Girlstart’s Women in STEM weekly series highlights various women who are making a difference in STEM. Be inspired as these incredible women describe how they became interested in their field, provide insight into a day in the life, and share learnings from their experiences.

Maria Zambrano

Sr. Social Media Strategist @ AMD

Maria is an accomplished Social Media Strategist working in the tech world. She is sharing her words with the Girlstart audience today in hopes of inspiring more girls to pursue their passions, despite societal expectations. We are excited to have someone like Maria, coming from the marketing side of tech, to discuss how to be involved in STEM and integrate other interests!

Can you describe a little of what you do?
As a Sr. Social Media Strategist, I oversee the development of social media strategies and tactics to grow AMD’s competitive position in the OEM laptop and desktop space.

What do you love about your career?
While I don’t directly touch engineering our great products, I enjoy educating and bringing to light the technological advancements our company has made and seeing how these innovations make their way to the hands of everyday users. 

How did you become interested in STEM?
The program that really got me hooked into the world of science and technology was F.I.R.S.T. Robotics. This high-school program allowed me to build an appreciation for STEM and become an advocate for women in the world of tech. This program also prepared me with the tools to confidently enter the workforce thanks to their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

Do you have a piece of advice you would like to share with our audience?
Find what you love doing and never be intimated. 

Why do you think confidence in STEM important for girls?
Historically there has been disproportionate access to STEM among girls and young women. Instilling confidence in this field at an early age is critical in removing barriers and fostering diversity and inclusion.