JEFA Mode Live by Latinas in Tech

In this episode, we sit down with Lisette Martinez, VP of Sales and Marketing at Comcast, as she shares her inspiring journey from retail leadership to the executive suite—fueled by the influence of her father and a passion for people. Lisette opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome through preparation and the power of storytelling, and why authentic human connection is at the heart of great l...

This season, we’re doing things differently. Our incredible chapter leaders are stepping up as podcast hosts to bring you real stories, real challenges, and real wins from Latinas in Tech. Our first episode: Juana Estrada & Tina Contreras Searcy from San Diego dive into why our community is more important than ever and how we can navigate DEI changes together. 💪🏽- About Latinas in Tech Latinas i...

🎙️In today’s special episode, we’re diving deep into leadership development and career growth for Latinas in tech with an incredible guest—Laura Reyes. Laura is a powerhouse in talent strategy, having worked as a global talent executive at major companies like GE and Meta. Now, as the Founder and CEO of Sage Talent Consulting, she’s dedicated to helping individuals clarify and achieve their profes...

🎙️This JEFA Mode Live episode, is definitely one you don’t want to miss. Rocio van Nierop and Joanna Peña-Bickley share this riveting success story. Joanna is known as the mother of cognitive experience design, in this chapter we follow her journey. Learn how she envisioned as little Joanna the idea of a computer that could think and how this lead to a groundbreaking career as a pioneer in AI, wor...

🎙️In This JEFA Mode Live episode, Rocio van Nierop and Laura Lucas share Laura's wonderful and inspiring story, from leaving Ciudad Guzman and the comfort and familiarity of family lead rural life, to L’ATTITUDE Ventures general partner.   Laura Lucas, a prime example of the JEFA mindset, walked us through her journey as an entrepreneur and how that lead her step by step to joining L’ATTITUDE Vent...

In this insightful episode, Rocio van Nierop and Patricia Mota open up about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, now more than ever. Patricia, a true Jefa and the CEO of HACE, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing Latina success, focuses on cultivating a community of talent and providing the inside access and support needed t o thrive in their careers. Patricia has been...

In this inspiring episode of Jefa Mode Live , host Rocio Van Nierop sits down with Kaisa Molina , a dynamic Latina who has charted her own path in the tech industry. Kaisa, a first-generation immigrant, shares her incredible journey from being an office manager to becoming the founder and COO of Stretch Dollar, a groundbreaking platform that enables small businesses to offer health benefits to the...

On this week’s episode of the Jefa Mode Live podcast we revisit the Latinas in Tech Summit for an empowering live podcast session titled "Jefas en Tecnología: Empowering Latinas in Tech." Moderated by our Senior Programs Manager, Cecilia Fisher-Benitez , this insightful discussion features inspiring stories from chapter leaders across New York, Denver, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and can amplify you...

On this week’s episode of the Jefa Mode Live podcast, we unlock the secrets to impactful board membership and corporate leadership as we chat with Yai Vargas, the Vice President of Strategic Engagements at HACR (The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility). In our discussion, Yai offers invaluable insights into the significance of Latinas occupying leadership roles, especially on boards o...

In Episode 12 of the Jefa Mode Live podcast, Rocio interviews Jessica Mercedes, a passionate entrepreneur from the Dominican Republic with a keen interest in technology. Jessica shares her journey from being one of the first in her middle-class neighborhood to own a computer, to crossing paths with Rocio while working at a PR agency, and eventually joining Latinas in Tech (LiT). Her husband encour...

In this Latinas in Tech Jefa Mode Live podcast episode, listeners are treated to an insightful fireside chat between our LiT Chicago Chapter and  Samara Mejia Hernandez, the Founding Partner of Chingona Ventures. Samara's journey from a multicultural, low-income upbringing to engineering, and eventually venture capital, is a testament to resilience and determination. Through internships and experi...

