Monica Miyasato

Staff Technical Program Manager | Familia ERG Lead at Intuit

Monica is a Staff Technical Program Manager at Intuit within the Platform and Development Xceleration organization, where she also serves as Developer Community Manager, a position that sits at the intersection of her passions for technology, community building, and driving meaningful change in the tech industry. Originally from Lima, Peru, Monica moved to the United States in 2007 and has built a career rooted in advocating for representation and inclusion in tech. She leads Familia, Intuit's global Latinx Employee Resource Group, and serves on the Board of Directors of the San Diego House of Peru, a non-profit celebrating Peruvian culture while advancing diversity and inclusion in the broader community. A proud UC Berkeley alumna in Communications, Monica connects strategy, storytelling, and execution in ways that resonate with both technical and non-technical audiences. She is a returning presence at the Latinas in Tech Summit, having participated in panels and led an open source workshop, and is now back on the virtual stage as a keynote fireside chat moderator.

Ana Valdez

President & CEO at Latino Donor Collaborative

Ana is the CEO of the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC), a think tank that has become the leading producer and magnifier of economic data on how Latinos are driving growth in this country. She works with top academic and corporate research partners to develop innovative tools for market growth, and her data influences Fortune 1000 and top decision-makers in politics and philanthropy. A seasoned data, business, media, and political expert with 30 years of experience, Valdez has a successful track on producing and leveraging economic data for transformative outcomes. She was born and raised in Mexico City and has studied and worked internationally for companies and organizations such as Nielsen, Banamex-Citibank, the United Nations, and the White House, among others. Ana is an innovative leader and a global expert at bridging business and nonprofit sectors for impact. Valdez is guided by her vast international and domestic experience and network.

Monicque Vasquez

Principal, Learning & VIBE Experience Strategist at Workday

Monicque Vasquez is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and principal talent experience leader at Workday. With nearly three decades of experience in learning, talent development, and organizational transformation, she is known for helping leaders build adaptability, resilience, and future-ready mindsets. A dynamic and engaging speaker, Monicque blends research, real-world experience, and powerful storytelling to deliver insights that resonate long after the stage.

Carolina Toro-Gerstein

Global Director Post Purchase GTM, Operations, & Strategy at VIsa

Carolina Toro-Gerstein is a global product and go-to-market executive known for connecting strategy, operations, product, and innovation to drive durable growth across FinTech and SaaS. She currently serves as Global Director of Post-Purchase GTM, Strategy & Operations at Verifi (a Visa Solution), where she leads global expansion and advances customer-centric payment and dispute solutions. With 20+ years of experience across Fortune 500 companies and high- growth startups, Carolina has driven over $1B in cumulative revenue impact. Her leadership includes scaling Yahoo!’s global advertising and payments platforms across 23 markets, managing Zillow Rentals’ $150M+ P&L with double-digit growth, launching Aspiration’s first zero-carbon credit card with a 150K waitlist and 7× revenue growth, and building Citibank’s first digital wallet and FX trading capabilities. Carolina operates at the intersection of AI, payments, and customer experience. She focuses on creating strategy and leveraging AI and data to improve decision-making, accelerate go-to-market execution, and unlock value across the post-purchase lifecycle. Her work emphasizes Voice of the Customer (VOC), operational excellence, and scalable systems that connect strategy to execution. A recognized leader and mentor, Carolina actively supports founders and emerging leaders through organizations such as Techstars, FoGALA, and Pineapple Women. She is committed to advancing diverse talent and building the next generation of innovators shaping the future of commerce and financial services.

Tina Searcy

San Diego Chapter Leader at Latinas in Tech

Tina Searcy is a Customer Success leader and community advocate with nearly two decades of experience spanning the SaaS and nonprofit sectors. She has built and scaled high-performing CS functions and teams and partnered with enterprise leaders to drive growth, retention, and long-term customer impact. As the Founder and President of Latinas in Tech San Diego, Tina is dedicated to expanding representation in STEM through mentorship and community building. Her "people-first" leadership style is deeply informed by her history in human rights advocacy and nonprofit leadership, focusing on equity and the empowerment of the next generation of tech leaders.

Monica French

USA SMB Director at Microsoft

Monica French has over 20 years of experience leading sales and marketing teams launching new products and services in the technology space. In her role as U.S. SMB Director at Microsoft, she works closely with the partner ecosystem and SMB customers to design co‑sell motions and accelerate growth across cloud, security, and AI solutions. Monica is passionate about empowering SMBs in their AI Adoption journey, drawing from her startup experience and her work across multiple geographies, particularly Latin America. She co‑founded a talent startup that was a finalist in the 2019 MassChallenge competition and has held leadership roles at Microsoft, LinkedIn, PayPal, and GE Capital. She is also a co‑founder of the women’s professional network MBA Mujeres de México, a member of the International Women’s Forum (IWF), and a proud mom of three daughters (her "Divas").

