Latinos Leading AI Adoption, Yet Underrepresented In Tech
It’s long been known that Latinos are power users of mobile technology, significantly over-indexing in online video consumption. If you didn’t know, we love to stream! Having led a technology organization and seeing how technology continues to evolve, I've become increasingly interested in exploring the intersection of tech trends with the Latino community. With the recent buzz surrounding AI, I have been specifically curious about how Latinos are engaging with this technology. Anecdotally, many small business owners I interact with through my work are actively discussing generative AI and integrating it into their daily operations and long-term strategic plans.
The 2024 LDC U.S. Latinos in Tech Report: AI – Fourth Annual Edition provides valuable insights into the critical role U.S. Latinos play in driving technological innovation, especially in the AI landscape. Produced by the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC) in partnership with Conectado Inc. and Wells Fargo, this report highlights the following key findings:
Latino representation in technical AI roles has grown by 48.7% from 2018 to 2022.
14% of Latino businesses leverage AI, compared to just 7% of white business owners.
Latino youth are leading in AI usage, excelling in areas such as image creation, information gathering, and music production.
Challenges persist in achieving senior-level representation within major tech companies.
While Latinos are at the forefront of AI adoption, a significant opportunity exists for increased Latino representation in tech. Despite one in five U.S. workers being Latino, only one in ten holds a job in tech, and even fewer occupy leadership positions. According to a recent Kapor Foundation report, Latinos make up only 5% of executive leadership roles and just 3% of tech company board seats. Furthermore, while women comprise 28.8% of the U.S. tech workforce, Latina women hold only 2% of jobs in STEM. Several factors hinder Latina women's access to the tech industry, including unconscious bias in hiring, a lack of educational opportunities in STEM, and limited mentorship from Latinas with similar lived experiences.
Numerous organizations provide support and resources for professionals in technology and AI. The 2024 LDC U.S. Latinos in Tech Report: AI – Fourth Annual Edition includes a list of many of these organizations including the Association of Latino Professionals for America, Techqueria, Latinas in Tech, and TechLatino, just to name a few. Groups like these play a vital role in empowering Latinos in tech and creating pathways for future leaders. I encourage organizations to connect with these groups, support them and ensure your employees are aware of them.
Why This Matters
Understanding these trends and opportunities is crucial for anyone looking to engage with or support the Latino community in general and specifically Latinos in tech. As Latinos continue to drive innovation, organizations that recognize and harness this potential will not only benefit but also contribute to a more inclusive tech landscape.
