There's a statistic that's been on my mind lately: only 23% of technology professionals in Latin America are women. 23%! It's a number that, frankly, frustrates and motivates me in equal parts.

Recently, the team proposed doing something special for Women's Day. They wanted me to share my experience in technology, the challenges, the achievements... and honestly, I thought it was a great idea. Not just because I think it's important to raise awareness about the issue, but because, as a team, we feel that at FluentData we have a mission: to move that statistic, to encourage more women to dare to enter this world which, although sometimes intimidating, is fascinating. Their proposal inspired me to reflect more deeply and put these ideas into this blog.

Is it Difficult to Work in Technology as a Woman? (The Million-Dollar Question)

It's a question that inevitably arises, and one that, I admit, generates a lot of interest. The short answer is: before, yes, it was much harder. Today, it's... different.

A few years ago, every meeting, every call, was a sea of men. Literally. I was often the only woman in the room (or on the screen). I won't lie, there was extra pressure. As if I had to prove myself twice, not just for being a professional, but for being the woman.

Carolina Torres Ochoa, Partner Sales Manager at Google Cloud, puts it very clearly:

"On this significant International Women's Day, I want to extend my sincerest recognition and celebrate with deep admiration all the women who are leading the digital transformation and leaving an indelible mark on the world of technology."

And indeed, little by little, things have been changing. Now, I see more female faces in meetings. I see more women leading projects, contributing ideas, moving technology forward. And believe me, that is incredibly inspiring.

Imposter Syndrome: That "Friend" We All Know

Talking with the team, a crucial topic also came up: the famous imposter syndrome. Do you know it? It's that inner voice that tells you you're not good enough, that you're not up to par, that you're missing something... And, unfortunately, I think it hits women harder.

Anita Quevedo, Partner Engineer Data & AI at Google Cloud, expresses it in a way I love:

"I know that sometimes, in this world of technology, we can feel like a small piece in a giant gear. But remember this: you are a fundamental piece!\"

Anita also talks about the importance of community, of seeking out other women who inspire you, of creating support networks. And I couldn't agree more. Together we are stronger, without a doubt.

Claudia Medina, MBA, PMP, STANFORD LEAD, Partner Sales Manager at Google Cloud, adds something equally important:

\"True strength lies in your network! In that professional community and friends. You have to invest in this network, strengthen it, and work to maintain it.\"

And What Do Women Bring to Technology? (A Lot!)

Another question that came up, and one that I love. Because yes, I believe women bring a unique perspective. We are detail-oriented, organized, perceptive... And these qualities, in a field like technology, are pure gold.

For example, I've always thought that the Project Manager (PM) role is perfect for a woman. I've known brilliant male PMs, of course, but women, in my experience, have a special ability to organize, to see the big picture, and at the same time, not lose sight of the small details.

FluentData: A Space Where Diversity (Truly) Matters

I can't talk about this topic without mentioning FluentData. And I don't say this because it's my company, but because I truly believe we have created a space where diversity is a fundamental value.

I don't see (and when I sense it, I address it) that inequality we talk about so much. I think that, as a team, we've shed many of those stigmas. There's respect, there's equity, there's a work environment where what matters is talent, passion, and the desire to do things well.

Claudia Cermeli, Data Analytics Specialist at Google Cloud, sums it up perfectly:

\"As women working in technology, we have a unique opportunity to drive change. Challenging gender biases wherever we see them.\"

A Call to Action (Because Actions Speak Louder Than Words)

In the end, I think the most important thing is to move from words to action. We need more women in technology. We need that 23% statistic to change, not just for the sake of numerical equity, but to give opportunities to those women who truly deserve it. And for that, we need more women to dare, to lose their fear, to realize that they have a place in this world.

So, if you're reading this and you feel that spark of curiosity, that interest in technology, in data, I tell you: go for it! Don't be intimidated. Find other women who support you, learn, experiment, create... and, above all, don't let anyone tell you that you can't.

I want to close with something very nice that Anita Quevedo told us:

\"Today, I celebrate your courage, your intelligence, your passion. Happy Women's Day! Let's continue building a future where we all have the same opportunities to shine.\"

And, as we would say at FluentData: Let's keep moving technology forward, together!