Michelle Rodriguez

Director, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Linkedin

Michelle Rodriguez is a Director on LinkedIn’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging team. She designed and leads the company’s Environment of Belonging strategy, ensuring that LinkedIn is a culture where all talent can thrive. By activating 18K+ employees through allyship, inclusive leadership, and executive engagement, her team strives to build a world-class inclusive workplace. In her leadership remit, Michelle provides strategic oversight of LinkedIn’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) ecosystem that provides leadership development, operational support, and recognition to 600+ employee leaders from 12 ERGs that impact 8K+ employees across 30+ offices.   For over 15 years, she has worked in the tech space at companies like VMware, Yahoo, and SAP focused on employee engagement and workplace inclusion. Before her career in tech, she worked in the nonprofit sector, serving immigrant communities and college access organizations for first generation students. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Ethnic Studies from Santa Clara University, a credential in Family Development from Cornell University, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. She is the proud daughter of Latino immigrants and currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two kids.

Stephanie Soetendal

Founder, CEO & CTO at Stealth AI Start-up

Stephanie Soetendal is a 3X tech founder, C-level executive, and ethical AI strategist dedicated to pioneering systems that preserve human intellect and elevate human consciousness. Currently leading an AI venture in stealth mode, she previously founded Matrix Holograms, a Boston based EdTech startup (a MassChallenge-IBM spinoff & IBM partner). Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, CBS News, recognized by MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Labs (CSAIL) and the MIT-IBM AI Research Labs, and named a US Finalist for the UN AI for Good initiative in Geneva, Switzerland. A global keynote speaker (Davos 2023, SABF 2025, TEDx 2026) and Startup Mentor for Latinas in Tech, Stephanie is currently a Master’s candidate at the University of Buenos Aires, where her research bridges the gap between critical pedagogy and AI sovereignty. She will return to the World Economic Forum in January 2027.

Ashley Russo

Wealth Management Advisor at Ask Ashley Wealth Management

Ashley Russo is an equal AI board member, author, podcast host, nationally recognized Financial professional and public speaker, ranked in the top 1% of advisors in the U.S. by NWM and honored as the #1 advisor in the country. A leading voice in financial literacy, she has been featured on CNBC, CBS, FOX, Yahoo Finance, Woman’s Day, and more. Ashley has partnered with startups and Fortune 500 companies, including Apple, Airbnb, DocuSign, Lyft, Samsung, Amazon, and Service Now, to lead workshops that empower individuals to take control of their finances. Her passion for financial education comes from personal experience. She founded a firm dedicated to helping people eliminate financial stress and gain confidence in their money decisions. By breaking down complex topics, from budgeting and stock planning to taxes and retirement, Ashley makes financial literacy accessible, judgment-free, and actionable for everyone.

Gilda Alvarez

CEO at Waveform Data Solutions

Gilda Alvarez is a data and cloud technology leader with over two decades of experience delivering enterprise solutions for Fortune 500 organizations. Specializing in database architecture, high availability, and large-scale migrations, she combines deep technical expertise with a passion for mentorship and community impact. As CEO of Waveform Data Solutions and founder of Latinas in Data and AI mentorship program focused on career growth in Data, AI, and Cloud, Gilda is dedicated to helping the next generation build real technical skills and sustainable careers in technology.

Dr. Deborah Berebichez

AI Products Leader at EY

Dr. Deborah Berebichez is the AI Products Leader at EY, where she architects and ships enterprise AI platforms that power AI at scale. Over the course of her career, she has built over 35 AI products from concept to market. She holds a Ph.D. in physics from Stanford University, where she researched condensed matter physics and quantum technology and was the first Mexican woman to earn a physics Ph.D. from Stanford. A TED speaker, AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador with a statue at the Smithsonian, and one of Wired UK's Most Inspiring Women of the Decade, Debbie is dedicated to making STEM and especially AI- more accessible and inclusive for Latinas and women everywhere.

Susi Collins

Founder & Principal at Tide & Thrive Co.

