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Salvador Santos, a Mexican American and Salvadoran raised in Georgia, is a senior product manager at Visa, where he develops solutions to automate B2B payments and streamline accounts payable processes. Outside of work, he serves as a volunteer leader with Techqueria and partners with universities to create mentorship opportunities for aspiring technologists. A dedicated father and first-generation American, Santos is committed to both his family and uplifting his community.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
My greatest accomplishments include the ability to grind and push through challenges, as well as successfully launching products from zero to one and turning around various product lines. These milestones bring me pride and joy, as they demonstrate my capacity to build and scale impactful solutions and contribute meaningfully to my company’s growth.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
My greatest personal achievement is overcoming the barriers of being a first-generation American from Hispanic immigrant parents. I’ve been able to secure a six-figure salary in tech, which reflects my dedication, perseverance, and the opportunities that come from continuous learning and effort.
What do you do today to impact your community?
I actively volunteer to support the Latino community and others who are entering tech. I work with Techqueria as a director for the Atlanta chapter and recently partnered with Kennesaw State University to help build industry ties and mentorship opportunities. This work is driven by the understanding that many people in our community are often given advice that’s not tailored to their situation—sometimes from sources who aren’t from America or understand our unique challenges. Many come in with limited guidance on how to navigate the system, and I want to help bridge that gap, showing that success involves more than just working hard and studying well—it’s about understanding the broader picture and having access to the right opportunities.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself in a senior leadership role, possibly a director position, where I can influence strategy and help shape industry practices. I also hope to expand my community outreach, mentoring more young Latinos and speaking at various events to inspire others and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in tech.
What is the biggest issue that you want to help solve, and why?
I want to help my community understand that success involves more than just hard work and good grades. Many first-generation Americans and Latinos are often told “trabaja duro y ya,” but that’s not enough. We need to be better about sharing how to navigate the corporate world, access opportunities, and thrive beyond entry-level roles. It’s important to debunk myths and empower people to see the bigger picture and take control of their careers.
What is a moment when you realized the impact of your work?
It’s when I see people tell me they want to follow my career path or that my guidance has helped them realize new possibilities. Knowing I can inspire others and help them see what’s achievable, especially in tech, makes me realize the true impact of my efforts.
What advice would 10-year-old you be shocked to hear you followed?
I think my ten-year-old self would be surprised that I kept going to school and earned a master’s degree. Back then, I never imagined I’d be working in tech or that I’d have a successful career in a corporate environment. I thought I’d be working as a brick mason like my dad, but I took advice, stayed persistent, and aimed higher.
What’s a cultural tradition that always brings you joy?
Family gatherings, parties, piñatas, candles, and vibrant food—these traditions bring me immense joy. As Hispanics, we love to celebrate with big get-togethers, and those moments reflect my extroverted personality and my pride in my heritage.
What song do you listen to that motivates you?
“Mi Amigo El De Arriba” by Los Inquitis. This song brings me comfort and reminds me of my roots, resilience, and the importance of community and family.
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Connect with Salvador Santos on LinkedIn.
