{"id":10806,"date":"2022-09-01T09:49:19","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T16:49:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/latinageeks.com\/?p=10806"},"modified":"2022-09-01T09:50:00","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T16:50:00","slug":"latinageeks-10th-anniversary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/latinageeks.com\/latinageeks-10th-anniversary\/","title":{"rendered":"A Memorable Evening Celebrating #LatinaGeeks 10th Anniversary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nearly 150 guests gathered at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, California, on August 20th<\/sup> to celebrate nonprofit #LatinaGeeks 10th<\/sup> Anniversary and honor four individuals making a transformative impact in our world through technology.<\/p>\n

The memorable evening was a culmination of # LatinaGeeks\u2019 10 years of advocating for more diversity in the technology sector and educating and empowering Latinas working in or pursuing careers in technology.<\/p>\n

The glitzy gala began as attendees walked up the red-carpet photo for opportunities to capture the momentous occasion and were entertained by a professional mariachi upon entering the beautiful venue.<\/p>\n

\"Gala

Credit: Cielo Roth Photography<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

As people found their seats, they joined friendly faces in the community they\u2019ve connected with at previous events and met new individuals eager to make meaningful connections and support the mission of #LatinaGeeks.<\/p>\n

The event kicked off with a delightful array of appetizers and a hosted bar, followed by welcoming remarks from the #LatinaGeeks Board Chairwoman, Bracy Fuentes, who reflected on how far the organization has come, and the path to the future. Executive Director and Co-Founder LaLa Castro then took the stage and spoke passionately about her journey into tech and how taking non-traditional paths can still lead you to the career of your dreams.<\/p>\n

The Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening was Emmy-award-winning reporter Claudia Botero, who set the tone for the evening\u2019s festivities and introduced the panel discussion, aptly titled \u201cLatinas Shaping the Future of Technology.\u201d Speakers included powerhouse women Valeria Martinez, Venture Capitalist at Vamos Ventures; Tanya Menendez, Co-Founder and CEO of Snowball Wealth; and Daniela Corrente, Co-Founder and CEO of Reel.<\/p>\n

These inspiring ladies were dropping some serious gems:<\/p>\n

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\u201cKnowing that if I’m suffering, ideally that makes it easier for the next Latina, because I am able to be a good representative for our community and that’ll make it easier for the next Latina coming.\u201d \u2013 Tanya Menendez, Co-Founder and CEO of Snowball Wealth<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cYou have to look in the mirror and know that you are the best that you can be, that nobody’s bringing this idea the way that you’re bringing that idea and you walk in and you own it because that’s the way that we can do it.\u201d\u00a0 \u2013 Daniela Corrente, Co-Founder and CEO of Reel<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cSpeak up, raise your hand for the projects that maybe seem hard, ask for that promotion. Really, truly advocate for your great work.\u201d\u00a0 \u2013 Valeria Martinez, Venture Capitalist at Vamos Ventures<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

After the dinner that boasted some cultural delights, guests had the opportunity for more networking and a stand-out Silent Auction (including a J-lo collectible, LA Dodgers signed memorabilia, a Prince collectible album, and a Mexico beach retreat for two) to help raise funds to support the work of #LatinaGeeks.<\/p>\n

It was then time for the gran final<\/em> \u2013 the first ever Inspirada Awards ceremony, which honored fierce Latinas in the following categories:<\/p>\n

Rising Star in STEM<\/strong>:<\/p>\n