Hispanic Heritage Month

    As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re shining a light on the diverse Hispanic women with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America. From software engineers to tech entrepreneurs and executives, these women represent a broad spectrum of roles and career stages, demonstrating that success in tech comes in many forms. At WomenTech Network, we are proud to feature (alphabetically) 30 exceptional individuals who are not only advancing their careers but also contributing to a more inclusive and diverse tech landscape. By becoming a professional member or partnering with us, you’ll have the chance to connect with such inspiring women, gain access to exclusive resources, and join a community committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology. Below is the list of 30 exceptional ladies in alphabetical order.

    Adriana Pirela

    Chief Marketing Officer at Brava

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    Adriana is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Brava. With a versatile career, she has previously held the role of Chief Marketing Officer for Mindvalley, a leading personal transformation learning platform, and for Digicel Financial Services, a telecommunications and financial solutions provider in 33 markets. Her experience spans the US, Canada, the UK, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Known for driving revenue growth and improving customer acquisition and retention, Adriana has made significant contributions across financial services, SaaS, and telecommunications. She is skilled in developing marketing and corporate communication strategies, achieving retention targets, and reducing acquisition costs.

    Adriana Tavares

    Director of Digital Products and Solutions at Inspected


    Adriana is passionate about technology and innovation, with over 20 years of experience. She combines agile and human-centered methodologies with a results-driven approach, consistently striving to exceed expectations for digital products and services. Committed to understanding and transforming customer needs, she focuses on fostering innovation, creativity, and continuous delivery to drive business growth.

    Adriana has also taken on the role of a local leader in Florida for WomenTech Network, contributing to the advancement of the tech community in her region.

    Alexandra Navarro

    Chief of Staff and Impact at PayStand


    Alexandra is the Chief of Staff to Paystand's Co-CEO, where she aligns company operations, implements core values, and leads strategic projects. With over 20 years of experience in both nonprofit and corporate sectors, her expertise spans strategy, business operations, digital transformation, and Latin American expansion. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff at Latinas in Tech, a nonprofit supporting over 20,000 Latina women in technology across 20 countries. She also guided the strategic vision for Digital Nest’s Bizznest program, providing Latinx youth with technology experience. An author of "How to Balance Your Life" and co-author of books on diversity and work-life balance, Alexandra has been recognized with awards like Titans of Tech and Silicon Valley Women of Influence. 

    Barbara Fernandes

    Founder and CEO of Smarty Ears


    Barbara Fernandes is the founder and CEO of Smarty Ears, known for creating innovative products for speech and communication disorders. Over the past decade, she has developed more than 60 mobile applications and created Smarty Symbols, an inclusive symbol library widely adopted in special education. As GeekSLP, through her blog and podcast, Barbara has trained educators nationwide on using mobile technology to enhance student learning. She has been a guest speaker at numerous conventions and recently received an SBIR grant from the National Institute of Health for her latest technology, the Speech and Language Academy. An Amazon best-selling author, Barbara has received multiple awards for her contributions.

    Christina Garcia

    SVP Engineering at Echo Global Logistics


    A highly effective Senior Technology Strategist and Product Specialist with a proven track record of leading and transforming organizations in fast-paced environments. Skilled in creative problem-solving and resolving complex business issues through a combination of people, process, and technology. Known for translating complex objectives into actionable plans and aligning technology with business needs. Experienced in software product development and technology assessments for companies in competitive markets. Specialties include payments, high-transaction e-commerce, mobile strategy, and cloud adoption.

    She is also a professional member of the WomenTech Network.

    Citlalli Solano Leonce


    Director of Engineering, Network Security at Palo Alto Networks


    Citlalli is a customer-focused leader with over 20 years of experience in the high-tech industry.

    She has a demonstrated record of building and leading highly productive, diverse, and distributed teams that deliver top-quality cloud and on-premises software products. Known for her expertise in managing large-scale engineering projects, she excels at fostering innovation and efficiency in fast-paced, cross-functional environments. Her strengths lie in leading teams through complex product lifecycles, from concept to launch, ensuring both technical excellence and customer satisfaction. With a passion for technology and team development, she is dedicated to driving impactful results in every project she undertakes.

