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On March 29th, we brought together 30 passionate participants and 10 dedicated volunteers for an immersive, impact-driven day. The SIP-A-THON is more than just an event—it's a hands-on, collaborative space where people tackle real challenges through the design thinking process for Social Innovation:

Empathize – Understand the challenge from those affected

Define – Clarify key issues

Ideate – Brainstorm creative solutions

️ Prototype – Build tangible models

Pitch – Present for feedback and potential implementation

We focused on an urgent challenge: Helping Latin American newcomers access the job market in Canada. Finding employment in a new country is tough, but through collective intelligence, we explored ways to make the transition smoother, fairer, and more inclusive.

The result? Six prototypes addressing different aspects of this issue! This was a day of empowering conversations, meaningful connections, and actionable solutions that will shape the future of Canada's workforce

We were also honored to host Lionel Laroche, who shared key insights on adapting to the Canadian workplace culture while leveraging our diverse experiences to align with Canada’s needs.

A very special thank you to Joanne Stone for being the mastermind behind this initiative and for founding the SIP and the SIPsters. With their guidance, we could build on strong foundations for a successful event.

And to Arév Hakobyan ☀️, for her fun, well-organized, and creative facilitation of this event and the thoughtful preparation leading up to it—thank you for guiding us with clarity and warmth!

If you want to hear more about what these organizations—and others joining soon—are doing to help Latin American newcomers find good jobs in Canada, sign up here: https://lnkd.in/ee3arhDH! We’re preparing more events, resources, and opportunities to grow this movement.

A huge thank you to our sponsors and supporters: ALPFA Toronto, Hispanotech.ca, HR Latin Hub, The Sustainability Program, innon, Wick’d Agility, and eCampusOntario—your support made this possible!

Carlos Chalico, Priscila Chalico, Citlalli Rios, Carlos E. Paz-Soldan, Jessica Pena, Alejandro Santa Cruz, Maria Victoria Bedoya, Kari McLeod, PhD, Jonathan Cortés, Selene Ricart, Pamela Castillo Otoya.

And of course, to our volunteers, mentors, and participants—your energy, creativity, and dedication were inspiring, proving the power of community-driven initiatives.

Let’s keep the momentum going!

At Hispanotech.ca, we are thrilled to share that on March 28, our esteemed president, Citlalli Rios, participated alongside Deborah Briceno, Cibele R., and Elvira Sanchez de Malicki, MBA, in the event, "Latinas Leading the Way," organized by ALPFA Toronto and the Latin Inclusion Network (LIN) at PwC Canada! This event was dedicated to celebrating the incredible contributions and impact of Latina women in leadership roles across various industries.

Citlalli's dedication, vision, and leadership have been instrumental in driving our mission forward, and we are proud to see her recognized among such an inspiring group of leaders who are making a difference and paving the way for future generations.

We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and are honoured to support the remarkable Latina leaders shaping our world.

This was a powerful virtual space to uplift Latina voices and leadership stories in Canada.

Huge thanks to our inspiring speakers and the amazing LIN team at PwC — thank you for making this event possible and helping build space for impactful conversations.

On March 26, Hispanotech.ca had the privilege of attending Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)'s event "Thrive: How We Can Innovate To Support Newcomers, Employers & Our Economy", where fellow leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across industries converged.

Saad Usmani kicked the event off with a heartfelt land acknowledgment. The event was packed with valuable insights, starting with Interim CEO Simon Trevarthen's summary of seven key trends shaping the new economy:

✅ Artificial Intelligence

✅ Leapfrog Connectivity

✅ Bio-tech Adoption

✅ Clean Energy

✅ Future Mobility

✅ Machine Learning

✅ Robotics & Automation

The discussions also addressed public opinion on immigration, highlighting the challenges and the positive impact newcomers have on our society. Today's newcomers are diverse in age, utilize digital channels, and bring a wealth of skills. They navigate systemic barriers and need updated support systems to build strong networks and pathways.

A panel discussion provided three unique perspectives on Artificial Intelligence from the fields of banking (Bindhu AT), nonprofits (Jason Shim), and construction (Ramtin Attar), emphasizing the importance of acquiring new skills in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Attendees also heard from Vincent Lee and then went on to the networking part of the agenda to close it.

