Every pixel is a step
forward for her future

Dana is a first-generation Mexican American whose love for technology started at an early age, customizing MySpace profiles and teaching herself the basics of HTML and CSS. What began as a creative hobby sparked a lifelong curiosity about how technology works and the power it holds to connect people.

After building a career that spanned healthcare and e-commerce, Dana's path took a pivotal turn when her grandfather fell victim to a phishing scam. Seeing the rise in cyber attacks and scams targeting everyday people, she recognized an urgent need for cybersecurity professionals and decided to become one. She went on to earn a degree in cybersecurity, combining her diverse professional background with a mission to protect others.

Today, Dana is passionate about education and expanding who gets a seat at the table in tech. She founded Pixels Forward because she believes the industry needs more diverse voices, especially those of young girls from underrepresented communities who may not yet see themselves in these careers. For Dana, every pixel is a step toward a more inclusive future.

My name is Thania Cisneros, and I am a first-generation college student, veteran, career changer, and proud mom to a beautiful baby girl.

My story begins with my family, who migrated from Mexico in search of a better life. Growing up, my parents always told me, “Ponte las pilas,” a phrase many of us in the Hispanic community know well. To me, it meant to stay focused, work hard, and push forward no matter the circumstances. Like many first-generation students, I grew up with big dreams but not always a clear path. I wanted to make my family proud, so I followed a traditional route and earned my degree in biology, hoping to become a dentist.

But after working in the field, I realized something important: it’s okay to change your mind.

Walking away from the career I thought I wanted was scary. I didn’t know exactly what came next, but I knew I wanted more. That’s when I discovered computer science and cybersecurity. Coming from a military background, I have always had a strong desire to protect others and be part of the “good guys.” Cybersecurity gave me a new way to do that by defending systems, solving problems, and making a real impact in the digital world.

Today, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an emphasis in Cybersecurity at Oregon State University, graduating in June 2026. I am also an active member of communities that uplift women in tech, including the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Austin Affiliate, Rewriting the Code (RTC), and Latinas in Tech Austin. Through these spaces, I continue to grow, learn, and connect with others who share similar goals.

My goal is to start my career as a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst and eventually become a security engineer, but more importantly, I want to show other young Latinas that this path is possible.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to follow the path everyone expects. And you don’t have to do it alone. If I could share one message with young girls starting their journey, it would be this: You belong in tech. Your story matters. And you are capable of more than you think.

Everything I am working toward today is not just for me, it’s for my daughter, my fiancé, my family, and every girl who needs to see someone like her in this space.

As my friend Lorena Mejia says, “If there’s no chair at the table, bring your foldable chair, because us Latinas belong in tech too.”

Phuong is a software engineer originally from Vietnam, She specializes in NetSuite and ERP systems, building solutions that streamline processes and improve how businesses operate.

She is also a proud mom to a 2-year-old daughter, who inspires her every day. Passionate about making technology more approachable, Phuong enjoys creating applications that simplify life and make things easier for people.

Phuong is especially driven to encourage more girls to explore and pursue careers in tech, and hopes to help shape a more inclusive future in the industry.