Influential Woman · IT

Fernanda Wanderer

Technical Program Manager, SESI/RS - Serviço Social da Indústria

San Diego, CA

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's degree in Computer Science Degree Post-graduation degree in Product Management

Her Story

About Fernanda

I began my journey in technology in 2000 when I started my bachelor's degree in computer science at a university in Brazil. At the same time, I started working in the computer lab at the university, where I really began to develop my knowledge about computers, programming, installation, and everything related to IT. After that, I joined a small software company in Brazil where I learned coding and worked as a developer for 7-8 years. I then transitioned to system analysis, moving away from coding work. Eventually, I moved into project management, which is where I am today. In this role, I work with both sides - the software team and the stakeholders and clients - serving as the bridge between them. I manage schedules, dates, and project costs, making sure we don't build more than we're paid for while delivering what clients need. My day-to-day responsibilities include meeting with team leaders to ensure everything is going as planned and addressing any issues, creating financial and productivity reports for company directors, and meeting with stakeholders and clients to provide feedback and show completed portions of projects. I'm not in the core of the team anymore, but I really like where I am today. After living in the United States between 2015 and 2022, my family and I had to return to Brazil for family situations. We just moved back to San Diego in January 2025, and I'm currently looking for a job here in my area.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Fernanda

01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

As a woman in IT, this area is so hard and very difficult because this is a spot for men. We need to act differently and be very strong. Sometimes in my career, I've had to do things I don't like or don't usually do, like being angry or looking angry, because if I don't do that, they will not respect me or they won't do what I'm saying. But I want to encourage other women - you are strong enough, and you need to believe in yourselves. It is different if you want to be a CEO, for example. Your behavior needs to be different than a man's, and you need to be knowledgeable about this. I'm looking to study something like this to help myself and help others. When it's possible and the company has some women's group or something like that, I always want to be part of it to encourage other women.

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