Read about Lhana Santos

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

I was initially drawn to a career in technology at the United Nations because I wanted to use my skills and expertise to make a positive impact on the world. In particular, I was excited about the role that technology can play in advancing the United Nations' mission. Technology has the power to connect people and communities across the globe, to provide vital information and services to those in need, and to facilitate collaboration and cooperation among diverse stakeholders. At the United Nations, I have had the opportunity to work on a range of innovative projects that are leveraging technology to achieve these goals. From developing tools to support disaster response and recovery efforts, to using data analysis to identify patterns and trends in global health and environmental issues, to building platforms for dialogue and collaboration among different groups, my work has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Overall, I feel incredibly fortunate to be working at the intersection of technology and social impact, and to be part of an organization that is making a real difference in the world.

What has been your favorite IT project at the United Nations and what was your technical contribution?

Choosing a single project that I enjoyed the most is a challenging task, as I have been fortunate enough to work on many impactful initiatives throughout my career. However, I have found that I am particularly drawn to projects that have a deceptively simple appearance but hold significant potential to improve the lives of the most vulnerable populations in times of crisis. These types of projects are particularly meaningful to me because I believe that the most effective solutions are often the ones that are rooted in empathy and a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of those who are most impacted. By developing projects that are seemingly straightforward but actually have a significant impact, we can create powerful solutions that make a real difference in people's lives.

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

In short, I believe that embracing technology is essential to creating a better future for ourselves and for the world. It requires us to be open-minded, curious, and willing to learn, but the rewards are immense. So, my advice to everyone is to pursue their dreams and to view technology as an exciting and essential tool for achieving them.