Building Our Own Table

Latina-Led Initiatives Redefining Inclusion and Innovation in Tech

Stacy Ledesma Whitenight
Women in Technology

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In 2022, the proportion of Latinas in the United States moved beyond 19%, and the number of Latina students soaring to achieve a bachelor’s degree or loftier academic accolades surged from a mere million in 2000 to a staggering 3.5 million by 2021. In this same temporal window, the contingent of Latinas possessing a degree multiplied fourfold from an inconsequential 5% to a notable 20% (NBC News). Despite these significant strides and blooming growth, the presence of Latinas in the tech industry remains tragically underrepresented.

Photo by Jessica Da Rosa on Unsplash

A disheartening study by the Pew Research Center found that Latinas hold fewer than 2% of STEM jobs; this figure stands in harsh contrast to the broader national demographics.

This scarce representation is more than just a wasted opportunity; it stifles the industry’s potential by neglecting the rich perspectives and meaningful contributions from a resilient and ambitious community. This fact becomes all the more notable when one considers that Hispanic and Latine communities in the United States account for the world’s fifth largest GDP.

The lack of diversity and inclusion continues to be a prevalent issue in the tech industry, especially for Latinas. They face numerous systemic barriers…

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Stacy Ledesma Whitenight
Women in Technology

Leading Business Operations To Prioritize Inclusive Design for Innovation | www.latinabytes.com