We have a feeling this hot weather is probably making you think about summer plans. But before youthrow on your flip flops and head outside to enjoy the sun, we want to hear your thoughts on being a Latina in tech and the importance of introducing more women and girls to tech.
To get the conversation started we will hear from three Latinas who will share their own stories about breaking into and working in the NYC tech industry, and the work they do to help fight the underrepresentation of women in tech.Afterwards, we'll open up the floor for networking and much needed conversations about being awoman, and in particular a Latina, involved in the NYC tech community.
Panelists:
JessicaPerilla
At the helm ofJPD StudioisJessicaPerilla, an award-winning entrepreneur and designer in New York City. With a background in both coding and design she holds degrees in multi-media development, management, and graphic design. She founded JPD Studio in January 2007 to help organizations bring their ideas to light. JPD Studio specializes in launching strategic branding and stunning websites for organizations in health, education & women's empowerment. Jessicais also the founder of#PoweredbyHer, an initiative of JPD Studio designed to celebrate, showcase and support the efforts of girls in technology. The show and tell platform is launching this summer featuring the work of their first non profit partner Girls Who Code. #PoweredbyHer envisions a world with equal gender representation in the field of technology.
Ariel Lopez
Ariel isa career coach at General Assembly where she transforms thinkers into creators through education and opportunities in technology, business, and design. Ariel is also the founder of 20/20Shift,an online education platform designed to give minority recent grads and young professionals access to opportunities in AdTech (marketing, media, and technology). Their goal is to get 10,000 people into the space by 2020 through career discovery, mentorship, and professional development.
Yvonne De La Pena
Yvonne has always been interested in the use of technology by youth from underrepresented groups and finding ways to encourage them to transform from users to designers and inventors.With degrees in computer science and education, Yvonne is a tech-savvy and imaginative educator who lovesspending her days helping high schoolers discover the fun of programming as theDirector of Learning & Engagement at CodeNow, a non-profit that works with tech companies to implement programming workshops for underrepresented high school students.Yvonne is also the co-founder of NYC Tech Latinas. Started in 2013, NYCTL'smission is to create a dynamic network of individuals,information, and ideas to help increase the representation of Latinas in the NYC tech industry.
