Influential Woman · IT
Alejandra Sanchez Arizmendi
Reporting and integration, DP Electric
Tempe, AZ
Her Story
About Alejandra
I work for DP Electric where I've been for 2 years, specializing in IT reporting and integration. My main focus is getting our business applications and integrating them with other applications we have, helping the business automate as many processes as we can. On a typical day, I look at what kind of processes we have, get with other departments and see where we can automate a lot of their processes. We're trying to move away from manual work, so I reach out to departments, see what kind of processes they're working on, see what I can automate, work with them to simplify the process, and then try to incorporate AI if it's available into these day-to-day processes to kind of free them up more so they can put their time in other things that is more needed than manual process. I'm most proud of helping my HR department automate about 20-25% of their processes since I've been at the company, including automated reports and automated processes like terminations or new hires. I'm the only woman in my department, and it's rare when you see a woman in IT working in a male-dominated field, but my coworkers are very supportive and help me and guide me, and they're very communicative, and they don't put me down.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alejandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say dedication, persistency, and support. Support specifically from my manager and my family, who have guided me since I was younger to kind of tell me, like, if you want to be in that world, in the IT world, like, don't be scared that it's male dominant. Do not be scared. And just be persistent, keep showing up, and show them that you got what it takes.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is don't be afraid of trying new things. I know it sounds simple, but with today's age and changes, we see changes every day, and they're coming fast. So we're very proud to say, you know, if the old way works, that's great, but don't be scared of changing it and making it better to help you be faster, be better.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to not be scared. And that women can do it too, that whatever you think you can't do, you can do, and it's just a matter of trying. Putting yourself out there.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Specifically to my field, my department, and my role, I would say changes, competing with AI and all these changes that are coming really fast. I know people are scared of their jobs getting taken over, so I think those are some of the challenges I'm seeing. But it's not as advanced, and it's still something you should be learning to keep with the movement of how things are going and changing.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say loyalty, respect, hard working, communication. Anything that has to do with the well-being of others, not putting others down, kind of, you know, supporting one another. And I say this because I am the only woman in my department, and it's rare when you see a woman in IT working in a male-dominated field. My coworkers are very supportive, and help me and guide me, and they're very communicative, and they don't put me down, and I think that's a big value for me.
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