March is a month of reflection and recognition of the ongoing fight for gender equality. As part of this movement, Huawei Techs Talk hosted by Samira Herrera had the honor of hosting Alejandra Lagunes, a distinguished leader in emerging technologies, public policy, and artificial intelligence (AI) in Mexico.

With a career spanning global tech giants like Yahoo, Microsoft, Google, and Televisa, and a pivotal role in Mexico’s digital transformation, Alejandra’s insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities for women in STEM fields.

In this article, we’ll explore her journey, the importance of women in AI, and the urgent need for inclusive digital policies.

Alejandra Lagunes: A Trailblazer in Technology and Politics

Alejandra’s entry into the tech sector was almost serendipitous. While studying Communications at Tec de Monterrey, she received an excellence scholarship that required her to work. This opportunity led her to witness firsthand the arrival of the internet in Mexico.

Her passion for technology ignited when she helped develop the first official website for the Mexican Presidency under Ernesto Zedillo’s administration. From there, she transitioned into the private sector, working with Yahoo, Microsoft, and Google, leading digital transformation efforts.

However, her career took an unexpected turn when she was invited to lead the digital campaign for Enrique Peña Nieto’s presidential run in 2012. This marked her foray into public policy, culminating in her role as National Digital Strategy Coordinator and later as Senator, where she championed laws in AI governance, mental health, climate change, and human rights.

The Challenges of Being a Woman in Tech

Despite her impressive career, Alejandra faced significant gender-related challenges. The technology sector remains male-dominated, and early in her career, she often heard, “What are you doing here? This is a field for men.”

However, she found strength through mentorship and sisterhood. She highlights María Terminal, a former boss at Microsoft, as a key mentor who instilled in her the responsibility of uplifting other women in tech.

Yet, the problem persists. Women still face cultural and systemic barriers, from childhood discouragement in STEM subjects to biases in hiring and leadership opportunities.

Why Are There So Few Women in AI?

The underrepresentation of women in artificial intelligence is particularly concerning. AI models learn from historical data, and because most datasets reflect male-dominated perspectives, biases become embedded in AI systems.

Currently, 85% of AI development is led by white men from the Global North. This lack of diversity means that AI is being built with a narrow worldview, missing out on the perspectives of women and people from underrepresented regions like Latin America.

A Call to Action: More Women in STEM

To change this, Alejandra emphasizes the need for early STEM education for girls. Many public and private sector efforts focus on high school or university levels, but intervention needs to start in primary school.

She cites India as a country that successfully implemented early coding, math, and English education, transforming its workforce in just two generations. A similar approach could narrow the digital gender gap in Latin America.

AI Ethics: The Biggest Debate of Our Time

Beyond gender issues, AI raises profound ethical questions. Humanity has faced moral dilemmas before—cloning, nuclear weapons, and biological warfare—and collectively decided on ethical boundaries.

With AI, we must ask:

• What should AI be allowed to do?
• Who will control it?
• Should AI make life-or-death decisions in autonomous weapons?

Alejandra believes that now is the time to set ethical boundaries, as we are still in control. The National Artificial Intelligence Alliance (ANIA), which she leads, is working to ensure that AI development prioritizes equity, ethics, and social good.

Latin America’s Role in AI Development

Currently, Latin America is a consumer of AI, not a creator. This puts the region at a disadvantage, as AI models are being trained without local cultural contexts. Alejandra stresses the need for more Latin American participation in AI research and development.

Final Message: Embrace Technology

Alejandra’s advice to young women and professionals is clear:

“Embrace technology. Keep learning. There are free AI courses available for all levels—students, entrepreneurs, mothers. Artificial intelligence will impact every industry, so it’s essential to stay informed.”

She also encourages women to seek mentorship, build support networks, and enter leadership roles in tech. Diversity in AI teams will lead to better, fairer technology for everyone.

Watch the Video Discussion