In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Mariana, a Peruvian entrepreneur, and her mission to promote diversity and create opportunities in the world of technology. Join us as we explore the origins of Laboratoria, a tech-based education and job placement company founded by Mariana and her partner. After returning to Peru to marry and start a business, Mariana's passion for merging technology and social impact led to the birth of Laboratoria. Discover how Laboratoria's goal to provide tech education, job placement, and mentorship for underprivileged youth has transformed the lives of disadvantaged young people, fostering inclusion and diversity in the tech sector.
As Laboratoria's web shop thrived, Mariana and her partner faced a significant challenge in building a diverse team of software developers. Recognizing the scarcity of such talent and the lack of diversity in the field, they seized the opportunity to empower women in tech. Hear Mariana's firsthand experiences of attending male-dominated tech meetups and the inspiration behind creating Labia, a boot camp designed to equip women with the skills needed to embark on successful careers in software development.
Join us as Mariana reflects on the changing landscape of software engineering in Peru and the positive impact that Laboratoria and Labia have had in bridging the gender gap. Learn how they have shattered stereotypes and inspired thousands of women to pursue careers in tech, creating a more inclusive and vibrant future.
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Founder Bio:
Mariana is the co-founder and President at Laboratoria, an organization empowering women who dream of a better future to start and grow careers in technology. Running bootcamp programs for women across Latin America, Laboratoria is helping shape a more diverse, inclusive, and competitive digital economy in the Region that can create opportunities for every woman to develop her potential. For her work as a social entrepreneur Mariana has received multiple recognitions, including being named one of Peru's leading innovators by the MIT, and one of the world’s most influential women by the BBC. She holds a BSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Columbia University in New York.
Time Stamps:
03:06 Mariana’s background and professional journey
05:17 Starting a web shop and discovering the world of software development
07:57 Exploring the need for diverse tech talent in Peru
10:58 Software development: the immersive boot camp program
14:33 Benefits of the women in tech program bootcamp
17:15 Types of customers and companies hiring Laboratoria alumni
18:39 Laboratoria business model for job placement boot camps
22:33 Laboratoria metrics and use of technology
24:10 Using technology to educate women in tech and incorporating it into business
28:12 Challenges of attracting tech talent for nonprofit education services company
30:26 Laboratoria upcoming plans for 2023
32:27 Skilling up women in AI and data science
34:25 How to get in contact with the Laboratoria team
Resources:
Company website: https://www.laboratoria.la/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laboratoriala/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/laboratoria/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laboratoriala
