While stereotypes persist around individuals in the tech industry, such as the archetype of the socially awkward “computer geek,” the reality is far more complex. The landscape of technology today is diverse, necessitating a broader understanding of the myriad roles available that cannot be defined by appearance alone.

A Mosaic of Talent at BBVA

Within BBVA’s Engineering and Organization unit, four remarkable women exemplify this diversity:

• Jennifer Sesmero: A computer engineer leading training and talent attraction in Corporate Security.
• Natalia Heredia: A telecommunications engineer managing cross-functional network projects in Architecture.
• Berta Gómez: A physicist and data scientist specializing in Advanced Analytics.
• Ilse Anahi Esquivel: A computer science graduate contributing to the data center in Mexico’s Infrastructure and Operations team.

The common thread among these professionals is their recognition of the need for self-belief, especially among women in tech. “I don’t like to generalize, but in many cases, girls tend to suffer from imposter syndrome more,” remarked Berta. “On the other hand, boys tend to be more confident and, at times, overestimate their abilities.”

The Historical Context of Women in Computer Science

Interestingly, the pivotal role women played in the early days of computer science often goes unrecognized. In the early 1980s, about 37% of computer science students in the U.S. were women, while similar figures were noted in Spain, with 30% female students in 1985. However, these numbers saw a decline of 12 to 15% over subsequent decades, as highlighted by a study conducted by Juan Julián Merelo and Cecilia Merelo.

Reflecting on her educational journey, Jennifer shared, “When I started to study Computer Science at the European University of Madrid in 2003, I was the only girl in the first course.” While her experience improved with time, where she eventually had three or four female classmates, it marked an early sense of camaraderie that has lasted nearly two decades.

Natalia echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “Since I started in Telecoms, I have been in a world where we were in the minority. But that did not affect me at all. I believe that as women, we bring unique value to science and technology through innate skills.”

The Drive for Continuous Learning

For many in the field, the appeal of technology lies in its dynamic nature. “Change, not always doing the same thing, continuously learning, and doing something innovative—that’s what I liked,” noted Ilse, reflecting on her career motivations.

Berta attributes her interest to a high school physics teacher who encouraged a deep understanding of problems, stating, “He taught us as if we were at college, and I loved having to make an effort to detach myself from everything to find comprehensive solutions.”

The Current Landscape and Future Goals

Currently, women constitute approximately 30% of professionals within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This figure indicates that while there has been progress, significant strides are still required to achieve gender equality in these industries.