STEM Powerhouse: C-Level Women Designing the Future

ITJ Hosts “STEM Powerhouse: C-Level Women Designing the Future” Event Celebrating Women in STEM and Cross-Border Collaboration

San Diego, October 23, 2024 – ITJ, a prominent player in cross-border collaboration, celebrated women in STEM at its headline event, “STEM Powerhouse: C-Level Women Designing the Future.” This premier event, held on October 23 at the World Design Capital EXCHANGE Pavilion at Balboa Park, San Diego, was organized in collaboration with World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 and the World Woman Foundation.

The event served as a conduit for high-level discussions on how women in STEM can influence global policies and drive sustainable innovation. Women leaders across STEM, design, and entrepreneurship convened to explore the power of collaboration, its global impact, and the essential role of women at the helm.

The event kicked off with a dynamic Fireside Chat moderated by Kelly Hogan, SVP at PNC BANK. The chat saw unmatched insights from accomplished women STEM leaders like Maritza Diaz, CEO of ITJ USA, Pati Robb, VP of Engineering at Dexcom, Annie Chaiyakul, VP of IT Global Infrastructure at Illumina, and Charice Tellez, VP Program Management Office at Quidel Ortho. Their real-life stories of binational collaboration between the US and Mexico inspired many, showcasing female leadership at its finest on a global stage.

Following the chat, Emmy Award winner Sandra Equihua, co-founder of Mexopolis and a renowned illustrator and character designer, graced the stage, giving a unique, creative perspective that left the audience inspired.

The event then shifted its focus to “Inclusive Design & Equal Future for Women & Girls,” moderated by Eden Brukman, Chief Sustainability Officer, County of San Diego. Thought leaders like Dr. Brittany Wheeler from Greater than Tech, Karmin Noar from SD2, Lourdes Ibañez from Education Makeover & Global Schooling, and Dr. Mwenda KudumuBiggs from SD Fleet Science Center took to the stage, their experiences and insights stirring discussion and fostering a spirit of inclusivity and equality.

“The event was a monumental success, as it demonstrated the importance of women in STEM and the power of binational collaborations,” said Maritza Diaz. “We are excited to see how this will influence global policies and bring about sustainable change.”

Attendees were also invited to participate in the upcoming “Beyond Boundaries” Design Policy Conference on November 12th and 13th and continue the conversation by influencing the World Economic Forum at Davos. The ultimate aim is to inspire one million girls worldwide to take up leadership roles and overcome adversity.

ITJ was proud to host this transformative event, further solidifying its commitment to women in STEM and its mission to foster binational collaborations that drive global change.

About ITJ

ITJ is committed to catering to fast-growing and high-value markets, especially the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), collaborating with innovative medical device companies aiming to enhance people’s lives. With a unique BOT model that sources the best digital talent, ITJ helps U.S. companies establish technology centers of excellence in LATAM. For more information, visit www.itj.com.

STEMos Unidas ITJ event

Celebrating Women in Technology: A Glimpse into STEMos Unidas

Diversity and gender equality are more than just buzzwords; they’re vital components that drive innovation and growth in any industry, none more so than the dynamic realm of technology. In Mexico, where only about 30% of women participate in STEM fields, the need for these values becomes even more pressing. In February 2024, the fortuitous occasion of International Day of Women and Girls in Science was celebrated with unparalleled fervor and festivity at the headquarters of ITJ. The beacon of the industry’s future, our women ITJers, unfurled their stories of success and perseverance to inspire budding engineers of tomorrow.

Here’s a recount of the groundbreaking event where STEMos Unidas united women across the technological spectrum to break barriers, build bridges, and shape a brighter, more inclusive future for STEM in Mexico and beyond.

A Vision of Unity and Empowerment

The essence of STEMos Unidas lies in its dedication to empowerment. Young women and girls, the future innovators of our time, were invited to our ultra-modern facilities to witness a spectacular showcase of experiences. Interactive sessions, enlightening discussions, and dynamic tech demonstrations wove a collective narrative of possibilities within the technological landscape.

As the day unfolded, our guests were not mere spectators but active participants in the representation of sisterhood in STEM. They navigated the world of technology, stepping into our campuses’ state-of-the-art infrastructure, and minds burgeoning with possibilities.

Fostering an Invigorating Environment for Dialogue

The heart of STEMos Unidas pulsed with the warmth of candid conversations. High-profile women in diverse tech roles shared their stories, not just as ITJ professionals but as relatable figures who have traveled the path our guests aspire to carve.

Round table discussions passed on invaluable wisdom, narratives of struggle, and the exhilaration of overcoming the odds. These stories resonated deeply, illustrating that the journey through STEM was not solo but in unity and support, with women empowering women at every step.

The Magic of Technological Marvels Unveiled

The program reached a new level of excitement with the introduction of ‘Tech Dynamic,’ a pivotal segment that served as an introduction to the software development life cycle. This foundational experience provided the female engineering students with the knowledge and insight necessary to focus on their future endeavors in the field. ‘

The event shifted from showcasing achievements to empowering each woman present to confidently pursue her own goals in the tech industry.

Refueling Inspiration Over a Snack Table

The day’s jubilant activities found a delightful intermission over a shared luncheon. Here, mentors and mentees found casual moments to connect, exchanging thoughts and forming a network destined to ripple through the fabric of future technological endeavors.

Amidst laughter and personal conversations, STEMos Unidas laid the foundation for nurturing the seeds of networking and encouraged the blossoming of mentor-mentee relationships that are instrumental in carving a path to success.

The Empowered Vanguard: Looking Forward

As enthusiastic farewells were exchanged and the echoes of a day filled with promise settled, the ripples of STEMos Unidas continued to expand across hearts and minds. The initiative had succeeded in fostering an environment where the collective potential and individual dreams of women in technology merged, setting sail towards a horizon of inclusive innovation and technological advancement.

We extend our deepest gratitudes to all who were part of this day, for in their participation, they not only enjoyed a stellar event but became torchbearers for a movement that seeks to redefine women’s roles in science and technology. As we embrace the future with open arms, STEMos Unidas stands as a beacon of hope, assuring that the narrative of women in technology shifts from ‘showcase of exceptions’ to ‘celebration of norms.’

In retrospect, it is not only our mission but our commitment to continue this dialogue, to amplify these voices, and to witness the unfolding of more stories, each a testament to perseverance, capability, and inclusivity. We encourage those inspired by our event to connect with ITJ, delve deeper into our mission, and perhaps embark on a journey with us that transforms not just careers but the very culture of technology.

Let us continue to celebrate the women in our lives who dare to dream, who refuse to conform and instead, choose to carve their names into the annals of technological history with a spirit as unyielding as the steel of our infrastructure.

To those who were with us in spirit and those we hope to welcome in person in our future engagements, we say, “Stay united, aim high, and embrace your STEM potential with the indomitable spirit of a woman who knows no boundaries or barriers in a field meant for her just as much as any other.”

About ITJ

ITJ is devoted to serving fast-growing and high-value market sectors, particularly the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), working with innovative medical device companies looking to improve people’s lives. With a unique BOT (build, operate, and transfer) model that sources only the best digital talent available, ITJ enables companies in the US to create technology centers of excellence in Mexico and LatAm. For more information, visit www.itj.com.