Highlights:
- Approximately 2% of computing-related tech jobs are held by Hispanic women
- RIngCentral is finding new ways to increase these numbers.
Elevating Hispanic women
If you weren’t already aware, Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. Of course, RingCentral celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of the Hispanic community. Today, people of Hispanic heritage make up approximately 3% of RingCentral’s population – so there is clearly more work to be done. We sat down with Diane Martinez, Program Manager, Web and eCommerce Accessibility, to find out more about how she and others aim to grow that number.
Seeing the possibilities in tech
Like many other young Hispanic women, Martinez came from a high school that didn’t highlight tech careers. She simply didn’t know it was an option. That’s where she sees change beginning. “When I was in high school, I wished there was a test that would tell you all of the careers you would be good at. I didn’t graduate knowing I would go into tech. I stumbled into coding a program called Flash and just fell in love.” But, as her career took off, she noticed there weren’t many other Hispanic women in her field. “It’s really important for other females to see somebody else that represents them. In my entire career I’ve met maybe three or four other Hispanic females in tech.” Today, Martinez is sharing her experiences with students to expand representation of Hispanic women.
Opening minds and career paths
For Martinez, the priority is to open the minds of young women who haven’t considered technology careers because they simply haven’t seen other Hispanic women in technology. “When young Hispanic women see somebody in front of them who can speak Spanish and has done it, it opens up a possibility in their minds.” Martinez encourages students with a realistic, but positive approach. “You’re going to hit walls because you’re female. You might be intimidated because you’re the only Hispanic person you see. But what I try to get across is – every generation tries to push those walls down for the next one and the next one. The goal is to make Hispanic women in tech so common it’s not something the next generation has to even think about.”
Making inclusion meaningful
For Martinez inclusiveness gives every candidate, Hispanic or not, a better chance to succeed. “I’ve had a really positive experience here. Our team dynamic is – no one person fails, no one person wins. My team is very much united, and we help each other out wherever we can. That alone makes a huge difference in my experience.” Onboarding was also quite unique. “I’ve never had a company that invests in onboarding for a whole week. It’s unheard of. That’s new to me and that was amazing. Feeling like the company really wants you to succeed means making the leap is a lot easier.”
Limitless potential
Increasing Hispanic representation is the primary goal of the HOLA Employee Resource Group. Martinez, along with the other HOLA members want young Hispanic women to know the possibilities and potential are limitless at RingCentral – during Hispanic Heritage Month, and always.
Originally published Sep 22, 2022, updated Sep 27, 2022
