TechSHEroes:

Empowering Young Women in climate Tech & Leadership in Puerto Rico

The emergence of technology presents transformative opportunities for empowerment, career growth, and addressing global challenges like climate change. In Puerto Rico, where communities are grappling with the dual impacts of economic challenges and environmental crises such as Hurricane Maria, technology offers young women a pathway to leadership and innovation. As the world becomes increasingly digital and tech-driven, it is crucial to ensure that young women in Puerto Rico are not left behind but actively shape the technological advancements and climate solutions that will define our collective future.

Context

Like many regions, Puerto Rico faces significant gender disparities in sectors such as technology and leadership. Historically, young women have encountered societal barriers and cultural norms that limit their access to opportunities and resources, hindering progress in education and professional fields. Despite some progress, women remain underrepresented in the tech industry and leadership positions.

Puerto Rico also has unique challenges due to its geographical location and economic circumstances. Climate disasters, such as Hurricane Maria in 2017, and ongoing economic struggles have underscored the urgent need to empower young women as resilient leaders capable of driving positive change. These crises highlight the intersection of climate resilience and technology, emphasizing the importance of equipping young women with the tools to address both challenges simultaneously.

The emergence of technology offers transformative pathways for empowerment and career growth while also serving as a critical tool for climate adaptation and sustainability. As the world becomes increasingly digital and tech-driven, it is essential that young women in Puerto Rico not only participate in but lead technological advancements and innovations addressing global and local challenges.

Puerto Rico has witnessed a growing tech scene with a strong interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital solutions. Startups and companies in various tech sectors are emerging, showcasing the potential for technology-driven growth on the island. Beyond Puerto Rico, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable technologies, and digital transformation are disrupting traditional industries and reshaping global job markets. By leveraging these trends, young women in Puerto Rico have the opportunity to drive equitable growth, contribute to climate solutions, and redefine the role of women in technology.

About TechSHEroes

TechSHEroes is an ambitious six-month initiative aimed at empowering young women in Puerto Rico by equipping them with essential digital and leadership skills to harness their STEM backgrounds in building innovative tech solutions to the island’s climate challenges. From addressing food insecurity and climate disasters to combating environmental degradation and the impacts of settler colonialism, TechSHEroes empowers participants to become leaders driving resilience and sustainable development in their communities. The program will support approximately 50 participants aged 18 to 25 for each cycle, fostering a generation of young women capable of shaping Puerto Rico’s tech and climate landscape.

Project Objectives

  1. Develop tech-driven climate solutions
    Deliver comprehensive training programs and workshops that blend digital skills with climate science, enabling participants to design and implement solutions for food insecurity, disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, and sustainable resource management. Participants learn to apply technology, such as AI, data analysis, and sustainable tech practices, to tackle pressing climate issues.

  2. Facilitate leadership development
    Offer mentoring sessions, leadership training, and interactive workshops that emphasize adaptive leadership in the context of Puerto Rico’s unique challenges. Participants gain skills in communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and team management to lead initiatives addressing systemic issues like environmental justice and economic resilience.

  3. Empower early career innovation
    Equip young women with the skills and confidence to leverage their STEM education in emerging fields like green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable development. Guidance on career planning, entrepreneurship, and project development help participants transition from STEM academics to impactful tech-based climate innovators.

  4. Foster climate-focused digital activism
    Encourage participants to use digital platforms to advocate for climate resilience, environmental justice, and policy reform. Hands-on projects empower them to create digital awareness campaigns, engage with stakeholders, and influence decision-making processes on critical issues like land conservation and climate equity.

TechSHEroes empowers young women in Puerto Rico to harness their digital skills, leadership capabilities, and STEM expertise to drive tech-based climate solutions. By fostering innovation and resilience, the initiative enables participants to address critical challenges like food insecurity, environmental degradation, and climate disasters, making a transformative impact on their careers, communities, and the future of the island.