"Don't wait for permission to take up space. The tech industry needs more women designing solutions, leading teams, and creating the future." These inspiring words are from Raisza, Head of Employee Experience at Encora, who is on a mission to transform the technology landscape for women worldwide.
At Encora, we believe that technology is not just about innovation but about creating spaces where everyone can thrive. Our Women Hackers series celebrates women's journeys shaping the future of technology. In this edition, we feature Raisza, whose work redefines how companies foster inclusion and diversity. Her journey, insights, and vision for women in technology are inspiring. It is a roadmap for how women can navigate, challenge, and ultimately reshape tech spaces to become more inclusive and equitable.
Raisza's focus at Encora is on creating a culture where everyone feels valued, safe, and inspired to perform their best work. Her day-to-day involves developing policies, programs, and campaigns designed to ensure all voices are heard, especially those that have historically been underrepresented, such as women in tech.
From Communications to Tech
Interestingly, Raisza did not envision a career in technology from the outset. With a background in communications and inclusion, she was drawn to the tech industry because of its potential to power to connect people, amplify opportunities, and shape the future. "I was always curious about how technology connects people and can amplify opportunities," she explains. Her passion lies in ensuring that the world built through technology is inclusive, fair, and representative of diverse talent. "I realized how crucial it is to have diverse voices in spaces where the future is being designed," she shares.
Hacking the System
For Raisza, "hacking the system" means challenging norms, questioning structures, and creating new pathways for inclusion. One notable example was her work with a group of women at Encora in Mexico. They developed a mentorship and networking initiative to support women looking to break into tech or upskill. "We identified gaps and took action. We provided mentoring on English assessments, interview preparation, and tech skills."
The impact was profound. "Seeing those women transition and growing confidence through this initiative showed me the power of how we as a group of women can hack the system from within," Raisza recounts. This organic, woman-led initiative exemplifies Raisza's approach to creating change—identifying gaps and mobilizing community resources to address them directly.
Technology as a Bridge for Gender Equality
Raisza's enthusiasm for technology's potential to drive equality is evident when she discusses its role in removing barriers and enabling remote work and online learning. During the pandemic, she worked on a project supporting small businesses, many led by women, by providing digital tools and training to help them survive and thrive. In Mexico, approximately 40% of small and medium businesses are women-led, making this initiative particularly impactful. "Access to technology can mean the difference between survival and growth," she notes.
The Women Hackers Platform
At Encora, Raisza is deeply involved in the Women Hackers platform, a program aimed at elevating the voices of women in tech. Through public forums and internal activities, women share their journeys, challenges, and successes. "One of the most fulfilling aspects is seeing women who once hesitated to speak up now leading conversations and mentoring others," she says with evident pride.
The ripple effects of this program extend beyond individual empowerment. Each forum creates connections and networks, with participants eager to maintain these relationships: "Every time we host these forums, they are like, 'let's connect more often. I've been inspired to hear all of you."
Regional Challenges and Opportunities
Raisza acknowledges that women in tech face different challenges based on geography. While acknowledging that "each region has their own timing, their own challenges," she identifies one common factor: "representation matters."
In Latin America, cultural stereotypes often limit girls' career choices. In Europe and North America, leadership gaps persist. A survey states that women
represent only 26% of all computing jobs, and Black and Latina women together make up approximately 5% of all computing jobs1. In India and APAC, retaining women in tech roles is a pressing issue. Rather than proposing a one-size-fits-all solution, Raisza emphasizes "creating programs tailored to each reality while building a global network of support." This nuanced approach recognizes both regional differences and universal needs.
Creating Inclusive Workspaces
When asked how organizations like Encora can support women in tech, Raisza emphasizes that it's "not just about hiring more people to fill a quota." Instead, companies must "actively invest in retention, leadership development, and equitable policies."
Central to this approach is creating "psychologically safe workplaces" where everyone feels supported to take risks, grow, and speak up. "Sometimes we need to understand that we have that voice," she explains, "and maybe sometimes we need to raise the voice literally, physically."
Beyond mentorship, Raisza advocates for sponsorship programs, equal pay, and career progression opportunities.
Advice for the Next Generation
Raisza's message to young women in tech is bold and inspiring: "The world is yours. Don't wait for permission to take up space." She emphasizes the power of supportive communities, lifelong learning, and the ability to drive change.
Optimistic about the future, she envisions more women leading AI ethics and digital transformation. A couple of decades ago, we urged women to enter engineering. Now, women are shaping the future.
The Reward of Empowerment
For Raisza, the most fulfilling moments come from seeing others believe in themselves. She recalls helping a colleague prepare for an English presentation and realizing that it wasn't about the language; it was about owning their value.
Her passion for empowerment aligns with Encora's diverse, global environment. "Diversity drives innovation," she says, emphasizing how cultural perspectives enhance problem-solving. But for her, true inclusion goes beyond representation: "It's about co-creating solutions that work for everyone—with everyone involved."
Final Thoughts
As technology continues to evolve and shape our world, Raisza remains committed to ensuring women aren't just participants but leaders in this transformation. From grassroots mentorship initiatives to organizational policy changes, her approach combines practical action with visionary thinking. Her story reminds us that "hacking the system" requires challenging existing structures and creating new pathways. Raisza's journey is a testament to the transformative power of community, mentorship, and advocacy. Her work at Encora is helping pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in tech. "When we create opportunities and spaces for women to lead, we unlock the full potential of innovation," she concludes.
References
Shine, I. (2023, October 31). Women are underrepresented in tech fields. This NGO wants to change that. World Economic Forum.