Susi Collins is the Founder and Principal of Tide & Thrive Co., a seasoned Social Impact Strategist with twenty years of global, high-impact leadership experience from organizations including The Gates Foundation, Salesforce, and AWS. She excels at building multisector strategies and partnerships, focusing on the crucial intersection of equity, philanthropy, and organizational effectiveness. As a visionary leader, Susi empowers leaders and organizations to navigate and influence the tides of change, helping them build stronger, more resilient communities. She provides comprehensive strategic support, insightful and actionable, to ensure their work creates sustainable, lasting impact through trust-building, donor engagement and advisement, team facilitation, and curated events. She holds a Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificate from Cornell and is certified with the Ocean Healing Institute. Her leadership insights have been shaped by prestigious fellowships, such as the Aspen Institute Latino Society Program and Hispanics in Philanthropy. She is committed to giving back and has served on nonprofit boards for the past fifteen years and is currently on the UC Santa Cruz Chancellor’s Advisory Council, the Acevedo Foundation, and Poderistas. Originally from Lima, Peru, Susi resides with her multicultural family in Los Angeles.

Judith Gonzalez

VIce President of Technology and Country Manager at Capital One

Judith González is a visionary senior technologist with over 30 years of experience in digital transformation, global operations, and talent development. She currently serves as Vice President of Technology and Country Manager at Capital One’s Technology Hub in Mexico City, where she is leading a bold mission: to establish Mexico as a true creator of global, large-scale technology products, developed locally and used by more than 100 million customers in the U.S. Under her leadership, Mexico-based teams have real decision-making power over the products they build, creating a work culture centered on long-term careers, continuous learning, and personal growth. Judith envisions Capital One Mexico as a strategic innovation hub, where local teams own the entire product development cycle, from design to deployment. Moving beyond traditional service models, this approach fosters agility, autonomy, and real-time impact, keeping developers motivated and deeply engaged. Prior to joining Capital One, Judith was Chief Delivery and People Officer at Wizeline, where she led the company’s growth from 500 to 2,000 employees and tripled its annual revenue. She also held senior roles at DXC Technology, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and HP, managing multi-million-dollar portfolios and representing Mexico in government and industry forums. Judith is committed to education and social impact, having taught at ITESO and Tecnológico de Monterrey and led HP’s Social Impact Committee in Mexico. She holds degrees in Industrial Engineering and Systems Administration. In 2025, she was named one of HITEC’s 50 Most Influential Hispanic Technology Leaders, a recognition that reflects not only her technical acumen but also her role in shaping the future of tech in the region.

Tatiana Carett

LiT NYC

Tatiana Carett is a healthcare leader with 20+ years of experience across health service delivery, technology implementation, and healthcare management/operations. She is passionate about health tech and diversity and inclusion in the technology and entrepreneurship space. Her mission is to identify and implement emerging technologies that expand access to care, reduce costs, realize value for patients, and minimize health disparities to provide equitable care across the healthcare industry. She is a founding member of the Latinas in Tech NYC Chapter, which launched in 2018, and served as its chapter president from 2021 to 2025. Her vision is for women of all backgrounds to achieve true equality so that they may have choice, agency, and opportunities to lead happy and fulfilling lives. She is Venezuelan-American, living in the world's borough of Queens, and is a proud NYU and Hopkins alumna.

Rosa Welton

Director of Product Management at Intuit

Rosa Gonzalez Welton is a Director of Product Management at Intuit, where she leads the intersection of AI and compliance to help small business owners navigate the complexity of payroll tax so they can focus on what they actually started their business to do. With roots in Los Angeles and a career spanning Intuit, ServiceNow and eBay, Rosa builds products that empower people financially and drive their prosperity. Today, she oversees Payroll Compliance and Expert Delivery, weaving together AI and human services to give small businesses the simplicity and peace of mind they deserve. Rosa is also the founder and leader of Latinas in Product, a community she created to hold space for the intersection of product craft, technology trends, career conversations, and cultural context. A proud Yale alumna with an MBA from UCLA, Rosa is an active mentor and advocate for others navigating their careers in tech. When she's not building products or building community, you'll find her deepening friendships around a dinner table or on a hiking trail.

Daniela Bedoya Arroyave

Account Manager at The Trade Desk

Daniela Bedoya Arroyave is an Account Manager at The Trade Desk, where she partners with leading brands and agencies to turn data into growth and strategy into measurable impact. She has a strong track record of scaling enterprise accounts, driving significant revenue growth, and helping clients evolve into more confident, self-sufficient marketers. Known for making complex concepts simple and actionable, Daniela brings a unique blend of analytical thinking, communication, and relationship-building to her work. She has led client trainings, partnered cross-functionally to solve complex challenges, and built trusted relationships that drive both performance and long-term impact. Throughout her career, Daniela has learned that growth in tech is not just about technical expertise but about how you show up, communicate your value, and create visibility for your work. She is passionate about helping others take ownership of their careers by strengthening both their skill set and their professional presence, empowering them to step into bigger opportunities with confidence.

