Engineering Program Management
Based on an episode with Beatris Mendez Gandica 🇻🇪
Welcome to Latinx in Power, a podcast aiming to help to demystify tech, the way we do that is by interviewing Latinx and Caribbean leaders all over the world to hear their perspective and insights.
We talked with Beatris Mendez Gandica (she/her), an engineer and Program Manager at Microsoft, specializing in diverse engineering disciplines, nonprofit work, and advocacy for women in STEM.
In this episode, we will dive into Beatris’s role in the tech industry, her founding of Nuevo Foundation to empower underrepresented students in STEM, her insights on overcoming career challenges, and her valuable advice for women pursuing tech careers.
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What does it mean to be a Latina for you?
For me, the way I think about it is resilience. Things aren’t simply given to us; we actively seek them and create a path even when it may not seem readily available. This mindset is deeply rooted in my upbringing. It’s like saying, “If what you need isn’t readily available, that’s okay. Can you still achieve it, and how will you make it happen?” Achieving this often requires a collective effort, but it’s definitely achievable.
I believe the Latino spirit embodies the phrase “Sí, puede” or “yes, you can.” It reflects the idea that anything is possible, and if the path isn’t straightforward, we’ll find a way, even if it means taking detours to reach our goals. To me, this attitude is of utmost importance. Interestingly, today marks the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month here in the US.
As a Latino, I also feel a sense of responsibility to contribute more to the tech industry and education. It’s a way for me to give back, and this desire to give back is something common among Latinos. If you’ve succeeded, you often wonder how you can help your cousins, sisters, or brothers to join you on that path.
Can you tell us more about your role as a program manager in Microsoft and how it relates to a background in engineering?
When it comes to program management, my definition revolves around problem-solving and finding effective paths to reach our goals. In my current role, I focus on a product called Azure usage billing. Our primary responsibility is to manage the usage data generated by various Azure services before it’s handed over to another department, commerce, for rating. Our core objectives include ensuring low latency, scalability, and data integrity. As a program manager (PM), I collaborate closely with engineers to ensure that these goals are achieved.
Furthermore, in more complex projects, the journey from point A to point B isn’t always straightforward. It’s not just a matter of writing a single line of code to bridge the gap. It requires careful design and consideration, with a strong emphasis on the customer experience. One of the significant roles of a PM is to focus on the customer’s experience, not only ensuring that the code functions correctly but also how the customer will interact with it. This involves aspects such as documentation and usability.
It’s worth noting that PM roles can vary significantly. Some PMs are hands-on with coding, while others, like in my current team, are not directly involved in coding tasks. In my previous role, I had the opportunity to contribute to feature development by checking in code. The specific role of a PM depends on the team’s needs and where their skills can be most effectively utilized.
In my role at Microsoft, working on usage billing for Azure, there may be more publicly available information in the future, but as of now, most of the details are internal.
What inspired you to start Nuevo Foundation? How the organization impacted underrepresented students in STEM education?
The origin of the Nuevo Foundation traces back to my own journey. I learned to code in university, which, while not a negative thing, posed a challenge in today’s competitive market. In other countries, students start coding as early as second grade, giving them a significant advantage. I, on the other hand, hail from Venezuela, where computer classes were scarce, and this early exposure was absent. However, my passion for computers drove me to pursue higher education in this field.
Upon joining Microsoft, I was always driven by a desire to give back. I volunteered at universities and took part in TECHNOLOchicas with Microsoft, representing Latinas across the United States. It got me thinking about how we could expose more kids to computer science at a younger age, be it in elementary, middle, or high school. I didn’t want them to face the same wait I did until college to discover this world.
So, I gathered four friends in a cafeteria and shared my idea of starting a nonprofit. I proposed that we teach kids how to code because of the challenges I had faced. All four of them had similar experiences or recognized the need for democratizing computer science education. The access to computer science education should be universal, but unfortunately, it isn’t. Many organizations, including Nuevo, are striving to provide every child with an opportunity.
Though we lacked a business or marketing background, we were united by our passion to ensure kids have access to computer science education. Our success metric was simple: if even one student could be inspired to pursue a career in tech, especially someone who looked like me, that would be a triumph. In our first year, we aimed to help 500 students, but we ended up teaching over 2000.
To date, we have educated nearly 16,000 students in 33 countries. We take great pride in our work. If you or someone you know wants to learn how to code, everything we offer is available for free at nuevofoundation.org. We’ve also translated resources into several languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, German, and French, with more languages in progress. Our mission is to democratize access to computer science education, particularly for underrepresented groups.
What challenges have you faced through your career and how have you overcome that?
In terms of challenges, I’ve faced them since my college days. When I began computer science and coding classes, there were initially five women in the class, but within half a semester, I was the only one left. In some classes, it dwindled to just the two of us. However, my mindset was always focused on making it work, and it wasn’t solely about being a strong, independent woman. It was more about figuring out how I could have an impact regardless of my gender. While it wasn’t easy initially, I realized that it was alright, and I could contribute to projects and group work.
This determination carried me through college, and it worked out well for me. Similarly, at work, I often find myself as the only Latina in my team. While there are two other Latinos, I’m the only female Latina. This unique position has provided me with the opportunity to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, which has been a great experience. It’s also an opportunity to educate others that Latinos come in various forms, shades, and origins.
Another challenge I’ve encountered is the need for mentors or individuals who believe in your potential, sometimes even when you might not see it yourself. I experienced this when I started at Microsoft. Initially, I was in services and doing well, working with great customers. However, someone saw potential in me to transition into engineering. I hesitated at first, but then I decided to go for it. Looking back, I wish I had made the move sooner.
