On May 15, the Latinas in Tech (LiT) Summit kicked off in grand style with the Noche VIP event, sponsored and hosted by Comcast at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. This exclusive gathering brought together nearly 80 influential women from the tech, business, arts, finance, and media sectors to celebrate the achievements and potential of Latinas in the technology industry.
The evening was filled with inspiring conversations, networking opportunities, and a shared commitment to empowering Latinas in the tech world and beyond. Attendees enjoyed a night of camaraderie and inspiration, with many noting the event’s meticulously crafted details and the warmth of the community it fostered.
An Inspirational Evening
The evening’s programming featured an inspirational fireside chat with best-selling author Alejandra Campoverdi. The night kicked off with Rocio van Nierop, CEO & Co-founder of Latinas in Tech, who set the tone for the evening by expressing, “No longer are we invisible. We are women with passion and Comcast saw that in us.” She further highlighted Comcast’s dedication, saying, “Comcast has a greater desire to uplift the community as a whole.”
van Nierop then introduced William Bell Murillo, Executive Director of Multicultural Communications at Comcast who shared Comcast’s commitment to furthering digital equity, affordable technology services and supporting the Hispanic community. Bell Murillo remarked, “This room brings together women in all scopes of technology. Comcast is invested in the backbone of tech and the future of tech, which is all of you.”
Following opening remarks, Adriana Arvizo, Sr. Manager of External Communications for Comcast moderated the fireside chat. Alejandra Campoverdi captivated the audience with her personal journey and insights. She shared, “I wrote First Gen for rooms like this one. My story is all of our stories.” Campoverdi spoke about the challenges and triumphs of being a first-generation professional, touching on issues like imposter syndrome and perfectionism as coping mechanisms. “The very things that give you imposter syndrome are the very reasons you are going to contribute to a space and give perspective,” she said.
She delved into the concept of a “trailblazer toll,” explaining, “The reason I talk about it is because we can’t heal from what we don’t name. How do we name feelings that feel foreign or when we don’t allow ourselves time to feel?”
Comcast’s Longstanding Support
Since 2017, Comcast has supported Latinas in Tech with more than $500,000 in grants and has been the Summit’s presenting sponsor for eight years, demonstrating a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
Beyond financial contributions, Comcast has launched and sustained key initiatives for LiT members’ professional growth. A notable project is the Career Hub, launched in 2019, providing resources for Latinas to advance their tech careers, including job listings, career advice, and networking opportunities. Since its inception, 18,000 Latinas have used it.
During the 2024 LiT Summit, Comcast offered a comfortable and cozy Xfinity lounge where attendees were able to recharge their electronics and themselves. Additionally, Comcast hosted a virtual recruiting booth during the virtual part of the conference.
Empowering Through Education
Comcast’s funding also supports the Lunch and Learn virtual events, equipping LiT’s members with essential digital skills for career advancement. These sessions feature industry experts and provide insights crucial for today’s tech landscape.
Additionally, Comcast funds the LiT Mentorship Program, pairing experienced professionals with aspiring tech leaders. This mentorship, combined with the Lunch and Learn series, forms a comprehensive support system, ensuring Latinas in Tech have the tools and resources needed to succeed.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Noche VIP event and the ongoing support from Comcast underscores the importance of creating spaces and opportunities for Latinas in the tech industry. As attendees left the Palace of Fine Arts, the excitement for the future was palpable. Many expressed their hope that Noche VIP would become an annual tradition, providing a regular touchstone for the community to come together, celebrate, and inspire one another. The Latinas in Tech Summit continues to be a beacon of empowerment, thanks in large part to the unwavering support from Comcast. As we look forward to the future, the commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and career advancement for Latinas in tech remains stronger than ever.
