How did you find out about Hispanotech?
I first learned about Hispanotech at an event hosted by York University, where I'm enrolled in a program for Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) in Management. It was there that I met Carlos Paz-Soldan and Citlalli Rios, and we immediately connected while discussing Hispanotech's mission.
What inspired you to become a volunteer at Hispanotech?
Honestly, I decided to volunteer based on the advice of my classmates, who emphasized its value in achieving career goals. Despite initial time constraints, I reached out to Hispanotech expressing my interest, eventually securing a spot on the project management team.
How did you feel about the experience and what did you do at Hispanotech?
Although project management wasn't my primary focus, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn new skills. While lacking extensive technical expertise, my background in operations management provided a solid foundation. With guidance from Gabriel Sorozabal, I familiarized myself with tools like Jira and Confluence. Volunteering at Hispanotech not only allowed me to showcase my abilities but also kept me focused during challenging times.
After contributing to the project management team and supporting the event committee, I embraced the chance to lead the Operations department, leveraging my extensive managerial experience gained from roles held in my home country. Working closely with President Carlos Paz-Soldan, who entrusted me with this responsibility, I played a pivotal role in establishing and optimizing operational processes. This encompassed tasks such as creating comprehensive documentation, training volunteers, and overseeing task execution to ensure smooth operations.
Currently, I am actively involved in various capacities such as Team Leader, Quality Assurance, and as a member of the management team. I remain committed to Hispanotech because, several months ago, I connected deeply with the organization's mission and recognized the significance of assisting newcomers in integrating into the Canadian professional job market.
Tell us a little about your background, and the job opportunity you were looking for…
As a Systems Engineer with over 10 years of experience in managerial roles such as team leader, supervisor, and operations manager, along with certification in Business Administration, I've consistently found fulfillment in leading teams and optimizing processes. Pursuing further studies in Management, I aimed to leverage my expertise to drive growth and innovation within organizations. With a strong interest in AI technology, my goal is to enhance businesses' productivity and employee satisfaction through strategic application and implementation.
How has been your Hispanotech volunteering experience, did it help you to get a job?
My volunteering experience at Hispanotech played a pivotal role in securing my position as a Business Analyst for AI services. I have demonstrated my abilities, responsibility, and skills, particularly within the Operations team, where I honed my project management, process optimization, and team leadership skills. This experience provided me with the adaptability and collaboration skills essential for the dynamic field of AI services.
Any final recommendation for other members who are not sure whether to become volunteers?
Volunteering is worthwhile if you can commit the time and effort required. Quality, not quantity, of contributions is key. Hispanotech provided me with invaluable opportunities for professional growth and fulfillment, making it a rewarding experience. I'm grateful for the chance to be part of Hispanotech and continue contributing to its mission.
I resonate deeply with Hispanotech because they foster an environment where I'm encouraged to think critically and contribute creatively. This quote by Steve Jobs encapsulates the essence of its approach: 'It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.'