Our president, Citlalli Rios, was in attendance to reconnect with key players in this ecosystem, including Debroy Chan, Sathya Gnaniah, Iman A., Sugi Vasavithasan, Rachel Crowe, Rohit Singh, Arushi G Phillips, Don Hutchison, Lisa Byers, Gerard Keledjian, Dhaval Vediya (CM, MBA, CMS, B.Eng), Kate Lam, Silvia Zapata, Anna Carolina Alvarado, Ximena Berecochea, Salvador Alanis, Arcelia Camacho, John McGraw, Dave Estrella (DBA, P.Eng, PE, PQS, GSC), Brenda Sierra.

Together, we can shape a thriving economy where employers tap into a dynamic talent pool and immigrants achieve their full potential.

Thank you to TRIEC for organizing such an engaging event. Let's continue to support and empower each other as we embrace these exciting changes in the new economy.

On March 19, 2025, Deloitte Toronto hosted an insightful event, "Leading from Feminine Energy," under the wing of International Women’s Day in collaboration with LPMN - Latin Project Management Network, Hispanotech.ca, and The British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce. The hybrid event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and changemakers to explore how embracing Feminine Energy strengthens leadership, enhances decision-making and fosters collaboration across all professional fields.

Keynote Speakers and Key Takeaways:

Brent McCann shared valuable insights on balancing energy, emphasizing mindfulness practices such as meditation and journaling as key tools. He highlighted the necessity of embracing Feminine Energy and reminded us that time is our most valuable gift.

Lucia Gallegos delved into how Feminine Energy influences leadership styles through empathy, intuition, creativity, and collaboration; she addressed critical topics such as preventing burnout, overcoming self-doubt, avoiding over-functioning, and improving communication.

She also discussed the mind-body connection, comparing the impact of power yoga (releases masculine energy) and yin yoga (nurtures feminine energy). She emphasized the importance of self-care in leadership, including practices like pausing before reacting (rest-reflection), setting emotional boundaries, and balancing assertiveness with empathy.

Lucia also explored cultural conditioning and societal pressures—such as guilt, shame, and people-pleasing tendencies—often prevent individuals from prioritizing self-care. She highlighted the power of seeking support through delegation and mentorship to enhance leadership effectiveness.

Karima-Catherine Goundiam (KC) shared her entrepreneurial journey and the creation of B2BeeMatch, a B2B networking platform akin to a "Tinder for businesses." She spoke candidly about starting her entrepreneurial path in her 30s, emphasizing that authenticity is key and that expecting nothing from others is a strength.

Rebeca Lopez Ordonez, representing a Generation Z perspective, offered a refreshing take on leadership, which was shaped by the values instilled in her by her single mother. She highlighted iconic women throughout history—including Marie Curie, Greta Thunberg, Mother Teresa, and others—who have leveraged Feminine Energy to impact various fields despite different eras and societal challenges.

In addition to the keynote sessions, attendees engaged in a Q&A session, sharing their experiences and perspectives on leveraging Feminine Energy in leadership.

The event fostered thought-provoking discussions and meaningful networking, inspiring participants to integrate these insights into their professional and personal journeys.

Thank you to everyone who made this empowering event possible. We look forward to continuing these conversations and fostering more vigorous, balanced leadership.

Dear Hispanotech Member,

Welcome to our newest issue. This newsletter is a complementary summary of our activities. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and enthusiasm towards our mission. As the new President, I'm humbled by the opportunity to continue to serve our community. As I noted during our annual general meeting, I applaud and admire all the great work that my predecessors had done, so this is a continuation of our accomplishments.

Looking ahead to 2025, we're not just expanding programs—we're expanding possibilities. More partnerships, more focused mentorship, and continued advocacy and recognition for the incredible talent in our community.

To every founder, volunteer, mentor, partner, sponsor and member who makes Hispanotech more than an organization—but a movement— ¡Gracias! Your dedication doesn't just change careers. It changes lives.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with your comments, suggestions, and ideas for collaboration. We're here to help! Visit Our Team page (https://hispanotech.ca/our-team) to see a list of our Volunteers. We are also looking for sponsors/partners/speakers/perks/job opportunities/resources. Want to help? Do you want to recommend someone? Contact us at alliances@hispanotech.ca

Enjoy!

Citlalli Rios (link https://www.linkedin.com/in/citlalli)

President

For more information, contact info@hispanotech.ca

Press Release

Hispanotech Announces New President Citlalli Rios and Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Toronto, ON –March 13th, 2025 – Hispanotech, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Hispanic professionals in the technology sector, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Citlalli Rios as its new President. This exciting leadership change coincides with the celebration of Hispanotech's 15th Anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the organization's history.

