About the Founder
Zitlalic Ley is the Founder and CEO of Latina Nerd, a technology + business consulting and solution provider created to empower Latinos through innovation and the latest technologies. Latina Nerd focuses on providing “simple and cost-effective, yet powerful” technology and business solutions as well as workshops and one-on-one training. A native of Sinaloa, México, Zitlalic is a results-driven Latina who is very passionate about technology and helping others.
Zitlalic previously worked for Square Inc., in which she launched the first Square en Español initiative in Southern California, increasing the Hispanic users base by 25% nationwide. Zitlalic is currently working with the National Latina Business Women Association, Los Angeles’s executive team to implement technology solutions and innovation.
Ms. Ley has also served as Director of Technology for RPAA, worked in Silicon Valley at a smartwatch jewelry startup and was the National Coordinator for the Membership & Student Chapters of 11,000 Latino students at ALPFA.
Zitlalic wanted to make an impact for Latinos at the national level so she moved to Washington D.C. to work for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) to create opportunities for minorities to excel academically and increase government resources for low-income students. In addition, Zilalic has also worked with the Mexican Consulate to co-promote the Labor Rights Week with Univision Television to provide legal assistance to thousands of viewers.
Further, Zitlalic was recognized by the City of Los Angeles 2nd District and received the Empowering Latina Woman Award from New York Life, among others. Zitlalic recently completed the Starting Bloc’s Social Innovation Fellowship and the Hive’s Global Leadership Program at Harvard Business School.
Ms. Ley attended Glendale Community College and Cal State University, Northridge where she was a student-athlete graduating with honors, completed 5 internships and founded a Homework Lab After School Program. There, she also served as Co-Vice President for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and earned All-American status, ranking 3rd in the nation.
In her off time, Zitlalic spends time learning new technologies, providing motivational presentations and empowering the Latino community.