Diana Garcia’s professional dream is to be a chief technology officer in an organization where she can be a part of creating amazing digital products that make life easier. Originally from Colombia, this New Face of Tech winner is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Information System Management at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

What does being the New Face of Tech mean to you?

It means having opportunities to advance as a professional in the field of technology and learn from others who share similar interests.

Women are underrepresented in STEAM. How can we change this?

1DF is helping women boost their professional careers. This means we will have more competencies to join the IT labor market, which will increase our chances to access many job opportunities.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

The chances of being chosen for final interviews is often slim — particularly for managerial roles. And the salaries are lower compared to the similar positions held by men.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I know that even though I have found many closed doors on this journey, I will always find an open door (like this opportunity with 1DF!) to grow as a professional.

I am very passionate about technology, and it is a very interesting topic to me. So, I do not give up easily when I find barriers.

Finally, discipline and hard work have given good results throughout my life. So, no matter how difficult the journey, I remember that I will find something valuable in the end.

How will funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund and HARMAN help you reach your goals?

It facilitates my studies in information technology by providing financial assistance. With this, I will have more time to focus on my studies and have fewer worries about how to finance my master’s degree.