Citlalli Rios, who previously served as Hispanotech's Vice-President, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering innovation, diversity, and sustainability within the tech community. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening partnerships with corporations, consulates, government bodies, social purpose non-profits, educational institutions, and various community organizations. As President, Citlalli aims to further Hispanotech's mission of supporting Hispanic professionals in their career development and integration into the Canadian job market.

"I am honoured to take on this new role at such a pivotal time for Hispanotech," said Citlalli Rios. "Our 15th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past achievements but a launchpad for future initiatives that will continue to empower and uplift our community."

The 15th-anniversary celebration, held at CIBC Square in Toronto, was a resounding success. It brought together members, partners, and supporters to commemorate the organization's impactful journey. The event featured keynote speeches, networking opportunities, and the graduation ceremony of the 2024 Mentorship Program. Attendees reflected on the organization's accomplishments and looked forward to new initiatives to foster professional growth and community engagement.

Hispanotech's 15 years of operation have been marked by numerous successes, including the creation of mentorship programs, professional development workshops, and networking events that have helped countless Hispanic professionals advance their careers in Canada. The organization remains committed to creating meaningful connections and providing valuable resources to its members.

Congratulations to Citlalli Rios and the entire Hispanotech community on these remarkable milestones!

For more information about Hispanotech and its upcoming initiatives, please visit hispanotech.ca.

Contact: Hispanotech Email: info@hispanotech.ca

About Hispanotech: Hispanotech is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization dedicated to helping Hispanic professionals in the technology sector integrate and advance their careers in Canada. Through mentorship, networking, and professional development programs, Hispanotech empowers its members to achieve their full potential.

My name is Yvette Astorga from Mexico. I’m a connector at heart, passionate about building bridges—whether between people, ideas, or businesses. As an independent consultant, I help start-ups and SMEs establish their presence in Canada, guiding them in strategic partnerships and market entry.

Beyond work, I’m a lifelong learner and a lover of good conversations, books, movies, and great food. I thrive on meaningful connections and enjoy mentoring newcomers as they navigate their professional journeys.

When I moved to Toronto over ten years ago, I had researched extensively, but nothing prepared me for starting over. With two friends from Mexico already living here, I learned about key newcomer concerns—finding a home, a job, and navigating English fluency. My husband, working in the tech sector, discovered Hispanotech early on, and we quickly realized how essential networking would be to building our future.

Years later, after a career transition, I contacted Citlalli, a long-time Hispanotech volunteer, to explore how to get involved. Joining the Mentoring Team felt like a natural step, giving me a firsthand look at what makes this program a vital resource. Believe me, it opens your eyes—not just to career growth but to the power of community.

In 2023 and 2024, I took on the role of moderating Zoom sessions. Leading discussions and occasionally speaking at these events was a powerful learning experience. It allowed me to improve my communication skills, sharpen my listening ability, and gain active confidence. These skills are invaluable—not just professionally but also in everyday life.

I've seen many newcomers struggle with the fear of speaking up in job interviews or networking situations. But the truth is, you grow every time you try—even if it doesn't go perfectly. You prepare better for the next time and eventually find your voice.

From a professional standpoint, volunteering at Hispanotech taught me how to be resourceful. Sometimes, we had limited tools (or skills), but we found creative ways to make things work. This reminded me of the quote: "A well-used minimum suffices for everything." Volunteering helped me become more strategic, learning to leverage what I had while keeping my focus on what I wanted to achieve in the future.

For anyone considering volunteering at Hispanotech, it's worth it. Not only will you gain valuable skills, but you will also become part of a network that supports, inspires, and pushes you forward. If you're unsure, take the first step—you'll be surprised at how much you can grow.

Due to the recent celebration of International Women's Day, I reflect on the many people who helped me succeed. True success comes from support, encouragement, and others believing in us.

My story begins with the influence of my grandmothers, who survived the Spanish Civil War, and my parents, who grew up under Spain's 35-year dictatorship. Their generation fought hard for education and taught me it is a valuable gift. At home, curiosity was valued, and dreams were encouraged.

My grandmothers worked hard during tough times; showing resilience means creating opportunities for the next generation. My mother convinced my grandfather she deserved a university degree, which was uncommon for Spanish women then. My siblings and I were encouraged to explore, read, and chase our dreams.

Early in my university years, I joined AIESEC, an organization that helps young leaders gain international experience. This led me to Malaysia, a bold move for someone who had never lived away from family. Without smartphones or instant communication, I embraced a new culture and learned that authentic leadership comes from integrity when no one's watching. With this experience, I gained the courage to continue exploring opportunities in different countries, to stay curious, and to embrace challenges outside my comfort zone.

