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#WomenInTech: Alicia Cirujano merges technology and service to optimise Cloud operations
Alicia Cirujano, Operations Manager at Altostratus, part of Telefónica Tech, shares how Cloud operations drive digital transformation, the key challenges in the sector, and the value of diversity in technology.
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What do you do and what path led you there?
I am currently Operations Manager at Altostratus, part of Telefónica Tech, a position where my main responsibility is to ensure the stability, efficiency and scalability of the Cloud services we deliver to our clients. My path began with a strong inclination towards technology and solving complex problems. After completing my studies, I focused on IT infrastructure and quickly realised that the future was in the Cloud.
The transition to the Cloud is not just a technological migration but an operational transformation. My experience managing teams and processes allowed me to evolve into Cloud operations, a role where technological strategy and service improvement for customers come together.
Bringing together technology and service ensures efficiency and scalability for Cloud customers.
What is the biggest challenge facing a Cloud expert?
The biggest challenge is the speed of change. The Cloud ecosystem is constantly evolving with new tools, services and security models. A Cloud professional must commit to continuous learning and adaptability in order to avoid becoming obsolete.
In addition, I believe that managing complexity and integrating hybrid or multicloud environments is an ongoing technical and strategic challenge. It requires not only knowledge of a single platform but also a comprehensive architectural vision.
The biggest challenge in Cloud is adapting to the speed of change and managing the complexity of hybrid and multicloud environments.
What skills do you think are important for success in the Cloud sector?
To succeed in the Cloud sector you need a combination of both technical and soft skills. On the one hand, it is essential to have deep technical knowledge to understand Cloud architecture, automation and the principles of DevOps.
This technical expertise must be accompanied by critical thinking and problem solving capabilities. In operations, complex challenges arise quickly and it is essential to analyse situations under pressure and propose effective solutions.
Communication and leadership also play a key role. Since Cloud is transversal, it is important to be able to explain technical concepts to non specialists and lead multidisciplinary teams to ensure everyone works towards a common goal.
Finally, adaptability and curiosity are key qualities because learning is constant and the initiative to explore new certifications and services makes the difference in this environment.
Success in Cloud requires mastering technology, thinking critically and knowing how to lead diverse teams.
How does the operations area contribute to supporting clients in their digital transformation journey?
Operations is the engine and the guarantee of digital transformation. We not only implement the solutions designed by consulting teams but also ensure they remain optimised, secure and available 24/7. We support clients by turning innovation into tangible business value and transforming the promise of Cloud agility and efficiency into an operational and stable reality, freeing clients to focus on their core business.
From Operations we turn Cloud innovation into real value, providing availability, security and efficiency so clients can focus on their business.
What role do anticipation and prevention play in managing Cloud operations and how do you work to minimise risks?
Anticipation and prevention play a fundamental role in managing Cloud operations. In our day to day work we rely on advanced proactive monitoring systems and AIOps tools to detect patterns and anomalies before they turn into incidents.
In this way we work to minimise risks by adopting a number of key practices. For example, supervised automation is essential for addressing repetitive tasks and resolving issues we already know about, allowing us to react quickly and avoid human error.
We also integrate security across every stage of the service lifecycle through a DevSecOps approach, ensuring that each phase is protected from the very beginning.
Finally, we make sure that the architectures designed strictly comply with both local and international regulations from the outset, helping us prevent potential sanctions and build trust with our clients.
Anticipating, preventing, automating with supervision and protecting systems in a continuous and comprehensive way minimises risk and enables reliable Cloud operations.
How do you think your experience can inspire more women to join the technology field?
I believe visibility is the most powerful tool. By sharing my journey in a technical and operational role, I would love to help demystify the idea that technology is a field exclusively for men. It is important to show that success does not depend on gender but on curiosity, effort and the willingness to build solutions.
By sharing my passion for the Cloud, I hope to show that women bring an essential perspective to the sector.
What barriers still persist for women in technical Cloud roles and what initiatives could help overcome them?
Although we have come a long way, obstacles such as unconscious bias still exist, both in recruitment processes and in promotion opportunities. In addition, the lack of female role models in senior technical positions remains a reality.
To overcome these barriers we need transformative initiatives. Female sponsorship and mentoring programmes allow women to be actively considered for leadership positions and high impact opportunities. It is also essential to ensure diversity in panels and conferences, making sure female experts have visible and recognised representation.
Finally, early education is key. We need to encourage interest in STEM careers among girls and young women by showing them relatable and accessible examples that inspire them and motivate them to believe in their potential.
Overcoming barriers such as bias and the lack of role models requires transformative action, visibility and education from an early age.
What does gender diversity bring to innovation and competitiveness in strategic sectors such as Cloud technology?
Gender diversity is a critical factor for innovation and competitiveness. When a design or operations team is diverse it brings together a wider range of experiences and perspectives. This leads to better problem solving, the creation of more inclusive products and services and stronger team resilience.
In a sector as strategic as Cloud, which impacts every industry, the ability to innovate in a comprehensive way is a business necessity.
Gender diversity drives innovation and strengthens competitiveness through inclusive solutions and resilient teams.
What advice would you give to girls and young women who want to pursue a career in this field?
My advice would be threefold. First, curiosity is powerful. In the world of technology everything changes constantly, but curiosity is precisely what will keep you relevant. Do not be afraid to ask questions, take things apart and explore how they work, because that curiosity will take you far.
Second, do not aim for perfection, aim for progress. Failure is part of learning in this field and resilience is essential. Every mistake should be seen as a step towards mastery, an opportunity to grow and improve.
Finally, find your tribe. Surround yourself with people who support you, both women and men, who believe in your potential and encourage you to keep moving forward. Networking is just as important as code. Building connections and sharing experiences will enrich your journey. The world of technology needs the vision of women, so look for the environment where you can develop your full talent and contribute your unique perspective.
For women to reach their full potential in technology it is essential to cultivate curiosity, learn from mistakes with resilience and have the support of a community.
