Latinas in STEM on a
Mission to Empower the Future
By Gloria Romano-Barrera
Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to
grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations,
according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, more than half of these
jobs may go unfilled due to the insufficient pool of qualified college graduates. With the job
market changing rapidly, the Latinas featured here are committed to not only improve their
companies’ bottom lines by expanding the qualified workforce, but they are driving
innovation at a full force empowering the future of the U.S. economy by encouraging the
next generation to follow.
Laura Ramirez
Director Diversity & Inclusion
Human Resources
Ericsson
“Prior to starting a family, my parents,
Pedro and Juana, immigrated to the
United States with less than $10 in their
pocket,” Laura Ramirez, Director
Diversity & Inclusion, Human Resources,
at Ericsson shares. “They sacrificed so
much to move to the U.S. with hopes and
dreams of providing more opportunities for
their family. There is not one day that goes
by that I do not appreciate their sacrifice.
Because of them I have been given many opportunities, chances that I may have
not received anywhere else. The risk my parents took moving to
America gave me a sense early on in my life, that taking risks does pay off.”
A leader for driving change in corporate cultures, Ramirez is a passionate
advocate for diversity and inclusion. Her commitment started 18 years ago when
she started working in the technology field.
Prior to joining Ericsson, she spent 17 years at AT&T global headquarters. Her
work experience was extensive within Human Resources, Finance, Business
Marketing, Business Solutions, to working directly with Chairman & CEO Randall
Stephenson. With 17 years of experience at AT&T and now at Ericsson, Ramirez’
roots play an essential role in shaping who she is.
Ramirez leads all initiatives related to building and
fostering an inclusive culture at Ericsson. Her efforts around D&I help to elevate
Ericsson at Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Luncheon.
employee engagement, employee experience, external brand, attracting diverse
talent and retaining talent. She partners with all internal stakeholders, she
influences and supports all D&I initiatives. She also leads seven Employee
Resource Groups (ERGs) at Ericsson. Since joining Ericsson, she has helped to
launch four new ERGs. She strives to guide and empower her ERGs towards
excellence. She collaborates with external diverse organizations to create dynamic
experiences for the company that further enhance D&I efforts. She strategically
partners with organizations to elevate Ericsson’s brand. She also manages
Talent Management functions within Ericsson, she co-created the first talent
acceleration program. She supports succession planning and global talent
development programs.
“I firmly believe that my role is important,” she states. “I play a part in
enabling and enhancing a greater sense of belonging for all our employees.
Our employee engagement increases which in turn we deliver a happier
Laura Ramirez.
12 www. lat inastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol . 25, No. 2, 2019
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