Founders

Co-Founders Martha Mendizabal and Nadia M. Bauta founded TecnoLatinx XR Lab with a vision to empower individuals of all ages through technology education and innovation.

By integrating XR (Extended Reality), AI, robotics, and STEAM programming, TecnoLatinx bridges the digital divide and equips underrepresented communities with the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive in the future of work. Through collaborative programs, immersive workshops, and real-world career pathways, they are transforming lives and fostering inclusive opportunities in the tech industry.

Martha Mendizabal grew up in Tijuana, where she sold sodas at the border to help her family pay rent. Despite the challenges of her upbringing, Martha excelled academically and earned admission to UCLA. Arriving on campus, she quickly realized she was at a disadvantage compared to her peers—she had never used the internet, which was rapidly transforming the job market. This pivotal experience sparked her passion for ensuring students from under-resourced communities have access to emerging technologies and the opportunities they bring.

Martha’s drive and resilience led her to a successful career as a derivatives broker on Wall Street, navigating one of the most competitive industries. However, her commitment to empowering others inspired her to co-found TecnoLatinx, where she focuses on bridging the digital divide and preparing individuals for the future of work.

Martha’s dedication to creating change has not gone unnoticed. She was recently honored as a GameChanger by the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, recognizing her as “one of their most extraordinary graduates.” Her journey from selling sodas at the border to co-leading an organization that transforms lives exemplifies the power of education, innovation, and a commitment to community impact.

Nadia M. Bauta is a proud Los Angeles native, raised by her Cuban grandmother in Silver Lake. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of a broken education system while attending a high-poverty-level high school. As one of the few students in her graduating class to obtain a college degree, Nadia’s determination to achieve higher education shaped her vision for empowering others.

Having seen the economic and cultural transitions in her neighborhood, Nadia is deeply motivated to equip underserved communities in Los Angeles with the tools and opportunities to secure higher-paying, sustainable careers. She recognizes that investing in inner-city education has the power to drive long-term economic impact and break cycles of poverty.

With a successful career as an Intellectual Property Lawyer and a Senior Project Manager for New York City’s Economic Development Corporation, where she managed multi-million-dollar initiatives, Nadia brings a wealth of expertise to her work. She co-founded TecnoLatinx to bridge the digital divide, leveraging emerging technologies like XR and robotics to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators.

Nadia’s passion for technology, education, and economic equity fuels her mission to create pathways to success for individuals across underserved communities, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all.