Laura Cosio

Senior Payroll Specialist at The Trade Desk

Laura Cosio is a Senior Payroll Specialist at The Trade Desk, supporting North American payroll with a focus on U.S. and Canada processing, regulatory compliance, global mobility, equity transactions, and state tax registrations across jurisdictions. Prior to joining The Trade Desk, Laura served as a Senior Payroll Analyst at Curvature Inc., following earlier roles at M·A·C Cosmetics as an Impact Artist and Multi‑Store Retail Manager. A proud first‑generation Chicana, Laura studied Political Science at San Diego State University and is the daughter of immigrants from Zacatecas, Mexico. She is also a wife and mother of two.

Mara Strich

Trading Specialist at The Trade Desk

Mara Strich is a Trading Specialist on the Client Services team at The Trade Desk, where she helps manage a large book of business and leads campaign onboarding, education, and product adoption for agencies and brands. Before joining The Trade Desk, she worked in Global Rates & Currencies at Bank of America and previously held roles in federal research, extremism analysis, and academic mentoring. Mara graduated summa cum laude from Middlebury College with a degree in International and Global Studies. As a second‑generation Colombian‑American, she is committed to expanding representation, creating pathways for others, and helping emerging professionals navigate their careers with confidence and intentionality. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, and exploring NYC.

Danielle Yamane

Manager, Security Operations at The Trade Desk

Danielle is currently a Manager of Security Operations at The Trade Desk responsible for managing the incident response, detection engineering, and security posture functions for the organization. Within The Trade Desk, Danielle is co-lead for the Ventura Inclusion Network, a committee dedicated to fostering a culture of belonging, empowerment, and growth at the organization's headquarters. Additionally, Danielle sits on the Board of Directors as an Alumna Representative for STEM Advantage and "Pays it Forward" by mentoring other students within the program. She was previously a Cyber Security Engineer at Deluxe Media Inc. where she was responsible for security operations and managing risk within the company. Danielle began her career at Deluxe Media Inc. as a security intern and additionally interned at The Walt Disney Company under their IT Audit Management division. She graduated from California State University, Northridge with a B.S. in Computer Science and a minor in Art. While attending school, Danielle was President of Layer 8 (CSUN’s Computer Security Club) and captain of CSUN’s Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) where they won Regionals twice.

Monica Gamez

Senior Brand Marketing Manager at The Trade Desk

Monica Gamez is a Senior Brand Marketing Manager at The Trade Desk, focusing on the Ventura OS, OpenPass and scaling the company’s brand profile. Prior to this, Monica was an Account Manager on The Trade Desk’s client services team, assisting clients with their multi-channel programmatic campaigns and strategies. Before joining The Trade Desk, Monica started her career as an Assistant Inventory Planner at Macy’s and then later moved onto the Macy’s Backstage marketing team as an Associate Marketing Manager. Originally from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, Monica is a graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business in Marketing and minors in Apparel Merchandising and Spanish. In her free time, Monica is an Alpha Omicron Pi Chapter Advisor for the Alpha Chapter - Columbia University, on the Sponsorships Committee for The Women in Programmatic Network and enjoys finding new restaurants to try in New York City.

Jazmin Garcia

Mid-Market Enterprise Account Executive - New Business at LinkedIn

Jazmin Garcia is a Queer, First-Gen, Mexican- American with eight years’ experience in policy, programs and philanthropy, including developing over 200 Latinx leaders for a nationally recognized program. For the last 5 years she has served as an Advisor to Not-for-profits and NGO’s across North America @ LinkedIn supporting in their Hiring, Learning and Fundraising needs. Additionally, she leverages her leadership role as a LinkedIn Coach as a way of empowering every member of the global workforce with the skillset to maximize LinkedIn to connect them to economic opportunity. Prior to LinkedIn Jazmin served as small business advisor for the Economic Development Agency of the City of Chicago where she helped over 300 businesses sustain or scale during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her experience growing up across borders in San Diego, California and Tijuana, Baja California inspired a curious leader and prompted her passion for public service and social impact. Jazmin holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of San Diego and served as the National Vice President of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Alumni Association and Co-Chair for Chicago Women in Philanthropy where she transformed the DIB programs during her tenure. She resides in the beautiful Town of Cicero, loves traveling, concerts and exploring the world.

