Isabel Almaguer, M.HCI
Isabel Almaguer, M.HCI, is a data and technology professional whose career sits at the intersection of analytics, user experience, and business strategy. She began her journey in 2017 as a Business Intelligence Analyst at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, where she developed a strong foundation in data analytics, reporting, and visualization. Over the next several years, she refined her ability to translate complex datasets into meaningful insights, combining technical precision with a creative approach shaped by her background in computer science, math, and art.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Isabel made a pivotal decision to expand her expertise by pursuing a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction at Iowa State University. This transition marked a shift from purely quantitative analysis to a more human-centered perspective, where she began integrating qualitative research into her work. As a UX Research Advisor, she focused on understanding user behavior, motivations, and emotions—seeking not just to analyze what users do, but to uncover why they do it. Her work emphasized empathy-driven design, collaboration, and the use of research to inform impactful digital experiences.
Now serving as a Senior Data Advisor in the energy sector, Isabel has returned to a more data-focused role while maintaining her user-first mindset. She partners closely with stakeholders to align business goals with technology solutions, using data as a storytelling tool to bridge gaps between user needs and organizational objectives. Passionate about mentorship, community involvement, and advancing women in tech, Isabel continues to advocate for inclusive innovation—leveraging both data and human insight to create solutions that improve everyday work and drive meaningful change.
• Iowa State University
Master's degree, Human Computer Interaction
• University of Houston-Downtown
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Computer Science
• Rising Leader Award
• AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) Houston
• Buffalo Bayou Earth Day planting events
• AIGA Houston creative community building
What do you attribute your success to?
I am not very good at taking no for an answer. I'll give you an example - I put together a deck outlining the work I have done and would continue to do in a previous role because I wanted to get a promotion, and I very much knew I was ready. I went to my manager, my manager went to the director, and it was a no. With that answer, I decided to seek the 'yes'. I went to my network and mentioned my search for a new role and if anyone knew anyone hiring within the company let me know. I did that until someone connected me with my now boss who was hiring for his team growing team at the time. I introduced myself to him, asked him about the role, mentioned I was looking for the next thing for myself, and before I knew it, I got an interview a few weeks later. My boss felt very strongly about my application because he was looking to bring in someone with my experience to the role.
Eventually, after the interview process and leaving an impression, I got the role. That's why I'm now the title of "Senior", because I didn't sit around and wait for it to happen. I made it happen. I want what I want, and I went to go get it.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Learn to utilize your network!
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find your circle.
When I was going through my undergrad, there were definitely a lot more men in my classroom than there were ladies, and I'm pretty sure that's still the case. But find your circle, find mentors in business, find the people who are willing to help. LinkedIn is a thing, and this is an example of what I did when I was doing my master's that I encourage anyone to do, which can lead to lasting relationships, even if they're not going back to school, but are looking to learn more about a role, company culture, anything.
Look up the school, company, role, that you're trying to learn more about. Find a few individuals that meet that and shoot them a message. Something as simple as "hey, I see you're in XYZ position at this company. I am really interested in XYZ position. Can I schedule 30 minutes of your time to get an understanding of your journey and how you got there?" You'd be surprised at how many people are like, "yeah! I'm down, here's my schedule, just send me an email and let's get something scheduled to talk to each other." That helped me a lot when I was trying to decide which school I wanted to go for my master's, and it helped me find mentors that I would not have been introduced to otherwise. I still do that till this day if I'm trying to get more information about something. Take the initiatives. Don't be afraid. People want to help you. You have to network. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: Staying competitive in a job market filled with a lot of talent.
Opportunities: Access to endless free education to keep yourself competitive!
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I try to be very aware of burnout and understand my boundaries. I don't subscribe to the idea of FOMO. If I miss something, I miss something. I can always do said something the next year, or do something similar some other time, or maybe a different opportunity appears all together. You don't have to be everywhere at once; you don't have to go to every single thing. Go to something because you actually have genuine interest in it, and you think that you can actually make the most out of it. Not to be there, just to be there. Even if technology isn't your passion, per se, find a space in the volunteering, or in a hobby that is your space. I do love giving back to the community. I love mentorship. I love engaging in things that just make the environment and my community better.