LocationsThe Women in Tech series puts the spotlight on women who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital innovations across UNDP. By sharing these inspiring individual stories, we hope to encourage others to choose this path and spur gender equality in the digital sector.
Women in Tech: Running Mission-Critical IT on Minimal Internet
November 17, 2025
UNDP’s ICT team in Cuba navigates a complex and rapidly changing environment to keep colleagues connected where internet access is limited and technical resources scarce.
“As long as things are working, you’re invisible. But when something stops, everyone calls IT”, says Ivette Quintana, ICT Manager at UNDP Cuba, with a laugh.
Ivette leads a small team of three who support around 130 users at UNDP and International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO), United Nations Habitat, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Cuba. The team works to maintain mission-critical systems and digital services in a uniquely challenging environment, where connectivity can be restricted, certain websites and software tools are not accessible, and purchasing even basic IT equipment requires importing it from abroad – a process that can take months.
“Our goal may sound simple, but it’s far from easy”, Ivette explains, “keeping everyone connected so their work can continue without interruption is a daily challenge for our team in our environment.”
Operating under unique conditions
For Ivette, each day starts early. Before arriving at the office, she checks system alerts from her phone, identifying any issues that might affect the day ahead. Once at work, the team coordinates support for meetings, resolves incidents, and plans upgrades, all while managing limited bandwidth to keep essential services stable.
“You have to be ready for anything,” Ivette explains. “Planning and teamwork make it possible.”
Ivette with ICT colleagues Yariel Barroso Candebat and Jorge Gonzalez Fernandez.
Photo: PNUD Cuba
Building digital confidence
Beyond managing infrastructure, Ivette and her colleagues play a key role in strengthening digital literacy across the office. They guide staff through new tools and support the gradual shift towards more digital ways of working.
When new tools are introduced, some initial resistance is common. “People are busy and sometimes cautious about change,” Ivette explains. “So, we insist gently. Often when someone comes to us with a problem, we take that opportunity to show them a new tool or process that can make their work easier.”
The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point. “Suddenly, everyone had to adapt,” she recalls.
“Digital signatures, online collaboration, things that once felt optional became essential.”
What was once difficult to implement quickly became standard practice, improving efficiency and transparency across the office. Today, staff are exploring artificial intelligence tools and automation, supported by UNDP’s global learning initiatives. “Some colleagues are excited about this,” Ivette says. “Others are still cautious, but as long as we show them the advantages step by step, adoption will follow. It’s a process.”
A career rooted in service
Ivette joined UNDP in 2011 as a project assistant before returning to her original field of ICT. Over the years, she has combined technical expertise with a deep sense of purpose. “I’m happy to work for an organization that helps people improve their own lives,” she reflects. “In ICT, that means giving colleagues the tools and knowledge to do their work better.”
Her advice to women considering a career in technology is straightforward: keep learning. “Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know something. Ask, learn, and share what you find. If you share your knowledge, it always comes back to you, enriched.”
The backbone of digital resilience
Ivette’s story illustrates the essential, often unseen role of local ICT teams in keeping UNDP’s global network operational. From data dashboards to crisis analytics, every digital service depends on reliable connectivity and the people who maintain it.
Visit UNDP Careers’ Women in Tech page to explore more journeys and profiles of women working in ICT across the organization.
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