    Cristina Hernandez


    Chief Diversity Officer at Synopsys​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Cristina enjoys making complex organizations inclusive for everyone and has built a career around it. With over 20 years in law, she learned to dive deep into issues and strategize for long-term impact. From her experience with juries and large audiences, Cristina found that being herself is the most authentic way to make an impact. She believes lasting change comes from addressing root causes, so she focuses on understanding and improving systems, especially those affecting people.

    As a leader, Cristina is proud that many who have worked with her have become successful professionals. She aims to leave every place better than she found it, recognizing that everyone makes mistakes—it's how they handle them that counts.

    Daniela Herrera

    Talent and DEI Consultant, Speaker, and Trainer at Kay & Black, Talent Management


    With over 18 years of international experience in Talent Operations, Recruitment, and Leadership, Dani Herrera is a highly accomplished DE&I Consultant. Fluent in two languages, Dani is a recognized authority in the field and has received awards for their work. Additionally, they are a sought-after speaker, a Founding Partner at Allies in Recruiting, and serve as a valued panelist on NASA's DEI Practitioners Database.

    Dani's primary mission is to help companies, teams, and leaders foster intentional inclusivity. Their work involves elevating organizational cultures that not only attract but also retain talent from historically underserved communities. Dani excels at developing strategies that effectively minimize biases and promote diversity and inclusion.

    Delia Gutierrez McLaughlin

    AWS Principal Engagement Leader

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    Delia Gutierrez has over two decades of leadership experience in transformation, solutions delivery, outsourcing, customer service, and strategic sourcing. Recognized as a Technology Evangelist, she blends business insight with technology to achieve operational excellence and cost savings. As an Executive IT professional, Delia has supported major organizations like Aon Corp., Rockwell Electronic Comm., and SBC/Ameritech, working with clients such as IBM, Motorola, and American Airlines. Her expertise in aligning technology with business strategy has made her a trusted advisor for Fortune 500 companies. Career highlights include leading global IT projects, establishing bilingual call centers, optimizing $2 billion in premium processing, and implementing channel programs across Latin America and the Caribbean.

    In 2011, she was recognized as one of the 'Top 100 Hispanic IT Executives.'

    Dena R. Jones

    Vice President in the Office of the CIO at Fannie Mae

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    Dena R. Jones is an accomplished Technology Operations Executive and an award-winning leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Currently serving as the Vice President in the Office of the CIO at Fannie Mae. In addition to her technical leadership, she has been instrumental in re-establishing the DEI program for the CIO office, fostering a culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the workplace and the marketplace. Dena’s experience extends to her role as Head of Operations at The TechPACT, where she contributes to driving impactful changes in technology industries. With over 20 years of experience, she has demonstrated expertise in supplier management, diversity recruitment, and executing strategic objectives. 

    Denise Cruz

    Head of Global Benefits at Reddit

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    Denise Cruz is an experienced benefits professional with a demonstrated history of working in global benefits management. Currently serving as the Head of Global Benefits at Reddit, Inc., she has successfully negotiated benefit costs and implemented self-funding strategies to drive significant savings.

    Prior this, Denise led benefit programs at companies like Cambium Learning Group, Zillow, Colliers International, and GM Nameplate, where she developed and managed comprehensive benefits strategies to align with organizational goals. Her expertise includes benefit plan design, cost negotiation, and enhancing employee benefits to support talent retention across global teams.

    Diane Gonzalez

    VP, Technology at Amazon

    Diane Gonzalez has a proven track record of building and leading development teams to deliver products and services on time, within budget, and exceeding expectations. With 20 years of software management experience, she has managed technologies including highly available Disaster Recovery (HA-DR) systems, Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), CRM, data warehousing, document management, workflow applications, and database management systems. Diane is known for taking on the most challenging assignments and is recognized for her exceptional technical project management skills. A self-motivated and results-driven leader, she is also a sought-after mentor for high-potential employees. As a Latina in tech, Diane is passionate about breaking down barriers and championing diversity in the industry.


