“We are breaking down barriers to ensure more Latinx women are represented in technology, where they are no longer a minority,” said Tina Searcy.
SAN DIEGO — A local group of successful Latina women is working to encourage more women to join the tech industry.
Being Latino in the tech industry brings resourcefulness and strength to the industry.
“I've always loved technology. I've always had an affinity for technology. And I've always wondered how I can get into the tech industry,” said Vice President of Business Engagement San Diego Workforce Partnerships. said Claudia Huerta.
One of Tech San Diego's Latinas founders said breaking down barriers is necessary to enter the tech industry.
“Sometimes I feel like there's a stereotype of, 'You're either good enough to be in tech or you're not.' So it's really about breaking down those barriers and showing me that I know tech and that field.” We have to show them that we have what it takes,” Huerta said.
The National Latina Business Women Association reports that although Latina women make up 45% of San Diego County's female population, there are significant regional and national disparities.
“Currently, about 2% of Latinas in the technology industry are women, and 28% are women,” said Tina Searcy, Customer Success Regional Manager, Linewize by Qoria. “There is a huge need,” she said.
She turned to Latinas in Tech, a national nonprofit that empowers and connects women of color in the industry.
She discovered that San Diego County, which has a 30 percent Latino population and is a world leader in innovation, has no chapter.
That's when Searcy and other successful Latinos came together to create Latina at Tech San Diego, which officially launches this Friday at Mujeres Brewing.
“We want to create a support system for other Latinos so they can have opportunities that are commensurate with some of the challenges they feel and like. We can lift each other up and build bridges,” Huerta said.
Cristina Madrigal says she wants to create more opportunities in the multifaceted technology industry.
“I work with engineering teams and legal teams, but I don't code,” said Cristina Madrigal, senior operations analyst at Verizon.
There are technical roles for all Latinos, whether it's marketing, sales, or customer service.
“I think there's also a myth that if you're not a technical person or if you don't code, technology might not be for you. And that's simply not true,” Huerta said.
What these Latin Americans know is that they can find strength in each other to make their way in the technology field.
“We're going to break down that barrier and get more Latinas represented in tech, where we're no longer a minority,” Searcy said.
To learn more about becoming a member of Latinas in Tech, our sponsors and programs, please visit Latinas in Tech.
Related video: Health Secretary Xavier Becerra visits San Diego to focus on Latino health
