Rocio van Nierop is making waves in a sea of tech bros with her non-profit, Latinas in Tech, to address the startling statistic that Latines occupy only 3% of tech leadership roles.
When we think of the tech industry, we think of a male-dominated industry that has left little room for people of color. And in a sea of tech bros, Latines occupy about 3% of tech leadership roles, and only a third of those are Latinas. The stats don’t get better, either: it has been found that seven of every 10 Latinas who join tech leave the industry earlier than their non-Latinx peers.
Rocio van Nierop, a tech veteran for 15 years, knew there needed to be a solution to get more of us through the tech doors. In 2019, she left her job and set out to create Latinas in Tech, a non-profit organization with the mission to connect, support, and empower Latina women working in technology and a vision to achieve fair representation in leadership positions through professional development, recruiting, and mentorship.
Today, Latinas in Tech consists of almost 30,000 women working at more than 100 of the top technology companies worldwide. Latinas in Tech is a testament to Rocio’s work as an advocate for tech diversity and inclusion while lifting our underrepresented community, as she works tirelessly to change the system from within, working with Latinas and allies to create fair and inclusive environments. Additionally, she works with lawmakers at the city, state, and federal levels to help change the system from outside the tech ecosystem. Rocio’s impact embodies our mantra that when one grows, we all grow, and that is why we are excited to name her one of our inaugural honorees of the #WeAllGrow Latina Impact List, presented by General Motors.
Astrology sign:
Aquarius
How do you define being a Latina of Impact?:
A Latina who opens doors for others; one who understands we are all breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
How does your WHY play a role in your mission, vision, and work you do in this world?
Because the world needs Latinas as part of the creation and innovation of technology.
What is your vision for Latinas in your respective space, and how do you see supporting emerging Latinas who also want to make an impact like yourself?:
I want to see more Latinas leading tech companies in all areas of the ecosystem. We are a vast percentage of the population, and we are still invisible in tech companies. We are ready to speak up and lead the way.
Follow Rocio van Nierop:
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/rociovannierop
Website:
About the Author
Priscilla Castro
Priscilla Castro is #WeAllGrow’s Director of Digital Content & Partnerships. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and follow her at @kodeofkondukt. Read more of Priscilla’s pieces here.
