Currently I am a Software Developer at General Motors. Growing up my parents always emphasized the importance of school and always made sure that my education was my first priority. They always told me that if i wanted the good things in life I would have to work extremely hard and always get good grades. I followed their advice and ended up going to a vocational high school where i could concentrate on learning a skill that could be useful for my future. I ended up getting into the Computer Networking program at that school (because I decided to change vocations last minute and it was the only one still available). It turned out that I really enjoyed learning all about computers and technology.
I followed that passion through college by studying Computer Engineering at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. I learned all about creating computer software and hardware. In college I was always active in different organizations i.e. SHPE, IEEE, Tau Beta Pi, and Alpha Gamma Delta. I had the opportunity to go to the SHPE Conference (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) and get help on my resume, get tips on interview skills, and learn about different companies that were recruiting. When i started looking for internships I ended up getting an internship at a gaming company in Las Vegas named Bally Technologies. There I learned how to code games for gambling machines using C++. When it was time to start looking for a full time job I attended the SHPE conference and interviewed with General Motors for a software Development position, which is where I work at now.
In my current position I am a Tech Lead for my software development team and we develop functionality for the General Motors brand websites. I really enjoy my job because it challenges me everyday and has been allowing me to grow my leadership skills.
Other than working at GM I also have a passion for STEM outreach. I am the Chair for the Arizona GM Latino Network employee resource group at GM and I am the Communications chair for the Society of Automotive Engineers here in Arizona. These two groups focus on helping the community become aware of STEM and assist students on different STEM projects whether it be coding, robotics, science projects, etc. I have also assisted in recruiting for GM at the SHPE and GMiS conference, the past two years.
Having a career in Science and Technology is very up and coming. As we see everyday new technologies are always arising. From faster phones, to self driven cars, to new virtual reality games. Careers in this field are in high demand. Companies are always looking for diverse talent to bring to their work environments, and being a Woman in the tech industry is what diversity is all about.
