‘We Are Unstoppable’: These Latinas in Tech Are Here to Change the Game
As the tech world rapidly transforms, Latina entrepreneurs are at the forefront. They are reshaping how technology serves communities and creating pathways for future generations.
Monica Hernandez, CEO of MAS Global, and Paola Santana, CEO of Glass, are two trailblazers who have combined their passion, resilience, and cultural roots to make an impact.
From Medellín, Colombia, to Silicon Valley, these Latina leaders embody the drive and dedication that continue to break down barriers in tech.
These Latinas in Tech Are Rooted in Culture, Driven by Purpose
For Monica Hernandez, a childhood in Medellín shaped her journey in the tech industry. Raised in a family that emphasized education over luxury, Monica chose a computer over a quinceañera. This decision sparked her love for technology. “That passion led me to earn a scholarship to study Software Engineering in Colombia, which eventually opened the door to my career in tech in the U.S.,” she shares.
As an immigrant tech founder, Monica’s heritage fuels her mission. “I’m proud of my roots. Which inspires our MAS mission to elevate women and Latinos in tech through job and education opportunities,” she says. Today, her company connects U.S. corporations with Latin American talent, proving Colombia is a tech hub with immense potential. “It’s a testament to the caliber of our people and the incredible talent our Latino community has to offer,” Monica adds.
Similarly, Paola Santana’s mission stems from her experiences in the Dominican Republic. There, she saw how poverty and inequality impacted communities. Inspired to make a change, she pursued a career in law and politics before transitioning to tech. “Growing up in a region where foundational systems need dramatic improvement, I became passionate about reimagining how essential infrastructure could work better for everyone,” Paola explains. Her work with Glass focuses on transforming how governments buy services, making systems efficient and inclusive.
The Unique Perspectives Latinas Bring to Tech Innovation
Latinas are driving tech with a blend of cultural awareness, commitment, and vision that distinguishes them in the industry. Monica emphasizes the role of Latinas as change-makers. “We are driven, ambitious, and unstoppable, with a deep commitment to building a better future for our families and communities,” she states. Her company, MAS Global, highlights the strengths Latinas bring to tech, with several Latina employees advancing in leadership. “Latinas continue to demonstrate the drive, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness needed to thrive in the fast-paced and global tech industry,” she says.
Paola adds that Latinas have a unique blend of long-term vision and inclusive leadership. “We understand the importance of balancing business success with social impact, ensuring that innovation uplifts entire communities and our own collaborators as we grow,” she says. Her approach at Glass is collaborative, creating spaces for diverse voices in decision-making. “This collaborative approach is key to driving sustainable, everlasting, meaningful global advancement, accelerated by technology,” Paola explains.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
Navigating a male-dominated field comes with its challenges. For Monica, overcoming bias—both internal and external—has been critical. “People often try to define us by where we come from, our accent, or simply because we’re women,” she reflects.
Monica draws inspiration from Henry Ford’s quote, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” She highlights the importance of support systems. “I’m fortunate to have had an incredible husband who supported me, along with mentors, sponsors, and champions along the way,” she says.
For her part, Paola emphasizes the resilience needed to tackle tech’s challenges, likening her work to a “Moonshot” idea. “It’s impossible to stay committed to these ‘Moonshots’ without remembering every day, through every little success and failure, why we started in the first place,” she says. For Paola, staying focused on empowering communities through technology has been her guiding force. “Staying aligned with this mission is how we ensure the company remains rooted in the values of empowerment, no matter how much we grow,” she shares.
Empowering the Next Generation of Latinas in Tech
Both leaders emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of Latinas in tech. Monica’s company, MAS Global, champions this through its MAS Future Foundation. They provide free tech training for underserved young women and Latinos. “This Hispanic Heritage Month, for example, our AI experts are offering free training to nearly 1,000 public school students,” she says. “Empowering the next generation with future-ready skills is essential.”
Similarly, Paola believes that the opportunity for Latinas in tech lies in tackling large challenges with a clear vision. “Latinas have the power to observe their daily realities and identify problems that haven’t been addressed or solved with groundbreaking products or services,” she explains. Her advice? Commit to a challenge and invest the time to build meaningful, impactful solutions. “Success is a collective process, and cultivating relationships can make all the difference,” Paola states.
A Future of Innovation and Inclusion
Monica Hernandez and Paola Santana exemplify how Latinas are redefining success in tech, driven by purpose, culture, and community. “Technology is not just the future—it’s the present. Now is the time to take action and embark on the path that feels right for you,” Monica advises.
As both women continue to innovate and break barriers, they’re opening doors for Latinas in tech to rise, seize opportunities, and shape an inclusive future in technology.
