Virginia Puccio has been in the tech industry for 15 years. She’s the founder and CEO of Fuel AI, which operates like DoorDash, but for data. Instead of delivering food, people collect and submit data to companies building AI solutions. She started focusing on AI when she joined Standard AI (formerly Standard Cognition) in 2018.
As she says, “My rich and diverse heritage – Mexican, Puerto Rican, Nigerian, Italian Jewish, Turkish, and Lebanese – provides me with a distinctive perspective. As a Latina, Jewish, female entrepreneur of color, I’m deeply committed to ensuring AI development is inclusive and ethical.”
As part of our Tech Chingonas package, Puccio shares what the most rewarding part of her job is, what she’s reading right now, and what her typical workday looks like. Get to know her below.
What inspired you to get into tech?
When I first graduated from college, it was easy. Silicon Valley was booming and there were more job openings than there were people to fill them. But then I got the startup bug. And I never looked back!
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I’m up before 6:30 a.m. My first meeting is at 7 a.m. I have a few meetings, then make breakfast, answer some emails, cross a few things off my Asana list, and head out to yoga. After yoga, I eat lunch, have a few more meetings, and cross more tasks off my Asana list. Then I put my head down in work for the rest of the afternoon and evening. I try to get off my laptop by about 7 p.m., but it doesn’t always work out. If I have time, I go hiking or play soccer after work.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I love building the future. I’m not married and I don’t have children. So my life goal is to leave this world better than I found it. My personal mission is that I create a space for others to create. Create wealth, create happiness, create comfort . . . the list goes on and on.
How did your parents feel about you pursuing a career in tech?
They are super proud. My parents always told me I can do anything I want to do and be anything I want to be with hard work and determination. I’ve been fortunate to have parents who support me in the aspects of my life that are meaningful for me.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve experienced being a Latina working in tech?
I’m often the only one. At Standard, I was the only Latina in the entire company of about 150 people. I often find myself to be the only Latina in the room. I used to be called loud a lot. I’ve been labeled the angry, crazy Latina more times than I can count. But I’ve found that’s because people aren’t used to confident, direct, and assertive women. And they certainly don’t like to see a woman of color behaving that way.
Johanna Ferreira is the content director for PS Juntos. With more than 10 years of experience, Johanna focuses on how intersectional identities are a central part of Latine culture. Previously, she spent close to three years as the deputy editor at HipLatina, and she has freelanced for numerous outlets including Refinery29, Oprah magazine, Allure, InStyle, and Well+Good. She has also moderated and spoken on numerous panels on Latine identity.
