Karla Patricia Larriva
Karla Larriva is a Principal Product Manager at Xbox, a division of Microsoft, where she partners closely with game developers and studios to enhance player experiences across platforms. With over a decade of experience in product management and computer engineering, she focuses on building seamless tooling for Xbox Game Streaming and driving cross-team collaboration from ideation to execution. Her work empowers studios to deliver content that reaches players wherever they want, reflecting her commitment to creating transformative and accessible technology. Karla began her career after earning a degree in Computer Engineering from Brigham Young University, where she was actively involved in IEEE, Mechatronics, and Women in Engineering. Early in her career, she contributed as a technical program manager and IT professional, gaining experience in both Windows and Linux environments, high- and low-level programming, and cross-functional product management. She has been recognized for her technical excellence and public speaking, including winning first place at a Microsoft hackathon, speaking in large conferences like Game Developer Conference (GDC), and receiving academic honors during her studies. Beyond her professional work, Karla is passionate about mentorship and community impact. She volunteers with different foundations, supports women in engineering through mentoring, and actively contributes to initiatives that encourage underrepresented groups in technology. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she brings a global perspective to her work and is driven by curiosity, hands-on learning, and a commitment to making technology meaningful and inclusive for all users.
• Brigham Young University - B.S.
• Latter-day Saints
• BYU - Woman in engineering
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong sense of curiosity and a willingness to try new things, supported by an incredible network of mentors, peers, and my family. Both of my grandmothers, Yolanda Larriva and Rhena Bermeo, are powerful examples of strong women who value learning and embody deep curiosity. Their influence, along with the guidance and support of others, has taught me to stay open to growth, adapt through change, and navigate challenges with confidence.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always be curious and don’t limit yourself, you’re capable of far more than you think. That advice has guided me to push beyond self-imposed boundaries and continuously seek new opportunities to learn and grow.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Embrace curiosity and approach every opportunity with a goal to learn something new. Seek out your “pod” a trusted group of peers and mentors who understand the journey and can offer guidance and support. Remember that you’re not alone, and leaning on others can make challenges more manageable and the experience far more rewarding.
When you are facing a challenge or a new opportunity, remember, "if it makes you a little nervous, that means that it's likely pushing you outside of your comfort zone and will give you space to grow"
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The gaming industry is competitive and constantly evolving, which can be challenging at times. At the same time, that pace creates incredible opportunities for innovation, creativity, and meaningful impact for those willing to stay adaptable and resilient.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Leading with good intent, fairness, collaboration, and lifting others are core values for me. I believe the best outcomes come from working together, supporting one another, and creating environments where people feel empowered to contribute and grow.
Locations
Microsoft - Xbox
Redmond, WA 98702