We recently connected with Stacy Whitenight and have shared our conversation below.

Stacy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started you own firm sooner?

Initiating the Latinas in Tech North Carolina chapter unfolded precisely when it needed to, marrying serendipity with strategy. The robust foundation and pioneering spirit showcased by international chapters, notably in New York City and Austin, have not only blazed a trail but also generously extended their support to assist our budding chapter in its growth journey. This solidarity exemplifies the remarkable power of ‘comunidad’ within the Latine community, where we deeply understand the significance of mutual support and elevating each other.

Had we embarked on this journey sooner, our chapter might have risked being overshadowed by the booming noise surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, potentially fizzling out as some initiatives have. In contrast, our well-timed inception has allowed us to steadily gain dedicated members and allies committed to sustained support and impact. This has enabled us to carve out a distinct space where our voice isn’t just heard, but echoes with lasting resonance amidst the clamor of the broader tech and DEI landscapes.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Oh, where to begin! My journey in the tech world kicked off in the vibrant North Carolina tech area back in 2010, and it’s been an exhilarating ride since. With a background in Instructional Design, my fascination with technology has always nudged me to explore and learn – be it teaching myself 3D printing, drone flying, or even diving into the depths of coding.

My real passion, however, lies in the intricate dance between organizational operations and building up my NC community. I’ve always believed in the immense power and potential that resides within our community, and combining this with my skills and interests naturally led me to initiate the North Carolina Latinas in Tech Chapter.

Justice is a theme that deeply resonates with me and pervades through all aspects of my work and initiatives. Whether it’s through creating educational frameworks that are as user-friendly as they are informative, or sculpting operational structures that not only enhance efficiency but also nurture the individuals within, my aim has always been to inject a sense of fairness and equity into everything I do.

What perhaps sets me, and by extension, our chapter apart, is this melding of technical expertise with a fervent commitment to justice and community. Every event and initiative is approached with a professional eye, precision, and an encompassing warmth and inclusivity.

I’m most proud of integrating the NC Latinas in Tech Chapter into the larger, global community. It represents a confluence of professional skill and passionate advocacy, showcasing that when communities come together, we can build something truly impactful and transformational.

For anyone new learning about me and our work, I’d love them to know that it’s not just a service or a product we’re offering. It’s a manifestation of professionalism, a staunch commitment to justice, and a perpetual ode to community and technological innovation. Every interaction, project, and collaboration is imbued with these values, and it’s this philosophy that has woven the rich tapestry of our work and initiatives thus far.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Isn’t it funny how some of the most pivotal people in our lives enter through forgotten moments? That’s the case with Rafa Fernandez, with whom I’ve shared this incredible journey in co-founding our chapter, and I truly can’t recall our first meeting! But, oh, how fortunate I feel that our paths crossed in whichever mysterious way they did.

From the get-go, I was steadfast that I wouldn’t embark on establishing this chapter unless men were firmly anchored within our leadership team. In my eyes, the labor of propelling Latinas forward in tech cannot be fully realized without allies – especially those positioned on the other side of the doors we’re striving to traverse. Rafa now holds the crucial role of Vice President, infusing our leadership with invaluable perspectives and strengths.

And speaking of allies, we’re also blessed to have Dany Castro as part of our leadership brigade, reinforcing our mission and endeavors with his own unique insights and commitment. Our leadership hasn’t been crafted merely by professional acumen, but through a mesh of networking and a shared, pulsating passion to elevate Latinas in the tech industry.

Every day, I find myself enveloped in gratitude for the unyielding energy and time that our leadership team, and our wider community, pours into this cause. It’s a collective effort, where every ounce of enthusiasm and every shared success story stitches us closer to our goals of broadening horizons for Latinas in tech.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation within our market has been a multilayered journey, intertwined with both the inherent credibility of our nonprofit and our tangible, impactful actions within the community. Being under the umbrella of an international nonprofit that’s not just renowned but also demonstrably effectual in driving pivotal results within the tech industry provides a strong foundation. This platform enables us to amplify our reach and impact, channeling the well-established repute and resources of the organization towards our local initiatives and endeavors.

Central to our reputation-building is our unerring focus on yielding real, tangible outcomes for Latinas in tech. We’re not just talking the talk but walking the walk, ensuring that Latinas are being hired, establishing connections, and markedly advancing their skills through a myriad of events, workshops, and engagements. This outcome-oriented approach, which sees our community members advancing in their careers and skill sets, acts as a testament to our efficacy and impact.

Furthermore, our community is not just about networking or knowledge-sharing; it’s about action and innovation. The core of our culture is steeped in creativity and innovation, embodying the very essence of the tech industry we navigate through. This congruence between our community’s spirit and the inherent demands of the tech world harmoniously melds together, further solidifying our position and reputation within the market.

And perhaps, most crucially, our philosophy of “meeting people where they are” forms the bedrock of our relationship with our community. This is not merely geographical, although that too is vital, but extends to recognizing and nurturing their current skills, and understanding and fostering their career interests and trajectories. By enveloping them in a community that acknowledges, respects, and supports their individual journeys, we’ve been able to build a reputation as a genuine, impactful ally in the professional journeys of Latinas in tech.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://latinasintech.org/chapter/north-carolina/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinasintechnc/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacywhitenight/