#WomenWithTech: Katterine and the power of technology to drive change

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Katterine Nodarse, and I'm a Product Manager at Telefónica Tech. Currently, I lead the global email protection strategy. My role involves designing, developing, and managing innovative services that ensure email security-a critical piece of safeguarding digital communications.

Additionally, I'm extending this email protection strategy to different regions to strengthen our global footprint.

What is your specialization? How did you get into what you do now?

My specialization lies in the field of cybersecurity, specifically in the Product area. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to manage services across different fields, starting with Cloud Security and later moving to Network Security.

Katterine manages Telefónica Tech's email protection strategy.

I came to work in this field gradually, beginning with a general interest in technology and science. Over time, I began to focus more on cybersecurity, an area that has become essential to protecting digital environments. The experiences I’ve gathered managing these services have strengthened my perspective and expertise in this field.

Did you always know you wanted to work in technology?

I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to focus on technology. However, I always loved mathematics, so I knew I would choose a career in the sciences. Over time, as I explored various areas within the field, I discovered my interest in technology.

What or who motivated you to choose a technology career?

What motivated me to pursue a career in technology was my interest in being involved in innovative and cutting-edge areas. Technology provides many opportunities to do just that. This sector is constantly evolving, which gives me the chance to work on exciting and disruptive projects that have a real impact.

What attracted me most to technology was the ability to keep learning, face new challenges, and be part of advances that can transform our lives and work.

Katterine enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. In London last summer.

How would you describe your professional journey so far, and what skills do you use at Telefónica Tech?

Throughout my professional journey, I’ve had the opportunity to work in very diverse environments, from a large multinational corporation to the educational sector. Engaging with different people and the various challenges I’ve faced in each environment have allowed me to grow and evolve, gaining broad, multidisciplinary knowledge and developing skills that I apply to my daily work.

I particularly value soft skills such as effective communication and collaboration with multicultural teams.

In my role at Telefónica Tech, I use skills like strategic management, analysis, problem-solving, and adaptability to changing situations. Tackling challenges beyond technical knowledge also requires management skills and the ability to design effective strategies.

Additionally, I highly value soft skills like effective communication and collaboration with multicultural teams, which are essential to ensuring that our solutions are successfully implemented in different regions around the globe.

Her area of expertise is Cyber Security.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

Balancing work and personal life is always a challenge, but I believe maintaining a healthy balance is essential. I organize my time efficiently, setting clear priorities both at work and in my personal life.

Thanks to the team and collaborative environment at Telefónica, along with the flexibility the company provides, productivity and efficiency can be maximized.

I firmly believe in the importance of disconnecting and dedicating time to personal activities, family, and friends, which helps me recharge and return to work with a better attitude and motivation.

How does Telefónica Tech promote gender diversity and inclusion?

Telefónica Tech is an excellent workplace for women because it promotes diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization. The company has specific policies and programs to ensure equal opportunities, such as career development plans, mentorship, and specialized technology training. Additionally, it fosters an inclusive work environment where diversity is valued as a key strength for innovation and success.

These initiatives not only help women feel appreciated and respected but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and diverse organizational culture.

Can you explain what the #WomenWithTech initiative means to you?

#WomenWithTech represents an opportunity to empower and highlight women in the tech sector. To me, it means opening doors, creating opportunities, and building a more equitable space where women can reach their full potential.

This initiative aims to promote gender equality, inspire future generations of women to pursue STEAM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), break stereotypes, support professional development, and foster a culture of inclusion that values diverse perspectives.

The #WomenWithTech initiative inspires and supports more women to become active participants in technological transformation.

What do women bring to STEAM professions?

Women bring a valuable and unique perspective to STEAM professions (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), enriching these fields with diversity of ideas and innovative solutions. Our different experiences and backgrounds allow us to tackle problems from multiple angles, fostering creativity and driving advancement and innovation.

Our participation also promotes equity and inclusion, challenging gender stereotypes and inspiring future generations of girls to become interested in these areas.

Diversity in tech teams is essential to creating products and solutions that better reflect society's needs and realities, helping us build a more inclusive and sustainable future.

What advice would you give to other women who want a STEAM career?

My advice to women who want to pursue a STEAM career is to have complete confidence in their abilities. Some challenges may seem overwhelming, but what truly makes a difference is the attitude and effort we put into facing them.

Every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow professionally.

What skills are needed for success in the tech sector?

I believe that resilience and adaptability are essential to facing the constant changes and challenges of the tech sector. It is crucial to have strong technical skills to have a comprehensive vision, but equally important are soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.

These competencies not only enable creative problem-solving but also facilitate collaboration in diverse environments, which is key to growing and thriving in the tech field.

Resilience and adaptability are essential for navigating tech sector changes and challenges.

* * *

Telefónica Tech

#WomenWithTech: Inspiring voices in a digital world

March 8, 2024