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Blockchain for sustainability

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize sustainability efforts across various industries. By providing a transparent, decentralized, and immutable ledger, blockchain can enhance supply chain traceability, ensure fair trade practices, and drive more sustainable business practices. Latin America shows great potential in planning and developing blockchain solutions for multiple use cases.

For instance, in the fashion industry, blockchain can enable consumers to track the entire lifecycle of a garment, from raw materials sourcing to production processes, thereby promoting ethical and sustainable fashion choices. In the energy sector, blockchain can facilitate peer-to-peer energy trading, enabling individuals and communities to generate, consume, and sell renewable energy, fostering a decentralized and sustainable energy system. 

There are currently a few projects in development in Latin America, for example, FAO, through the +Cotton Project, is already implementing the UNECE-UN/CEFACT standard and methodology in Latin America, working with Costach Cooperative, which groups more than 5,200 farming families and is providing 10 tonnes of sustainable cotton production for a blockchain pilot, to increase traceability and transparency of the fiber production processes, woven yarn and garment manufacturing, with an end objective to trace the cotton fibre from field to shelf

In addition, Nestlé will use blockchain to increase traceability for milk sourced in New Zealand before expanding the technology to Latin America for palm oil, whereas Cabify is reinforcing its environmental commitment by applying blockchain technology to the emissions offset project and expanding its initiatives to new countries.  The company is already working on the integration of the API (Application Programming Interface) developed by Climate Trade, with which the carbon footprint per trip of users and companies who travel with the application can be tracked. This allows users to see in real time the footprint that is created during their trip, and Cabify compensates for this and transparently promotes the acquisition of carbon-neutral services.

New reports shed light on the potential blockchain holds for climate mitigation solutions and illustrate a road map to accelerate the clean energy, low-carbon transition, and climate change mitigation through blockchain technology, providing a framework for linking climate financing with climate accounting.

Overall, blockchain holds immense promise in promoting transparency, trust, and accountability, which are vital for building a more sustainable future, especially in emerging countries in Latin America.

References:

https://unece.org/media/press/363667

https://www.foodnavigator-latam.com/Article/2019/07/04/Nestle-to-trial-blockchain-for-palm-oil-in-Latin-America

https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/new-technologies-innovation/cabify-will-use-blockchain-offset-its-carbon-footprint/20201203225419148711.html

https://www.unep.org/resources/report/blockchain-sustainable-energy-and-climate-global-south

Citlalli Rios, Director of Alliances

I'm Citlalli. I'm proudly Mexican-Canadian; I landed in Canada with a bachelor's and a master's degree and over ten years of experience in a middle management position.

Since arriving in Canada, I have participated in several volunteering projects. With Hispanotech, it started with me being a mentee and volunteer, then became a mentor. I finally decided to take on a board member position, leading the Membership Committee and, later on, the Alliances Committee. 

My journey has had its ups and downs. It took me some years to get to a salary and seniority level that were aligned with my experience. It has also involved lots of learning and adapting to new realities. I feel proud of my journey and grateful to everyone who has supported my integration. 

For newcomers, finding a job in their field or seniority level is especially tough, primarily due to the hassle of building new local professional networks. That's what networking is all about! Other reasons are employers not recognizing international experience and education credentials, lack of transparency or access to vacant positions, contradicting or confusing information, cultural fit and unconscious biases, to name a few. On top of the added stress of caring for their family, multiple administrative errands to secure a home, car, health insurance, school, and even wayfinding are overwhelming in a new country. 

Cornered, newcomers grapple with finding "survival jobs" to comply with the Canadian experience (archaic) requirements. Hispanotech is essential in assisting new Canadians in the challenging integration into the Canadian labour markets. We also help professionals already working in their field who want to advance their careers navigating the Canadian corporate culture. 

We do so by organizing networking events, providing learning and development opportunities, and showcasing our member's achievements with the occasional social gathering. We also offer ongoing volunteering opportunities, which can become a first referral to the most committed volunteers when applying for jobs.

Hispanotech also facilitates a structured mentorship program that pairs up experienced individuals with newcomers who need help integrating into the job market, transitioning into a new position, or advancing their careers. I've had the opportunity to mentor three brilliant, talented, kind and resourceful professionals through this program so far.

Our membership comprises experienced professionals willing to give back and help new immigrants navigate the intricacies of the Canadian job market. Everyone learns in the process. I see our association's positive impact on our members and the community. It is a challenging task, balancing our volunteering efforts with personal and professional priorities, but it's worth it.

