Building Bridges: Ana Amaro on Empowering Tech Communities and Women in Tech
Ana Amaro, a passionate tech community builder, join us to share her journey in elevating the visibility of tech professionals and fostering meaningful collaboration across the industry. In this talk, she reflects on her role, the challenges of being a woman in tech, and her vision for the future of community builder.
Thank you for joining us, Ana. To kick things off, how you describe the role of a community builder in the tech industry?
“I’ll say that a community builder is a professional responsible for making strategies and creating technical content to represent a company or technical professionals externally. They ensure visibility and collaboration within the community, essentialy taking care of it“.
What would you say are the strategies you use to make tech communities more welcoming and engaging for everyone?
“First, active listening and empathy are key before applying any strategy. Then I research valuable resources online to create high-quality content. I also look for collaborations with key community figures and encourage colleagues to engage by speaking at events or contributing to discussions”
Can you share with us a memorable experience where a community building made a significant impact?
“My most memorable experience was my recent work with Garaje de Ideas. Watching the community grow through initiatives, events, and technical content significantly boosted the company’s visibility and reputation in the tech world”
“Now, we have the opportunity to inspire girls to pursue tech by being role models for them”
As a woman in tech, what unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered?
“As a woman, I’ve often felt the need to “prove myself” specially early in my career, facing unnecessary obstacles and attempts to minimize my work. Over time, I’ve learned to stand my ground and push for my goals. The silver lining is meeting supportive people along the way. Now we have the opportunity to inspire girls and women to pursue tech by being role models for them”
What role does social media and online platforms play in building tech communities?
“Social media and communication channels are crucial for building communities. They’re ideal for sharing knowledge, learning, and creating meeting points where developers can find support and inspiration”
What advice would you give to someone looking to start or grow a tech-focused community?
“Define the type of community you want to create your audience, and how you’ll maintain it. They key is providing a safe space for people to share, learn, and connect. If the community already exists, think about adding events like online workshops or sector-specific talks”
“What challenges do you foresee for tech community builders in the next decade?
“Gaining trust in the value of our work will remain a challenge. Companies must see how community building drives visibility, referenciability, and top results for both the business and the community itself”
How do community builders help tech professionals and businesses work together?
“Community builders act as a visible representatives, bridging communication gaps between tech professionals and businesses. By fostering trust and collaboration, they create opportunities for talent attraction, partnerships, and mutual growth”
What steps can tech industry take to encourage women to join and thrive in this field?
“We all share the responsibility to inspire and encourage women in tech. Companies should provide equal opportunities , eliminate pay gaps, and support professional growth. It’s also vital to create initiatives that welcome and nurture women’s interest in technology, ensuring they feel supported from day one”
