How Latinas in Tech Can Get Promoted Without More Certifications

Latinas in tech are some of the most overqualified and under-recognized people in the industry.

Yet many of us are told, or have convinced ourselves, that if we want to move up, we need to get another certification, another degree, or another two years of experience.

But the reason you’re not moving up has nothing to do with what you lack, and everything to do with how you're seen, and how you position yourself.

This isn’t about working harder. You’ve already done that.
This isn’t about proving your intelligence. You’ve already done that too.

What’s missing is learning to leverage what you already bring to the table, and making sure the right people know it.

Why Over-Preparation Is Hurting Latina Career Growth

Over-preparation is a trap and "more certifications" won’t get you promoted.

While you’re busy doing more, people who know less than you are being paid more and promoting faster.

Why? Because they don’t waste time asking if they’re qualified enough, they focus on making sure people see them as ready.

Meanwhile, Latinas are grinding in the background, quietly adding skills and degrees to feel "legit", and still being passed over.

Every time you put off asking for more because you think you need another certification, you’re delaying opportunities you already deserve.

How Latinas Can Get Promoted Without More Certifications

Here’s what actually moves the needle, and none of it involves another course or working extra hours:

1. Learn How to Talk About What You Do, So People See the Value

You already know how to do the work. What’s missing is how you tell the story of that work.

If you’ve improved a system, led a project, solved a problem, taught a coworker, that’s value. But if you’re describing it as "I just helped with..." or "I’m still learning...", people won’t see the weight of what you’re doing.

Example shift:
Instead of:

"I helped with the new API."

Say:

"I led the integration of a new API that reduced errors by 30% and sped up processing time by 20%."

Own the outcome, not just the task.

2. Make Sure People Who Make Decisions Know What You’re Doing

If leadership doesn’t know your work, they can’t reward you for it.

That means:

  • Sharing results in meetings.

  • Sending quick updates on outcomes you’ve delivered. ("Just a quick update, since implementing [X], we've seen [Y] improvement.")

  • Looping your manager in when you take on something big.

Make your work visible so people know why you should move up.

3. Be Clear on What You Want, and Ask for It Directly

A lot of Latinas think, "If I just keep working hard, eventually they'll promote me."

People don’t give what you don’t ask for.

If you want a raise, a promotion, or more responsibility, say it clearly:

"I’m looking to move into a senior role. Based on [X results], I want to have a conversation about how to get there."

No hinting. No waiting to be noticed. Direct. Clear. Professional.

4. Build Relationships with People Who Can Open Doors

It’s not just about what you know, it’s about who knows you and what they know you for.

Spend time getting to know:

  • Managers and leaders who have influence.

  • Peers who are moving up and can share what’s worked for them.

  • Mentors and sponsors, people who will say your name when opportunities come up.

If you’re not in the room, you need someone else to bring you in.

5. Act Like You Belong in the Room, Because You Do

A lot of us have been taught to "wait our turn", but in tech, people who get ahead don’t wait.

Even if you don’t feel "ready" for that next role, if you’re already doing parts of the job, you’re ready to ask for the title and the pay.

Stop downplaying yourself. Stop waiting for permission.

What You Should Stop Doing Today

  • Stop signing up for certifications just to feel qualified.

  • Stop thinking you need another two years of experience to ask for more.

  • Stop assuming good work will be rewarded on its own.

What You Should Start Doing Instead

  • Speak clearly and confidently about the value you deliver.

  • Make your work visible to decision-makers.

  • Ask for what you want. Directly.

  • Build relationships that support your growth.

  • Own the fact that you’re already qualified.

FAQs About Certifications in Tech and Career Growth

  • By showcasing your impact clearly, making your work visible, asking for opportunities, and building the right relationships.

  • Mentorship and strategic networking usually offer a bigger return than stacking certifications.

You’re Not Missing Anything, You’re Ready Now

You don’t need more paper to prove your worth. You need a strategy to show and ask for what you’ve already earned.

Because here’s what no one tells you:

Latinas in tech don’t need to work harder, they need to be seen, heard, and paid.

And that starts with you deciding you’ve done enough, now it’s time to get what you deserve.

Next
Next

Why You’re Still Underpaid: Career Advice for Latinas Who Deserve More