    Photo Creator: Genna Martin | Credit: Genna Martin

    Photo Copyright: Genna Martin

    Dominique (Acosta) Garcia

    VP, Recruiting Manager at JPMorgan Chase & Co.


    Dominique Garcia is an experienced VP Recruiting Manager and Recruitment Leader with a strong track record in the industry. She excels at matching candidates with the right opportunities at all levels. Dominique has extensive experience in hiring, managing, and motivating recruitment teams, and she is highly successful in building strong relationships with interviewing and hiring managers, as well as employees. She consistently meets or exceeds staffing goals through effective customer service and by developing and inspiring her networking teams.

    Dominique is a fervent proponent of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    Elaine Montilla

    Chief Technology Officer at Pearson


    Elaine Montilla is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Pearson's US School Assessment division, where she drives digital innovation and leads product development strategies. With over 20 years of experience, she has a strong background in executing large-scale IT strategies in the higher education sector. Elaine is also the founder of 5xminority, Inc., advocating for the empowerment of women and underrepresented minorities in tech. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, she focuses on expanding equal STEM learning opportunities for all children. Recognized as a Top 100 Outstanding LGBTQ+ Executive Role Model by Yahoo Finance in 2021, one of the Top 100 Women in Tech by Technology Magazine in 2023, and a HITEC 100 Hispanic Technology Leader for 2024, Elaine continues to make a significant impact in the tech industry.

    Fausta Ballesteros

    CMO at Wizeline​​​​​​​

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    Fausta is an award-winning, global culture and marketing executive with expertise in strategy, branding, M&A, communications, change management, and DEI. As a bilingual storyteller, she partners with the C-suite to drive results in client growth, employer branding, change management, and reputation. With over 20 years of experience across domestic and international markets, she has worked with companies like Cognizant, Softvision, Globant, Shell, and American Express. Fausta has also led change management and culture onboarding for over eight global digital acquisitions and contributed to her own startup and non-profits focused on education and women's empowerment.

    Graciela Perez

    Former Chief Digital Program Officer and Executive Lean Leader at GE HealthCare

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    Dr. Graciela Perez has held executive-level digital roles at Chevron, Microsoft, and GE HealthCare, accumulating over three decades of diverse industry experience. Her expertise spans Federal Compliance, Nuclear, Pharma, Biotech, Energy, Cloud Technology, and Healthcare. Grace holds a Doctor of Science in Engineering and is certified in Data Science, Lean methodologies, and Human Operational Performance. She leverages Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to lead comprehensive digital transformations, extending beyond basic IoT applications.

    Currently, Grace is acting as a Principal and Founder at Lean Sigma Tech and as Chief Strategy Officer at WomenTech Network.


    Isaura S Gaeta

    Former Vice President, Security Research, Intel Product Assurance and Security Engineering at Intel Corporation

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    Isaura is a retired global technology executive with over 40 years of experience in semiconductor technology. She most recently served as Vice President of Security Research at Intel, where she led a global team ensuring top-level security across Intel products.

    With a strong track record of delivering innovative solutions to enhance performance and reliability, she has received the prestigious Intel Achievement Award five times.

    Isaura is currently an active board member at Stearns Bank, NA, and Elevate Semiconductor, and she chairs the board of the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech.

    Jeanette Spataro

    Executive Director at Morgan Stanley


    Jeanette Spataro is the Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, where she serves as the Global Head of Product Management in Institutional Securities Technology. With a career spanning over 20 years at the company, she has held roles including Vice President and Associate. Jeanette is also an alumna of the HITEC Emerging Executive Program, which focuses on developing high-potential technology leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Hofstra University.

    Jeanette has also been recognized with the HITEC 100 Award.

