By Noelia Murillo | Executive Director
Through collaborative innovation, Ideas en Acción continues to create opportunities aimed at closing the gender gap in STEAM fields by strengthening the skills, confidence, and professional pathways of young women across Costa Rica.
Over the past months, we ahave expanded our learning and professional development opportunities through strategic partnerships with companies and organizations committed to fostering diverse talent in technology. One of these initiatives was the Women in Data Bootcamp: Working in Tech & Introduction to AI for Data Analysis, organized in collaboration with Hakkoda. During this experience, participants explored the foundations of working in the technology sector while gaining practical knowledge on how artificial intelligence can support data analysis and decision-making.
We also strengthened pathways for technical training and certifications. Through the support of Microsoft Student Ambassador Ximena Molina, herself a participant in one of our programs, young women in our network gained access to technology certification opportunities that help them continue developing competitive technical profiles. In collaboration with GBM, participants were also able to join the Technical Program in Introduction to Computing, designed to strengthen foundational digital and technical skills for those interested in starting or advancing their journey in the technology sector.
Beyond technical training, we continue to support the holistic professional development of the young women in Red MenTe. This included a workshop on Salary Negotiation led by Sharon Romero, where participants gained practical tools to confidently navigate professional conversations and advocate for their value in the workplace. In addition, through our partnership with EMEGE Academy, we launched the third edition of our language access program, offering English and Portuguese courses to strengthen communication skills that are essential for professional growth in global technology environments.
We also created spaces for connection and inspiration through in-person activities. In collaboration with PedidosYa, we organized a workshop focused on Female Leadership and Women in Data, bringing participants together to reflect on leadership, share experiences, and connect with women professionals working in the tech industry.
A key milestone in expanding access to learning opportunities has been our partnership with Cisco Networking Academy, which allows us to open free technology courses for the young women in our network. This year, participants have enrolled in programs such as Introduction to Cybersecurity, Introduction to Modern AI, C++ Essentials 1 and 2, JavaScript Essentials 1 and 2, Python Essentials 1 and 2, English for IT 1, and AI Fundamentals with IBM SkillsBuild. These courses provide accessible pathways for participants to strengthen their technical knowledge and develop globally relevant digital skills.
Through these initiatives, we continue working toward a future where more young women feel empowered to explore, learn, and lead in technology. Each opportunity offered represents another step toward building a more inclusive STEAM ecosystem where talent can grow and thrive.
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
