Chicas en Tecnologia, a GCL Project that is Transforming Latin America
In Latin America, less than 10% of women are working in technology. Chicas en Tecnología, an NGO co-founded by two GCL alumni from Argentina, Melina Masnatta (GCL 2017) and Sofia Contreras (GCL 2016), aims at closing the gender gap in technology by inspiring, training, and mentoring the next generation of women leaders in technology to lead social impact in the Latin America.
After living and experiencing the problems that the lack of diversity brings to technology, and knowing that a team with multiple visions and contexts works better and creates better products, in 2015 Melina and Sofia decided to create Chicas en Tecnología, so that more Latin American women consider technology for their professional careers. Their goals is that Latin American girls see technology as an ally to fulfill various purposes, from a means of expression to thinking of it as a catalyst for innovative solutions to an array of issues across their communities. Through different programs and initiatives, this GCL alumni project is transforming the stereotypes and creating impact in local and national communities, from schools, universities, and NGOs, to companies, governments, and other stakeholders.
Chicas en Tecnologia is a perfect example of the multiplier effect of the Global Competitiveness Leadership Program (GCL) having earned international recognition in just a couple of years, including Equals (Equals in Tech Award 2018), WSA (World Summit Award-Best Technological Solution with Social Impact 2018), Ashoka (Melina Masnatta-Ashoka Fellowship), Women Tech Founders, and Chatman House among others.
Chicas en Tecnologia designs methodologies, experiences and programs that respond to the Latin American region. “We’re inspired by thinking that the next technology innovator will be a woman from Latinamerica,” Melina Masnatta. They are programming for a better Latin America. Thank you Melina and Sofia for keeping up with the spirit of Georgetown and GCL!
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