As a Director of Alliances, I've effectively connected several dots with stakeholders that have helped us build bridges and find new, meaningful collaborations. I'm a lifelong learner, constantly identifying new ways to leverage our current partnerships and innovative ways to reach potential partners. I always consider what our members need at the different stages of their immigrant pathway.

What else can we do then? The first step in solving any problem is identifying and being aware. The Canadian government, employers and several social advocacy groups know these issues. Many associations are avidly working towards achieving a truly diverse and inclusive job market where everyone can thrive regardless of age, gender, nationality or personality type. Hispanotech is doing its part in closing several of these gaps. We partner with other associations to cross-promote events and benefits. We also work closely with multiple corporate Latin ERGs and maintain contact with all Latin American Consulates and several bridging programs to know of new collaborations and perks we can offer our members.

A final message: be curious, adaptable and take care of your health, including your mental health. Connect with intentionality and understand your strengths and limitations. At Hispanotech, we are there for you. There are plenty of ways to get the support you need to overcome your professional challenges.

About Hispanotech and the author

Federally incorporated in 2008, Hispanotech is a 100%-volunteer-led and run not-for-profit corporation that aims to help Latin American professionals integrate and advance their careers in Canada.

Our programs and activities target Latin American STEM professionals; however, everybody is welcome to join. Please become a member, volunteer with us, and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Citlalli is passionate about diversity, equity, women empowerment, and sustainability. In her current role at eCampusOntario, Citlalli is promoting digital transformation for businesses in Ontario through innovation and collaboration. In addition, she loves networking, mentoring, and supporting the Latino community in Canada through Hispanotech as their Director for Alliances and a few other associations.

Connect with Citlalli https://www.linkedin.com/in/citlalli

In this edition, we want to address an important and pressing topic: how we can help women advance in their careers in the technology sector. While we have made significant strides in gender equality in recent years, there are still persistent challenges that we must overcome together.

If you are a woman in Ontario looking to pursue a career in the tech sector, consider exploring mentorship programs available in your area. These programs can provide invaluable support, guidance, and connections to accelerate professional growth.

One of the most effective approaches to driving women’s growth and professional success in technology is through mentorship programs. These programs provide a safe and supportive space where women can connect with experienced mentors in the tech field, gain valuable advice, receive professional guidance, and expand their network.

Here are some reasons why mentorship programs are incredibly impactful:

Skill Enhancement: Mentors can provide technical guidance and help mentees enhance their skills in specific technology areas. Whether coding, data analysis, or project management, mentors can offer valuable feedback, recommend learning resources, and provide real-world insights.

Inspiration and Role Models: Mentors can share their personal experiences and challenges, providing inspiration and serving as role models for aspiring women in tech. Having someone to look up to and emulate can significantly boost confidence and motivation.

Guidance on Career Development: Mentorship programs offer women valuable advice on career development, helping them set goals, identify growth opportunities, and navigate the challenges they may face in the tech industry. Mentors can share insights, strategies, and best practices based on their experiences.

Networking Opportunities: Building a solid professional network is crucial for career advancement. Mentorship programs facilitate connections with industry professionals, opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and potential job prospects. Mentors can introduce mentees to influential contacts and help them expand their circle of influence.

Building Confidence: Many women in tech may face imposter syndrome or self-doubt. Mentors play a vital role in boosting their mentees' confidence, helping them recognize their strengths and overcome challenges. By providing constructive feedback and encouragement, mentors can empower women to take on new responsibilities and pursue leadership positions.

Overcoming Bias and Stereotypes: Mentorship programs help challenge gender bias and break stereotypes prevalent in the tech industry. By pairing women with mentors who champion diversity and inclusion, these programs foster an environment of equal opportunities and create a supportive culture.

In Ontario, various organizations and initiatives actively promote mentorship programs tailored to women in technology:

https://hispanotech.ca/mentorship: Launched in 2015, the Mentorship Program aims to help internationally trained professionals transition to work in Canada and improve their skills and confidence while developing professional connections. The program matches immigrant professionals (Mentees) with seasoned professionals (Mentors) already established in Canada who share similar professional backgrounds and career interests. Over a three-month period, each Mentor-Mentee pair works together, defining a realistic set of goals and executing an action plan to achieve these goals.

https://womenintechworld.com/: Women in Tech World is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing women's participation and leadership in the technology industry. They offer mentorship programs that connect women with experienced professionals in the tech field. These mentors provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer support to help mentees navigate their tech careers.

https://cawic.ca/: Although CAWIC focuses primarily on the construction industry, they also offer mentorship programs for women in technology-related roles within the construction sector. These programs provide mentorship and networking opportunities to help women advance their careers and break gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

https://wekh.ca/: WEKH is a national organization that supports women entrepreneurs across various sectors, including technology. They offer mentorship programs that connect aspiring women entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support in starting and growing their tech businesses. These programs help women navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and foster a supportive community.