Having someone believe in you before you fully believe in yourself can change everything. My first boss became my mentor and champion. Though demanding, he saw potential in me I hadn't recognized. He secured promotions for me because he genuinely believed in my abilities. This taught me the power of having someone in your corner, a lesson that shaped how I mentor others.

Moving to Canada brought challenges, particularly the common immigrant barrier: "lack of Canadian experience." While many see leadership through titles and credentials, I've found that influence comes from embodying principles in every interaction. My family's resilience taught me to persist and prove my worth daily. My husband's encouragement and support allowed me to navigate career setbacks and overcome obstacles. Eventually, I found supporters who saw beyond labels to recognize my abilities. These people didn't just open doors; they showed me how to build new ones.

Throughout my career, I've learned that your values and actions prove your worth. When you lead with integrity and purpose, you don't need external validation. How you consistently and authentically show up reveals your leadership capacity. Female mentors and allies appeared at critical moments, offering guidance when paths seemed unclear.

I genuinely believe that business success comes from creating environments where talent flourishes regardless of background. While I recognize that many women face discrimination and glass ceilings in their careers, my journey has been shaped more by skill development and supportive networks. Hiring should focus on abilities and qualifications, with the understanding that diverse perspectives strengthen teams. Companies benefit when they create inclusive workplaces where all contributions are valued.

This belief extends beyond individual success to professional growth communities. Non-profits create spaces where newcomers find footing, professionals give back, and communities support each other. Hispanotech shows how a community organization can bridge gaps and create success pathways. Through mentorship, networking events, and professional development, Hispanotech has helped many navigate careers and contribute their unique talents to Canada.

Today, my most significant responsibility is to pay forward the support I've received. Each of us can be that crucial voice of encouragement, seeing and nurturing potential in others. Whether through formal mentorship programs or daily interactions, we can all champion others.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's honor individual achievement and the support networks that make success possible. Let's celebrate those who lift others, open doors, and understand that meaningful accomplishments are achieved together. Success isn't a solitary achievement; it's a shared journey.

Empowering Women Through Technology: Essential Apps and Websites for Modern Life

Celebrating International Women’s Day is a perfect time to highlight how technology empowers women in their daily lives and careers. From single professionals to mothers juggling multiple responsibilities, technology offers many resources to enhance productivity, security, and well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, various apps and websites provide valuable support in different aspects of life, making it easier for women to navigate their personal and professional journeys.

For those seeking professional growth and networking opportunities, platforms like LinkedIn offer a space to connect with industry professionals, explore job opportunities, and share insights within their field. Women can also follow influential leaders like Sheryl Sandberg and Indra Nooyi or join groups like 'Women in Tech' and 'Women Who Code' to expand their professional network. Our organization, Hispanotech.ca, fosters mentorship and professional development for Hispanic professionals in Canada, creating an inclusive and supportive community. Additionally, Ellevest provides financial planning tailored for women, helping them build wealth and gain financial independence.

Safety and well-being are also prioritized, and technology offers practical solutions. Apps like bSafe allow users to share their real-time location with trusted contacts and trigger an SOS alarm in emergencies, providing an added layer of security. Clue helps women track their menstrual cycles, fertility, and overall wellness for health management. Furthermore, BetterHelp offers online therapy sessions, making mental health support more accessible for those who need it.

For mothers and caregivers, digital tools can be invaluable in managing family life. Peanut, often referred to as the 'Tinder for mothers,' connects moms with one another for support, advice, and friendship, fostering a sense of community. Cozi serves as a family organizer, streamlining schedules, grocery lists, and to-do lists to make household management easier. BabyCenter provides expert advice on pregnancy, baby care, and parenting, guiding mothers through different stages of their child’s development.

Technology also simplifies everyday tasks and enhances productivity. Evernote is an excellent alternative for staying organized. It allows women to take notes, create to-do lists, and store important documents all in one place, helping them balance their personal and professional tasks efficiently. Managing personal finances becomes more efficient with Mint, an app that helps track expenses, set budgets, and work toward financial goals. TaskRabbit connects women with reliable professionals for home-related tasks such as cleaning, moving, or repairs, reducing the burden of household chores.

While many apps address different aspects of women’s lives, there is still room for innovation. Imagine an AI-powered assistant designed exclusively for women—an all-in-one platform that integrates career coaching, safety alerts, menstrual and health tracking, family management, and financial planning. This AI-driven “Women’s Concierge” could provide personalized recommendations, reminders, and real-time support, making life easier for women balancing multiple roles and responsibilities.

