Carla Marcela Florida Román, affectionately known as “Carli,” is a recognized figure in the Python programming and artificial intelligence (AI) communities. Based in Bolivia, she has made significant contributions to software development, education, and advocacy for women in technology. With a background in systems engineering and a passion for using technology to drive societal change, Carla has become a role model for aspiring programmers worldwide. This article explores her journey, achievements, and impact on the tech community.
Early Life and Education
Carla Florida’s love for technology started at a young age. Growing up in Cochabamba, Bolivia, she demonstrated an early curiosity for problem-solving and innovation. She pursued a degree in Systems Engineering at the Universidad Mayor de San Simón, one of Bolivia’s top institutions for technological studies. During her time there, she became fascinated with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and programming languages, particularly Python.
Python, with its versatility and simplicity, became Carla’s language of choice. It provided her with the tools to explore complex problems in AI and data science while allowing her to share her knowledge with others. Her university years also marked the beginning of her engagement with tech communities, where she participated in programming competitions and hackathons.
Carla’s Career in Technology
After graduating, Carla began a dynamic career that combined technical expertise, teaching, and community leadership. Over the years, she has taken on roles that highlight her diverse skill set, including positions in artificial intelligence research, online education, and software development.
Head of Artificial Intelligence at Dapta
Currently, Carla serves as the Head of Artificial Intelligence at Dapta, a company focused on innovative AI solutions. In this role, she leads a team of developers and researchers in designing machine learning models, analyzing data, and creating products that solve real-world problems. Her leadership at Dapta demonstrates her ability to bridge the gap between theoretical AI concepts and practical applications.
Educator at Platzi
Carla’s passion for education led her to join Platzi, a leading online learning platform. As an instructor, she designs courses on Python programming, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Her teaching approach is accessible and engaging, making advanced topics understandable to learners of all levels. Through Platzi, Carla has reached over 170,000 students globally, empowering them to pursue careers in technology.
Content Creator and Influencer
Beyond her formal teaching roles, Carla shares her expertise through her platform, Carli Code, where she creates programming tutorials, blog posts, and videos. Her content focuses on Python projects, AI applications, and career advice for developers. By demystifying complex technologies, she has cultivated a loyal following in the tech community.
Advocacy for Women in STEM
As a woman in technology, Carla is acutely aware of the challenges faced by women in STEM fields. She has dedicated much of her career to promoting gender equality in tech and encouraging young girls to explore careers in science and engineering. Carla’s advocacy work is exemplified by her leadership roles in organizations like PyLadies and Women Techmakers.
PyLadies Cochabamba
Carla served as the lead organizer for PyLadies Cochabamba for three years, a local chapter of the global PyLadies network. During her tenure, she organized free workshops and mentorship programs designed to introduce women and girls to Python programming. These initiatives aimed to break down barriers to entry and create a supportive community for women in tech.
Women Techmakers (WTM) Ambassador
In addition to her work with PyLadies, Carla is a recognized Women Techmakers (WTM) Ambassador. This program, supported by Google, focuses on empowering women in technology through events, resources, and mentorship. As an ambassador, Carla has participated in conferences and panels to share her experiences and inspire others.
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Notable Projects and Research
Carla’s technical expertise is reflected in her innovative projects and research contributions. She has worked on several initiatives that showcase the power of Python and AI to address societal issues.
#NoMoreMatildas Project
One of Carla’s standout projects is #NoMoreMatildas, a conversational AI agent designed to highlight the contributions of women scientists throughout history. Using Python, Carla developed a chatbot that answers questions about women in science, aiming to educate users and challenge stereotypes. The project involved collecting data from Wikipedia and training a neural network to generate accurate responses.
The name “No More Matildas” refers to the Matilda Effect, a term describing the under-recognition of women’s contributions to science. Carla’s chatbot not only preserves the legacy of women scientists but also serves as a source of inspiration for young girls interested in STEM.
Audio Classification Using Neural Networks
At PyCon US 2024, Carla presented a groundbreaking project on audio classification using embeddings. Her research focused on analyzing audio signals to evaluate the severity of violent episodes captured in recordings. By creating a custom dataset and training a neural network, Carla demonstrated how AI could be used to address pressing social issues such as violence prevention and crisis intervention.
This project highlights Carla’s ability to apply her technical skills to real-world problems, showcasing the potential of AI for social good.
Community Engagement
Carla’s commitment to community engagement extends beyond her professional achievements. She has been an active participant in global Python and AI communities, sharing her knowledge through talks, workshops, and conferences.
Speaking at PyCon and Other Conferences
Carla is a frequent speaker at international conferences, including PyCon, where she presents her research and shares insights on Python development. Her presentations are known for their clarity and practical focus, making them valuable for developers of all experience levels.
Organizing Local Events
In Bolivia, Carla has organized numerous tech events, including hackathons and coding bootcamps. These events provide aspiring developers with opportunities to learn, collaborate, and showcase their skills.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Outside of her professional life, Carla enjoys staying active through cycling and swimming. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she competed as a member of the Club Tiburones in Cochabamba. Her athletic pursuits reflect her belief in maintaining a balanced lifestyle, combining physical activity with intellectual growth.
Carla is also an avid reader and enjoys exploring books on technology, psychology, and history. Her diverse interests contribute to her holistic approach to problem-solving and innovation.
Legacy and Future Goals
Carla Marcela Florida Román’s impact on the tech industry is undeniable. Through her work in AI research, education, and advocacy, she has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in technology. Her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion have created opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM.
Looking ahead, Carla aims to continue pushing the boundaries of AI and Python programming. She is passionate about using technology to address global challenges, from education to climate change. By sharing her knowledge and experiences, Carla hopes to inspire the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
Conclusion
Carla Florida journey exemplifies the power of passion, determination, and community engagement. From her beginnings as a curious student in Bolivia to her current role as a leader in AI, she has demonstrated what is possible when one combines technical expertise with a commitment to making a difference. Her work serves as a reminder that technology can be a force for good, capable of transforming lives and creating a more inclusive future.
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For anyone seeking inspiration in their tech journey, Carla’s story is a testament to the potential of Python, artificial intelligence, and the human spirit.
