise to attend the Women in Tech Global Conference and why?
I would encourage anyone who is looking to find community, share in solidarity, and be part of something bigger than themselves to attend this conference. Women in tech are still too often isolated and underinvested. This type of gathering is a space to connect with others who understand your journey, learn from diverse voices, and build lasting relationships that support your growth. It's a place where we don’t just talk about inclusion—we live it, together.
