A tech enthusiast and fitness fanatic; by day, he's a service manager at Fitness Machine Technicians, but his true passion lies in problem-solving and coding. In his native country of Venezuela, Daniel worked as a migrant engineer, focusing on oil and gas. With full-stack development skills learned at Pursuit, he's a versatile professional. When he's not in the tech world, you'll find him in NYC's parks, mastering calisthenics to his favorite tunes. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here!
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, check out our interview with Daniel below.
What does Hispanic heritage mean to you, and how do you personally connect with and celebrate it?
Hispanic heritage represents a rich tapestry of culture, tradition, and resilience. I connect with it by embracing my roots, celebrating traditions, and sharing my story with others. I celebrate it through food, music, and gatherings with fellow Hispanics, fostering a sense of unity and pride in our shared heritage.
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Can you share a bit about your background and your journey before joining Pursuit? What motivated you to apply for the program?
Before joining Pursuit, I worked as an engineer in Venezuela before immigrating to the United States. My journey involved overcoming language barriers, working physically demanding jobs, and gradually improving my English skills. I applied to Pursuit because I saw it as an opportunity to enhance my technical skills, broaden my career prospects, and achieve my goal of working in the tech industry because technology is my passion.
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Were there any specific individuals or experiences from your Hispanic heritage that inspired your interest in pursuing a career in the tech industry?
My experience growing up in Latin America played a role. Back home, I saw how technological initiatives like Mercado Libre and Open English, convinced Americans to invest in the area and further develop technological ideas and advancements. In the same way, I wanted to leverage technology to create positive change, both for myself and my community.
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In your opinion, what steps can the tech industry take to better support diversity and inclusion, particularly for individuals from Hispanic backgrounds?
The tech industry can promote diversity and inclusion by actively recruiting and employing talented people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives; providing language and cultural support; offering mentorship programs; and creating safe spaces for open dialogue. So many of us can be invaluable to tech companies – and that should be embraced in real and concrete ways.
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Are there any allies who have had a significant impact on your journey?
I have been supported by programs that are working hard to create pathways for Hispanic/immigrant professionals in the labor market. I would especially like to highlight the programs that Robin Hood currently supports, such as the Cooper Union Engineer Retraining Program (RPIE) and the very program in which I am actively involved, the Pursuit Fellow Program. Their belief in my potential fueled my determination
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What advice would you give to individuals who may find themselves as the 'first' or 'only' Hispanic person in tech spaces or who face similar challenges related to their cultural background?
Celebrate your heritage. Embrace your uniqueness and don't be afraid to share your perspective. Seek Hispanic mentors and allies who can provide guidance and support. Remember that diversity of thought is an asset, and your experiences bring valuable insights to the tech industry
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