To ensure the success of mentorship programs for women in tech, it's essential to establish structured frameworks, matching mentees with mentors based on their specific goals and interests. Regular check-ins, goal-setting exercises, and constructive feedback mechanisms can further enhance the effectiveness of these programs.

In conclusion, mentorship programs have emerged as a powerful tool to empower women in Ontario's tech sector. By connecting aspiring women with experienced mentors, these programs provide invaluable guidance, inspiration, and networking opportunities. Through mentorship, women can overcome challenges, develop their skills, and strive for leadership positions in the industry. Together, let's embrace mentorship as a catalyst for change, fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech community where women can thrive and excel. It's time to unlock your potential and embark on an exciting journey toward success in the dynamic world of technology.

Follow me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfaura/

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an indispensable part of our everyday lives, transforming various sectors in the near term while instilling panic in various professionals. On this occasion, I'd want to emphasize AI's enormous potential to revolutionize traditional teaching and learning approaches in the field of education and begin to consider it as an ally rather than a rival. Teachers and students may benefit from improved educational experiences by embracing AI-powered tools and technology. This article investigates how artificial intelligence may assist instructors in the classroom while also empowering students to attain their full potential.

On one hand, AI may assist instructors by automating administrative duties like grading coursework and keeping student information, allowing them to focus on providing quality, more individualized training. By assessing student data and adapting education to individual requirements, intelligent tutoring systems may deliver individualized learning experiences. Furthermore, AI may offer teachers with real-time feedback, emphasizing areas where pupils may be failing and recommending relevant remedies. Teachers may enhance their educational tactics, save time, and increase overall classroom efficiency by leveraging the power of AI.

AI, on the other hand, has the potential to transform the way students learn by providing individualized and adaptable learning experiences. Intelligent learning systems can analyze students' strengths and weaknesses and provide individualized information and recommendations based on their specific requirements. AI-powered virtual tutors can help students understand complex ideas by providing explanations and assistance in real-time. Moreover, the AI's natural language processing capabilities enable it to participate in engaging dialogues with pupils, boosting active learning and critical thinking skills. Students may have access to a multitude of educational materials and receive personalized support by employing AI, thereby increasing their academic achievement.

Finally, artificial intelligence has the ability to revolutionize education by delivering creative solutions that benefit both instructors and students. Teachers may focus on enabling meaningful learning experiences thanks to AI's capacity to automate administrative work and offer individualized training. Furthermore, AI-powered technologies enable students to obtain personalized assistance, participate in interactive learning, and access a multitude of instructional materials. However, maintaining a balance between the function of AI and human contact in education is critical. While AI can help with teaching and learning, the need for human direction, creativity, and social contact should not be underestimated. Education can really leverage the revolutionary potential of artificial intelligence by using the benefits of AI while keeping the value of the human touch.

PS: I also suggest reviewing the following videos, which were the basis for writing the article:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHx9Et98uBs 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b__L_olCWs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18QBF0LifbY&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WZV_rb8cPpY 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgTv2W0mUP0&t=5478s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfCduDYi0mM 

Follow me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiomi-kunigami/ 

Dear Hispanotech Community,

In this segment of our newsletter, I would like to reflect on my journey with the exceptional organization, Hispanotech, focusing on three key aspects that resonate with our mission: Connect, Succeed, and Give Back.

Hispanotech plays a crucial role in connecting newcomers to Canada with opportunities that help them succeed in labor market integration. Our various programs, mentoring, networking events, and volunteering opportunities are all aimed at creating connections. Networking within Hispanotech goes beyond merely establishing professional connections; it's about sharing, learning, and growing together. We harness the strength and resilience of newcomers to contribute to our society and economy. Recently, during a networking event, we witnessed how these connections transformed the lives of participants, igniting a sense of empowerment and belonging. The stories we have heard from individuals who attended our events exemplify the transformative power of networking and collaboration.

The "Give Back" part of our mission holds a special place in my heart. Having been a newcomer myself 10 years ago, giving back to the community has been incredibly rewarding. It is a privilege to utilize the tools Hispanotech has provided me to help others thrive in Canada. Despite our busy lives, volunteering can fit in and be extremely fulfilling. It is not just about giving time; it's about gaining experiences, making connections, and having a meaningful impact.

At Hispanotech, the Governance Committee works diligently to keep the organization running smoothly. We establish rules and procedures that drive our mission forward. This role has deepened my understanding of leadership intricacies and the importance of well-structured governance in driving meaningful change.

