Martin Vargas-Vega: “Engineer and Advocate for Latino Tech Access”

Title: Senior Software Engineer
Organization: LiveRamp
Age: 33

Martín Vargas Vega is a nontraditional software engineer, philanthropist, and trailblazer, forging new paths into tech for those who have historically been overlooked. The son of Mexican immigrant farmworkers, Martín grew up in Watsonville, California, working long days in the strawberry and raspberry fields alongside his family. With limited access to technology and resources, careers in tech felt distant—Silicon Valley just miles away, yet worlds apart. Those early experiences shaped a relentless work ethic and a deep commitment to expanding access for others facing the same barriers.

When Martín pursued a path in software engineering, he was told he was not a strong candidate—not because of a lack of ability, but because of limited exposure to technology and the absence of a traditional computer science pathway. The odds were stacked: without access, breaking into a computer science program was difficult, and without that credential, entering tech felt nearly impossible. Rather than accept that reality, Martín pushed through it. He broke into tech against the odds, becoming engineer #4 and a founding team member at Habu, where he played a critical role in building and scaling the company’s technology—contributing to its $200 million acquisition by LiveRamp. Today, as a Senior Software Engineer, he continues to break barriers, proving that talent exists everywhere—even where opportunity does not.

Martín is deeply committed to closing the digital divide that once stood in his way. He serves as a board member of Digital NEST, the organization that helped launch his career, where he now helps guide strategy and growth to expand access to technology, mentorship, and high-paying career pathways for underserved youth. As a leader within the Latinos in Tech Giving Circle, he has helped mobilize over $250,000 in funding to Latino-led nonprofits, directly investing in the future of his community.

Because of his journey, Martín has taken the stage as a TEDx speaker, using his voice to inspire the next generation to dream bigger, push past systemic barriers, and pursue careers once thought out of reach. He is also producing a documentary, Las Mismas Manos, amplifying stories of resilience and ensuring that young people from communities like his can finally see themselves reflected in success.

Martín is not just building technology—he is building access, representation, and opportunity. His mission is clear: to close the digital divide and open doors for the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs, leaving the path wider than he found it.
Professionally, Martin has experience leading product development end-to-end, working across both front-end and back-end systems. His technical expertise, combined with a collaborative and mentorship-driven approach, enables him to contribute meaningfully to product development while supporting the growth of junior engineers.

Beyond his technical work, Martin has played a significant role in advancing access to technology for Latino youth. As an early member and now Board Director of Digital NEST, he has helped expand opportunities for young people ages 12 to 24 to explore careers in technology. His contributions have included supporting systems development, strengthening client pipelines, and increasing exposure to tech pathways for youth from underserved communities.

Martin has also contributed to broader community efforts, including supporting initiatives that fund and uplift Latino-led nonprofits across California. His work reflects a sustained commitment to building more inclusive pathways into the tech industry.

Through both his professional and community work, Martin brings a people-centered approach to technology—using his skills not only to build products, but to expand access, mentorship, and opportunity for the next generation.