3 Ways to Practice Self-Advocacy in Tech: Advice From a Sr Product Manager and Global BRG Co-Lead

People who represent marginalized communities often have to fight for a seat at the proverbial table. Throughout her professional trajectory, Cristina (Cristy) Jimenez, a Senior Product Manager – Technical at Mastercard, has aimed to rise above the challenges of navigating the corporate landscape as a Hispanic woman. Fortunately, her experiences have given her the tools to succeed and uplift others in the process. 

“Often, it feels like a constant battle against preconceived notions and biases,” says Jimenez. “However, amidst these challenges, there are crucial lessons that I’ve learned. It’s about embracing the journey, advocating for oneself, and — ultimately — making an indelible mark based on merit and perseverance. This self-advocacy is not just a tool, but a source of empowerment, giving us the control to shape our own narratives.”

If you’re wondering how to act on this advice and become your own best advocate, Jimenez shares three actionable tips:

1. Follow the mantra of ’N.O.’ (next opportunity). “We won’t know what opportunities await us unless we voice our aspirations,” Jimenez emphasizes. “Sometimes, the fear of rejection can hold us back, but it’s essential to remember that not asking already guarantees a ’no.’”

2. Find the right people. Search for people “who genuinely value your skills and contributions and who will recognize them despite superficial differences,” says Jimenez. “I found such an environment when I joined a diverse team that celebrated different perspectives. Rejection from certain quarters doesn’t invalidate your qualifications or worth; it merely redirects you toward environments where your talents are appreciated.”

3. Perseverance is your greatest asset. “It’s not just about weathering rejections or setbacks,” notes Jimenez. “It’s about continually pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. Every accomplishment and every milestone reached despite the odds is a testament to our resilience. It’s a reminder of the strength we possess, inspiring us to keep going even in the face of adversity.”

Here, Jimenez shares how she applied this advice to her career journey, including what attracted her to Mastercard, a look inside her current position, and her role as the co-lead of External Engagement at Mastercard’s Global Latin business resource group (BRG).

To begin, can you share what your career journey has been like up to this point? What attracted you to working at Mastercard?

When we were in college, my friends and I decided to relaunch a student group called Women in Technology (WIT) at our university, Tecnologico de Monterrey. Because of this work, I received a scholarship from Google to attend the Grace Hopper conference. There, I made it my mission to network with all the incredible women who attended and learn from their paths and experiences. 

As for what attracted me to Mastercard, it was their culture, which was evident as soon as I interacted with them; at the time, I didn’t think of Mastercard as a technology company, but soon enough, I was interviewing to be the next intern in their Cybersecurity Development team. 

The idea of significantly impacting so many lives drove my passion for technology and for creating a better and more inclusive place for everyone. My passion for user experience has inspired me to explore different roles across the organization, from being a developer to focusing more on customer experience to designing technology solutions that leverage existing Mastercard assets to solve global challenges. 

Mastercard also offers excellent benefits! One example is their tuition assistance offered in the U.S., which helped me cover some of the tuition for the Professional MBA program I’m attending at WashU.

What’s your day-to-day like as a Senior Product Manager — Technical? What skills have you developed to excel in this role?

As a Senior Product Manager — Technical, I’ve developed skills such as time management, stakeholder management, prioritization, and user experience (UX). Each day presents a new challenge, whether that be collaborating with cross-functional teams to iron out technical details or gathering valuable insights from customer feedback. 

It’s a dynamic role that requires me to wear many hats — from strategic planner to problem-solver to team leader. What excites me the most is the opportunity to blend my technical expertise with my passion for innovation, driving tangible results that positively impact our customers and business. Complex problem-solving is at the heart of what we do. I love solving technical gaps for global products, and my role is critical in building future payment technology. It’s a role that demands adaptability, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

You’re also the co-lead of External Engagement for Mastercard’s Global Latin business resource group (BRG). In your own words, could you describe what this BRG does and what your co-lead role entails?

The Latin business resource group (BRG) at Mastercard is a community-driven initiative that fosters diversity, inclusion, and professional development within the Latinx community and its allies. As co-lead of External Engagement alongside my counterpart Sara Restrepo, my role involves spearheading efforts to cultivate meaningful connections and partnerships with external organizations, communities, and stakeholders. I collaborate with other BRGs, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and industry groups to amplify our impact and support initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Whether organizing networking events, advocating for inclusive policies, or participating in community outreach programs, our goal is to create a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive. 

As co-lead, I’m committed to leveraging my leadership skills and passion for advocacy to drive positive change and foster a culture of belonging within and beyond the walls of Mastercard. To add to this commitment, I joined the nonprofit board called The Immigrant Home English Learning Program (IHELP) this year. IHELP empowers immigrant families by providing individualized, in-home English language education and tools for effectively navigating our community.

Why did you decide to join this BRG, and why is its mission and work so important — both at Mastercard and beyond?

I mentioned earlier that Mastercard immediately stood out for its culture, which is driven by its values. I resonate strongly with our principle of “Growing Together” since it includes bringing in different perspectives, doing the right thing, and being a force for good in the communities we touch individually and collectively.

I joined the BRG because of my deep passion for philanthropy and advocacy for underrepresented groups, particularly within the Latino community. Drawing from my experience founding and leading WIT during my college years, I recognized the transformative impact that community-driven initiatives can have on empowering individuals and fostering diversity and inclusion. 

However, upon moving to the U.S. and joining Mastercard, I noticed a gap in representation and support for the Latino community within the organization. While Mastercard had multiple ongoing initiatives, there needed to be more focus on Latino employees’ unique challenges and opportunities. Motivated by my desire to effect positive change and create a more inclusive environment, I saw a chance to relaunch the BRG and advocate for the interests and needs of the Latino community. By doing so, we aim to ensure that our voices are heard, our contributions are recognized, and our community has a seat at the table within Mastercard and the broader professional landscape.

During your time as a BRG co-lead, you focused on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and facilitating impactful relationships with external groups like the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Saint Louis, NPower, and Revature. Could you tell us more about why it’s important to form connections as a BRG leader?

I can’t say it enough: diversity drives innovation. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that companies have diverse group representation in all their teams, and that’s why we’ve focused so much on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Facilitating relationships with external groups allows us to amplify our impact by collaborating with external organizations that share similar goals and values. We can leverage their resources, expertise, and networks to expand our reach and make a more significant difference in the communities we serve.

Moreover, these connections are lifelines for underrepresented groups. They provide access to a wider range of opportunities, from job placements to mentorship programs and educational resources. Collaborating with external organizations is a crucial step in breaking down systemic barriers and providing the extra support these groups need to thrive. 

Fairygodboss is proud to partner with Mastercard. Find a job there today!