As part of HITEC’s ongoing commitment to architecting growth and recognizing leadership in technology, we are proud to announce a strategic evolution of the HITEC Awards program. These changes reflect our unwavering dedication to recognizing excellence and impact in the Hispanic community by leaders of all backgrounds in technology fields. These changes are rooted in our continued commitment to recognize and celebrate leaders in technology that are committed to excellence as reflected in HITEC’s four foundational pillars.
Key Updates to the HITEC Awards:
- Expanded Eligibility Criteria
The HITEC 100 brand will continue to celebrate the top leaders in technology fields. Eligibility specifically includes individuals, with or without Hispanic ethnicity, who have demonstrated impact in their fields and contributed to advance the Hispanic community. This change reflects our commitment to continue to celebrate achievements and impact to Hispanic community by everyone —regardless of sex, race, ethnicity or religion.
- Aligned with “Architects of Growth”
The awards will continue to embody HITEC’s “Architects of Growth” ethos, spotlighting leaders who are shaping the future of technology while uplifting the Hispanic community through mentorship, innovation, and inclusive leadership.
- HITEC 50 Merges into HITEC 100
Moving forward, HITEC 50 will be integrated into the HITEC 100, and become a sub-category of the HITEC 100 based on geographical location. This consolidation streamlines our recognition platform while preserving the spirit of honoring exceptional leadership across Latin America and Ibero-America.
- New Award Categories
To better reflect the breadth of innovation and leadership in our community, the HITEC 100 will now include distinct categories:
1. LATAM & Ibero-America: Honoring leaders based in or impacting Latin America and Ibero-America, preserving the legacy of the HITEC 50.
2. FinTech: Recognizing pioneers transforming financial services through technology.
3. AI & Emerging Technologies: Celebrating leaders advancing artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, and frontier tech.
4. Cybersecurity: Highlighting leaders safeguarding digital infrastructure and data integrity.
5. HR and Talent Strategy: Recognizing leaders working to develop and invest in talent pipelines that drive innovation, inclusion, and growth.
Criteria for Recognition:
Each category will be evaluated through the lens of HITEC’s Foundation pillars:
· Authenticity - Demonstrates inclusive, values-driven leadership and a commitment to shared purpose. This includes a strong alignment with HITEC’s mission, and a leadership style rooted in integrity, excellence, and shared values.
· Community - Recognized within the industry and actively shaping discourse or policy that benefits the broader community. This includes visibility, influence, and advocacy that elevate the Hispanic community, the technology ecosystem and HITEC’s mission.
· Engagement - Actively mentors and advocates for others, especially within the Hispanic community. This reflects a commitment to developing future leaders and fostering inclusive growth.
· Impact - Delivers measurable results in innovation, business outcomes, or community advancement. Whether through technology, talent, or transformation, impact is at the core of recognition.
Why These Updates Matter:
These updates are rooted in extensive feedback from our community and stakeholders, and reflect our desire to remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful, with a spirit of expanded inclusivity as we align with an evolving world and expectations. These changes reflect our unwavering dedication to celebrating technology leaders of all backgrounds with the biggest impact in the Hispanic Community. We believe this evolution will strengthen the HITEC Awards as a platform for celebrating excellence and inspiring the next generation of technology leaders.
