The Struggles and Strengths of Latinas in Tech: Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight
Photo by Icons8 Team on Unsplash.
Latinas in Tech make up only 2% of the computing workforce in the United States, and they deserve more than surface-level recognition during Hispanic Heritage Month. We deserve an honest look at barriers that continue to silence us in corporate America. Despite having advanced degrees, experience, and determination, too many of us encounter bias and corporate politics that minimize our work and question our authority.
As a Latina technical writer, I experienced this firsthand while working remotely during a Hurricane Beryl power outage, when an older white male colleague dismissed my contributions, ignored my requests for collaboration, and even implied that I wasn’t smart enough to do my job. Thankfully, my white male supervisor recognized what was happening and stepped in to defend me, making it clear that undermining my work wouldn’t be tolerated.
My story reflects a larger reality: patriarchal hierarchies in tech often privilege technical knowledge over communicators and writers, creating power imbalances that silence Latina voices. Latinas in tech navigate both gender and racial bias in workplaces that often center white male authority. Women’s expertise is more likely to be questioned, have their contributions minimized, or have their work credited to someone else.
“Latinas in tech navigate both gender and racial bias in workplaces that often center white male authority.”
These dynamics are reinforced by corporate hierarchies that disproportionately reward technical expertise over communication and collaboration skills, leaving writers and communicators—where Latinas are highly represented—more vulnerable to being undervalued. By naming these patterns, we can see that the challenges Latinas face are not personal failings but systemic barriers built into workplace culture.
Highlighting achievements during Hispanic Heritage Month without acknowledging the bias and corporate politics that continue to limit our voices risks painting an incomplete picture. Sharing stories like mine not only validates the experiences of Latinas across the tech industry, but also strengthens community and supports retention by showing that these challenges are recognized and addressed.
Addressing the systemic challenges that Latinas in tech face requires active allyship from managers, colleagues, and organizations. Allies can make a meaningful difference by:
Recognizing and validating contributions: Publicly acknowledging Latina voices ensures that their expertise is seen and credited.
Intervening when bias occurs: Ensuring that communicators, writers, and technical experts are equally valued strengthens the team and breaks down hierarchical barriers.
Creating mentorship and sponsorship opportunities: Providing guidance, networking access, and visibility help Latinas advance and thrive in tech careers.
These actions don’t just support individual employees; they foster stronger communities, improve retention, and create workplaces where diversity of thought and experience is truly valued.
Latinas in tech deserve recognition not only for their achievements but also for the resilience it takes to navigate workplaces shaped by bias and corporate politics. My experience, like that of many other Latinas, shows that these challenges are systemic, not personal failings. By sharing stories, advocating for equity, and practicing allyship, workplaces can move beyond symbolic gestures toward meaningful change. Highlighting both the successes and struggles of Latinas in tech ensures that our voices are heard, respected, and valued—not just during Hispanic Heritage Month, but every day.