It’s important for me not to dwell on struggles or focus on being a victim. Instead, I concentrate on what I can do, how I can progress, and how I can move forward to the next level or project. Having a set of mentors has been crucial in this journey. These mentors have guided me and helped ensure that my mental health is in the right place. Additionally, they’ve encouraged me to have outlets, such as going to the gym and engaging in philanthropic work, like the activities we do with the Nuevo Foundation.
I firmly believe that mentors can be found in various aspects of life — family, partners, or anyone with whom you can have a bidirectional relationship, where you both provide help and support each other. This, to me, is the key to navigating challenges and achieving personal growth.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering pursuing careers in tech, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds?
Today, we have incredible resources at our fingertips, including Google and ChatGPT. The availability of these tools might be considered overrated by some or underrated by others, depending on your circle. However, these resources, particularly ChatGPT, offer an unparalleled opportunity to seek answers to questions and explanations about a wide range of topics. This is especially valuable for students in more rural or manufacturing-focused areas who may not have immediate access to role models or mentors in fields like engineering and STEM.
With ChatGPT, YouTube, Google, and other online platforms, individuals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, can inquire about various career paths and gain insights into different roles. For example, they can ask questions like, “What is it like to be a program manager at Google or Microsoft?” or “What is the experience of a software engineer with a background in data science?” These are the kinds of questions that I wish I had been able to ask when I was starting my journey. They empower individuals to explore their interests and find the path that truly resonates with them.
Access to the internet plays a crucial role in this. Public libraries often provide internet access, and it’s a fantastic way to explore possibilities and find role models. Podcasts, like the one Thaisa hosts, can also serve as valuable sources of inspiration, sharing the stories of remarkable individuals.
However, before diving into any path, it’s essential to engage in self-reflection. Ask yourself why you want to pursue a particular field. Is it your genuine interest and passion, or are you doing it because someone else recommended it? The answer to this question will guide your journey and make it more fulfilling.
I also use ChatGPT for personal growth, even as a non-native English speaker. It helps me improve my English and ensure that my writing is professional and polished. Whether it’s correcting grammar or enhancing clarity, ChatGPT offers invaluable assistance. There are numerous practical uses for this technology, including creating PowerPoint presentations, even with the free version by inserting the code.
The adoption of such technology is a game-changer, and I hope that, especially in the Latino community, we fully embrace these opportunities. Just as people initially underestimated the potential of the internet, it’s possible that some may overlook the transformative impact of technologies like ChatGPT and AI models. However, it’s crucial for us as a community and society to recognize the potential and ensure we leverage these tools to shape a brighter future.
How do you see the future of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry?
I have a deep desire to see the entire rainbow represented in various fields. While I can’t predict when this will happen, I’ve evolved in my perspective. It’s no longer solely about where you come from or whether you identify as Latino, African-American, Asian, or from any other background. Diversity isn’t just about appearances or labels. Even if a team consists of seven Latinos, true diversity is about having a range of perspectives and experiences. It’s about valuing different points of view.
In this quest for diversity, it’s crucial not to forget the inclusion aspect. Often, we emphasize diversity but overlook the importance of inclusion. How do we ensure that we’re not just counting numbers but truly integrating diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices? This is a critical component in creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
The way this will all unfold in the future is uncertain, but I can say that in recent years, we’ve seen positive changes. The kids we’ve been teaching and the students in schools today display a greater degree of diversity and a richer mix of backgrounds and experiences compared to what we observed when Nuevo first started five years ago. These changes are promising, and they give us hope for a more inclusive and diverse future.
Which resource helped you in your journey that you want to share with us today?
One valuable resource I frequently turn to is the NPR podcast “How I Built This.” It’s a source of inspiration for me as a Latina because it highlights the entrepreneurial mindset and showcases creators, inventors, CEOs, and founders. I find immense motivation in listening to the stories of these individuals who have built their own paths to success.
However, I believe that one of the best resources we have is our immediate surroundings. It’s crucial to surround yourself with like-minded people who are committed to progress and who genuinely want to see you and your friends succeed. It’s essential to avoid negative environments where people dwell on what’s not working or how difficult things are because that negativity can affect your own outlook.
While books, podcasts, movies, and certifications can provide knowledge and inspiration, having a positive and supportive social network is invaluable. It’s not about being relentlessly optimistic, as hard days and challenges are a part of life, but maintaining a balance that leans more toward optimism. The world of technology can be tough, and it wasn’t necessarily designed with women, Latinas, or minorities in mind. However, dwelling on this fact won’t lead to happiness or a sense of direction. It’s essential to focus on the path ahead and the opportunities that lie ahead, to find that light at the end of the tunnel.
Where can people find you?
To the audience, I’d like to leave you with a simple yet powerful message: be true to yourself, pursue what you love, and never doubt who you are. If you’re someone who embraces your Latinx identity, be proud of it and let it shine in everything you do.
Even in important conversations, don’t be afraid to include a word or two in Spanish if that’s a part of who you are. Embrace your authenticity and remember that it’s perfectly okay.
If you’d like to connect with me on social media, you can find me across various platforms from TikTok to LinkedIn, using the handle @beagandica. Feel free to reach out and stay in touch.
I hope you enjoyed the podcast. We will have more interviews with amazing Latinx leaders the first Tuesday of every month. Check out our website Latinx In Power to hear more. Don’t forget to share comments and feedback, always with kindness. See you soon.
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Additional Reading Mentioned in the Interview
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beagandica/
https://www.tiktok.com/@beagandica
https://nuevofoundation.org/
https://www.npr.org/series/490248027/how-i-built-this
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