Imagine a world where a single idea can change thousands of lives. This is the story of a visionary leader from Peru. Her work focuses on creating new paths in the technology field.
She saw a big problem. Many talented young people lacked access to good jobs. This was especially true for women. Her organization tackles this challenge head-on.
It provides training in high-demand digital skills. The goal is simple but powerful. It helps people build better futures for themselves and their families. This effort has gained attention around the world.
The approach combines smart business with a strong social mission. It proves that doing good and doing well can go together. This model inspires many others to follow a similar path.
Key Takeaways
- A visionary leader is creating new opportunities in the tech industry.
- The focus is on empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Training programs teach practical, high-demand digital skills.
- The organization successfully combines social impact with business success.
- This work has received significant international recognition.
- The model proves that inclusive growth in technology is possible.
- It serves as an inspiring example for social enterprises worldwide.
Background and Early Influences
Sometimes, the most powerful ideas are born from observing stark contrasts between cultures. The founder’s international journey provided the crucial lens through which a significant social challenge came into clear focus.
Early Life and Educational Foundations
Her academic background in international relations and public administration was not a typical path for a tech innovator. However, this unique education proved to be the perfect foundation. It equipped her with the tools to analyze complex social systems and design effective solutions.
Global Perspectives from London and Columbia
While living in the United States, a key observation emerged. She noticed that web development was an accessible field where many professionals were self-taught. Talent and drive mattered more than formal degrees. This revealed the tech industry’s potential as a great democratizer.
This insight created a stark contrast upon returning to her native Peru. There, she saw the near-total absence of women in the tech industry. She understood the barrier wasn’t a lack of capability, but a lack of access and structured pathways.
This global perspective allowed her to envision a unique solution. It would combine the accessibility of self-learning with supportive, structured training for women. This vision became the blueprint for a transformative social enterprise.
Mariana Costa Checa – Co-founder & CEO – Laboratoria+
When a social enterprise achieves remarkable results, the world takes notice in powerful ways. The organization’s innovative approach to tech education quickly gained international acclaim.
Establishing Laboratoria and Its Mission
The program launched with a clear vision: bridge the gender gap in technology. It focused on providing practical digital skills training to women from diverse backgrounds.
This initiative created structured pathways into the tech industry. The model proved that talent exists everywhere, waiting for the right opportunity.
Achievements and Recognitions in Social Innovation
Prestigious honors began accumulating rapidly. In 2015, MIT Technology Review named her to their Innovators Under 35 list. The following year brought even wider recognition.
BBC included her among their 100 Women of 2016. Fortune Magazine placed her on their ‘World’s 50 Greatest Leaders’ list that same year.
Tech giants took notice too. At the 2016 APEC Summit, Mark Zuckerberg praised the program’s impact.
“The women who go to Mariana’s program were able to access the opportunities that the Internet provides. That is the future I want to build.”
Even former President Barack Obama celebrated the results publicly. He noted the employment rate had jumped to 70%, calling it “quite extraordinary.”
The honors continued with an Ashoka Fellowship and a Business Leaders of Change award. In 2019, Mattel created a Barbie doll in her likeness, inspiring girls worldwide.
Driving Change in Technology and Social Impact
Scaling social impact demands both local roots and global reach, a balance that few organizations master. The founder understood that true transformation requires connecting local talent with international opportunities.
Empowering Women in Tech Through Inclusive Education
Building a pipeline of skilled professionals starts with accessible training programs. These initiatives focus on practical skills that employers actually need.
The approach combines technical education with career development support. Graduates emerge ready to contribute immediately to the tech industry.
Building Global Connections from Latin America to Silicon Valley
Strategic trips to the Bay Area became essential for growth. Attending conferences like SOCAP helped build valuable networks with fellow social entrepreneurs.
The organization incorporated as a U.S. non-profit to access broader resources. This move allowed them to establish a governing board with Silicon Valley expertise.
Hosting events at Google’s offices showcased their work to potential partners. Companies interested in remote hiring, technical mentors, and donors all gathered to learn about the model.
Anand, CEO of Crowdbotics, shared his experience working with graduates. He called them “the best junior developers he’s ever met.”
This validation from Silicon Valley employers opened doors for remote hiring opportunities. It demonstrated that quality talent exists across Latin America when given the right training.
The organization maintains its deep connection to local communities while leveraging global networks. This balanced approach creates sustainable social impact that inspires similar models worldwide.
Conclusion
When barriers fall and pathways open, extraordinary talent emerges from unexpected places. The journey of Mariana Costa demonstrates how one person’s vision can transform entire industries and thousands of lives.
This initiative proves that investing in women from diverse backgrounds isn’t charity—it’s smart business. Companies that hire graduates consistently report exceptional performance in the tech sector. Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives that drive innovation.
If your organization seeks talented junior developers or UX designers, contact Herman Marin at herman@laboratoria.la. Experienced professionals interested in contributing can reach Rodulfo Prieto at rodulfo@laboratoria.la about the fellowship program.
Each year brings new graduates and expanded impact across Latin America. This ongoing work shows that when we create genuine opportunities, we unlock human potential that benefits everyone.