Women in Tech Festival: Latinas Leading the Way

Emcee: Jessica Yanez, Host, The Wine & Chisme Podcast

 

WELCOMING REMARKS

Speaker: LaLa Castro, Co-Founder & Executive Director, #LatinaGeeks

Speaker: Silvia Nadalet, Dean, School of Math, Science & Engineering, Southwestern College

 

Many individuals working in the tech industry either have a technical background and are often expected to remain highly technical, or they lack a technical background and may feel restricted in their career prospects as a result. However, the reality is quite different from these perceptions. In this session, our speakers will explore the multitude of roles available in the tech industry, their interconnections with other roles and skill sets, and discover strategies for positioning yourself to transition into your dream role.

Speaker: Liza Trujillo Kirkland, DEI Leader, Social Impact Expert
Speaker: Catherine Martinez, Principal Community Engagement Manager, Twilio
Speaker: Leidy Riehle, FP&A Business Management Analytics, LPL Financial
Speaker: Analisa Felix, Producer & Host, The Work University Podcast
Moderator: Rosa María Hernández Castellanos, President & Founder, The Vida Effect

Discover the transformative essence of leadership that resides within each of us, regardless of whether you lead yourself, nurture your children, guide your family, inspire your teams, steer your classes, or drive your companies. Join this session to unlock profound insights into the vital components of leadership and learn how to harness their power to lead authentically in every facet of your life. Embrace the opportunity to step into your leadership potential and seize the reins right where you are.

Speaker: Justina Sanchez, Quality Engineer II, TÜV SÜD

Starting a career in technology doesn’t always start in coding or development, it can start by taking that summer job. Join me to learn about how technology shows up in Customer Success roles and how the skills you have now are transferrable to your future.

The ability to convey complex ideas in a simple, relatable manner is more crucial than ever. This talk dives into the art of crafting compelling tech narratives that resonate with both experts and laypeople alike. Learn how to distill your tech-enabled business’s most intricate concepts into stories that not only captivate but also inspire action. Whether you’re looking to spread groundbreaking ideas or secure pivotal funding, discover the storyteller’s edge that can transform complexity into a story that inspires action. This talk is a must-attend for those who are ready to connect deeply, break through the noise, and drive their vision forward.

Speaker: Ginger Zumaeta, CEO, Motive3

We go through impactful experiences that leave a mark on our lives, but what you choose to do with those experiences defines and builds your path. You can choose to use an experience as a simple memory, or you can learn a lesson and use it as a steppingstone in your path towards success. Some experiences serve to push you down so you can propel yourself forward. These lessons will be the blueprint to where you will go in your career. Laura will share some of her experiences and lessons learned that have carved her path from being a paper-pusher to a tech entrepreneur.

Speaker: Laura Cancel, CEO & Founder, NEDDIE

Discover essential cybersecurity concepts, threat detection, and prevention strategies, all while harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence. Whether you’re a novice or a tech-savvy individual, this talk will empower you to confidently navigate the digital landscape, while also shedding light on the accelerating growth of one of the world’s most dynamic industries.

Speaker: Felicita Sandoval, Security Governance Risk Compliance, LiveRamp

The power of the purse was proven in the summer of 2023 with Beyonce, Barbie, and Taylor Swift. This translates to the startup venture table by providing hope to a dismal reality, Latina-led startups receive less than 1% of venture funding, and equally, less than 1% of venture decision-makers are Latinas. A new paradigm is surfacing that does not take the traditional way of fundraising in who you know or what your pedigree is, it’s focused on community, connections, and collaborations. Who better to lead this new venture revolution than Latinas who know the strengths of familia, who know how to raise a vibrant community, and who can make significant capital moves? Latinas can invest in Latinas, so forge new lanes of support, funding, and connections to help Latina founders connect with Latina investors. Our collective “familia flotilla” of boats will raise the tide of funding for years to come.

Speaker: Silvia Mah, General Partner, Stella Impact 

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion as we delve into the topic of staying strong in the face of job loss, organizational changes, and uncertainty. Life can present unexpected challenges, and our panelists are here to share their insights and personal experiences on navigating these turbulent times with resilience. Discover strategies for coping with job loss, adaptability in the face of organizational changes, and maintaining a positive mindset amidst uncertainty. From practical tips to emotional well-being, our experts will provide valuable advice and perspectives to help you weather the storm and emerge stronger. Whether you’re facing these challenges currently or simply seeking to enhance your resilience toolkit, this discussion promises to provide inspiration and guidance for embracing change and building your inner strength.

Speaker: Alana Abbitt, VP Product Development, Miso Robotic
Speaker: Kayla Banuelos, Product Marketing Manager, ESET North America
Speaker: Stephanie Almendariz Lara, Industrial Engineer, Lucid Motors
Speaker: Amalie Zinsser, Frm Director of Community & Belonging, Uncommon
Moderator: Sarah Hassaine, Head of Global Diversity & Inclusion, ResMed

CAREER FAIR: Meet with top tech companies!

RESUME REVIEW: Get your resume reviewed by an expert!

HAPPY HOUR & NETWORKING: Make connections and celebrate over tasty treats and refreshments!