In October 2024, Tech2Empower Colombia drove impact and connection through two initiatives: a) women-led NGOs and tech Advisors engaged in collaborative, social impact project work; b) Advisors led tech and leadership workshops for university students.
Tech2Empower Advisors are experienced professionals who commit their skills, time, and resources to advance social justice, champion the rights of women and girls, and enhance women's economic empowerment. Advisors for the Colombia program represented 12 different companies, including Apple, Google, Salesforce.
We acknowledge and appreciate our local partners, especially Impact Hub Medellín, for providing invaluable local context and connections.
The Tech2Empower Colombia Impact Challenge invited women-led NGOs to define projects to boost their social impact or improve operational efficiencies. WAKE connected these organizations with volunteer Advisors passionate about using their professional expertise to enhance the work of the NGOs. Together, they undertake an impact-focused project, providing pro bono consulting, training, and skill-building to help each organization achieve its objectives and grow its capabilities.
Ecosiembras SAS identified two key areas for growth: establishing a strategic plan with clear short-, medium-, and long-term goals. The team created a comprehensive strategic plan, a targeted marketing plan, and a refined sales pitch. With these new tools in place, Ecosiembras SAS is well-positioned to secure more resources and progressively achieve organizational growth, amplifying their impact in the process.
Enseña por Colombia developed a comprehensive pitch strategy to improve its financial sustainability. They conducted an audit of their pitching approach, refined their delivery, and created a compelling pitch deck. Additionally, they enhanced their skills through targeted training on fundraising, and crafted a structured guide for effective outreach and networking with potential donors. This process strengthened their ability to advocate for their mission and increased their effectiveness in securing financial support.
Geek Girls LatAm enhanced their questionnaire and data collection methods to better align with the organization's key performance indicators. This project will enable them to track their impact over the medium and long term, visualize data to engage new partners and sponsors, and deepen their connection with beneficiaries by fostering a community that is invested in their progress and growth.
Otro Rumbo Fundación focused on three key areas to strengthen its outreach and user engagement. The team developed a comprehensive communication architecture and mapped the customer journey to better understand and connect with their audience. Additionally, they optimized Google Ads campaigns to enhance visibility and effectiveness and redesigned their website to create a more user-friendly experience. With these improvements, Otro Rumbo Fundación provides a seamless journey for users, enhancing engagement and impact across digital platforms.
Princesas Menstruantes/ Escuela de Educación Menstrual Emancipadas developed a strategic plan and established pathways for sustainability and targeted action. The project included a refined pitch, an updated website, and a comprehensive communication strategy. These efforts have strengthened the organization, promoting growth and stability as they continue to advance menstrual education initiatives.
"The time spent with Tech2Empower reaffirmed the importance of growing together, of supporting each other through safe and caring spaces." -Carolina Ramirez Vásquez, Princesas Menstruantes
"This Impact Challenge was truly a gift for all who were involved. It really drives in on "if you want to go far, go together!". It's amazing what can happen when a group of women with diverse backgrounds come together to achieve a goal. You not only bring your expertise and skills to the table but you come back having learned so much from the women around you. Truly inspiring and grateful for this experience." -Amanda Peixoto, Google, Tech2Empower Advisor
During this program, Tech2Empower Advisors designed and led a series of interactive tech and leadership workshops, inspiring Engineering students to learn more about career pathways in STEM. These workshops equipped students with essential technical skills, while also fostering self-confidence, leadership abilities, and emotional intelligence. Tech2Empower Day for University Women was hosted by the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, in partnership with the Engineering and Entrepreneurship departments.
The day kicked-off with Google’s #IamRemarkable, and included a career panel highlighting Advisors' diverse career paths. Students shared their aspirations and participated in tech and leadership workshops. Sessions covered essential topics like resumé building, LinkedIn networking, and practical problem-solving strategies. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from students underscored the program's impact:
“Thank you for making the exchange of knowledge and emotions between women possible. I felt safe, inspired, and recognized throughout the day."
- Wendy Michell Martínez Pinzón, Digital Entertainment Design Engineering Student, UPB
“It was an incredible experience, extremely inspiring and constructive for my professional career. I am very grateful to WAKE for allowing us to live this experience and learn tools for our life project.”
- Melany Martínez Pérez, Nanotechnology Engineering Student, UPB
In closing, the Tech2Empower Colombia program demonstrated the transformative power of collaborative impact. From hands-on project work with women-led NGOs to skill-building and mentorship with university students, the initiative strengthened communities and expanded pathways for meaningful growth. The dedication of Tech2Empower Advisors fostered an environment of mutual learning, connection, and empowerment—values that lie at the heart of WAKE’s mission.