Lastly, my journey with Hispanotech has led to both professional and personal growth. We are dedicated to living our mission: connecting people, helping them succeed, and giving back. Together, we contribute to a diverse, vibrant, and inclusive Canadian society.

Thank you for being part of this amazing journey!

Raquel Insa

Director, Governance Committee

Follow me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelinsa/

How did you find out about Hispanotech?

There’s a Brazilian group on Google called Terras do Norte, which I belong to. Someone published a post about Hispanotech’s 2022 Mentorship Program, and I decided to apply for it.

What inspired you to become a volunteer at HT?

The inspiration to become a volunteer came after participating in the Mentorship Program. The mentor assigned to me was great, prepared me for the Canadian job market, and provided the best tips, which included volunteering. I decided that the next step in my career would be to become a volunteer, and there was no better place for me to do it other than Hispanotech, especially after all the knowledge that I had acquired from them.

What did you do at HT, and how did you feel about the experience?

The part of Hispanotech where I volunteered was the Project Management Office (PMO), and it’s where we put together the framework for all the projects of the organization, including the PMO itself, by defining documents, tools, and processes to be used to deliver and manage successful projects.

Tell us a little about your background, and the job opportunity you were looking for…

My background is all about IT, because that’s what I’ve been working with for pretty much all my life… I started out as a developer, became a team leader, and then, an IT Project Manager. So that was the focus of my job search here in Canada.

How was your HT volunteering experience, helped you to get a job?

The Mentorship and Volunteer experiences together helped me get a job. I used the tips from the Mentorship, the experience of managing jobs as a volunteer, plus the fact that I was volunteering. It’s never just one thing… Getting a job in Canada means that you must sharpen all your corners.

Any final recommendation for other members who are not sure whether to become volunteers?

If you're unsure whether to become a volunteer, let me tell you that my one regret is not volunteering earlier, as it gave me an opportunity to witness the work environment here in Canada and provided me with confidence for job interviews. Not only that, but there’s also the networking opportunities.

By Christiano Varella

There is a stage in our career where we feel we have gone a long way, and we need to give back to our community by sharing our knowledge and best practices. Everyone’s career is full of learning. The obstacles we overcame, the processes we created, the connections we made. All of them comprise our unique and valuable experience. 

Participating in a Mentorship Program as a Mentor is a great way to benefit from a sense of fulfillment and personal growth while giving back to the community. Besides the gratifying experience of giving back to your industry or community, these are three additional key reasons why becoming a Mentor will be an enriching experience in your career and life:

You will inspire another person’s career and gain personal satisfaction.

By sharing your knowledge, you are not only positioning yourself as a subject matter expert but also helping your mentees to avoid the pitfalls, overcome the obstacles, and increase their confidence in their future career decisions and activities. In addition, it can be very personally fulfilling to know that you’re directly contributing to someone else’s growth and development, and seeing your mentee succeed as a result can feel like a reward.

You will develop or enhance your interpersonal, leadership, and management skills.

By becoming a mentor in a well-organized Mentorship Program, you will learn the Mentoring techniques that will help you oversee and guide people from different backgrounds, environments, and stages of life. You will build your intercultural leadership skills, becoming more tolerant and open-minded to multiple points of view. Leading and helping others requires you to take the initiative, be adaptable and see the bigger picture while solving problems and putting your skills to the test!

You will Increase your professional networks and learn from future members of your profession.

Even if you have professional connections, through mentorship, you will meet new people from newer generations with new ideas and connections. For example, you could learn about new technology and social media trends or learn from professional experiences from other countries. Remember, your mentees may be the decision-makers of tomorrow and can become part of your network of allies throughout your profession.

For more information about Hispanotech Mentorship Program, visit https://hispanotech.ca/mentorship

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielseminario

Hi there!

I am Francisca Figueroa, a Marketing professional who moved to Canada 4 years ago and here are my 2 cents on volunteering at Hispanotech.

One of the most valuable aspects of volunteering at Hispanotech is the opportunity to build strong relationships through networking. As a newcomer to Canada, I found it challenging to establish connections with other professionals. However, volunteering at Hispanotech provides me with a platform to connect with others who are also interested in advancing diversity in tech and other industries. It is inspiring to hear about their experiences and learn from their insights. Through these connections, I have expanded my professional network and gained updated perspectives on the Canadian labour market.

Volunteering at Hispanotech has been a rewarding experience for me, as it has allowed me to connect with other like-minded professionals who share a passion for promoting diversity and inclusivity while bringing together the Hispanic community. I have the opportunity to help the organization with marketing efforts, and it has been gratifying to see the impact of my contributions. Through my work, I am able to help raise awareness about Hispanotech's mission and attract new members to the organization.