Karina Gutierrez Perez

Social Impact Manager at LinkedIn

Karina Gutierrez Perez is a Social Impact Manager at LinkedIn, where she leads global programs that connect LinkedIn’s 18,000 employees to their local communities through volunteerism and giving. She oversees initiatives including the Social Impact Leads Ambassador Program—a network of 50 employee leaders supporting nonprofits and job seekers worldwide—as well as the ERG Microgrants Program, which enables employee resource groups to fund community-based work. She also leads LinkedIn’s annual Month of Giving, engaging thousands of employees each year. A first-generation professional and immigrant, Karina is passionate about expanding access to opportunity and amplifying underrepresented voices. She also serves as a founding board member of FirstGen:Connect, a nonprofit supporting an intergenerational network of first-generation professionals. Her work sits at the intersection of employee engagement, storytelling, and community partnership. Known for her relationship-driven leadership style, Karina leads with empathy, trust, and a deep commitment to inclusion. She brings clarity to complex work, translating ideas into thoughtful, scalable programs while creating environments where people feel a strong sense of belonging and psychological safety. Grounded in her community values, she brings people together across backgrounds and experiences to design initiatives that strengthen communities and create meaningful, lasting impact.

Monica Perez

Talent Onboarding Consultant at LinkedIn

With over 15 years of work experience in various roles and industries, Monica is currently serving as a Learning Consultant at LinkedIn running the NAMER Onboarding Program for Day 1, specializing in global onboarding strategy and new‑hire experience. She leverages people‑first approach to build scalable learning experiences that help new employees feel confident, connected, and set up for long‑term success. She's known for her personal connections and operational excellence, thoughtful communication, and commitment to creating inclusive, high‑impact learning environments where everyone can belong.

Juliana Uher

Executive Escalation Case Manager at LinkedIn

Juliana Uher is a multilingual Executive Escalations Case Manager and has been with LinkedIn for 7 years. She brings more than 18 years of global experience working across multiple countries and supporting customers in multiple languages across diverse markets. This international background has shaped a culturally attuned and deeply empathetic approach to her work, grounded in an understanding of different perspectives and lived experiences. She is recognized for delivering high quality support in complex and sensitive situations, consistently rooted in care, clarity, and accountability. Her professional foundation includes her experience in law enforcement in Brazil, where she developed resilience and a strong commitment to protecting people and ensuring safety. In that environment, she led crisis response efforts, conducted root cause analysis, and managed intelligence driven initiatives under significant pressure. These experiences continue to inform her ability to assess risk, navigate ambiguity, and remain composed in high stakes situations. At LinkedIn, Juliana applies this expertise in complex escalations and trust and safety work, partnering closely with cross functional teams and senior stakeholders to drive meaningful improvements in the member experience. As a Latina immigrant from Manaus, Brazil, with Indigenous roots from the Amazon, Juliana brings a deeply personal perspective to belonging and inclusion, a passion that is reflected in both her work and her leadership. She currently serves as the Global External Network Lead for the Hispanics of LinkedIn Alliance (HOLA), where she drives global engagement and strengthens community impact across regions. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, she also enjoys photography, thrifting, crafting, and exploring new restaurants.

Itziar Diez-Canedo

VP, International at Justworks and Co-Founder of Via

Itziar Diez-Canedo is VP, International at Justworks and the Co-Founder of Via. In her role as VP, Itziar leads the product and business strategy to scale Justworks’ international products. In 2017, Itziar and her co-founder and sister, Maite Diez-Canedo, launched Via to support small businesses in hiring top talent globally. With strong customer relationships, a focus on local support, and a vision to grow, Maite and Itziar joined forces with Justworks, a technology company leveling the playing field for small businesses, to accelerate the company's international solutions and bring them to more small businesses. Prior to Via and Justworks, Maite worked at Citibank in Digital Banking and worked as Senior VP and Head of Strategy for Citi FinTech. She earned her MBA at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and currently lives in Miami.

Arushee Garg

Senior Software Engineer at LinkedIn

Arushee Garg is a Senior Software Engineer at LinkedIn, where she builds production-ready agentic applications that power intelligent job-seeking experiences for millions of users. She recently worked on the development of an agentic outreach system, designing architectures with LangChain, RAG, and large-scale experimentation frameworks to deliver generative AI–driven insights that enhance user outreach and engagement. Her career spans from backend product engineering, driving features like advanced job search and hiring filters, to next-generation AI systems that bridge architecture with user impact. With over 8+ years of experience, Arushee is now working on agentic and AI-first applications at scale, shaping how generative AI transforms professional networks. Beyond her technical contributions, she is a dedicated advocate for diversity in tech, mentoring early-career engineers and championing initiatives such as TechWomen to help more women thrive in AI and engineering.

