Tara Astigarraga
Tara Astigarraga | |
|---|---|
| Born | Arizona, United States |
| Occupation | Software engineer |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Known for | IBM Master Inventor with over 80 patents in networks, storage, security, and blockchain technologies |
Tara Astigarraga is a software engineer of Native American heritage and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
Early life and education
Astigarraga was born and grew up in Arizona. She pursued studies in Spanish linguistics and communications at the University of Arizona, with initial career goals focused on becoming a bilingual educator and social worker. Motivated by a desire to support others, she contributed to the advisory board of the AISES, an organization dedicated to advancing STEM opportunities for underrepresented communities. She later obtained a master's degree specializing in Computer Information Systems.
While attending university, she engaged in a cooperative education program that led to an internship with IBM Systems Group, which ignited her interest in software engineering. Additionally, she held the position of Vice President for the Tucson Native American Diversity Network, where she facilitated virtual mentorship programs connecting IBM Native American employees with students.
Career
Astigarraga was awarded her first patent in 2008 and currently possesses more than 80 patents. Recognized as an IBM Master Inventor, her expertise encompasses technologies related to networks, storage solutions, security, and blockchain. Her achievements have been highlighted in Laura Gehl’s children’s book Who is a scientist?.
She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, alongside her husband Julio and their two daughters.