Women in Tech: Lucía Gallardo on Building Inclusive Innovation with Purpose.

Q: What inspired your path into technology and innovation?

A: When I was eight, a hurricane devastated parts of Honduras. My family and I helped distribute food and supplies. I didn’t fully understand the loss I was seeing, but I knew it mattered. It shaped my desire to build systems that can do better for people.

Because of that experience, I was drawn to work at the intersection of innovation and impact. I didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur, but over time, that path became the most effective way to pursue meaningful change. That’s still what drives me today.

Q: What excites you most about the tech industry right now?

A: The convergence of innovation, impact, and policy is creating huge potential. Big tech is being forced to re-evaluate its role, and that’s opening up opportunities for people and communities who’ve historically been left out.

In emerging markets especially, tech is being built to solve specific, local problems – not just replicate Western models. It’s a shift toward more intentional and inclusive innovation, which is overdue.

Q: What challenges have you faced as a woman in tech, and how have you responded?

A: Harassment. Discrimination. Scrutiny over things that would never be asked of men. I’ve had investors ask about my marital plans and how they might “affect my focus.”

I don’t think these challenges ever fully go away, but I’ve learned to build around them by setting clear boundaries, bootstrapping where necessary and finding strength in my network. Resilience isn’t a choice; it’s a survival mechanism.

Q: How important has mentorship and networking been in your career?

A: My network has been absolutely critical. Most of my clients have come through referrals, and my closest collaborators are people I trust deeply. Not just for work, but for guidance and support.

One thing I’ve learned: not every connection is forever, and that’s okay. I’ve built a community where I know who to call for what, and they know they can do the same. Even when we’re not in constant contact, the connection is still there.

Q: How can companies better support women in tech and leadership?

A: Creating a more inclusive and equitable industry starts with intentional action.

• Fund women boldly. More women should be managing capital and making the big decisions.
• Normalise non-linear careers. Career breaks, pivots and unconventional paths should be valued – not penalised.
• Make leadership sustainable. Flexibility isn’t a perk; it’s part of a modern, equitable workplace.

Q: What would you say to women looking to enter tech or entrepreneurship?

A: Know your value, and don’t underestimate your transferable skills.

If you’ve taken a break for family, travelled different paths or worked across industries, those experiences bring depth that can’t be taught in a classroom. Society may not always recognise that kind of expertise, but you should.

Q: What’s one project or moment you’re especially proud of?

A: Being named an MIT Innovator Under 35 was a turning point. It validated the work I’d been doing behind the scenes for years and helped open doors to larger partnerships and impact.

But honestly, I’m proud of the failures and pivots too. Every step has shaped how I build, and why I build the way I do.

Q: If you could go back, what would you tell yourself at the start of your career?

A: Let go of the idea of “success” as a fixed outcome.

Things will evolve, mistakes will happen, people will come and go. What matters most is staying aligned with your purpose and having the discipline to execute it. The rest will follow, often in unexpected ways.