Alejandra Budar

Data Scientist - Content Insights & AI at Linkedin

Alejandra Budar is a Data Scientist with a focus on experimentation and user engagement analytics. Her work spans product, content, and strategy on LinkedIn's Editorial team. Outside of work, Ale volunteers with her hometown community in San Diego, supporting Latinx high school juniors and seniors as they navigate the path to higher education.

Silvia Oviedo Lopez

Co-founder and CEO of Blomma

Silvia Oviedo Lopez is the Co-founder and CEO of Blomma, an AI career coach built to help people grow with more clarity, accountability, and insight over time. After leading global teams at companies like Canva and Pinterest and helping them grow to hundreds of millions of users globally, Silvia saw firsthand how much talent is lost, not due to a lack of ambition, but because of a lack of support, reflection, and belonging at work. Her work sits at the intersection of technology, culture, and human development. She writes and speaks about professional growth, time and energy, leadership, and what it really means to build humane, high-performing workplaces in an AI-shaped world. Silvia believes growth isn’t something you "fix"; it’s something you nurture. Blomma exists to help people do exactly that.

Brenda Starr-Hernandez

QuickBooks Live Manager at Intuit

Brenda is a QuickBooks Live Manager at Intuit, where she has built nearly seven years of expertise, starting as a bookkeeper and growing into a manager role she has held for the last six years. Throughout her tenure, she has contributed across multiple areas of the business, including Intuit Enterprise Suite, QuickBooks Live, and TurboTax Live, demonstrating a consistent ability to adapt, lead, and deliver results across diverse teams and challenges. Beyond her day-to-day leadership, Brenda is a passionate community builder. As Co-Chair of Familia's off-campus remote community, Intuit's ERG, she has been instrumental in growing membership by 300% in FY2025, fostering connection and camaraderie among remote employees. She has also given back to the broader community by leading financial literacy workshops for Los Angeles-area high school students, equipping the next generation with real-world financial knowledge. A certified Lean Champion and Innovation Catalyst, Brenda has contributed to cross-functional initiatives including AI model validation, outsource partner training, and international team development, including travel to India to onboard and train a new partner group. Born and raised in North San Diego County, Brenda is the daughter of an American Indian father from Oklahoma and a Mexican mother from Tijuana, a bicultural heritage that shapes her deep commitment to representation and community. She is driven by a simple but powerful belief: when you achieve something, you bring others along with you.

Lina Lozano Oviedo

Assistant General Counsel - Principal Counsel, Product at Intuit

Lina Lozano Oviedo is Assistant General Counsel - Principal Product Counsel at Intuit, where she partners with product and engineering teams on product development, launch, and growth, advising on messaging, privacy, marketing, and platform compliance. She has led legal strategy for major product initiatives across QuickBooks Payroll and Mailchimp. Before Intuit, she held in-house legal roles at Twitter and Mercedes-Benz USA and began her career as an Assistant Solicitor-General in DeKalb County, Georgia. A native of Bogotá, Colombia, she is bilingual in English and Spanish, was named 2022 In-House Counsel of the Year by the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association, and was recognized in the 2014 Lawyers of Color Hot List.

Flor Aquino Ortiz

Software Engineer at Intuit

I'm a first-generation Latinx woman from East Palo Alto and UC Merced alumna with a background in education and nonprofits, now building solutions in the QuickBooks Accounting space at Intuit. My work in college access programs sparked my interest in data and systems — leading me to complete a Data Analytics apprenticeship with COOP and break into software engineering through an apprenticeship with Anita B. I'm passionate about creating intuitive, inclusive technology and increasing representation for women and underrepresented communities in tech.

