Karla Wong, a veteran technologist with more than two decades of experience, now leads Education and the Public Sector for North Latin America and the Caribbean at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Before ascending to this regional role, she served as Country Manager for Peru, then for Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, steering the firm’s cloud expansion across the Andes.
AWS and Female Empowerment
Wong grew up in a family of Chinese heritage and constantly had to prove her place in a male‑dominated industry. She recalls an early encounter with senior European managers who assumed she was an assistant, not a manager. “I told them I was the manager for Peru,” she says, highlighting the bias she routinely confronts.
The COVID‑19 pandemic became a catalyst rather than a setback. While travel was restricted, Wong enrolled in a Digital Transformation specialization at MIT (2020‑2021). During the program, Amazon invited her to launch its operations in Peru. She immediately assembled a team, and today Peru’s AWS unit oversees activities in Ecuador and Bolivia, delivering growth that “has surprised everyone.”
Mentors, Values and Resilience
When anxiety about joining a global giant struck, Wong turned to her father, a martial‑arts master, who reminded her that “the brave is not the one who feels no fear, but the one who keeps walking despite it.” His teachings on justice, honor and keeping one’s word have guided her leadership style.
Driving Inclusion through Initiatives
AWS is actively cultivating women’s participation in technology across Latin America. In Peru, the flagship “Peruanas a la Nube” program trains women in cloud fundamentals and now incorporates artificial‑intelligence modules and resources for entrepreneurs. The “AWS Entrena País” initiative runs the “She Builds” mentorship, pairing selected women from across the region with mentors for a twelve‑week free program; the second Latin‑American cohort has just graduated. Additionally, AWS sponsors “Women in Tech,” supporting STEM outreach and awarding a “Most Disruptive Woman” prize.
Wong, a three‑time national champion in the traditional dance marinera, emphasizes that visibility matters. “If you don’t see women in tech, you don’t dream of it,” she says, noting that today a louder chorus of female role models is inspiring the next generation throughout the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karla Wong’s current role at AWS?
She is the leader of Education and the Public Sector for North Latin America and the Caribbean, overseeing AWS initiatives across Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Which programs does AWS offer in Peru to support women in technology?
AWS runs “Peruanas a la Nube,” which trains women in cloud basics and AI; “AWS Entrena País” with the “She Builds” mentorship for a twelve‑week free program; and it sponsors “Women in Tech,” providing outreach and a “Most Disruptive Woman” award.
What is Karla Wong’s educational background?
She holds a degree in Computer and Systems Engineering from the Universidad San Martín de Porres, a business specialization from Universidad de La Sabana in Colombia, and completed a Digital Transformation specialization at MIT.
How might initiatives like “Peruanas a la Nube” influence the future of tech talent in Latin America?