"Empowering Latinas in tech to break barriers and build the future, one innovation at a time." "Empoderando a las latinas en tecnología para romper barreras y construir el futuro, una innovación a la vez."

Cristina Torres is a Senior IT Logistic Analyst at Tyson Foods, Inc. now for over 10 years and resides in Springdale, Arkansas with her 2 daughters. Born and raised in South Texas (Rio Grande Valley), from a young age knew she wanted to purse a career in STEM. In 2005, received an associated degree in Chemical Environmental Technology before deciding to return to school in 2010 to purse a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Cristina has been part in several major enterprise-wide implementation throughout her career in Tyson aiding in the areas of freight accounting, transportation domestic and export operations, fleet operations, and recently automation. Cristina enjoys volunteering in her church as a confirmation teacher. Lately has venture out to learn sand volleyball, Latin dance, and biking. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends and learning more about her faith.

Cristina is extremely excited to be part of Latinas in Tech of NWA and is ready to promote the same passion in stem and tech that she had at a young age.   She hopes to help spread awareness of the different opportunity to our Latina community and especially to our young Latina ladies. 

Mariela was born and raised in the southern part of Mexico City. She currently resides in Northwest Arkansas with her young family and has been living in the United States for 10 years. Mariela began her career with the VEX Robotics Educational Program at Reeduca S.A.P.I de C.V. in Mexico, where she supported schools from elementary through college in their technical learning and competitions. During this time, she also pursued studies in Applied Science with a concentration in Mechatronics and Automation.

After moving to the United States, Mariela worked in various manufacturing roles, culminating in nearly six years at DaySpring Cards, Inc. (a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc.). There, she focused on supply chain operations, design technology, technical systems, requirements, inventory management, and product integrity. She led cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives to enhance data integrity and processes across the company.

Mariela then transitioned to IT by joining Tyson Foods, Inc., where she currently serves as a Senior Analyst in IT Applications. She is also an active member of Toastmasters International, serving as an Area Director. Mariela has a passion for people, growth, and making a difference through technology, supporting Spanish-speaking individuals, and community involvement. Her biggest dream is to leverage these passions to help others and provide opportunities for personal growth, leading to a multicultural community impact.

Annie was raised in NWA and currently resides in Pea Ridge, AR with her husband and children. She is an Accounting Manager who also aids to drive automation initiatives in her area with Tyson Foods. She started her career in technology as a high school intern for Tyson Foods, Inc. in IT Human Resources. Annie holds a bachelor’s from the Walton College in Information Systems. She has led a department through the implementation of a new Commodities Risk Trading System and has worked with new technology to automate a payment process. Annie has a passion to be a leader for young girls and enkindle their knowledge of the powerful technology can be. In her free time, Annie enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and going on walks.  

 With over two decades of dedicated service, I've journeyed through diverse roles within Walmart, culminating in my current position as Team Lead. My tenure is a testament to my commitment to excellence and continual growth within the company.
I am a dedicated and industrious professional with a strong work ethic and a proven track record of success. Recognized for exceptional teamwork and adept leadership abilities, capable of fostering collaboration and achieving collective goals. Known for maintaining a positive outlook even in dynamic environments, with a demonstrated ability to adapt to change seamlessly. Passionate about continuous learning and embracing new challenges to fuel personal and professional growth. 

  Maria was born and raised in El Paso, TX, and relocated to NWA in 2012 with her husband and son. She graduated from MWSU in St. Joseph, MO where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. She has a passion for science and technology and has over 15 years of experience in healthcare. She has helped implement various systems which include EMRs, practice management systems, online bill pay solutions, and more, to upscale technology in healthcare practices. She is currently serving as a Manager of Revenue Cycle Management at Circle of Life Hospice. Outside of her professional endeavors, Maria enjoys serving her community, leveling up her dance skills, painting, building LEGO sets, and cooking new recipes.

   Flavia Owens is a Talent Acquisition Recruiter at J.B. Hunt, where she has been for four years. Originally from Brazil, she has moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2016 and holds a bachelor's degree in Communications and Languages. With approximately 10 years of experience as a teacher in Brazil, Flavia possesses extensive insight into the challenges faced by underrepresented groups and is passionate about diversity and inclusion, focusing on empowering women.

Beyond her professional commitments, Flavia loves spending time with her family and finds herself learning and discovering more as a person in her role as a mother of two—a boy and a girl. She has a deep love for music, singing, cinema, and the arts, and she is fascinated by the mysteries of life, with a curiosity about aliens, space, and the unknown.

With Latinas in Tech of NWA, Flavia is committed to assisting and inspiring Latinas to succeed.

     Anahil Espinoza Calderón was born in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico and moved to Arkansas three years ago. She currently works at Tyson Foods, as a Sr. Distributor Administrator in Logistics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She has also pursued a degree in Graphic Design and am currently part of Women in Tech’s InnovateHER program, where she is learning new technologies. She has over 10 years of experience in administrative areas, production, and an additional two years in culinary and pastry.

One of her greatest professional experiences has been running her own business in Mexico, where she started from scratch, and it grew into a promising venture. This experience drove her to want to learn new things every day, so she seizes the opportunities that come her way to grow personally and professionally.

In her personal life, she is happily married and have three dog-children. Her family is the most important thing to her. She enjoys cooking a lot, especially creating healthy recipes. One of her favorite hobbies is assembling puzzles, which opens her mind and helps her be very observant. She likes to listen to people and surrounds herself with those who are eager to fight rather than complain about everything. This is why she wanted to support Latinas in tech, as sometimes we are afraid to learn new things and do not realize the opportunities we are missing out on. This is one of her main goals in the program: to remember that future efforts are worth it.

 Frida Torres is a Senior Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Arkansas, with a minor in Mathematics and a concentration in Aerospace. She has conducted undergraduate research at the Engineering Research Center, focusing on modifying electromigration responses in aluminum wire bonds through heat treatment.

Frida has demonstrated significant leadership on campus, serving as President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the largest engineering student organization, and as Community and Engagement Coordinator for the Engineering Student Council.

Following two summer internships with Tyson Foods, Frida is now a year-round intern with the company. Her experience includes roles with the IT Transportation team and Manufacturing and Automation team, and she is currently contributing to the IT Architecture team and IT Procurement and Commodities Purchasing.

As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Frida's strong work ethic and determination are inspired by her family's values. She is committed to making her family proud and serving as a positive role model for her younger cousins, demonstrating that dedication and perseverance lead to success. With a focus on continuous growth and the empowerment of others, Frida is passionate about advocating for women and inspiring others. In her free time, Frida enjoys working on personal Mechanical Engineering projects. She also finds pleasure in cooking and baking, as well as engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. Additionally, she values spending quality time with friends and family, whether through painting or watching movies together.

  Marilyn is originally from northwest Arkansas, I pursued a degree in graphic design at Missouri Southern State University. Currently, I am a product designer at Junk Brands and have been with the company for the past year and a half. My interests have shifted towards tech and UX design, and I aspire to transition into that field in the future. Outside of work, I am passionate about bodybuilding and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. I also aim to raise awareness about Latinas in tech within my community and empower younger generations to explore opportunities in this field.