Technology continues to transform the lives of women around the world, providing the tools needed to advance careers, ensure safety, manage families, and improve overall well-being. As innovation progresses, it is essential to keep developing solutions that address the unique challenges women face today. Do you have an app recommendation that has made a difference in your life? Join the conversation in the Hispanotech community and share your insights!

#InternationalWomensDay #WomenInTech #TechForWomen

Despite the transformative power of technology, gender disparities persist, particularly in emerging fields like Web3. Women remain underrepresented, which limits the innovation potential of the industry. How can we change this?

We live in a diverse world where technology plays a fundamental role in driving innovation through products and services that enhance our daily lives.

Encouraging a diverse presence in technology, and especially in emerging technologies like Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence, is crucial for several reasons that benefit the individuals, the tech industry and society as a whole:

1. Diversity Drives Innovation: Diverse teams bring a broader range of perspectives and experiences. This leads to more creative problem-solving and innovative solutions. Diverse voices and ideas are vital to addressing the complex challenges that technology aims to solve.

2. Bridging Talent Gaps: The tech industry faces a significant skills shortage. Encouraging diversity in pursuing tech careers helps close this gap, ensuring a more robust and sustainable workforce.

Specifically, gender diversity has a profound impact on tech innovation by enriching the creative process and driving more effective solutions. Here is how:

1. Broader Perspective: Teams that include people of diverse genders can approach challenges from multiple angles. Women and men often bring different life experiences, which can lead to unique insights when designing and developing technology.

2. Problem-Solving Power: Research consistently shows that diverse teams perform better when it comes to problem-solving. Inclusive teams can identify potential issues or biases in products that a less diverse group might overlook.

3. Improved User Experiences: Technology often serves a broad audience, so having a gender-diverse team ensures that products are designed to meet a variety of needs. For example, gender-balanced input can prevent biases in algorithms or interfaces.

4. Increased Creativity: Gender diversity encourages a culture of open communication and different ways of thinking, which fuels creativity and innovation. A mix of perspectives inspires team members to think creatively.

5. Market Competitiveness: Gender-diverse teams create products and services that better resonate with a global and varied customer base, giving companies a competitive edge.

6. Resilience and Adaptability: Diversity fosters an environment where adaptability and resilience thrive, enabling teams to navigate rapidly changing tech landscapes more effectively.

By championing gender diversity, the tech industry not only becomes more inclusive but also unlocks its full innovative potential.

Historically, technology has been male dominated, which can perpetuate gender biases. Supporting women in tech is a step toward creating a more equitable and inclusive environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Increased representation of women in tech provides role models for young girls and aspiring professionals. This helps break down stereotypes and shows that technology is a field open to everyone.

Becoming an ally for women in technology and Web3 is about taking meaningful actions to support, amplify, and advocate for gender equity. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Amplify Women's Voices:

o Share and celebrate the achievements of women in tech and Web3 on your social platforms like LinkedIn or X.

o Invite women to speak at panels, podcasts, or events you are involved in. Their perspectives can enrich discussions and inspire others.

2. Mentor and Support:

o Offer mentorship or guidance to women entering the tech or Web3 space, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

o Partner with organizations or programs to create pathways for inclusion.

3. Challenge Bias:

o Call out and address gender biases or stereotypes when you see them, whether in workplaces, online communities, or conferences.

o Foster an inclusive culture in your projects, ensuring that all voices are valued and respected.

4. Support Inclusive Hiring:

o Advocate for inclusive recruitment practices in your professional networks or organizations you are part of, ensuring fair access to opportunities.

o Highlight women’s contributions in team projects to ensure their work gets recognized.

5. Educate Yourself and Others:

o Stay informed about the challenges women face in tech and Web3, from gender gaps to systemic barriers.

o Host or participate in discussions about inclusivity and diversity in the decentralized space.

6. Promote Initiatives for Women:

o Actively support programs by participating, donating, or spreading the word.

Let’s leverage our influence in the Technology and Web3 space to build more initiatives driven by diverse teams that will foster innovation and connect with the end consumers with stellar products and services. By championing diversity, the tech industry not only becomes more equitable but also positions itself for long-term success.

Now, it is your turn! What steps will you take today to advocate for diversity?

Gabriel Seminario is a Full-Stack Marketer with a passion for Web3 Technologies, Storytelling and Art. He has been researching the applications of Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality to Marketing and Arts.

Follow him on X: @gabrielsemin