Empowering LATAM: Monica Hernandez’s Journey from Medellín to Tech Leadership

by William Jones / ⠀News / November 19, 2024

In the heart of Medellin, Colombia, a young girl watched her resilient mother transform a small home-based business into a lifeline for their community. Monica Hernandez learned early on about the power of determination and education. With her father’s community leadership and her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, she was inspired to break barriers and create a legacy that would change lives. This background laid the foundation for Monica to address a critical problem: the gap in tech talent and opportunities for women and Latinos. But who is Monica Hernandez, and what drives her relentless pursuit of excellence? From Medellín to the Pinnacle of Tech Monica’s journey from Medellín to ranking among the top 100 Hispanics in Tech shows her technological prowess and tenacity. As the first in her family to attend college, thanks to a scholarship, she earned a software engineering degree from Universidad EAFIT, followed by a master’s in computer science and engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her passion for neural networks and AI steered her early career in Dallas, where she swiftly progressed from intern to advanced programming and project management roles. At Oracle Consulting, Monica spearheaded global digital initiatives for large organizations, acquiring deep software development and data migration expertise. She navigated the intricacies of collaborating with offshore teams and the challenges of agile methodologies. These experiences emphasized the critical need to align technology with business objectives and showcased the distinctive capabilities of Latin American (LATAM) tech talent.

The Birth of MAS Global

Driven by a passion for giving back to Colombia and creating opportunities for women in tech, Monica founded MAS Global Consulting. The company’s mission was clear: to leverage the elite technology skills of LATAM professionals and integrate them seamlessly into the strategies of US companies. MAS Global offered not just technical expertise but also cultural affinity and time-zone alignment, making it an ideal nearshore partner for firms seeking reliable and cost-effective solutions. Under Monica’s leadership and vision, MAS Global has reached impressive heights. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, the company serves global brands with world-class teams across multiple countries in LATAM. Their foundation, MAS Future, aims to impact one million underserved women and Latinos through tech education and job opportunities. “MAS is More,” a slogan that encapsulates their commitment to clients and communities alike drives every initiative.

Redefining Tech Leadership

Monica embodies inclusive leadership. Under her guidance, MAS Global has secured multi-year contracts worth eight figures and has been recognized among the top 200 Latino-owned companies in the US. Senior leaders from giants like Johnson Controls and JPMorgan Chase trust MAS Global to deliver agile, innovative solutions that align with their digital ambitions. The company’s success is not just in its business awareness but also in its purpose-driven ethos. As a Latina-owned firm, MAS Global is dedicated to empowering women and Latinos in tech. Their unique perspective and hands-on experience with LATAM challenges make them stand out for companies looking to leverage diverse tech talent. “Turning 15, my mom offered me the option of a computer or a quinceañera party,” Monica recalls. “That computer changed my future.” This decision planted the seed that would grow into MAS Global’s mission today. Through their one-on-one program, for each team member working with a client, MAS Global helps one more woman or Latino access free tech education.

A Vision for the Future

MAS Global’s nearshore, agile approach, and dedication to social responsibility have created a blueprint for inclusive growth and opportunity in Latin America. As Monica continues leading MAS Global toward becoming a nine-digit figure company while impacting a million women and Latinos through tech, her story inspires aspiring tech leaders. It also underscores the profound impact of purpose-driven leadership on a global scale. As a software engineer herself and the leader of a US-based top 3% Latina-owned company serving global brands, Monica understands firsthand how generative AI, using tools like Copilot, is revolutionizing software development by accelerating speed and reducing costs. MAS Global is at the forefront of foundational AI advancements, harnessing cloud-based platforms such as Azure to drive large-scale AI systems, particularly large language models that deliver substantial business value through prediction, personalization, and classification at a global scale. MAS Global is actively advancing Latino representation in the tech ecosystem, leveraging shared time zones, cultural affinities, and the exceptional tech skills prevalent in Latin America. Monica’s goal is to establish Latin America, including her native Colombia, as pivotal AI tech hubs in the ongoing wave of generative AI innovation, aiming to cultivate future-ready skills while promoting the development of ethical and impactful technology that benefits all. Through Monica Hernandez, MAS Global’s approach and dedication to social responsibility have created a blueprint for inclusive growth. As she continues to lead MAS Global toward a multi-million company goal by the end of the decade, her story is a reminder of the impact that purpose-driven leadership can have.