Thank You, 2024: A Year of AI Adoption, Challenges, and Personal Growth

If 2023 was the year of knowledge, driven by the rise of Generative AI, then 2024 will be remembered as the year of AI adoption and the acceleration of business outcomes. For me, it stands out as the year AI truly went mainstream.

In this article, I’ll explore:

• Microsoft’s leadership in AI adoption across Latin America and how we are empowering organizations to achieve more.
• The role of AI as a tool for smarter thinking and the risks of passive content consumption.
• The ethical responsibilities of AI adoption, including combating misinformation.
• Personal milestones in AI and cultural leadership, including my transition as Microsoft’s Responsible AI Champion and my contributions to the HOLA ERG.
• Reflections on challenges and growth in 2024, including navigating burnout and building resilience.
• Looking ahead to 2025, with a focus on driving innovation, community impact, and personal growth.

Leading the AI Revolution in Latin America

As the leader of the Data, Analytics (including Azure Databricks & Microsoft Fabric), and AI practice at Microsoft Latin America (aka "LATAM"), I’ve witnessed how Microsoft has taken the lead in this space. Large organizations have turned to us to help them unlock the potential of these transformative technologies. Our mission has been to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more by delivering AI-driven solutions responsibly, enhancing productivity, driving tangible results, and scaling innovation effectively.

Our mission has been to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more by delivering AI-driven solutions responsibly, enhancing productivity, driving tangible results, and scaling innovation effectively

👉🏿 AI a Tool for Smarter Thinking, Not Passive Consumption

This year has also been about showing how AI can make us smarter and more capable rather than less. However, I’m concerned about how tools like generative AI are making it easier for people to consume endless content without critical thinking.

For instance, the rise of AI-generated fake news highlights the need for us to validate sources, verify authenticity, and research before believing or sharing information. Just as social media hasn’t necessarily made us more sociable, generative AI risks amplifying this issue by encouraging passive consumption of content that often reinforces existing beliefs. If we don’t approach this responsibly, we risk creating a snowball effect where misinformation spreads unchecked, harming our ability to think critically and make informed decisions.

👉🏿 The Ethical Imperative of AI Adoption

That’s why I believe so strongly in spreading the word about AI—its benefits, its risks, and the responsibility we all have to use it ethically. AI should help everyone improve, achieve more with less effort, and amplify human potential. It should be a tool to help us innovate, learn, and think better.

👉🏿 A New Chapter in Responsible AI Leadership

This year also marked the end of my role as Microsoft’s Responsible AI Champion for Latin America after four fulfilling years. It’s time to support my co-worker and friend Alex Le Bienvenu as he continues this important work, ensuring AI is used for good.

A Year of Challenges and Growth

2024 was a challenging year too. For the first time, I truly experienced what it means to face burnout — a state that pushed me to my limits both mentally and emotionally. Yet, in that moment of vulnerability, I discovered the power of experience, resilience, and the immense value of my network — both personal and professional.

To my family, friends, and colleagues who extended their support during this challenging time, you have my deepest gratitude. You know who you are. Your encouragement reminded me of the strength we find in community and the importance of leaning on others when the weight of the world feels too heavy.

👉🏿Celebrating Teamwork

Despite the hurdles, 2024 also brought moments of immense pride and accomplishment. One such highlight was being honored with not one, but three “Microsoft Americas: Living Our Culture” awards, each in a different category:

• Make It Happen: This recognition was for the extraordinary collaboration with one of our top customers, Credicorp, delivering impactful results through relentless dedication.
• Leading with Compliance: A testament to our shared commitment to doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest path.
• Team First: Awarded for our contributions to the largest education organization in Latin America, a project that exemplified what can be achieved when we put the team above individual ambitions.

These awards — sponsored by Deb Cupp and Tito Arciniega — recognize teamwork and collective success rather than individual achievements. They reflect the incredible work we’ve done with key customers like Credicorp, and the largest education organization in Latin America. Thanks to all the award's winners: Alessandra Karine , Aline Moreira , Fernando Cruz , Luiz Fernando Braz , Nivea Silva , Marita Linares , and David Tolosana .

👉🏿Fostering Belonging for Hispanic and LatinX Employees to Drive Growth and Impact

Another milestone was being named Co-Chair for Microsoft’s HOLA ERG alongside Janeth Guerrero . This is a unique opportunity to give back to the Hispanic and LatinX community, helping others grow within Microsoft and pursue leadership roles. Thanks Rodrigo Kede Lima , Vanessa Feliberti Bautista , Christopher J. Fernandez and Tito Arciniega for your support and sponsorship.

Microsoft HOLA ERG is an employee resource group (aka "ERG") that supports Hispanic and Latinas/Latinos/Latines employees, promoting inclusion, professional growth, and cultural awareness within the company.

I often reflect on Alvaro Celis' wise words: "As a leader, commit to sponsor at least two people, and ask in return for each of them to pay it forward and sponsor at least two more". This ethos is at the heart of my vision for HOLA and my personal leadership journey. I believe in the transformative power of mentorship, sponsorship, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. Therefore, I’m committed to mentoring and sponsoring the next generation of leaders, just as others have done for me.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I close the chapter on 2024, I reflect with deep gratitude on the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the remarkable individuals who have accompanied me on this journey. The road ahead remains filled with ambition and purpose. Together, let's continue to build a future where every voice is heard, every talent recognized, and every dream realized.

A heartfelt thank you to my over 16,000 LinkedIn followers for your support and engagement. Your insights and encouragement inspire me daily.

Looking ahead to 2025, I am filled with hope and determination to continue making a positive impact with AI and within my community. I’m also excited to celebrate 20 years of service at Microsoft—two decades of growth, friendship, innovation, and collaboration. Here's to thinking better, working smarter, and helping others thrive as I continue contributing to Microsoft's mission and vision.

2025 will be another year of growth and learning, as I am committed to leveraging the Leading the Future (LTF) Leadership Experience — a 12-month cohort-based program from Microsoft in partnership with Korn Ferry . This initiative offers top talent employees a platform and professional coaching to strengthen our skills, accelerate career growth, and achieve lasting success. Thanks Lindsay-Rae McIntyre , Katy Brown and Sergio Rademacher for this unique opportunity.

As we step into 2025, let’s also remember to spend quality time with our loved ones. They are the foundation for the perfect balance in both our personal and professional lives. Here's to a new year of hope, health, strength, and continued impact!