    Laura I. Gómez

    CEO and Co-Founder at Cepanoa Health

    Laura I. Gómez is an experienced leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a passion for tackling issues related to mental health and technology. She currently serves as the Behavioral Health Commissioner for the County of San Mateo. In addition to this role, Laura is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cepanoa Health, a platform focusing on the interconnectedness of behavioral and physical health, particularly addressing adverse childhood experiences. She has also held leadership roles at Project 50/50, People of Color in Tech, and other initiatives that drive community-focused solutions and advocacy for diversity in the tech industry. With a background in creating safe spaces for underrepresented communities and fostering innovation, Laura continues to make impactful contributions to tech and public health.

    Lidia Fonseca

    Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Pfizer

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    Lidia oversees all digital, data, and technology solutions at Pfizer, driving innovation in drug discovery, clinical development, and operations through automation, data analytics, and AI. She launched the Digital Companion™ to enhance patient-physician engagement and spearheaded AI-powered predictive algorithms for healthcare. Under her leadership, Pfizer automated over 90% of 100 million transactions and created the Pfizer Learning Academy.

    With 20+ years in healthcare, including a key role at Quest Diagnostics, Lidia has been recognized by Forbes and other organizations for her influence and innovation in the industry.

    Maria B. Winans

    Chief Marketing Officer of Kyndryl

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    Maria B. Winans is a seasoned leader in the world of data-driven marketing, brand engagement, and performance marketing. At Kyndryl, Maria heads up a global team, driving the company’s marketing, brand, and advertising strategies. She’s all about using data, analytics, and cloud tech to connect more deeply with customers and partners, helping to shape a memorable brand for this start up-at-scale. Before Kyndryl, Maria spent nearly three decades at IBM, where she climbed the ranks to become the Chief Marketing Officer for IBM Americas, overseeing marketing across North and Latin America. A native of Santiago, Chile, Maria is the executive sponsor of Kyndryl’s Hispanic Latino KIN (Kyndryl Inclusion Network), reflecting her commitment to diversity and inclusion. She has been recognized with awards such as the ASPIRA Association’s Corporate Leadership Award and was named one of the “Top 10 Corporate Latina Executives of the Year” by LATINA Style.

    Mariely Bandas-Franzetti

    Vice President, Supply Chain and Product Lifecycle at Cisco IT

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    Mariely Bandas-Franzetti is a thought leader and strategist in IT with expertise in creating sustainable growth models. As Vice President of IT at Cisco, she oversees IT systems and data for product development and delivery, including Product Lifecycle Management and Supply Chain operations. Previously, she spent 24 years at Dell Technologies, driving innovation and integrating services across global teams.

    Mariely is dedicated to advancing women in technology and serves as a role model for young women in STEM fields, inspiring them to pursue successful careers.

    Miri Rodriguez

    Senior Storyteller Future of Work and Health & Public Services Industry, Microsoft

    CEO at Empressa AI 


    Miri Rodriguez is a globally recognized storyteller, bestselling author of "Brand Storytelling," and the founder of Be Mindful Be Happy. With over 15 years of expertise, she offers valuable industry insights and consulting experience, all delivered with an authentic and engaging style.

    Miri's accolades include multiple awards in digital marketing and customer experience, and she is consistently ranked as a highly sought-after speaker at major industry conferences worldwide.

    Currently, she holds the role of Senior Storyteller for Health and Public Sector Industries at Microsoft. Miri is also the CEO at Empressa AI, where she is driving the #AIForWomen movement. Since August 2024, she has been leading the development of the first AI assistant created by women, for women, to address unique business challenges and highlight women's leadership

    Nancy Avila

    Chief Information Officer at Analog Devices

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    Nancy Avila is an accomplished technology executive with a strong background in digital transformation and IT leadership. Currently serving as CEO at Analog Devices. Previously, she was Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer at McKesson, focusing on driving digital innovation, improving customer experiences, and enhancing operational efficiency.

    With previous leadership roles at Johnson Controls and Abbott, Nancy brings a wealth of experience in managing large-scale IT projects and fostering cross-functional collaboration. She is passionate about leveraging technology to deliver strategic business outcomes and is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech.

    Nicole Herrera Santiago

    DEI Lead at Google

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    Nicole Herrera Santiago is a digital leader with over a decade of experience in Diversity & Inclusion, having managed global programs and teams in both Latin America and the US. At Google, she leads DEI initiatives for Android, where she sets strategic objectives for a 9,000+ person global organization. As the founder of Her Era, she focuses on advancing women of color and other underrepresented groups through public speaking, workshops, and consulting.

