Jennifer Gomez, Founder of oneKIN, on Being a Latina in Tech

Jennifer Gomez is the co-founder of oneKIN, a fintech company that creates software solutions that help small businesses grow their revenue. The Dominican-American founder and public speaker is from Brooklyn, New York, and is passionate about closing the opportunity and wealth gap. She has worked in the technology industry for 13 years and, prior to founding oneKIN, was a marketing leader at companies like Major League Baseball and Sephora.

As part of our Tech Chingonas package, Gomez shares why she loves timeboxing, what she’s reading now, and why she thinks her Afro-Latinidad is a superpower. Learn about her journey below.

What inspired you to get into technology?
Technology has combined three of my greatest motivators: community, storytelling, and personal growth. I love being challenged, and technology has given me an ever-increasing opportunity to learn, build, and connect with people. I truly believe that technology is one of the greatest equalizers in our society.

What does your typical work day look like?
A day as a tech founder never looks the same, but I’ve learned to organize my week around my productivity levels. Some days are dedicated to strategy and planning, others to sales and marketing, and others to product and design.

I am a big fan of timeboxing. Whenever possible, mornings are reserved for “deep work” on tasks that require intense concentration. I group most meetings on specific days and try to schedule them in the afternoon if possible. My day starts around 5:30 a.m. to take my daughters to school, and I try to shut everything down to spend time with my family in the evenings and on weekends. This system helps me maintain balance.

What do you do to relax after the work day is over?
I go for a walk or play Uno or dominoes with my family (it gets very competitive)! But there are days when I just have to watch a series or have a glass of wine.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde, which is where the oft-quoted line “Your silence will not protect you” comes from. Most people don’t realize that her journey with breast cancer was the catalyst for her work and activism. I also recently bought Olga Dies Dreaming by fellow Brooklynite and Brown graduate Xochitl Gonzalez. It’s been on my reading list for a while. She’s brilliant, a voice for the 80s and 90s New York generation!

How do you take care of yourself?
Self-care is an ongoing journey for me. As a mom of two and an entrepreneur, I’m constantly building that muscle. After being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer last fall, I learned to prioritize self-care the hard way. Having a few accountability partners who are also founders has been incredibly helpful in keeping me on track with my health goals. Word to the wise: Don’t wait for a health scare to focus on your health—invest in your holistic wellness now.

What do you like most and what do you hate most about AI?
AI is a powerful tool that, when properly trained and used, can act as an extra pair of hands or an extra employee. I use AI every day, actively seeking ways to integrate it to streamline our operations and improve the user experience of our products. While I understand the ethical concerns, concerns about job loss, and potential privacy and security risks, I believe that if used ethically and transparently, AI can give us more time and freedom to pursue what brings us joy and purpose.

What do you always make time for because it makes you feel good?
I pray every day. My faith is essential to dealing with the challenges of life, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. Prayer is not only a source of strength, but also brings me peace, joy, and energy.

What is the most interesting experience you have had as a Latina working in tech?
Unfortunately, the Latinx community is still vastly underrepresented in tech. I’ve lost count of how often people are surprised to meet a Latinx female founder in fintech. I’ve collected a lot of battle stories and funny moments along the way, but I love how my identities enrich my work and add value to everything we build. I consider my Afro-Latinidad a superpower.

Johanna Ferreira is the Chief Content Officer at PS Juntos. With over 10 years of experience, Johanna focuses on how intersex identities are central to Latinx culture. Previously, she spent nearly three years as an associate editor at HipLatina and has freelanced for multiple media outlets, including Refinery29, Oprah Magazine, Allure, InStyle, and Well+Good. She has moderated and spoken on numerous panels on Latinx identity.