We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Arteaga a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I’ve embarked on numerous creative endeavors in my life, but none have reached the depth and significance of my latest project—crafting and refining my personal brand.

Interestingly, it all began somewhat unintentionally. October 2022 marked a pivotal moment as I delved into a self-taught coding journey, aiming to create an innovative app. Recognizing the influence of social media, I documented my coding odyssey on Instagram, leading to the creation of my account (cyberspace.maria).

My goal was not just to share my coding story but to empower individuals, particularly minorities facing similar challenges. Sharing my journey as a Latina navigating the tech world unexpectedly forged connections within a supportive tech community, allowing me to influence and empower others to break into tech against the odds.

I’m grateful for the immense support from the community, and it’s genuinely inspiring to see the far-reaching effects of networking. The digital realm holds immense potential, and as a piece of advice, I encourage everyone to leave a positive digital footprint with a purpose to help others. To achieve this, taking risks is often a necessary step.

So, to my past self and aspiring souls: “Take the risk!” Failure’s sting fades, but regret’s weight endures. Embrace the “what-if” possibilities, for even in failure, experience blossoms. The journey continues, and each risk seeds growth.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Maria Arteaga, recognized as cyberspace.maria on Instagram. Residing in Austin, Texas, I’m a first-generation college Latina. My father pursued the “American Dream” and immigrated to the US in his early years. Though born in California, Austin holds a central place in my childhood.

Entering The University of Texas at Austin, my primary focus was on medicine. From the outset, my enthusiasm for science, languages, and embracing new concepts was clear. However, it was only upon completing my degree at UT Austin that I recognized my genuine calling in the tech realm. This is why I perceive my journey as non-linear, transitioning from medicine to tech.

My journey has involved a lot of self-reflection and trying new things—showing how life is about finding our real selves and reaching our fullest potential. I strongly believe there’s always time to decide on and begin a new goal.

Interestingly, one thing led to another. Shifting my career from medicine to tech illuminated the importance of having a digital footprint, particularly when navigating the job market or seeking networking opportunities in the tech industry. Consequently, I took steps to enhance my online presence and even delved into acquiring new skills in the realm of digital marketing and startups, further enriching my toolset.

Overall, one thing I am most proud of is my resilience and ability to adapt. It has molded me into who I am today and has allowed me to use Instagram as a platform to showcase who I am, what I love to do, and empower others at the same time. I am truly thankful for the opportunities and resources we have available at our fingertips.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Growing up and throughout my journey to this point, my core mission has been to inspire, help others, and contribute to making the world a better place while maintaining authenticity. Staying true to oneself is a belief I hold dear. Our differences set us apart and add richness to the world, making it more intriguing. Authenticity is a pivotal factor that propels my creative journey and influences my life in general. Interestingly, I’ve also come to realize the significance of authenticity in building a personal brand. The power lies in being genuine, attracting people to learn more about your journey, struggles, and everything that makes you unique. This is especially crucial for minority or underrepresented groups—to openly share your “why” with the world and embrace your true self.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Truly, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is the sense of belonging to a supportive and uplifting community. This community is filled with collaboration, abundant resources, and the company of innovative minds eager to acquire new skills. Building numerous connections has been a significant part of my journey, and I look forward to continually sharing my experiences and expanding my network with individuals who share similar passions. Networking holds immense power, opening doors to a multitude of opportunities. Moreover, another fulfilling aspect I’ve discovered is the chance to assist and empower women and minority groups in embracing change and taking risks, particularly when considering career shifts. Each of us is on a unique journey, and there’s no fixed timeline to follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artjmaria.github.io/Portfolio/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyberspace.maria/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-arteaga-181ab31ab/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marialenom
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cyberspace_maria/videos