In the latest Jefa Mode Live episode on the Latinas in Tech Podcast, Rocio Van Nierop, co-founder and CEO, sits down with Dia Bondi for a powerful discussion on navigating fear of rejection in the tech industry. Dia shares invaluable insights on making audacious asks and understanding the limitations that may arise. She emphasizes the importance of approaching requests with joy and curiosity, high...

In this episode, we explore Maria Medrano's inspiring journey to becoming VP, Global Head of Community, Diversity, and Belonging, alongside her entrepreneurial venture as Co-Founder of Inspirame. Alongside Rocio Van Nierop, whose experiences as a bilingual caretaker in the Bay Area offer rich context, they delve into the significance of bilingualism, diversity, and technology in shaping inclusive...

In this enlightening episode of Latinas in Tech, CEO and Co-Founder Rocio van Nierop engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ileana Musa, the ultimate Wall Street Jefa, focusing on the crucial yet often overlooked topic of financial empowerment among Latinas. Throughout the discussion, Ileana shares her personal journey as a single mother of three and underscores the importance of consist...

Aurora Archer, a powerhouse Latina and  CEO & Co-Founder of The Opt-In™, shares her journey and insights on leadership, cultural pride, and the importance of representation in the tech industry.  Aurora's journey as a trailblazer in the tech industry is highlighted, where she recounts her remarkable achievements as the first Afro Latina, first Latina, and first woman in various domains. Reflecting...

In this captivating episode of Jefa Mode Live, Rocio, CEO, and Co-Founder of Latinas in Tech, sits down with Maria Morales, CEO of gaming company 623 Studios , for an enlightening conversation on breaking barriers and embracing diversity in the tech world. Maria shares her inspiring journey of resilience, emphasizing the importance of never accepting "no" for an answer. Together, they delve into t...

In this captivating episode of  "Jefa Mode LIVE" Podcast, we take a deep dive into Latinas in Tech 2023 Summit and the remarkable journey of Dr. Ellen Ochoa, a true trailblazer in the world of science and space exploration. Dr. Ochoa, a veteran astronaut and the 11th Director of the Johnson Space Center, made history as JSC's first Hispanic director and the second female director.  The episode del...

In this engaging episode of "Cafecito with Beatriz Acevedo," Rocio van Nierop sits down with the remarkable Beatriz Acevedo , a true Jefa who embarked on a transformative journey from her hometown in Tijuana to San Diego in her 20s, all in pursuit of education. Beatriz, a three-time Emmy award winner and recipient of an MTV award, shares her inspiring story of motivation over frustration when she...

Claudia Romo Edelman takes us on a journey through her life, sharing stories from her upbringing in Mexico that have profoundly shaped her life's mission. Her dedication to helping others and her unwavering belief in the beauty of Latin people and culture have led her to become a driving force for positive change worldwide. Claudia is a Mexican-Swiss diplomat with more than 25 years of experience...

Tune into this empowering episode of "JEFA Mode Live" where host Rocio von Nierop welcomes Soledad Antelada, a trailblazer in the field of cybersecurity.  Soledad shares her journey of overcoming societal stereotypes, starting with her childhood passion for computers and video games, which was deemed inappropriate as it was seen as a space reserved for her brothers. She reflects on the realization...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "JEFA Mode Live" with host Rocio von Nierop, CEO and Co-Founder of Latinas in Tech. In this launch episode, Rocio interviews Elena Gomez, the accomplished CFO of Toast. An influential Latina in the tech industry, Elena paints a vivid picture of her upbringing in a Spanish-speaking household, her rise through the corporate ranks, and the invaluable life lessons s...

Welcome to Jefa Mode Live, a Latinas in Tech podcast that celebrates the extraordinary voices of Latinas in the Tech industry, where resilience meets innovation and growth. Hosted by Rocio Van Nierop, CEO and Co-Founder of Latinas in Tech, this show will dive deep into the core of tech and entrepreneurship, exploring the remarkable stories of JEFAS who have shattered ceilings, defied expectations,...