Maria Elena Calix

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

Communications is strongly linked to the digital world nowadays, hence the use of digital technology. As a communications and advocacy officer, I have to keep up with data visualization software, web management interfaces and other related matters that help us showcase what the UN does and engage with audiences around the development challenges we must overcome together in the country.

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

Results reporting is definitely what drives me right now. Before the RCS system there wasn't much knowledge about what the UN does as a whole in the country. Last year we had our first experience producir a UNCT E-report for the country. This year we have great expectations on this process since we are now using UN Info and really looking at the way we share data and turn it into a relatable story through digital media, including our e-report for 2022. We have also helped our RC with her Tik Tok positioning, proving it can be a powerful knowledge and engagement tool for change.

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

Be an advocate through your work. It may be challenging as a women to be heard in an area that has been traditionally male dominant, but our work and results really help break this paradigm and contribute to open more opportunities to other women.