How I Got to Amazon: Growing up in The Dominican Republic and Being a Latina Woman in Tech
Today’s woman dreamer, Elvi Caperonis, comes from the Dominican Republic. A Technical Program Manager at Amazon, Elvi shares the challenging and enriching journey she faced throughout her personal and professional career, from topping her high school class, being awarded a scholarship to study technology, and how reading the books of successful people and adopting their mindset shaped her “can do” success mindset. She shares her experience as a Latina woman at Amazon, and her dream vision for other women of color looking to enter the world of big technology. Enjoy her empowering story below.
1) Tell us your story. What were some challenges you faced along the way, and the mindset you adopted for success?
At an early age, I learned that life was not easy, but one had to keep fighting. I faced very tough odds of success. However, I always kept a positive mindset. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I redoubled my efforts. My Mom, with a meager salary as a nurse, managed to provide everything she could. My sisters and I did not have everything we needed.
I started to read books about successful people. I started imitating their thought process and attitudes. I studied hard to obtain good grades during high school. When many of my friends were having a good time going to parties, etc., I would be preparing assignments or studying for exams. As a result, I graduated from high school the first in my class. The award received was a scholarship to study Computer Science at Universidad APEC in Santo Domingo.
When I graduated from High School, my Mom did not have enough the funds to support my College Education financially speaking, so I looked for a job financial institution. It was hard to balance a full-time position with College. However, I still managed to maintain myself until graduation, finishing near the top of my class, and earning a scholarship. The award was given for me to study for my Master's Degree in Madrid, Spain at Universidad Pontificia De Salamanca.
I managed to work and studied at the same time.
In 2011, I moved to the United States and continued working as a Business Analytics consultant. A few years later, I was contacted by Harvard University and had the honor to receive an employment opportunity as a Techno-Functional Reporting Analyst. At Harvard University, I was introduced to using advanced Agile methodologies and Scrum for project management. I managed and develop Business Analytics solutions with efficiency and cost-effective completion of many projects involving cross-functional teams. In 2016, I became a Certified ScrumMaster® by the Scrum Alliance. During my tenure at Harvard, I enjoyed connecting with people, learning about the American culture, and building relationships with positive, driven, and motivated people in the Harvard community.
2) Tell us about how your professional journey at Amazon started, and some of the diversity and inclusion efforts you have been involved in for women?
In 2017, I left Harvard University and joined the Alexa team at Amazon as a Business Intelligence Engineer. My role involved developing BI solutions to support Alexa international expansion efforts. In 2018, I became an Amazon Scrum Trainer and since then, I have been helping Amazonians to deepen their Scrum knowledge and assisting them as an Agile Coach.
At Amazon, I have been given many opportunities to contribute to Diversity and Inclusion efforts. One example is partnering with Amazon Women in Engineering Boston to become an #iamRemarkable facilitator and help women and under-represented minorities to boost their self-confidence and express themselves at the workplace and beyond.
3) As a Latina woman in technology, who is a Latina Woman you admire?
I admire Shakira because despite the fact of being so famous, she keeps her feet on the ground, and is a very humble person.
4) What has your experience been like as a Latina woman working in a huge technology company like Amazon? How do you see the industry/Amazon embracing diversity?
It’s very empowering to know that I can inspire other latinas to enter in the Tech industry. I embrace any opportunities to encourage other latinas to enter the Tech industry.
In my opinion, Amazon is by far the most diverse place in the world! Amazon provides employees with amazing opportunities to foster diversity and inclusion across all levels within the organization. The Tech industry needs to foster more diversity and inclusion, however I see the trends going in the right direction. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook are doing an excellent job at fostering diversity e inclusion. I see that as a positive sign.
5) As a #Dreamcatchers platform, we have to ask, what is your next big dream?
Recently, I got officially certified as a Professional Career Coach. My main goal is to empower others with my life experiences, interpersonal skills, and education to discover their paths for life purpose, career, and happiness.
Thank you so much Elvi for sharing your inspiring success story with us! You are truly an inspiration for all women building their careers! We are excited to have you in our empowered women’s network.
Bio: BIO: Elvi Caperonis is a Certified Scrum & Agile Career Coach Professional with over 10 years of experience in Program Management across over five industries.She graduated from a APEC University with a Bachelors’ Degree in Computer Science. After graduation, she moved to Madrid. After working in Madrid for over five years and completing a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering, she moved to USA. Elvi is currently a Technical Program Manager at Amazon where she trains teams on the agile methodology and oversee the development of agile teams to ensure effective outcomes for the organization. Before joining Amazon, Elvi worked at Harvard University as Techno-Functional Reporting Analyst. Elvi is working on an Executive Masters of Business Administration at Quantic School of Business and Technology. Follow her @ http://linkedin.com/in/elvi-caperonis-19a09b23