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Blanca Gonzales, the executive director of the tech training nonprofit i.c. stars, was deeply affected by the challenges brought on by COVID-19. Recognizing the digital disparities that affected families’ abilities to educate their children and the struggles faced by small businesses, Gonzales was inspired to prevent similar problems in the future.
She joined forces with fellow Latinx community leaders whom she had long admired – including Francesca Mayca Wegner, Jasmin Treske, Julea Ferrera, Leia Ferrari Traner, Andrea Mendez Barrutia and Victor Amaya – and contacted Techqueria about forming a Milwaukee chapter. The national nonprofit provides Latinx professionals with resources and support to further their careers in tech. The Milwaukee chapter launched in May, with the seven serving as its first directors. “We’re all passionate about giving back,” Gonzales says.
The Techqueria Milwaukee Chapter focuses on creating early tech career exposure opportunities and awareness. Its aim is to attract, develop and retain a diverse Latinx talent pool, equipped with technical, business and community-centered skills. Partnerships with businesses like the law firm von Briesen & Roper enable the chapter to provide valuable resources, mentorship and support, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of the tech industry in our city. “The seven of us plan to build a strong foundation, but we don’t want to be the directors for long – our goal is to prepare the next generation to step up,” Gonzales says.
“We’re empowering Latinx professionals to become leaders in the tech industry.”
– Blanca Gonzales
Q&A
Blanca, now that you’ve formed the Milwaukee chapter of Techqueria, what are some of your goals for its future?
We want to bring more members and attention to the chapter. We’re going to be putting on workshops and events. We want to take advantage of all our resources to really give people the opportunity to see the careers that are available in tech. There are earning increases and sustainable career paths in this industry.
What advice do you have for someone looking to reach a leadership position in their career like you have?
Be open to exploring fields you might find intimidating. If you have strong willpower and grit, you can achieve great things. When people think tech, they often think it’s a white male-dominated industry. But the fact is there is plenty of room for all of us. To be in a position to empower others and to be an influence on the next generation is amazing. It’s a huge commitment, but it’s crucial. One thing that’s beautiful about these chapter directors at Techqueria is that we’re all passionate about empowering the next generation.
