Read about Lara Prades

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

I was driven by the desire to merge two of my greatest passions: leveraging data-driven technology and supporting humanitarian efforts. The United Nations' mandate resonated deeply with me, and I saw an opportunity to build and implement innovative technological solutions focused on improving people's lives and helping protect our planet. In addition, working at the United Nations allows me to see firsthand how technology can be a powerful tool for positive change. It's a place where every project and every piece of data can contribute to a larger, meaningful and inspiring mission.

What has been your favorite technology project or initiative at the United Nations and why? What was your contribution?

My favorite project was Digital Engine for Emergency Photo-analysis (DEEP) at the World Food Programme (WFP). I worked with the data scientist and UAV team to validate and test the system utilizing satellite imagery instead of drone imagery.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

It's incredibly rewarding to apply technology to a meaningful mandate like the one of the United Nations and beyond. In our work, we should always start by identifying the questions we need to answer, ensuring that technology is applied in a way that aligns with the broader mission. This approach ensures that we use technology to its fullest potential, supporting the Organisation's mandate.

The technology field is rapidly expanding and has a critical need for more women to join and contribute their unique perspectives and skills. I feel it's essential to maintain a perspective on how technology fits into the bigger picture of what we are doing, always prioritizing the mission and the people we aim to help. By doing so, we can make a significant impact and drive meaningful change in the world.