Don’t get behind! Latinos at risk of not catching up with technology
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Breaking Barriers in the Digital Age
According to PerScholars, a US non-profit focused on workforce development, Hispanic learners face many challenges entering and thriving in the tech industry, including limited access to tech-focused education in many communities. The lack of representation in the tech field further complicates this, resulting in fewer role models and mentors for Hispanics pursuing technology careers.
💡 Latinos and Technology Adoption
Despite these barriers, there is evidence of progress. Many Latinos transitioned from basic flip phones directly to high-capacity smartphones, skipping traditional computers entirely. This adaptation reflects resilience and innovation within the community. In fact, Pew Research Center reports that nearly 25% of Latino adults rely exclusively on smartphones for their digital needs.
💻 What to do?
Owning a smartphone is one thing, but understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another. As AI becomes more pervasive, many Latino entrepreneurs are realizing that technological terms like Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Composite AI, and Actionable Intelligence are part of a new digital language that must be learned to remain competitive.
So, guess what I did? I asked an AI how a house painter could use it. This is what I got: "AI can help house painters in various ways, from streamlining business operations to enhancing color selection and even creating virtual paint schemes". And so on, and so on.
The AI not only provided a breakdown of how to improve business management using an AI assistant, but it also directed me to a YouTube video explaining how to do it, suggested AI-generated color palettes, and even elaborated on virtual paint schemes for visualization.
Having the tool in your pocket is no longer the first step—getting to know it and using it is now inevitable.
Closing the digital divide has the potential to improve educational outcomes for Hispanic children, move Hispanics into better-paying jobs, and ensure that everyone has an equal shot at thriving and participating in American society. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach and collaboration across different fields.
Link Foundation is working to close that digital gap. Through education, collaboration, and strategic partnerships, more doors are opening for Latinos ready to take the next step. So, if you are like Juan—or know someone like him—let’s use a cliché here: the future is now.
Don’t get behind!
💡The Shift to Digital
When Juan saw his clients moving to the competition, he decided to act. He took the leap into social media, learning step by step how to post his projects and share client testimonials. His business began to grow again, but then AI arrived—changing everything. His competitors began using automated marketing, AI-driven ads, and even virtual color previews for clients.
🔍 Understanding the Impact of AI
Juan was surprised to learn that 72% of organizations had adopted AI by 2024, a massive jump from just 20% in 2017, according to the McKinsey Global Survey. His competitors were leveraging AI to automate client communication, streamline invoicing, and even predict seasonal demand using data analytics. Juan, representing the 38% of Latino entrepreneurs aware of AI but not yet fully implementing it, realized he had to change.
🔄 The Transformation
Determined not to be left behind, Juan first explored Google Gemini, which sparked his ideas by helping him visualize color schemes, plan social media content, and understand the best times to post based on AI-driven analytics. This gave him a clearer sense of where his business could improve.
With a newfound clarity, he moved on to tools like Zapier and Make.com to automate his scheduling and client communication, drastically cutting down the time he spent on repetitive tasks.
To take his marketing to the next level, Juan experimented with ChatGPT and DALL-E, generating engaging social media posts that showcased his best projects and even created custom visuals for his brand.
Finally, he integrated QuickBooks AI for automatic invoicing and expense tracking, ensuring his finances were always up to date without manual entry.
Juan's story reflects the power of adaptation—how technology, when embraced, can transform a small business and keep it competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Practical Applications of AI for Latino Entrepreneurs
Here are the most impactful AI tools that Latino entrepreneurs like Juan are using to transform their business operations:
🌐 The Path Forward: Bridging the Digital Divide
Technology is a bridge to better opportunities. For Latino entrepreneurs, adopting AI not only enhances business operations but also opens doors to new markets and competitive growth. Link Foundation is committed to closing this digital gap through education, collaboration, and community outreach, empowering Latino communities to embrace AI and digital tools confidently.
🚀 Your Gateway to the Digital Era: Join the Transformation
Latinos have the power to reshape their communities through technology. Discover how you can be part of this change by reading The Big Leap Blog, where we explore how digital tools are revolutionizing businesses and breaking down barriers. The time to act is now—join the digital transformation and lead the way.
💭 Final Thoughts
Technology is more than just a tool—it’s an opportunity to rethink how we operate, grow, and interact with the world. For Latino entrepreneurs, it represents a chance to bridge historical gaps and lead their communities into a new era of innovation and inclusion. Embracing AI, automation, and digital solutions isn't just about staying competitive; it's about building resilience and claiming a space in the digital economy.
The time to act is now. Let’s build the future, together.
