My role in GCash as chief data officer is such a privilege as I get to make a difference with data for our customers, with the brilliant people I work with every day.

For someone who has always loved working with data, this role is both exciting and scary at the same time.

It is a testament to how my hard work has paid off, but it also means that I have a great responsibility of using data to make a positive impact on the daily lives of Filipinos.

My journey as a female leader in the data and technology space has been eventful so far; shaped not by my gender but by my passion for possibilities with data, my willingness to embrace opportunities, continuous learning and my commitment to solving problems.

Lifelong love for data

I have always been interested in discovering patterns in collecting information since I was young.

Before cable TV and the internet, I recall listening to the radio during the summer and tallying the songs being played. I wanted to see if I could identify the “most requested song.”

Then, during my third year of college, I fell in love with regression.

It was like a light-bulb moment—realizing that numbers could be used to predict trends, understand behaviors and solve real-world problems. It’s like magic, but explainable.

From that point on, I knew exactly where I wanted to be. I want to be working with data. I want to be making predictions and understanding behaviors.

Many people spend years searching for their passion, but I consider myself lucky to have found mine so early.

Saying yes to opportunities

When I was young, my dad once said that it’s not the grade that you get in school that matters in the real world; it’s how you maximize opportunities that would come your way.

I always wanted to be analyzing data and solving problems with data, but I never had a rigid blueprint for how my career would unfold. Instead, I embraced every opportunity that came my way—whether it was a challenging project, a new role or even a stretch assignment that seemed beyond my expertise.

Each experience, no matter how daunting at first, became a stepping stone that helped me grow, refine my skills and broaden my perspective.

I trusted that every challenge would teach me something valuable.

Over the years, I have tried everything from selling analytics software to installing in server rooms, migrating versions of a software, programming data pipelines, creating reports and dashboards, building data science models, creating conversational chatbots (before ChatGPT) to training, building teams and creating data strategy and road maps.

Each new endeavor taught me new things and deepened my appreciation for the field.

I never limited myself to a specific role or title—what mattered most was that I was working with data and solving meaningful problems.

Embracing lifelong learning

Beyond being open to opportunities, another important thing to succeed in data and tech is the commitment to lifelong learning.

It helps you stay on top of things, adapt to changes and pick up the skills you need to thrive.

I have seen the data landscape evolve tremendously over the past 25 years—from traditional statistical methods and SQL-based analytics to machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven decision-making.

Technologies and methodologies that were once considered cutting-edge have now become foundational, while new advancements continue to emerge.

Keeping up with these advancements requires a mindset of continuous learning.

I have always made it a priority to stay curious, update my skills and adapt to new trends. Whether it’s through formal courses, certifications, reading papers or engaging with the data community, I believe that learning should never stop.

It can be overwhelming to be always on the lookout for new things. It’s anxiety-inducing to feel like you don’t know enough.

But in an industry as fast-moving as data and AI, I frame the need to continuously evolve and embrace new knowledge as the way for me to stay true to my purpose of using data to drive positive impact.

Giving back

I witnessed firsthand how data-driven insights and solutions can transform businesses, drive social impact and create opportunities for individuals.

This belief fuels my advocacy work beyond my professional responsibilities.

I am deeply committed to ensuring that data is used responsibly and ethically, which is why, apart from championing responsible data and AI practices within GCash, I am also part of the Responsible Analytics and AI Council of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines.

This role allows me to help shape the conversation around data ethics and AI governance.

I also believe in using my platform to uplift and empower others, particularly women in tech.

Through my involvement with FTW Foundation and Connected Women, I actively advocate for women empowerment programs that create opportunities for women to break into the fields of data and technology.

Having built a career in this space, I want to ensure that more women have the support and resources they need to succeed.

Beyond advocacy, I am passionate about education and talent development.

As a professorial lecturer at the University of the Philippines School of Statistics for their Professional Masters in Data Science (Analytics) program, I help train future data professionals, equipping them with the skills to excel in this field.

Additionally, I am currently working on a senior high school textbook on machine learning, driven by my vision to introduce data and AI concepts to young learners early on.

I believe that access to knowledge should not be limited, and by contributing to education, I hope to nurture a new generation of data-driven problem solvers.

Focusing on the work, not the labels

In a field where discussions about diversity and inclusion are becoming more prominent, I have often been asked about my experience as a woman in tech.

The truth is, I never focused on the fact that I was a woman in this space. I simply focused on the work itself.

My goal has always been to solve problems, drive impact and continuously improve through data.

I’ve always believed that competence speaks louder than stereotypes. By honing my skills, delivering results, and staying true to my passion, I have been able to navigate my career without letting labels define my journey.

Of course, this does not mean that gender-related challenges do not exist in tech.

But my approach has always been to control what I can—my knowledge, my work ethic and my ability to bring value to the table.

Inspiring the next generation

While I never actively sought to define myself as a “woman in tech,” I do recognize the importance of representation. I hope that my journey serves as proof that women can not only succeed but also thrive in this field.

For young women and girls considering a career in data and technology, my message is simple: If this is the path you want, do not let anything discourage you.

Challenges will come, but each one is an opportunity to learn, grow and prove to yourself that you can do it.

Seek knowledge, build skills and say yes to opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone.

Thriving in this field is not about conforming to expectations or proving a point—it is about doing what you love and making an impact through your work.

Whether you are analyzing data, building algorithms or creating solutions that transform industries, your contribution matters.

Conclusion

Looking back, I feel immense gratitude for the experiences that have shaped my journey.

My love for data, my willingness to embrace opportunities and my relentless focus on solving problems have allowed me to carve a meaningful career in the tech world.

More importantly, I hope my journey encourages others—especially women—to pursue their passions without fear.

Tech is not a space reserved for a select few; it is for anyone with curiosity, determination and a desire to solve problems.

If you are a young woman considering this path, know that it is possible to thrive, to make an impact and to build a fulfilling career.

The key is to stay true to your passion, embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity and never let anything stand in the way of what you love to do.

I carry a reminder on my wrist—a tattoo that reads, “Be brave.”

It serves as a constant reinforcement that while challenges and uncertainties will always exist, if something aligns with your passion and purpose, you should go for it.

Courage, after all, is what turns opportunities into achievements.

Sara Ann Venturina is chief data officer at GCash, where she leads the organization’s use of data. She is also a wife, mother to two kids, part-time lecturer, aspiring author, mentor and “Mother Nerd” to more than a hundred data practitioners at GCash and to the many girls aspiring to become a woman in tech.