Daniela Manrique Escobar

Senior Assistant General Counsel at Intuit

Daniela Manrique Escobar is a Senior Assistant General Counsel at Intuit Inc., one of the world's leading financial technology companies, where she oversees governance, risk management, and legal guidance across the Enterprise Compliance program. Her portfolio spans anti-bribery and corruption, third-party risk management, antitrust and competition, and general corporate compliance with a signature focus on data-driven approaches and smart risk-taking that unlock business growth rather than simply constrain it. She leads a team and works closely with senior executives and cross-functional partners across accelerating functions, and global business units across the enterprise, embedding compliance by design into how a company serving customers worldwide operates. A Colombian-American attorney fluent in English and Spanish, Daniela has built a distinguished practice at the intersection of law, technology, and corporate integrity. At Intuit, she has brought a distinctly technology-forward lens to enterprise compliance harnessing AI not as a novelty but as a force multiplier. Daniela has harnessed AI to scale compliance capacity, accelerate how her team processes and responds to regulatory change, and extend her function's reach across the enterprise. She has championed AI adoption beyond her immediate team, designing and leading training programs that have built practical AI capability across multiple legal and compliance functions. Her approach reflects a broader conviction: that the compliance leaders of the future will be those who know how to pair rigorous legal judgment with intelligent tools to do more, faster, and at greater scale. Before joining Intuit, Daniela spent nearly six years as a Litigation and Enforcement Associate at Ropes & Gray LLP a global AmLaw 50 firm where she conducted on-the-ground FCPA investigations across Latin America, advised multinational clients on global anti-corruption program design, and interfaced directly with U.S. regulators and enforcement agencies. In parallel, she dedicated significant pro bono hours to the Criminal Justice Act program, representing indigent defendants in federal criminal proceedings from indictment through sentencing a commitment to equal access to justice that has remained central to her identity as a lawyer. Daniela has authored five published works on anti-corruption enforcement, including pieces on FCPA enforcement trends, Latin American regulatory developments, and high-profile cross-border bribery matters. Her writing has appeared in publications including The Anti-Corruption Report. Daniela earned her J.D. summa cum laude from Suffolk University Law School and her B.A. magna cum laude from Georgia State University. She is a 2024 cohort member of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association's C-Suite Leadership Program a highly competitive program for the next generation of general counsel and legal executives as well as a Legal 500 Rising Star in Compliance and Investigations and a Latinvex Latin America Rising Legal Star.

Anastacia Kasmer

Technical Recruiter at Intuit

Based in San Diego, Anastacia is a Technical Recruiter at Intuit, where she specializes in sourcing top-tier talent across Software Engineering and Data Science. With a career spanning some of the biggest names in industry, including recruiting Engineering Leadership at Google and managing PR at NBCUniversal, Anastacia brings a unique, multi-dimensional perspective to the tech landscape. Having successfully navigated a major career pivot herself, she is deeply passionate about workforce diversity and inclusion. She dedicates her expertise to empowering candidates to navigate the interview process with confidence and authenticity. Outside of her professional day-to-day, Anastacia is a proud mother of three (including twins!) and a San Diego local. Whether she’s practicing yoga, enjoying live theater, or hosting a game night for friends, she thrives on connection and community.

Nora Diaz de Leon

VP, People at Tinder

As VP of People at Tinder, I’ve helped scale a global People strategy with speed, driving impact and initiatives that spark connection, engagement, and growth. From optimizing onboarding to developing the next generation of leaders, I turn big ideas into practical and meaningful experiences. With 15+ years leading People teams across tech, non-profit and global organizations, I’m passionate about building people-first workplaces that fuel both business success and employee engagement.

Lauren Lozano

Director, Immigration & Compliance at Match Group

Lauren Lozano is a second-generation Mexican American and first-generation college graduate born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She has spent the last eight years at Match Group, where she built and led immigration programs that support employees relocating to the United States and around the world. She began her career in Recruiting before transitioning into HR generalist work, eventually specializing in Immigration and Global Mobility. Throughout her career, her Mexican heritage and lived experience have shaped how she approached her work, leading with empathy, connection, and a people-first mindset during what can often be a complex and emotional process for employees and their families. Passionate about creating opportunities and advocating for others, Lauren believes cultural identity is a strength that drives innovation, builds trust, and helps organizations create more inclusive experiences for employees globally.

Isabella Velez

Program Manager, Internal Experiences at Hinge

Born and raised in Miami by her Colombian mother, Isabella (Isa) grew up surrounded by culture, resilience, warmth, and strong community - values that continue to shape the way she leads today. She joined Hinge over three years ago as an Executive Business Partner supporting the CTO, and since then, her path has evolved into leading Internal Experiences across the company, helping create spaces where employees feel connected, celebrated, and inspired. Today, Isa leads initiatives spanning executive offsites, company summits, ERGs, recognition programs, and culture-building experiences that strengthen belonging across Hinge. As a Latina in tech, she’s passionate about bringing humanity into the workplace and believes our backgrounds and lived experiences are some of the most valuable perspectives we bring into our careers. Through her work, she hopes to create environments where people feel empowered to show up fully as themselves.

Gabriela Rodriguez-Florido

Software Engineer III, Backend at Tinder

Born in Camagüey, Cuba, shortly before her family immigrated to the United States, Gaby was raised in Miami, Florida. There, a strong Latino community and close connection to her grandparents (and great grandmother) helped keep her Cuban culture deeply rooted in her upbringing. She currently works as a Backend Developer at Tinder, based in Palo Alto, where she has been for about a year and a half.

