Showing Up Matters

Last night I had the chance to attend Latinos Making Moves in AI & Cybersecurity, hosted by HispanicPro and 2112 as part of TechChicago Week.

I didn’t speak. I didn’t pitch. I just showed up to listen, learn, and support.

And that matters.

Too often, allyship is performative or opportunistic. But this event was a reminder that real community means standing with people even when the spotlight isn't on you. It means recognizing the barriers many Latinx professionals face in tech and choosing to be part of the solution without centering yourself.

What I saw:

• Brilliant minds building in silence

• Cybersecurity leaders protecting critical infrastructure while navigating invisible biases

• AI innovators bridging tech and culture with sharp strategy and deeper purpose

There’s no shortage of talent. What’s missing is access, investment, and visible support. That’s where allies come in.

As Dr. José-Marie Griffiths once said,

"Diversity in STEM is not about quotas. It is about excellence. The broader the perspectives, the stronger the solutions."

For me, being an ally doesn’t mean pretending I understand someone else’s lived experience. It means using my platform to amplify voices, my privilege to open doors, and my presence to signal that this work is not theirs to do alone.

Let’s build an AI future that is not just responsible, but radically inclusive.