    Nicole also serves as a Board Member at Latinas in Tech, driving diversity in the tech space. With expertise in multicultural marketing, market expansion, and community outreach, she is passionate about creating programs that drive meaningful change. 

    Rosa Ramos-Kwok

    Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase & Co.​​​​​​​

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    Rosa Ramos-Kwok is a highly accomplished Technology Senior Executive renowned for her dynamic and results-driven approach. Over the course of her career, she has successfully navigated various key roles, including Application Development, Technology Infrastructure Management, Technology Risk Management, Governance, and Production Management. Rosa's remarkable achievements have earned her recognition as one of the Top 10 Female Engineers in the United States by Business Insider. She is also celebrated as one of the top 50 Latinas in Corporate America, acknowledged by ALPFA and Fortune, and honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in Technology by HITEC.

    Stephanie Saliba

    Global Head of Data Analytics at Bloomberg

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    Stephanie Saliba, an exceptionally motivated Global Manager in data analytics and a committed leader in Diversity and Inclusion, brings with her a solid history of accomplishments in the financial services industry. Her skill set encompasses SQL, Data Analysis, Bloomberg, Business Analysis, and Financial Analysis.

    Stephanie is particularly adept at people management and serves as a prominent diversity and inclusion advocate. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a specialization in Business Administration and Management, earned from Centenary University.

    Tatia Zuloaga

    CEO & Co-Founder at Upnotch.com 

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    Tatia is an entrepreneur and leader with 16 years of experience focused on building products that strengthen relationships between organizations and people. As Co-Founder of Upnotch, she is dedicated to helping individuals grow professionally by building trusted advisory boards.
    Seeing the challenges of scaling a business, she developed a solution to make mentorships more accessible to all professionals.

    She believes excellence is a choice that involves continuous learning and facing new challenges. Tatia values creating a positive team environment and delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions that make a real impact.

    Thamara Ramirez-Walker

    Global Vice President Sustainability ESG Marketing - Strategic Lead at SAP

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    Thamara Ramírez-Walker, a Global Vice President for Sustainability ESG Marketing - Strategic Lead at SAP, is a distinguished leader with a track record of excellence. She has earned accolades such as the Emerging Leaders in Tech Award in 2021 and The Responsible 100 Award in 2020, along with the SAP Marketing Excellence Award for her role in championing diversity and inclusion. Thamara's commitment to professional development led her to complete the Kellogg School of Management Executive MBA program at Northwestern University in 2021. Recognized as one of SAP's top nominees for the MLT CAP 2020 award, she stands out as an underrepresented minority with exceptional leadership talent. Thamara is a strategic operations leader known for her hands-on approach to driving Purpose & Sustainability initiatives through operational excellence and data-driven insights, consistently delivering remarkable results and advocating passionately for diversity and inclusion.

    Valentina Rodriguez

    Principal Architect at Red Hat​​​​​​​

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    Valentina Rodriguez is a Principal Technical Marketing Manager at Red Hat, specializing in OpenShift and emerging technologies. With a background in software engineering, she spent 15 years in various roles from Developer to Architect across industries like retail, healthcare, and finance.

    Valentina enjoys contributing to the tech community and has spoken at events like KubeCon and Open Source Summit. Passionate about technology, she holds a Master’s in Computer Science, an MBA, and multiple certifications.

    She also serves as a Global Ambassador for WomenTech Network, empowering women in tech.


    In closing, the remarkable Hispanic and Latin American women in tech deserve our ongoing support, not just during a designated month. Join us in championing their dedication, innovation, and leadership by nominating them for the Women in Tech Global Awards. Together, let's ensure their influence continues to shape the tech world and ignite inspiration for generations to follow. Nominate now and put Hispanic and Latin American women in the spotlight. Join this and many other conversations about women in tech on our community page on LinkedIn

    Nominate for the Women in Tech Global Awards

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