Natalia Escobar Leiva

Senior Product Designer at Plenty of Fish

Originally from sunny El Salvador, Natalia Escobar Leiva is a senior product designer at Match Group focused on building inclusive, human centred experiences for global audiences. In addition to her product work she previously served as the Latinx @ Match Group ERG co-chair helping lead initiatives centred around community, career growth and belonging. Her work explores the intersection of culture, empathy and impact, and how diverse perspectives drive stronger products and teams.

Dr. Linda Battles

Regional Vice President, South Region at WGU

Passionate, principled, and purpose-driven, Dr. Linda Battles is committed to creating opportunities that transform lives through education. With more than 30 years of experience in policy, government relations, and organizational leadership, she serves as Regional Vice President for Western Governors University’s South Region, leading strategic initiatives across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas to advance access to high-quality, workforce-aligned education, particularly for underserved communities. Previously, Dr. Battles held senior leadership roles at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, including Deputy Commissioner for Agency Operations and Communications and Chief Operating Officer. There, she played a key role in shaping statewide policy, securing over $600 million in higher education funding, and advancing initiatives aligned with Texas’ postsecondary attainment goals. Earlier in her career, she served as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to State Representative Irma Rangel, contributing to landmark legislation, including the Top Ten Percent Law. Dr. Battles is a triple Longhorn, holding a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership, a Master of Public Affairs, and a bachelor’s in psychology from The University of Texas at Austin. A certified mediator and committed mentor, she has received honors including the TAMACC Woman of Distinction Civic Award and the Pflugerville Education Foundation Community/Business Leader Award.

Jared Plumb

Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs, School of Technology at WGU

Jared Plumb is Associate Dean and Director for AI Engineering and Software Engineering at Western Governors University, where he leads academic strategy, program roadmap, and learning product development across both portfolios. His recent work includes leading the design of WGU’s Bachelor of Science in AI Engineering and graduate pathways in Domain Driven Design, AI Engineering, and DevOps Engineering, with a focus on connecting technical depth to real-world practice. His background spans higher education leadership, software engineering, research, and game development. Before WGU, Jared led programs at Ensign College, taught computer science at Weber State University, founded Dracosoft, and held engineering roles with Disney Interactive Studios, Electronic Arts, Waterford, Pearson, Microsoft, and Amaze Entertainment. He speaks and writes on AI, software engineering, and the future of learning.

Letti McCray

Instructor, School of Technology at WGU

Leticia Y. McCray is a senior executive technology leader and retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 with over 20 years of experience leading enterprise IT strategy, cybersecurity operations, and large-scale technology implementations across federal and defense environments. She is a recognized expert in Identity and Access Management, IT governance, and IT service management, with extensive experience supporting compliance frameworks such as RMF, FISMA, and NIST 800-171. Currently serving as a College Professor and Faculty Coach at Western Governors University, Leticia brings a practical, mission-focused approach to developing future IT leaders.

Sahar Purmul

Sr. Cloud & AI Specialist / WGU Alumna

Sahar is a Sr. Cloud & AI Technology Specialist with over seven years of experience in the technology industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology management. Throughout her career, Sahar has worked closely with transformational customers, including some recognized household names. She has supported their efforts to modernize, innovate, and scale through the use of emerging technologies. Her work sits at the intersection of business and technology, helping organizations navigate complex challenges and adopt cloud- and AI-driven solutions that deliver meaningful impact. Sahar enjoys understanding how enterprises leverage technology not just for efficiency, but as a force for positive change. She is especially driven by the idea of using technology for good, whether that’s improving accessibility, enabling innovation, or creating opportunities for underserved communities. Alongside her professional work, she is committed to expanding educational access in developing regions, focusing on empowering individuals through technology and learning.

Dr. Diana Pacheco

Chief Development Officer at Conectado

Dr. Diana Pacheco is a design thinker, social innovation strategist, and community-engaged researcher with a passion for creating learning experiences that open doors for people. Her background spans curriculum development, educational product design, immersive 3D technology, and the integration of AI tools into learning environments. As Chief Development Officer at Conectado, Dr. Pacheco explores innovative ways to integrate AI into learning environments, ensuring its use is both pedagogically sound and accessible. She focuses on connecting pedagogy with AI, developing frameworks that ensure technology is used intentionally and meaningfully. Her work translates theory into practical approaches that educators and students can apply directly while building programs that inspire confidence, creativity, and agency and remain grounded in real-world needs.