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As artificial intelligence and cybersecurity reshape industries and economies, Latino professionals are making powerful moves to lead and innovate in these fast-growing fields — with Chicago emerging as a key hub.
Rising Representation
Latinos are one of the fastest-growing tech talent segments in the U.S., and their imprint in AI and cybersecurity is expanding quickly. According to the 2024 Latino Donor Collaborative U.S. Latinos in Tech Report, Latino adoption of AI outpaces other groups, with Latino-owned businesses using AI tools at double the rate of white-owned firms. Younger Latinos are also emerging as early adopters in creative AI applications — from image generation to music production and coding assistants.
Investing in Skills & Equity
National and local initiatives are working to close persistent opportunity gaps. Programs like IBM’s partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation offer free AI and cybersecurity training for Latino students and career changers, while Chicago-based groups like the Latin AI Builders Meetup and Latinas in Cyber provide vital networking and mentorship opportunities tailored to the community.
Addressing Challenges
While progress is accelerating, barriers remain. A UCLA study highlights that Latinos are overrepresented in automation-vulnerable industries such as retail, hospitality, and agriculture, yet underrepresented in leadership roles within AI and cybersecurity. Tackling these gaps through culturally relevant upskilling, mentorship, and recruitment is essential for sustainable equity.
Chicago’s Growing Momentum
Chicago’s Latino tech community is gaining visibility. Grassroots meetups, entrepreneur networks, and AI-centric events like "Latinos Making Moves in AI & Cybersecurity" during Tech Chicago Week are helping amplify Latino innovators, connect talent with opportunity, and position the city as a rising center for inclusive tech leadership.
Voices Leading the Charge
- Ana Valdez, CEO of the Latino Donor Collaborative, calls Latinos the “silent architects of the AI revolution,” urging policymakers and businesses to recognize and invest in this emerging talent pipeline.
- Samantha Bolet, Vice President of Latinas in Cyber and Senior Privacy Program Manager at ByteDance (TikTok), champions mentorship and leadership pathways for Latinas in cybersecurity, helping them break into and rise within the field.
- Nick Espinosa, Chicago-based cybersecurity strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Security Fanatics, advocates for ethical AI practices and greater cybersecurity literacy in underserved communities, helping build a safer, more inclusive digital future.
- Latinos Making Moves in AI and Cybersecurity, July 23 - event during Tech Chicago Week, CLICK HERE TO VIEW EVENT
The Future is Now
Latinos are not just participating in the AI and cybersecurity revolutions — they’re actively shaping them. Chicago’s Latino tech community continues to break barriers, hack biases, and claim space in industries traditionally slow to diversify. With continued investment, collaboration, and visibility, the future of digital innovation will be driven by every voice, and every story.
Sources
Latino Donor Collaborative U.S. Latinos in Tech Report, 2024
Forbes: Latino Talent: The Silent Architects of the AI Revolution
IBM & Hispanic Heritage Foundation SkillsBuild Program
UCLA Latino Automation and Labor Displacement Study, 2023
ABC7 Chicago, 2024: Latinas Advancing in Cybersecurity
Latin AI Builders Meetup Chicago, 2025
Security Fanatics / Nick Espinosa thought leadership, Forbes Technology Council
Latinas in Cyber leadership profiles, 2024
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