Marta Sánchez, first colombian woman to win Global DCD Award
What happens when a woman breaks the glass ceiling in one of the world’s most male-dominated industries?
Marta Sánchez not only did it—she opened the door for others to follow.
In an unprecedented milestone for Colombia and for the data center industry in Latin America, Marta Sánchez, Vice President of Secure Power & Data Centers for South America at Schneider Electric, has become the first Colombian woman to receive the Woman of the Year award from Data Center Dynamics (DCD)—one of the most prestigious global recognitions in this sector.
The award honors her leadership, professional trajectory, and commitment to digital and energy transformation in the region, as well as her ongoing advocacy for women’s inclusion in a historically male-dominated field.
High-Impact Projects
With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, Sánchez has led strategic projects across Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Peru, focused on modernizing critical infrastructure with an integrated approach to sustainability, energy efficiency, and digitalization.
In her role at Schneider Electric, she has championed forward-looking solutions—including data centers designed for intensive AI workloads—through high-density technologies, advanced cooling systems, and intelligent digital platforms.
Upon receiving the award, Marta Sánchez remarked:
“This award is not mine alone—it belongs to every woman who, day by day, works to carve out a place in a sector that still has much to evolve in terms of equity. I accept it with gratitude and with the conviction that we must continue driving an industry where innovation is not only measured by technological advances, but also by our ability to create real opportunities for more women in the region.”
A Persistent Gap
The broader context underscores the significance of this achievement. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, only 29% of professionals in STEM fields are women, with an even smaller proportion holding leadership positions.
In Colombia, as of the end of 2024, women held 48.26% of senior roles in the public sector, but only 25.6% of board positions in listed companies heading into 2025.
The DCD distinction highlights not only Sánchez’s career, but also her role as a trailblazer in a field that urgently needs greater diversity. Her leadership has opened new pathways for future generations of women interested in engineering applied to digital infrastructure.
A Holistic Vision
An industrial engineer from Universidad de los Andes with international training in Canada, Australia, and the United States, Sánchez has successfully combined technical expertise with long-term strategic vision.
Under her leadership, Schneider Electric has achieved double-digit sales growth in the region, a 35% increase in media visibility, and a digital community of over 30,000 active clients—results that reflect a business approach that is both robust and attuned to social challenges.
This recognition also sends a clear message about the future of the industry. The Latin American data center market is projected to surpass USD 1.16 billion by 2030—an expansion that, as Marta Sánchez’s case demonstrates, should go hand in hand with more equitable female representation in leadership, engineering, and management roles.
Marta’s story is not just about winning an award—it’s about a shift in paradigm. One that signals Colombia and Latin America have the potential not only to become digital hubs, but also models of inclusion, innovation, and sustainability.
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