Meet Silvana Díaz, designing a future of possibilities

Later that same year, my dream of making things easier for humans was interrupted when I was diagnosed with two brain tumors. It came during a time that I felt at the peak of my career. I was utterly confused, as I never thought this could happen to me. It felt like all my plans came crashing down.

This moment was just two years ago, and it’s weird to think back to it because at the time I wasn't aware of the seriousness of the situation or everything it would entail. I started treatment, including surgery to remove one of the tumors, followed by radiation therapy and ten months of physical therapy at a rehabilitation center. It was tough to say the least, yet I was able to pull out many lessons from the hardship. Two lessons, specifically, which stand out are to be grateful and that your plans will never exactly be what life has in store for you. So, take it as it comes and don't get frustrated.

After the surgery and therapy rehabilitation, I began to truly live my life, becoming introduced to the real me. And I became more aware of what I love and what motivates me. That experience made me want to express that excitement for my life and all the people in it.

I also decided to share my story on my social media accounts, like Instagram. There are so many people struggling with health issues who don’t have the opportunity to talk with someone who feels the same, and I wanted to create a community where people could feel supported. When you’re full of fear, having someone you can turn to for advice and guidance can be incredibly helpful.

After focusing fully on recovery for two years, it was time to focus back on work and my social life. What this meant was accepting that my condition would forever name me as a person with a disability. So, I began to think about how I can use this new level of empathy to design more inclusive digital products. I continued pursuing my passion for human-centered design while considering the millions who want an opportunity and are capable yet face obstacles and companies that lack empathy and understanding.

In my search, I was fortunate enough to find and join Kin + Carta, which proved to me that my limits are only in my mind. I remember my dad recommending to me not to mention the brain tumors upon applying, as he feared it would limit my potential to be hired. However, this absolutely wasn’t the case. Despite disclosing my situation from the beginning, the Kin + Carta team decided to move forward with me and give me an opportunity.

Being a woman with a disability has made me fear that many doors would close for me, but this hasn’t been the case. The tech industry has the advantage that everything can be digital. I have been lucky to work from home quite a bit with our company’s hybrid work model, which means I don’t have to cope with the headaches of public transportation. These headaches, for me, are barriers that can be very limiting.

At Kin + Carta I’m currently on a project where we are designing a homepage for a luxury home builder. When I’m creating something from scratch like that, it’s so relaxing to me and it almost feels like I’m painting. It also enables me to build something from the ground up with inclusivity and accessibility baked into the foundation.

Being a part of the tech industry is the best, and I always tell my girlfriends this. While, yes there are challenges, I believe that that is the case across all industries. On my last project, I was the only woman on the team. But on my current one, there are only two men are on the team. The field is shifting, and right now is an exciting time to be part of it. The future looks incredible for women in technology. For my future, specifically? I’m fascinated by AI, and am actually looking for an online program where I can earn a certificate for it.

Overall, I am so proud of the lessons I’ve learned in the past few years and how far I have come in my journey. I’m also proud to work for an empathetic and respectful company that values multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. Many mental barriers that were instilled in us from childhood are actively eradicated here. They care about the well-being of their employees and recognize our efforts every day, and I couldn't be more grateful for the path life is leading me on. I’m living more full than ever before.