Empowering the Future: A Candid Conversation on Women’s Leadership in Tech

Empowering the Future: A Candid Conversation on Women’s Leadership in Tech

As diversity and inclusion become top priorities in the tech industry, a new wave of leaders is dismantling token initiatives in favor of meaningful change. In this interview series, we dive deep into how executives are transforming company cultures through bold, authentic strategies that break down systemic barriers and foster real empowerment.

At the center of this movement is Julissa Mateo Abad—a digital transformation consultant, educator, and founder of STEMERIA and the Mujeres TICs Foundation. With over a decade of experience, Julissa is a vocal advocate for women in tech and a driving force behind initiatives that create inclusive opportunities in the digital space.

On International Women’s Day 2025, we sat down with Julissa to discuss her vision for women in technology, the challenges of algorithmic bias, and how her work is reshaping digital innovation across Latin America and beyond.

Building a Cross-Border Tech Sisterhood

Julissa Mateo Abad: We’ve cultivated a community of women in tech spanning the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Guatemala, and soon El Salvador. Our mission is simple—support each other. Too many women don’t see themselves in tech. We’re changing that narrative by building a space of encouragement, knowledge-sharing, and belonging.

Consulting with Purpose

Abad: As a technical consultant, I help companies navigate digital transformation—from startups assembling their first tech team to governments outsourcing major projects. One standout service is our Project Manager-as-a-Service, which matches qualified professionals to company needs without the overhead of internal hiring.

From Aspiring Artist to Tech Changemaker

Abad: I originally wanted to be an artist, but a placement test steered me into tech. I didn’t expect to find creativity here, but I did. Designing websites and games became a new artistic outlet—and I realized this space had room for expression and innovation.

Making Tech More Inclusive for Women

Abad: Inclusion starts with internal belief. Women need to apply even when they don’t meet 100% of the job description. Companies, in turn, must stop gatekeeping talent. HR teams should look beyond traditional metrics and create opportunities for mentorship, visibility, and growth. We need to normalize seeing women excel in tech roles.

Diversity in AI Development

Abad: AI is shaped by the people who create it. If it’s built by a homogenous group, the results will reflect that. We need diverse developers and diverse data. Without this, AI risks perpetuating stereotypes—like always imagining a “programmer” as a young man from Silicon Valley. The future of AI must include everyone.

Generational Shifts in Tech Adoption

Abad: Millennials are caught between tradition and innovation. They see the value in new tech but often hesitate to let go of old habits. Recognizing how different age groups adopt tech is key to project success. One strategy is identifying early adopters in each department—once a few people adopt, others follow. It’s basic social psychology.

Tackling Algorithmic Bias in AI

Abad: AI can unintentionally exclude people, especially women, if it’s trained on biased data. We've seen recruitment systems that filter out women simply because past hiring practices were skewed. Fixing this starts with inclusive datasets and intentional design. Before deploying any AI tool, ask: who will this affect, and are we serving them fairly?

Advice for Female Entrepreneurs

Abad: Learn beyond just coding. Today’s tech leaders must also master communication, emotional intelligence, and cross-functional collaboration. Women should upskill in AI, blockchain, big data, and cybersecurity. These aren’t optional—they’re essential. Tech is no longer a silo; it intersects with every facet of business and society.

Defining Moments: From Conferences to Government Consulting

Abad: Two moments stand out. One was speaking at the Gurus in Tech conference in the Dominican Republic, where over 1,000 girls saw women leading tech talks for the first time. The other was consulting on El Salvador’s digital transformation—where we helped reduce service delays and bring innovation to public systems. Those experiences proved how far tech can go when inclusion is a priority.

STEMERIA: A Movement for Women in Tech

Abad: STEMERIA started with a small group and grew into a multi-country network. We focus on both technical training and confidence-building. Through workshops, mentorships, and events, we help women build careers they didn’t think were possible. The goal is to create visibility and access—so every girl can see herself in tech.

Expanding the Vision

Abad: The response has been incredible—women from all backgrounds are joining. They’re finding not just training but also belonging. Our next step is to reach girls at the high school level, nurturing their interest early and preparing them for the tech careers of tomorrow.

Final Thoughts: The Future is Ours

Abad: Now is the best time for women to enter tech. The doors are opening, and we need to walk through them boldly. Representation matters. Women are not just participating—we’re leading. And this is just the beginning.