Connecting Tech and LatinX Advocacy
Four years ago, Asif Ali joined Latinitas’ annual fundraiser planning committee. He was introduced by a colleague from Oracle’s Latino Employee Resource Group. He had worked with teammates there developing a professional mentorship program at William B. Travis High School and loved facilitating opportunities for Black and Latino teens in Austin’s tech sector. Without pause he jumped right into Latinitas’ event planning offering to contact every successful entrepreneur in Austin to support a new “Startup Chica level” of sponsorship.
“He’s a servant leader through and through. Always willing to jump in and share his ideas. A true advocate for Latinitas and STEAM education,” explains Sammy Morales, Latinitas Board Co-Chair.
Asif Ali brings 4+ years at Oracle and its Netsuite division where he is a Staff Software Implementation Consultant and has been a Sales Development Representative and Oracle for Startups Ambassador. He has also worked in the styling division Amazon while he was earning a business management degree at Texas A&M University.
In his own words, Asif explains: “Our next leaders and innovators will be from underrepresented groups and it is our duty to provide them with all of the right resources while also fighting for them as well. I hope to impact the lives of LatinX and girls of color who will be able to break out of the box that society places them in.”
Asif is active in board committees for magazine, fundraising and marketing and Latinitas’ signature Chica Conferences, which were virtual throughout 2020–2021 and reached girls in 25+ states and other countries such as Venezuela, Costa Rica and Colombia.
“He has become a key volunteer on the Startup Chica planning committee going on four conferences now. He’s also a key creative team member serving on our Purple Party committee. His guidance, advice and enthusiasm helped make these projects successful. From planning flagship conferences to meaningful and creative contributions on major projects, Asif’s dedication and passion for empowering all girls is clear, and Latinitas is fortunate to have him serve on the board of directors.” explains Latinitas’ Engagement Director Bailey Pownall.
Asif is interested in leveraging the power of employee resource groups. Identifying, sourcing, and connecting Latinitas to various companies and individuals in Austin and nationally that will help with the future growth of the organization. He sees systematic mentorship as something integral to success for Latinitas’ alumni.
“The world is not only placing an importance on ‘what do you know’ but also ‘who do you know’ and how quickly can you learn. I believe creating a “Women’s Circle” or mentorship program (at Latinitas) will allow the participants for a smooth transition from program to college, internships, jobs, etc. and further cement their success.” he explains.
Latinitas Deputy Executive Director Sylvia Butanda has been working with Asif since he began volunteering at Latinitas. “Asif has been a valuable, enthusiastic high level volunteer over the past couple of years and now a board member for Latinitas who generously lends his creativity, community engagement and leadership skills. He understands and promotes the mission to build the next generation of leaders and innovators from underrepresented groups and is dedicated to the duty of providing these students with the right resources while also fighting for opportunity and equity for them.”
Welcome (officially) to the familia Asif Ali!
