Positionality and values

A note on where I come from

I'm proudly marrona. My parents come from rural areas in Bolivia, and I had the privilege of attending tuition free schools. I did not grow up in what is often imagined as a stereotypical Indigenous community. Like many families around the world, mine moved in search of better opportunities (some might argued it is displacement...).

These experiences tangibly shape my research interests, my understanding of inclusion, and how I navigate academic spaces. My engagement with antiracist movements in Argentina also shaped my political identification as marrona. The more opportunities I receive, the more important it becomes to stay aware of the privileges that come with them, share what I learn, and make knowledge and opportunities more accessible.

I'm still figuring out how to balance outreach work that personally fulfills me with academic and professional opportunities that support career growth. So far, I see a faculty role as a position of both power and responsibility. It could let me continue some of the work I care about and, most importantly, offer the intellectual freedom to bring great people together around shared goals.

For now, after exploring academic work on Indigenous AI, I have chosen to focus this part of my work outside traditional academic venues. I prioritize activism and community focused initiatives led by NGOs and nonprofits that help communities understand how academic and industry spaces work, develop their own positions, and pursue transparent collaborations aligned with their values and expectations. I care about concrete action and thoughtful collaboration.

Always happy to collaborate or exchange experiences, especially with women and Indigenous descendants in computer science. Reach out, y más aún si sos de LATAM.