21st century Women Technologists: Antía Fernández
In new episode of this popular series of interviews with women technologists today we introduce you our colleague Antía. Born in Allariz, a village in Ourense, our colleague is a telecommunications engineer, currently co-director of the Intelligent Systems area at Gradiant and responsible for the services offered by Gradiant. She is a music and sports fan – she played in the Galician basketball team and plays the bagpipe- and in her free time she loves to enjoy nature, practice yoga and read all the books that fall into her hands. In addition, Antía visits her village every weekend.
What did you want to do when you were younger?
I’ve always been really curious. When I was a little girl, I was always responsible for programming the video and that kind of things, but I never worried about defining my profession. Every year new ones are created and there are many possibilities.
Why did you choose technology for your future?
I remember when I was 12 I did a programming workshop on summer. I set up the basketball club Allariz website where I played at the time to practice, but I was really fascinated how humans can get machines to make magic.
Where did you plan to do your career? Why?
It was clear to me that I was going to choose a career related to technology and my family and friends told me that “teleco” was one of the most difficult degrees, so I jumped in. If something is a challenge, that’s where I go.
What are you currently working on?
Currently, I focus on research and development of data analytics technologies to improve decision making. We take care of data capture, interconnection and data processing to generate knowledge for companies. To do this, we use advanced algorithmic technologies, big data and cloud computing tools, IoT and 5G, among others.
What do you like most about your job?
What I like most about my job is constant change. It’s necessary to take on challenges every day as well as solve new problems and this always gives me the chance to learn in every way: from the customers, because I work with very different sectors -from the industrial to the education- and from my colleagues; compromised, very qualified and passionate about their work. In 2018 I am already 9 years old at Gradiant and I still remember when we were only 20 at the beginning. It is very satisfying to see that we grow and mature along with the centre.
Who is your feminine reference in tech world?
I have no doubts, it’s Sheryl Sandberg. She is the COO of Google and a reference in business and technology leadership. Her book “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead”, which my colleague Helena recommended to me in 2013, has motivated my interest in promoting women’s role in technology. Currently, I am a mentor at Stem Talent Girl and I was present at the European Women in Tech in Amsterdam last week.
What would you say to the technologist of the future?
I’d tell them to fight for whatever they like, without limitations. I would advise them to take the opportunities that come their way. In technology, as in life, there are no limits.
