Carmen Santiago Keenon
I've been in the technology space for over 15 years now, though I didn't get into technology until I was in my early 30s. I was having a really rough season and having to make some interesting choices regarding income when a friend reached out to me with an opportunity to do tech consulting. They knew me in a sales capacity and connected me to an opportunity. They took a chance on me, and I started in the IT space with Citrix on the hardware side. Before that, I had been part of a credit card processing company startup, so I was already curious regarding the tech that runs all of these things. I was later diagnosed on the spectrum in my late 30s, and business workflow technology really explained how my brain works as a very process-centric thinker and doer. Now I own IT Girl Solutions, my tech consultancy, and PayGov USA, my fintech company. Through PayGov USA, we have a give-back program where companies that do business with us automatically contribute monthly to the Autism Hero Project and a ministry in Africa that helps women affected by AIDS build sustainable businesses. I sit on the board of the Autism Hero Project, where we provide insurance policies for families that were uninsured or underinsured, provide scholarships, train first responders nationally in all 50 states, and do inclusive events with different big sports entities. I'm passionate about STEM initiatives and helping other women, especially moms like myself, get into the tech career track. I'm also a public speaker with Lumini.org, working with nonprofits and speaking to foster kids to show them what's possible. I was in the foster care system myself, emancipated at a young age, got kicked out of high school, was a mom at 19, and went from almost becoming a stripper to getting into technology. I actually employ strippers and talk to strip clubs to introduce women to tech and offer them opportunities, because if you can sell drugs or sell your body, you can sell anything with the right training. I'm a mom of three amazing humans, and I'm also working through some health stuff with autonomic dysfunction where my heart works at about 40% on a good day. I was Miss Illinois Universe and Miss Universe Ambassador in 2024, and I'm the current title holder of Miss International World Puerto Rico and Miss International World Model, and I leverage those titles for my community-based work.
• Miss Illinois Universe 2024
• Miss Universe Ambassador 2024
• Miss International World Puerto Rico (current title holder)
• Miss International World Model
• Autism Hero Project | Ms. International World Organization
• Autism Hero Project (Board Member
• Advocacy for workforce inclusion
• First responder training
• Inclusive events)
• PayGov USA Give-Back Program (supports nonprofits and ministry in Africa helping women affected by AIDS)
• Public speaking to foster kids
• Advocacy work in Springfield
• Illinois for autism-related bills
• Speaking at strip clubs to introduce women to tech careers
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Breathe, pray, and take a moment to connect with your faith—whatever that looks like for you. For me, it’s Jesus and God, but the principle is universal: seek guidance and clarity. Understand whose you are and recognize that your life has purpose; knowing this is the foundation for intentional living. Have a clear vision for your life—write it down, be specific, and be bold—because without it, you’ll drift and fall into circumstances rather than create them. Then, work backwards from that vision, taking deliberate steps each day to move closer to it. Get with God, get with yourself, and let purpose guide every choice you make.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, Honesty, Servant leadership, having a growth mindset, and being okay with failing.