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Meet seven Latinos in AI who are contributing to technological advancement while also promoting digital inclusivity for others interested in joining the industry. While many of these innovators share a mission for diversifying tech, they each bring unique expertise to shape the future of AI.
1. Laura Montoya, Founder of Accel.AI
Laura Montoya sought to make AI more accessible by founding Accel.AI, an organization dedicated to advancing its research and education and promoting ethical practices. She is also determined to making the field more inclusive to underrepresented groups in tech; she launched the nonprofit LatinX in AI to help Latino professionals network and accelerate their research and project development.
2. Manny Medina, Cofounder of Outreach
Manny Medina combined his engineering background with sales process expertise to cofound
Outreach, a platform leveraging data and automation to streamline seller workflows and to strengthen customer relationships. Outreach uses AI to suggest actions, effective messaging, and improve productivity. A native Ecuadorian, Medina eliminated citizenship questions for Outreach’s recruitment process to remove barriers for immigrant candidates and implemented an in-house system that helps them secure green cards and/or work permits for no cost.
3. Isabella DeClue, Software Engineer at Microsoft Copilot
Isabella DeClue’s work on Microsoft Copilot involves the enhancement of AI tools to write, understand, and predict more efficient code. This empowers developers to keep their focal point on creative aspects of their projects. DeClue was profiled earlier this year in NextGen Collective,where she spoke about her work in fostering an inclusive environment for Latinas in tech, her inspirations, and her favorite media.
4. Tlacael Esparza, Cofounder of Sunhouse
Musician Tlacael Esparza has found a way to unite mathematics with rhythm. He cofounded tech company Sunhouse, where he helped develop the Sensory Percussion tool, which combines traditional drumming with sensor technology to transform musical expression. His vision as chief technology officer is centered around expanding possibilities for other musicians by integrating AI in a way that empowers—rather than replaces—them.
5. Laura I. Gomez, Cofounder of Cepanoa Health
Laura I. Gomez has made strides in both the healthcare and tech industries with her startup, Cepanoa Health. She’s helped develop platforms that connect patients and providers, optimize medical processes, and make resources more accessible. Her commitment to care runs deep, as she is also executive director of Proyecto Sol, which brings safe online spaces for Latinos managing mental health; a cofounder of Project Include, which accelerates DEI in tech; and a member of the Suicide Prevention Committee in San Mateo, California.
6. Guillermo Diaz Jr., Founder of Conectado
Guillermo Diaz Jr. founded Conectado to “accelerate transformation” by utilizing immersive AI to improve lives and help people access opportunities, regardless of their background. His passion for social impact has driven him to serve on the Hispanic IT Executive Council, Cisco Diversity Council, and boards for the Cristo Rey High School Work Study program and the Stanford Latino Entrepreneur Initiative. Diaz also spoke with Pedro A. Guerrero in The Latino Majority’s fourth season.
7. Carlos Guestrin, Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University
Carlos Guestrin is a leading academic researcher and technologist whose work spans scalable machine learning, algorithm development, and innovative AI tools. Many of his projects are available on his website as open source to foster collaboration and encourage adoption. Apple acquired his platform Turi, which enables developers to build and deploy intelligent applications.
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This article was written with the assistance of AI.
