Inspiring Women: Rina Plata

“Know yourself and have the will to improve.” Meet Rina Plata, a 26-year-old Wayuu indigenous woman from Colombia, who is finishing her software engineering studies.

In this edition of #WomenInspiringPeople, we will talk about Rina Plata, a 26-year-old Wayuu indigenous woman from San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira, Colombia.

Meet Rina Plata

Currently, Rina is finishing her software engineering studies at the Tecnológico de Antioquia and works as a frontend developer. Her story took a significant turn in 2018 when she moved to Medellín, where she had her first encounter with technology, inspired by her boyfriend. She describes this moment as transformative, as she previously had no experience in technology.

Rina transitioned from being a young woman with no technological knowledge to becoming a role model. At her university, she is part of the indigenous group, a space dedicated to dialogue, cultural exchange and fraternity. She is also an ambassador of Women in Data Science (WiDS) Medellín 2024, a member of Women Techmakers, a leader of the tech community Pioneras Dev and the founder of Guardianes Ancestrales, an initiative encouraging Colombian indigenous children to explore the world of technology.

She has volunteered at international tech events such as Monkefest, DevOpsDays Medellín and MauiConf, and contributes to the API Colombia project, a public API that provides information about the country. As a speaker, she has participated in tech community events like Pioneras Dev and JSConf, and has organized hackathons at her university to foster innovation.

A fundamental part of her life has been the time spent living in an indigenous reserve with her maternal family, where she perfected her native language, Wayuunaiki. This connection to her roots has nurtured her passion for history and culture—interests that she now combines with her love for technology. Besides enjoying the company of cats and cooking, leadership is another one of her passions.

Her current focus is on web development and supporting other women in the tech field, especially within the communities she belongs to. Rina deeply values teamwork, knowledge sharing and transforming lives through technology.

I had the chance to interview Rina, where she shared valuable advice and insights that are truly inspiring and a perfect example of perseverance. Let’s see!

Rina, tell us a phrase that describes you as a professional.

“Education and teamwork are the path to success.”

How old were you when you first stepped into the world of technology?

I began my journey in technology in 2019 at the age of 20, when I volunteered at tech events. Through those experiences, I immersed myself in the tech world, inspired by women whose stories sparked a true passion in me. This motivated me to take online courses, where I learned programming and practiced by creating landing pages. Thanks to that effort, I was able to land my first job in the industry.

Define what technology is for you in a word.

“Innovation.”

Tell us some curious information about yourself that you want to share.

My greatest dream was always to study at a university. I saw it as an opportunity to be an example in my indigenous community, showing that any goal can be achieved. Additionally, I would be the first indigenous woman in my community to become a programmer and earn a professional degree.

In your tech career, what has been your biggest challenge? Could you share a bit about it?

My biggest challenge has been learning to be disciplined and managing frustration. In this career, you learn something new every day, and the challenges are constant. Additionally, something I have found particularly difficult is navigating a predominantly male environment, where it can sometimes be hard not to feel intimidated.

One of the greatest challenges in my tech career was when I started a new job and was assigned a technology I had never worked with before. On top of that, I had to complete 60 sprint points, which was quite demanding. To overcome it, I dedicated myself to intensive study, went through tutorials on YouTube, read articles and sought help whenever I felt frustrated. It was a personal challenge that taught me that we set our own limits, and with discipline and a desire to learn, any goal is achievable.

What learning did that challenge give you?

Besides learning Angular, I discovered that challenges are sometimes a way to know how far we can go, but it’s crucial to set boundaries. Discipline is important, but we shouldn’t neglect other activities like exercise, proper nutrition or sleep. It’s essential to manage our time well, balance our studies and set realistic goals to stay healthy and focused.

What advice would you give to someone who is unsure about pursuing a career in STEM?

I always say that I am a product of the tech communities in Medellín. There were many moments when I felt undecided, frustrated and thought that this career wasn’t for me. However, being part of these communities helped me grow stronger. Seeing incredibly talented women in tech inspired me not to give up, and I was always motivated to grow as a professional.

I encourage those who feel unsure to attend events, learn more about the field and find people who can guide them. This profession is beautiful because we support each other like a family, and that makes all the difference compared to other careers.

What advice would you give to those currently working in STEM?

We should never stop learning. It’s essential to stay up to date with new technologies and not become too attached to a single company, as there will always be new opportunities. In this career, challenges are constant and every day teaches us something new. Additionally, to complement professional growth, it’s crucial to rest and balance it with other activities that help maintain mental health.

What advice would you give to a person who wants to have a successful profile like yours?

Don’t stay silent; always communicate with others. Attend events, network and keep a portfolio of all the personal challenges you’ve tackled. Keep your LinkedIn active and updated, don’t be afraid to express your ideas and always strive to make a difference. When you start your professional life, go the extra mile—always take that additional step. Highlight your personal brand and take care of it. Be a neutral person, where respect for others is a top priority.

Finally, I would like you to give some advice to your readers on how you organize your time, especially when you have large projects and a high profile like yours.

One of the things I’ve struggled with the most, and that I’m gradually learning to manage, is time management. To be honest, there are days when I’m very disciplined and others when I’m not so much. What has worked well for me is using Notion to create a to-do list, either the night before or first thing in the morning. I break down tasks into small, manageable steps, and, as the day progresses, I mark them as completed. This habit has helped me become a bit more disciplined, although I’m still in the process of improving.

I believe that everyone discovers their own way of organizing themselves. There are many techniques, like the Pomodoro method, but the most important thing is to know yourself and have the will to improve.

Wrapping Up

Did you enjoy the interview? 🌟 If so, make sure to connect with Rina on LinkedIn and take note of all the valuable tips she shared here! I hope this conversation inspired and motivated you on your own journey.

See you in the next article! 💚💕