We’re excited to introduce you to Claudia Valecillos, Fabio Sacoman, & Alejandro Villarreal, the amazing Expedians who will be leading a workshop at this year’s Latinas in Tech Summit! Latinas in Tech, the largest tech conference for Latinas, is a two-day event in San Francisco and online celebrating innovation, empowerment, and the undeniable impact of Latina leaders in technology. You can catch Claudia, Fabio, & Alejandro facilitating an interactive workshop entitled “Crafting Compelling Narratives: A Data Storytelling Workshop” at the summit on Thursday, May 16th at 11:30am PST.

Read on to learn more about our data storytellers, what they have planned for the workshop, and why they are excited for summit!

Meet our Data Storytellers

Claudia Valecillos, Director, Software Development Engineering 

Claudia Valecillos, Director of Software Development Engineering, is a passionate leader driving technical strategy and partner relationships for key B2B clients. She holds a Computer Engineering degree from Universidad Simón Bolívar in Venezuela and a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing from Universidad Complutense in Spain. Her impressive background spans software development, technical program management, integration management, and engineering leadership at companies like Hertz, Amazon, Eventbrite, and now Expedia Group. Beyond her technical expertise, Claudia is a champion for diversity and inclusion. She serves as the Global President for LEAD (Latinx at Expedia and Allies for Development) Inclusion Business Group and is actively involved with Latinas in Tech, Madrid Chapter. Originally from Venezuela, Claudia now holds dual citizenship in Spain and is dedicated to promoting and empowering Latinx representation in leadership. Outside of work, Claudia enjoys exploring new places, savoring culinary delights, and staying active through running, yoga, and meditation.

Fabio Sacoman, Senior Director, Learning and Development 

A passionate learning & development leader with a background in Chemical Engineering, Fabio Sacoman leverages his technical expertise to craft impactful learning experiences. A graduate of Unicamp, Brazil’s premier Chemical Engineering institution, Fabio’s background boasts esteemed titles like Black Belt at General Electric and Master Black Belt/Agile Expert at SETA. Based in London, he serves as the Senior Director of Learning Experience at Expedia Group, leading a global team that designs and delivers learning programs for over 15,000 employees worldwide. Prioritizing scalability and inclusivity, Fabio integrates diversity & inclusion principles into his approach, actively shaping talent management and organizational development strategies at EG. His influence extends beyond borders, as he has trained individuals across 25 countries and serves as global faculty for renowned academies like GE Crotonville, Baker Hughes, and Motorola, solidifying his reputation as a global expert in Learning & Development.

Alejandro Villarreal, Director, Partner Connect 

Alejandro Villarreal is a Technology Director with over 15 years of experience in the tech world. Immigrating from Mexico, his journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the immense potential of Latinx professionals driving innovation. His strong foundation began with a BASc in Information Technology from the Universidad de Monterrey and further honing his skills with a Certificate in Program Management from the University of Washington. Currently as the Director of Commercial Operations & Partner Experience for North America and LATAM at Expedia Group, Alejandro oversees a skilled team responsible for partner integrations and successful go-to-market strategies and leads impactful, billion-dollar global projects. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a sought-after mentor, inspiring teams across the Americas. His story is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, and his contributions solidify the transformative impact of visionary leaders shaping the future of technology and business.

What can attendees expect to take away from the workshop?

The workshop is entitled “Crafting Compelling Narratives: A Data Storytelling Workshop” and will provide participants with the skills and techniques necessary to transform raw data into compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. In today’s data-driven world, effectively communicating insights and findings is crucial so attendees will learn how to structure their data into a coherent storyline, identify key insights, and present their findings in a clear, inclusive and impactful manner. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, participants will gain practical experience in crafting narratives that drive understanding and action. Whether you’re a data analyst, business professional, or interested in improving your storytelling abilities, this interactive workshop offers valuable insights and practical strategies to help you effectively communicate with data.

By the end of this workshop, we hope attendees will be able to:

• Understand an utilize the 3 components of data storytelling: Learn to think critically about data, feel the emotional impact of stories, and act on insights for positive change.
• Lead with inclusivity: Discover how data storytelling can empower you to tell stories that resonate with diverse audiences and inspire more inclusive leadership practices.
• Shape your management style: Gain a framework for using strategic storytelling to influence and motivate your team.

What are each of you looking forward to the most at
this year’s Latinas in Tech Summit?

Claudia:  I’m thrilled to be attending the Latinas in Tech Summit for the second year in a row! As a Latina and a passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity, this summit holds a special place in my heart. I’m eager to connect with fellow Latinas and allies to share our experiences and exchange insights on how we can continue to break barriers and empower one another. I can’t wait to be inspired by the incredible speakers and to contribute my own experiences during the workshop with Fabio and Alejandro. I’m sure I’ll leave the summit with renewed energy and determination to drive change, foster growth, and promote sisterhood within our community! 

Fabio: I’m particularly excited about the Latinas in Tech Summit for two reasons. First, it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with talented individuals, especially Latinas in the tech industry. We at Expedia Group are a very innovative company that fosters a culture of opportunity for everyone. I’m eager to showcase how we achieve this through our team structures and the emphasis we place on everyone’s contributions. Secondly, the Summit is a great platform to share stories. Stories are powerful tools in the business world, but simply telling them isn’t enough. At EG, we believe in using data to back up our stories and employing engaging techniques to truly capture our audience’s attention. I’d love to share these storytelling techniques with attendees so they can implement them themselves.

Alejandro:  I’m incredibly excited about the Latinas in Tech Summit this year! One thing I’m really looking forward to is the opportunity to learn from such a talented and diverse group of individuals. As a Latino myself and a manager of Latina employees in the tech industry, being an ally and advocate is crucial to me, and events like this provide invaluable insights and perspectives that I can bring back to my team. I’m also eager to share my experiences and strategies for storytelling using data, as I believe that leveraging data in our narratives is not only powerful but essential in driving meaningful change and innovation. Overall, I’m looking forward to a day filled with inspiration, collaboration, and growth for everyone involved. 

Stay Connected With Expedia Group

Expedia Group is a proud sponsor of Latinas in Tech Summit 2024. We’re thrilled to celebrate our community and the power of being Latina and well-traveled at this event. If you’d like access to our latest opportunities, events, interview advice, and global insights from our Expedia Group leaders, join our Career Network by signing up here!