Jennifer Gomez is the cofounder of oneKIN, a fintech company building software solutions to help small businesses achieve revenue growth. The Dominican American founder and public speaker hails from Brooklyn, NY, and is passionate about closing the opportunity and wealth gap. She’s been working in tech for 13 years, and prior to founding oneKIN, she was a marketing leader for companies like Major League Baseball and Sephora.
As part of our Tech Chingonas package, Gomez shares why she loves timeboxing, what she’s reading right now, and why she considers her Afro-Latinidad to be a superpower. Get to know her journey below.
What inspired you to get into tech?
Tech married three of my biggest motivators: community, storytelling, and personal growth. I love working through challenges, and tech presented an ever-growing opportunity to learn, build, and connect people. I truly believe technology is one of the greatest equalizers in our society.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
The day of 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, some to product and design.
I’m a big fan of timeboxing. As much as possible, the mornings are reserved for “deep work” on tasks that require intense concentration. I cluster most of my meetings on specific days and try to schedule them in the afternoons when possible. My day starts around 5:30 a.m. to get my daughters to school, and I strive to turn everything off for dedicated family time in the evenings and on weekends. This system helps me maintain a level of balance.
What do you do to decompress at the end of the workday?
I go for a walk or play Uno or dominoes with the family (it gets very competitive)! But some days, I just need to binge-watch a show or drink a glass of wine.
What are you reading right now?
I’m currently reading “The Cancer Journals” by Audre Lorde, where the commonly quoted phrase “Your silence will not protect you” originates from. Most people don’t realize that her journey with breast cancer catalyzed so much of her work and activism. I also just purchased “Olga Dies Dreaming” by fellow Brooklynite and Brown alum Xochitl Gonzalez. It’s been on my reading list for some time. She is brilliant, the voice of the ’80s and ’90s New York generations!
How do you practice self-care?
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’ve learned to prioritize self-care the hard way. Having a few accountability partners who are also founders has been immensely 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 love and hate the most about AI?
AI is a powerful tool that, when trained and utilized correctly, can function like an extra pair of hands or an additional employee. I leverage AI every day, actively seeking ways to integrate it to streamline our operations and enhance our product user experiences. While I recognize the ethical concerns, fears of job displacement, and potential privacy and security risks, I believe that, if used ethically and transparently, AI can provide us with 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 for navigating the challenges of life, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. Prayer is not just a source of strength, but also brings me ease, joy, and energy.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve experienced being a Latina working in tech?
Unfortunately, the Latine community remains significantly underrepresented in technology. I’ve lost count of how often people are surprised to meet a Latina founder in fintech. Along this journey, I’ve accumulated plenty of battle stories and funny moments, 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 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.
