Inspiring Women: Aleja Henao Espitia

Meet Aleja Henao Espitia, whose expertise extends across growth marketing, AI integration and project management—a skill set honed over years of hands-on experience in the startup ecosystem.

Meet Aleja

In this edition of #WomenInspiringPeople, we’re thrilled to spotlight Aleja Henao Espitia, a trailblazer who has embodied the power of technology and leadership from an early age. Aleja’s journey into tech began at just 17 when she took on a project manager role, proving that age is no barrier when driven by passion. Her story is a testament to how strong leadership and dedication can open doors, break down barriers and inspire young professionals everywhere.

Currently, Aleja serves as head of growth at Dapta, where she plays a pivotal role in streamlining AI integration into everyday business processes. Her work focuses on a low-code platform that connects various tools with advanced AI, empowering companies to automate workflows, boost efficiency and unlock new growth opportunities. Her expertise extends across growth marketing, AI integration and project management—a skill set honed over years of hands-on experience in the startup ecosystem.

Aleja is dedicated to creating supportive learning environments, launching initiatives that connect emerging talent with industry experts and fostering networks that guide others in navigating STEM fields. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys sharing her journey on social media and embraces travel, culinary adventures and quality time with family. She is especially grateful for the support of her close-knit family, who are present at every significant milestone.

Aleja’s story underscores the transformative power of resilience, inclusion and community-building in the tech world. She exemplifies how a passion for technology and a commitment to mentorship can drive impactful change, inspiring the next generation to thrive in the digital landscape.

We had the opportunity to interview Aleja to get to know her better and hear her valuable advice. Our first question was for Aleja to tell us a little bit about herself in her own words, as well as some tips based on her experience!

Aleja, tell us a little about your story, who you are, how you started in the technology world.

I am Aleja, a self-taught professional passionate about technology, entrepreneurship and community-building. My journey began when, at 17, I took on the role of project manager, challenging expectations and proving that young women can lead. Over the past four years, I’ve worked in several startups, gaining experience in growth marketing, project management and AI integration. My passion lies in leveraging technology to empower women and youth through community-driven initiatives, particularly in tech professional development.

I’ve organized events, developed educational content, and built strategies that have grown our community to over 4,000 active members. My mission is to create inclusive spaces where emerging talent connects with industry professionals, empowering underrepresented groups to thrive in the digital economy. Traveling, spending time with family and friends, trying new foods and creating social media content are things I deeply enjoy.

Tell us a phrase that describes you as a professional.

I consider myself a unicorn 🦄, the most creative among technicians and the most technical among creatives.

How old were you when you first stepped into the world of technology?

17 years old.

Define what technology is for you in a word.

“Empowerment.”

Tell us some curious information about yourself that you want to share.

Making PowerPoint presentations for your dolls as a child became that I now share experiences to create and help more people grow in technology. My biggest dream is to go see a rocket take off at NASA.

In your tech career, what has been your biggest challenge? Could you share a bit about it?

One of the biggest challenges in my technological career has been breaking into leadership roles at a young age, particularly in environments where both age and gender biases persist. Starting as a project manager at 17, I often found myself in rooms where I was either the youngest or the only woman, which made it difficult to gain immediate trust and credibility. There were moments when I had to work twice as hard to prove that I belonged and that my ideas could lead to meaningful results.

What learning did that challenge give you?

These challenges have shaped me into a more resilient and resourceful professional. They’ve also fueled my passion for empowering other young people and women to overcome similar obstacles in their careers. I’ve made it a priority to build inclusive communities and mentoring spaces where individuals feel supported and have access to the knowledge they need to succeed, no matter their background or circumstances.

What advice would you give to someone who is unsure about pursuing a career in STEM?

I would recommend that you explore freely: try courses, attend events and join communities to discover what you are passionate about. Connect with professionals to get information and see the various opportunities available. Remember that progress in STEM comes through curiosity and persistence; you don’t need to have it all figured out from the start. The skills you acquire are transferable to all sectors and, with the right support from communities and mentors, you will gain confidence along the way.

What advice would you give to those currently working in STEM?

My tip is to stay curious and keep learning—technology evolves rapidly, and continuous growth is essential to stay relevant. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone by exploring new fields or tools. Building strong networks is equally important; connect with peers, mentors and communities to exchange knowledge and collaborate on projects. Lastly, remember to prioritize well-being—burnout is real in fast-paced environments, so make time for rest, hobbies and personal connections to maintain balance and stay motivated.

What advice would you give to a person who wants to have a successful profile like yours?

My advice is to take initiative and embrace lifelong learning. Start by seeking out opportunities, whether it’s volunteering, joining tech communities or participating in events. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; dive into projects that challenge you and help you grow. Building a personal brand is also key—create content that reflects your expertise and passions, and actively share your journey on platforms like LinkedIn. Networking plays a huge role in success, so connect with people in your field and seek mentors who can guide you. Surround yourself with communities that align with your interests.

Lastly, be patient and consistent. Success takes time, but every experience, challenge and learning opportunity adds value to your profile. Stay focused on your goals, enjoy the process and don’t forget to give back by mentoring others along the way.

Finally, I would like you to give us some advice to your readers on how you organize your time, especially when you have large projects and a high profile like yours.

To manage time effectively with large projects, break tasks into smaller steps and prioritize what’s urgent. I really love to use tools like Notion and Google Calendar to plan deadlines and milestones. Be selective about commitments and learn to say “no” when necessary. Lastly, prioritize self-care—balance is key to staying productive and achieving long-term goals.

Did You Enjoy the Interview?

🌟 If so, make sure to connect with her on LinkedIn and take note of all the valuable tips Aleja shared! I hope this interview inspired and motivated you on your own journey.

I’ll take this opportunity to share some links to Aleja’s talks: ❤️✨📚

• From MVP to Production: A Plan to Implement AI in Your Company
• Integrate AI to Automate Workflows
• The Impact of AI on Work
• Strategies and Tools to Attract More Clients
• How to create a successful MVP with AI and Low Code?

See you in the next article! 💚💕