I joined my first Women in Tech community while I was working at Apple in Cupertino. That group of great women introduced me to AnitaB.org and the Grace Hopper Celebration, and I was thrilled to attend my first GHC in 2013. During that conference, I attended a speed mentoring event hosted by Latinas in Computing, which was in a way “love at first sight”. I was inspired by many of them and knew I wanted to somehow get involved to continue their mission: “Empowering Latinas to dream big!”

Something ignited in me and transformed me from someone that was shy and soft spoken into someone that was more confident and less afraid to speak her mind. I had found a place where I felt welcomed and supported by others that looked just like me. Since then, my involvement in Grace Hopper Conference, Latinas in computing, and other communities have provided me the opportunity to pay it forward and be part of something bigger.

Latinas in Computing is inclusion, diversity, and support. A group of women striving and growing in STEM careers is the best mentorship system possible. I will always be thankful for the opportunity to volunteer with LiC and meet amazing role models that I can relate to. This community offers wisdom, experience, and guidance with monthly meetings and sync ups, allowing women in technology to keep current with latest opportunities and trends.