Mexico City, 19th March 2025 – Despite the growth of the technology industry, female participation in the sector remains low. According to UNESCO, less than 30% of tech professionals are women, and in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), that figure drops to just 22%.

In an effort to change this landscape, NEORIS is launching Academia Morada, a global initiative designed to foster the growth and leadership of women in technology. This program provides professional development tools, mentorship with industry leaders, and a learning space to enhance their impact in the sector.

"Academia Morada is more than just a training program; it's a movement for transformation. We aim to empower women with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to become leaders in the tech world. Every growth story within the academy is proof that change is both possible and necessary," says Claudia Landeros, Global Leader of Talent Development at NEORIS and head of the program.

The gender gap in technology: a challenge with opportunities for change

The tech industry faces a significant challenge in achieving gender equity. According to the Women in the Digital Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), women represent only 35% of the digital workforce. In specialized areas such as cybersecurity and software development, their participation drops below 20%.

However, demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) talent is rising. The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, and increasing female representation is essential not only for equity but also for innovation and sustainable development.

In this context, NEORIS seeks to close the gender gap through Academia Morada, providing more women with opportunities to prepare for strategic roles in technology and leadership.

A global program with real impact

More than 35 talented women from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Spain, and Peru have been selected to participate in a six-month educational lab. They will combine theory, mentorship, and hands-on experience to strengthen their leadership skills.

Academia Morada is based on the 70-20-10 methodology, which combines different learning approaches to maximize impact in female leadership development:

• 70% Practical Learning – Leadership exercises, effective communication, and decision-making.
• 20% Mentorship with Leaders – Personalized sessions to strengthen professional growth.
• 10% Theory & Conferences – Training on key industry trends.

The program covers topics such as overcoming limiting beliefs, leadership vision, collaboration, delegation, communication, effective presentations, social capital, networking, and inspiring leadership stories.

Academia Morada is backed by top female leaders at NEORIS, including:

• Juliana Fernández, Chief Operating Officer (COO)
• Cristina Valles, Country Manager, Spain
• Rubí González, Talent Engagement Leader
• Claudia Landeros, Talent Development Leader
• Daymar Macías, Talent Attraction Leader

Additionally, male leaders supporting the initiative include:

• Fernando Silvestre, Regional Leader of NOR-SAR (Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru)
• Alejandro Garza, Chief Legal Officer (CLO), who has participated as a facilitator
• Federico Welsh, Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO), as a program sponsor

Soon, Saúl Marenco (Senior Vice President, Global Accounts) and Laura Sotomayor (Business Support Master Legal) will also join as facilitators.

Furthermore, influential industry figures such as Marcela Giraldo—corporate board member and speaker at Women in Connection—have participated, sharing insights on female leadership and the importance of diversity in the corporate world.

More women in tech leadership: a step toward industry transformation

Gender equity in tech goes beyond numbers. Studies show that diverse teams in technology drive higher innovation, productivity, and problem-solving capabilities.

"Investing in female talent not only fuels innovation but also creates more diverse, competitive, and future-ready teams," says Claudia Landeros.

In recent years, women’s participation in technology has steadily increased, driven by educational initiatives, inclusion policies, and professional development programs like Academia Morada and Mujer Digital by Junior Achievement Americas. However, there is still much work to be done to achieve gender balance in leadership and decision-making roles.

Beyond transforming the lives of its participants, Academia Morada is making a real difference in society. Gender equity in technology is not just a matter of fairness, it is essential for the sustainable growth of the industry.

At NEORIS, diversity and inclusion are core pillars of our business vision. That’s why we remain committed to investing in programs that encourage female participation in technology and strengthen women’s leadership in the industry.