Women Trailblazers Connect event highlights Puerto Rico tech leadership

Nearly 50 women from Puerto Rico’s tech and innovation sectors attended the first Women Trailblazers Connect event in San Juan, organized by Ironhack, Parallel18 and Tech SHEroes PR to highlight female leadership and encourage collaboration in the local tech industry.
The event was held at Parallel18’s headquarters and included a networking session and a panel discussion moderated by Ironhack Puerto Rico General Manager Yaneisha Pérez Padilla.
The panel featured five professionals from the island’s tech and business fields: Arelis Noemí Díaz, vice president of IT Process and Governance at MCS Puerto Rico; Camille Burckhart, chief information and digital officer at Banco Popular; Gannett Ramos, senior vice president of IT at MCS Puerto Rico; Nichole Columna, CEO of Piezas Rush; and Myra Ruiz, vice president of Software Development at Evertec.
Panelists spoke about their career paths, obstacles encountered in leadership roles and suggestions for women pursuing careers in technology. Topics included resilience, innovation and representation in high-growth industries.
Organizers also shared the goals of their respective organizations: Ironhack offers bootcamps and training in digital skills; Parallel18 supports startups through mentorship and funding; and Tech SHEroes PR promotes female participation in the tech sector.
The event concluded with a networking period during which attendees discussed future opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
Organizers said Women Trailblazers Connect is the first in a planned series of events designed to promote inclusion in Puerto Rico’s technology sector.