Another takeaway from my experience at Hispanotech is the importance of giving back. It is always fulfilling to support an organization that aligns with your values and see the impact of your contributions. The experience also reminded me of the importance of using my skills and talents to give back.

Overall, volunteering at Hispanotech has been an enriching experience. This has allowed me to connect with others, give back to the community, and support a mission that I am passionate about. I would encourage others who are interested in building meaningful connections and advancing their careers in Canada to consider volunteering at Hispanotech.

– Francisca Figueroa

Either if we are looking for a job, career change, promotion, or selling our latest entrepreneurial adventure, it is crucial to maintain a polished and purposeful LinkedIn Profile in order to stand out from the rest and accurately describe who we are and what value we offer. But, what happens if we do not know how to enhance and optimize this fundamental piece of our digital presence?

Here are 3 ways where Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, like ChatGPT, could help us to improve our LinkedIn Profile:

1. Keywords for your headline: Use AI to get the most relevant keywords that you can insert into your headline. For example, ask ChatGPT about the main keywords used in job descriptions for a Logistics Manager in the Manufacturing industry in Ontario, Canada. You can also use real job description documents in your niche, to refine the outcome.
2. Structure for your headline: Once you know the keywords, use AI to compose a headline that includes those keywords according to a formula. For example, you can tell ChatGPT to follow: [Job Title] – I help [Target Audience] to achieve [KPI – results] by [Action you take to achieve that]. Once you have the results, you can get more options and variations, and select one.
3. About Section: Use AI to compose paragraphs to fill your about section. For example, ask ChatGPT to suggest the main problems in your niche. Then, for each problem, ask about the solutions. Next, add a personal story, social proof, and your purpose. Finally, use AI to add a summary and call to action, based on the previous paragraphs.

Remember AI is not a replacement for your skills, it serves as an assistant. You will have to test the options, compare results, and optimize the best version that works for your individual case.

Note: This article was written by a human

– Gabriel Seminario

First and foremost, it must be acknowledged that a human being is writing this article about ChatGPT, which could be a disadvantage compared to a system with a neural network of 175 million parameters (which means more information) that learns every second and could write this text in less than a minute. The most surprising thing about this disruptive tool developed by OpenAI, which even has Google shaking on its boots, is its training system, constant learning, and human-like responses. Systems like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant are simply archaic compared to the Chat GPT 3.5 system, not to mention the recently launched version 4, which implements 100 trillion parameters, and 600 times more information than version 3.5.

Without getting into more technical details, let's examine its corporate implementations. Thousands of people already use ChatGPT as their personal assistant, and major corporations worldwide have adopted it as their new (truly intelligent) chatbot. Global communications experience a genuine fifth industrial revolution thanks to this machine learning tool.

Recently, Allison Carter, PR Daily Executive Editor, asked Chat GPT to make a press release with just one sentence about someone's appointment to a corporate position. ChatGPT's response was almost instantaneous, but it was not the most accurate, partly because the request was poorly worded and lacked context. This means that to get intelligent responses, we must ask thoughtful questions, where every extra detail we can provide to the system counts.

Another wonderful finding from this exercise is that, despite ChatGPT's flawless grammar and syntax, the writings frequently resemble university essays rather than texts for a more professional setting. Due to this, ChatGPT still requires human supervision, much like autonomous vehicles do. We could say ChatGPT is in its adolescent years and still requires tutoring.

However, this system's virtues to communication and public relations departments are undeniable: availability and intelligent responses 24/7, speed, efficiency, scalability, and the bot’s revolution mentioned above, one of the most popular and effective digital marketing tools today.

If we enter the ethical field, everything gets a little dark. The academy has had to react to this new technology, implementing tools like ZeroGPT that detect when an AI has written a homework. We are experiencing a similar case to the launch of 3D printers that, in many cases, were used to make prosthetics and save lives, but in others, to print plastic guns to bypass metal detectors at airports. As always, regulation moves at a tortoise's pace while technology is on a Formula 1 car.

Finally, if the information is critical to your business or work, ignoring ChatGPT is a severe mistake. Machine learning is not a fad; it was not born in November 2022. It has been building for years, and there are notable examples, such as IBM's Watson system, which would give us enough material to write a similar article. What is truly valuable here is that the system was opened to everyone for free, democratized, grounded, and is no longer the knowledge of a small elite; now, it is massive. ChatGPT can assist you in responding to a simple email in almost any language and creating a marketing and communications strategy at record speed.

– Daniel Faura