In the late 1960s, my parents decided to change the course of their lives and accomplish the impossible: to raise their family in freedom. That’s when they moved to the U.S. from Cuba. They were willing to give up everything they had and knew to come to a country, where they didn’t speak the language, to build a life for themselves and for their family.

I was the first person from my family to be born in the U.S., and my family’s willingness to take a risk for the things you believe in has been a huge inspiration in my life. Their dedication has encouraged me to stop at nothing to accomplish my dreams and to embrace my passions with open arms.

And I have many passions! Cuban culture, music (I’m currently learning how to play the viola da gamba) and my 7-year old English Bulldog, Henry, to name a few. I’m passionate about developing Latinas in tech, particularly as leaders.  Most importantly, I am passionate about the power of technology to connect people and build community.

This passion has led me to twenty-five years in the technology industry with different roles ranging from marketing to product development to support. Most recently, as Senior Director for HoloLens and Mixed Reality Commercial Programs, I have had the opportunity to embrace my passions and Cuban heritage by using the power of technology to build bridges and transcend boundaries.  I had the great privilege of leading a project with the Miami-based and Cuban-owned Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation (CIFO) during Art Basel last December, which accomplished the impossible:  We were able to bring large, fragile pieces of art to the United States from Havana by recreating them virtually, breaking down barriers and allowing people to experience art—previously only available in Cuba.

I’m thrilled with the fact that we’re building technology that empowers and connects everyone. But technology cannot do the work by itself. And that’s where I invite the Latinx community to participate!

We truly are living in exciting times. Our community is just starting to hit our stride, and the world is waking up to our impact. Next steps? Find your voice. Search for that willingness, that passion, within ourselves to take risks and transcend your own limits. I can’t wait to see what we do next.