In August, Women in Tech Global‘s Founder and CEO, Ayumi Moore Aoki, visited Panama to deepen collaboration with one of the country’s key institutions driving scientific and technological advancement. The visit included a meeting with Dr. Eduardo Ortega-Barría, National Secretary of the Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENACYT), marking another milestone in Women in Tech’s expanding presence across Latin America.
SENACYT: Panama’s Engine for Innovation
The Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENACYT) serves as Panama’s national authority for science, technology, and innovation policy. As a government institution, SENACYT is responsible for formulating and executing strategies that promote scientific research, technological development, and innovation across the country. The organization plays a crucial role in strengthening Panama’s research capabilities, supporting talent development in STEM fields, and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government. SENACYT’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and promoting inclusive access to science and technology makes it a natural partner for Women in Tech’s mission in the region.
Building Bridges: Collaboration Between Women in Tech Panama and SENACYT
The meeting with Dr. Ortega-Barría focused on exploring concrete opportunities to strengthen the partnership between Women in Tech®Panama and SENACYT. Discussions centered on developing innovative programs and activities designed to bridge the gap between women and technology throughout Panama. The conversation explored how both organizations could leverage their respective strengths – SENACYT’s institutional reach and resources, combined with Women in Tech’s proven methodologies and global network – to create meaningful impact. Key areas of focus included expanding STEM education opportunities for girls and women, creating pathways for women in scientific research and technological innovation, and building sustainable support systems for women pursuing careers in these fields. The alignment between SENACYT’s national priorities and Women in Tech’s grassroots approach presents significant potential for scaling impact across Panama.
Looking Ahead
This visit to Panama reinforces the momentum that Women in Tech Global has been building across Latin America. With strong institutional partners like SENACYT and an active local chapter in Women in Tech®Panama, the foundation is set for sustained impact in the region. As both organizations move forward with implementing new programs and deepening their collaboration, the focus remains clear: creating pathways for Panamanian women and girls to thrive in science, technology, and innovation.
